Donahoe exposed threads vs. lift correlation

[p1michaud]

I know the Donahoe Coil Overs are set at 2" of lift from the factory. Does anyone know what the correlation between exposed threads vs. lift setting for the Donahoe coil overs (see picture).

I know that actual lift will vary from truck to truck but I wanted to know where my used Donahoes were set at. The exposted threads is 61mm (2.4" or 2 7/16").

Cheers,
P

 

[mountainpete]

I'm sooooo sorry I haven't snapped any pics for you yet! I have to wash the truck and canoe tonight so I'll grab some after work.

Pete

 

[p1michaud]

Head scratching...

I'm sooooo sorry I haven't snapped any pics for you yet! I have to wash the truck and canoe tonight so I'll grab some after work.

Pete

Pete,
No worries. Any chance you could measure the exposed thread? I've also contacted Donahoe directly because apparently there are differences depending on what bottom coil seat you have (there was a minor design change to impove the brake line contact issue). I'll see if I can post a few pictures.

Edit for added pictures.
Old style bottom coil seat (photo credit Expeditions West):

New design bottom coil seat:

Difficult to see from the picture, but it's taller/longer and provides additional clerance for the brake line.

I partially tore down the Donahoes last night for a clean, inspect and prep session. I did find a missing set screw for the bottom collar that screws into the shock can. If anyone ever needs one they are a #10-24 UNC x 3/8" long cup point socket head set screw. I found some locally and will replace it. I'll also use blue loctite to secure it in place. Pictures to come this evening.

Here is a picture of the set screw in question.

This is the one that was missing.

I'm hoping to install on the weekend as long as the lower heim joint spacers arrive in time.

Cheers :beer:,
P

 

[mountainpete]

P,

Does this help? I haven't cranked them at all - standard Donahoe setting.

Hi-res pic here (you can see how those threads get packed with dirt!)

Pete

 

[p1michaud]

Thanks!

P,

Does this help? I haven't cranked them at all - standard Donahoe setting.

(you can see how those threads get packed with dirt!)

Pete

Pete,
That's a good start! I count 18 thread "peaks" and will see how that compares to my coilovers tonight.
Thanks for the info.
Cheers :beer:,
P

 

[erin]

Will have to look, not sure if I have old/new vesion, but mine came w/ exactly 2" between top and compression ring.

 

[p1michaud]

Keep it coming!

Will have to look, not sure if I have old/new vesion, but mine came w/ exactly 2" between top and compression ring.

Excellent thanks!
P

 

[p1michaud]

Thanks Donahoe!

I just got off the phone with Donahoe Racing (951-279-8000). Great guys to deal with and very helpful. So for anyone else who needs to know the come from the factory with 1 3/4" of thread showing see pictures below.

The figure is only valid for the older style bottom coil seat as shown below.(photo credit Expeditions West):

Cheers,
P

 

[Super Doody]

There's really no correlation. Lift a combination of front end weight (offroad bumpers, battery,skid plate) and pre load (how much "thread") is exposed. Just 2'' has a guide and then adjust to desired ride height.

Thanks for the set screw info.

 

[p1michaud]

Donahoe factory setting

You are entirely correct that there is no direct correlation between exposed threads to amount of lift. As you mention each rig is different so the lift will vary from rig to rig. What I should have said is Donahoe factory setting vs. exposed threads. Essentially I wanted to know how Donahoe set them up when they shipped them out.
My plan has been to adjust to 1 3/4" of exposed thread, install, drive arround the block, adjust, drive again and repeat untill I get approximately 2" to 2 1/4" lift for my truck.
Cheers,
P

There's really no correlation. Lift a combination of front end weight (offroad bumpers, battery,skid plate) and pre load (how much "thread") is exposed. Just 2'' has a guide and then adjust to desired ride height.

Thanks for the set screw info.

 

[Super Doody]

You are entirely correct that there is no direct correlation between exposed threads to amount of lift. As you mention each rig is different so the lift will vary from rig to rig. What I should have said is Donahoe factory setting vs. exposed threads. Essentially I wanted to know how Donahoe set them up when they shipped them out.
My plan has been to adjust to 1 3/4" of exposed thread, install, drive arround the block, adjust, drive again and repeat untill I get approximately 2" to 2 1/4" lift for my truck.
Cheers,
P

Cool. Make sure all the adjustments are done before you get it aligned. Your castor has correlation with ride height.

Another thing you should check (maybe you've done it already), is your clearance between the coilover bucket and banjo bolt on the brake calipers. There a quite a few folks who have lost brake power after the coil bucket impacted the banjo bolt.

 

[p1michaud]

Great points

Super Doody,
Excellent points. I don't have the coilover installed yet but once I do the banjo bolt to lower coil bucket interferrance will be verified. I plan on getting an alignment done once complete.
Cheers,
P

Cool. Make sure all the adjustments are done before you get it aligned. Your castor has correlation with ride height.

Another thing you should check (maybe you've done it already), is your clearance between the coilover bucket and banjo bolt on the brake calipers. There a quite a few folks who have lost brake power after the coil bucket impacted the banjo bolt.

 

[p1michaud]

Donahoes are in.

I figured it was time for an update to this thread.

I've been driving with the new suspension for 2 weeks now. The final settings for my truck were 66 mm on the driver side and 55 mm on the passenger side. This resulted in a 2" to 2 1/4" lift. At first the sway bar was disconnected (end links removed but sway bar still on truck). Before heading on a road trip, I re-connected the sway bar and re-measured. There was no effect on ride height. I had read that in some cases there were differences between having the sway bar connected vs. disconnected.

During the install, I put all new ball joints in the truck (upper and lower on both sides). This was a preventive measure due to having two boots torn after 260 000 Km, they have held up great. If it were not for the boots, they would have been fine.

Once all the front end work was done, I took it to my local Toyota dealership to have an alignment done. I was able to speak with the alignment specialist (he's been doing alignments for over 20 years). Great guy and very knowledgeable. I asked about playing with the alignment to alleviate some minor tire rubbing issues due to the wider tires (32" x 11.5" x 15"). He asked me about the suspension lift and few other questions then said he would see what he could do. After about 1.5 hours, he handed the keys over and said to give it a test drive. Problem solved, everything was in spec., no tire rub, truck tracked straight and my steering wheel was properly centered! :wings: Love it when someone enjoys his job and takes pride in his work.

Over all I'm extremely pleased with the new suspension! I've had them on the dirt for a trail run and love how they handle. The only problem now is I tend to be a bit heavy on the throttle!

Cheers :beer:,
P

 

[erin]

P1, do you have any additional front end weight on your truck yet, ie bumpers, winch, skids, etc? I was curious what your fender height is at, but I think I am running larger(255) tires then you are. It seems I have sagged pretty good since all the extra weight was added, compared to other trucks I see on the road, although most of these are with spacer lifts, and not good suspension.

 

[p1michaud]

Front End Weight

P1, do you have any additional front end weight on your truck yet, ie bumpers, winch, skids, etc? I was curious what your fender height is at, but I think I am running larger(255) tires then you are. It seems I have sagged pretty good since all the extra weight was added, compared to other trucks I see on the road, although most of these are with spacer lifts, and not good suspension.

Erin,
I have the following additional weight that affects the front suspension:

• TJM T-17 bumper
• Warn M8000 winch with synthetic hawse fairlead and rope (~100 lbs over stock bumper and winch combined)
• Dual batteries under the hood (~60 lbs)
• Half the weight of my sliders (~60 lbs)
• Half the weight of my Budbuilt skid plates (~55 lbs)
• Miscellaneous small items (off road light, ARB Compact compressor, winch controller, additional wiring, aux. fuse box, etc...). I know they are all small but together start to add up.

My fender height measured from the top of my rim to my fender is 15" to 15 1/2" (remember I have 15" wheels).

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Pierre