BJ spacers

[parkay]

So I have some BJ spacers on order. The 4crawler instructions and SDORI instructions are pretty similar, but they don't talk much about shock adjustment. I just put new Rancho shocks on the truck so I'd like to try to keep them, but I'm a little unclear on whether you have to shim both top and bottom or just shim when you pull the top shock connection off to install the spacer. Am I just better off with new shocks?

 

[fo' runnin']

So I have some BJ spacers on order. The 4crawler instructions and SDORI instructions are pretty similar, but they don't talk much about shock adjustment. I just put new Rancho shocks on the truck so I'd like to try to keep them, but I'm a little unclear on whether you have to shim both top and bottom or just shim when you pull the top shock connection off to install the spacer. Am I just better off with new shocks?

You will only shim the top, only if it needs it, and the only reason you do this is so the shock won't limit down travel any. No need for new shocks.

 

[parkay]

You will only shim the top, only if it needs it, and the only reason you do this is so the shock won't limit down travel any. No need for new shocks.

Sweet. Thanks, dude.

 

[fo' runnin']

Sweet. Thanks, dude.

No prob!

 

[crash813]

Depending on the length of the shocks you have now, you will top out your shocks on full droop. This will lead to premature shock failure and noise. The geometry is pretty simply, if you're adding 1.5" between the a-arms, your shock will need that much length to travel. The reason some can shim a little or a lot and get away with it is that different manufacturers have slightly different length shocks that they call direct fits for stock. The amount of shimming you can do is limited to the length of the mount on top, also differs by manufacturer. I was able to add 1/2 to 3/4 inch and it still hit the shocks limit. Look up your part number on the Rancho's and find the extended length and then measure how much you shim the top. If you're not close to 15", better figure on getting new shocks sooner or later.

 

[parkay]

Depending on the length of the shocks you have now, you will top out your shocks on full droop. This will lead to premature shock failure and noise. The geometry is pretty simply, if you're adding 1.5" between the a-arms, your shock will need that much length to travel. The reason some can shim a little or a lot and get away with it is that different manufacturers have slightly different length shocks that they call direct fits for stock. The amount of shimming you can do is limited to the length of the mount on top, also differs by manufacturer. I was able to add 1/2 to 3/4 inch and it still hit the shocks limit. Look up your part number on the Rancho's and find the extended length and then measure how much you shim the top. If you're not close to 15", better figure on getting new shocks sooner or later.

They are RS5000 and supposed to be around 14" extended length. If it comes down to it, I can always see how they fit and get some Pro Comps if needed.

 

[parkay]

Also looking at throwing in the Zuk mod in the rear. Can't decide between the Black Magic 14" 125lb springs or just getting some OEM 96-98 4runner springs. Oh, the decisions...