Known "safe" front end spacer size?

[08t4rUR]

Hello All, I am new to the forum and just bought a new 08 Urban Runner with the X-reas system. I have been reading through tons of threads and can see that top out spacers are not good for the front end of these vehicles. I would like to lift the front end a little bit so it doesn't look so low in the front but, since I have the X-reas system (and really like it)a small top out spacer up front would be nice.
Does any one know or have photos of 1.25 or 1.5 inch top out spacers installed with the suspension hang down fully extended to see if the ball joints are over extended/hitting the arm...?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Hello All, I am new to the forum and just bought a new 08 Urban Runner with the X-reas system. I have been reading through tons of threads and can see that top out spacers are not good for the front end of these vehicles. I would like to lift the front end a little bit so it doesn't look so low in the front but, since I have the X-reas system (and really like it)a small top out spacer up front would be nice.
Does any one know or have photos of 1.25 or 1.5 inch top out spacers installed with the suspension hang down fully extended to see if the ball joints are over extended/hitting the arm...?

From taking mine apart and watching the mechanism I wouldn't want to let the wheel drop more than 2"-2.5" beyond stock. If it were me and I was doing topspace only I would use a 1.25" thick spacer (for a lift of appropx 2.5") max. That's jsut my 2cents. Others may have better gouge than me and real world experience witha 1.5" thick topspacer.

:cheers:

 

[08t4rUR]

I think 2 inches of lift in the front would look good so, I would just need a 1 inch top out spacer then?

I guess it makes sense if the distance from the shock mount to where it attaches to the swing arm increases by one inch, then the axles center itself being further out on the arm will actually move more... am I understanding this correctly?

 

[EH007]

I think 2 inches of lift in the front would look good so, I would just need a 1 inch top out spacer then?

I guess it makes sense if the distance from the shock mount to where it attaches to the swing arm increases by one inch, then the axles center itself being further out on the arm will actually move more... am I understanding this correctly?

Yes, 2 inches of lift requires a 1 inch spacer. You get double the lift from the thickness of the spacer.

Trust me, you don't want to lift the front 2 inches if you're not doing anything to the rear. You'll end up looking a little nose high if you lift the front 2 inches. Most guys are happy with a 1 inch leveling lift (.5 inch spacer). If you want to go a little bigger, then try a 5/8 inch spacer instead. These lifts will give you a better look without sacrificing ride quality or causing any undue stress on any of your suspension components. There are a ton of good threads on this.

 

[BlairB]

I have a 3/1 lift and I love the looks of it (basically the same as doing a 2/0 lift)

It does not look nose high at all, personally I think the rear end would look way too jacked up if I lifted it two inches. I think stock rear with a 2 inch front lift would be fine, there is even a guy I have come across on the site who has a 3 inch front lift with everything stock in the rear.

 

[hammersc]

I just put 5/8" top outs on my front end. 1.25" total front lift was the result. The pics don't do it justice - it is a big improvement in my mind from stock. A 1.5" front lift would be as high as I would go without rear lift. It's all personal preference though. Get exactly what you want.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=44092&pagenumber=3

 

[chaz]

lift

i too, think the rear is high enough & firm ( changed shocks to bilsteins) enough already. i first went with a 1 in. lift upfront & didnt think it was enough, so went with adj. coilovers for a 2 in. & love it. but its just a matter of opinion. on some rides, people look at the running board & say its looks front high, but its not that much of a difference (1/2-3/4) with a 2 in. lift. if it bothers you, only go up 1 - 1.5, that would put the runners at just about dead level. put a jack under it & see where you might like it. everybodys eye is different.

 

[08t4rUR]

I agree that the back looks fine stock. I'll probably go with a 1" top out spacer (to get 2" of lift) in the front and leave it at that. Anybody know a good 4x4 shop near Quakertown, PA to get it done at?

 

[chaz]

DS

ive got a brand new (bolts & all) daystar 2 in. lift frt. spacers. they measure slightly over 1 in. thick ( allows for settling) they are free to anybody that wants em. ( i can email pic) just pay shipping.

 

[08t4rUR]

I ordered a 1" top out spacer (to give about 2" of lift) and have one more question, when the suspension bottoms out now will the shock colapse first or do I need to add thicker bump stops? Any suggestions on where to get rubber stoppers to add?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I ordered a 1" top out spacer (to give about 2" of lift) and have one more question, when the suspension bottoms out now will the shock colapse first or do I need to add thicker bump stops? Any suggestions on where to get rubber stoppers to add?

Bilstein and Timbren make specialty bumps stops. You won't need them. You'll hit the factory bumpstops prior to mechanically 'bottoming' the shock.

:cheers:

 

[JeffSport]

08t4rUR, Love to see pics (before and after if you have them) of the front leveling kit installed!

 

[08t4rUR]

Jeffsport, I am having the spacers installed on Monday so, I'll try to get pics up early in the week.

 

[Falls]

I like the 2" front / 1" back personally myself.

 

[08t4rUR]

Here are the pics. Sorry they are so bad but, it hasn't been nice when I get home from work... They look bad because I had to brighten them so You could see the tires. It still sits 1/2 inch higher in the back measuring from the center of the wheel to the bottom of the fender.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

:bigok: That looks great! Are you happy with the drive/handling etc?

:cheers:

 

[08t4rUR]

Thanks! It definitely feels higher looking over the hood while driving it. The ride and handling still feels the same, still rides nice and still handles nice.

 

[JeffSport]

Thanks for the pics, they helped in making my decision. I just got back from getting my spacer installed and new tires. Looks nice and level.

 

[08t4rUR]

Someone PM'd me for where I got the spacer and the PM is gone? So, here is the link:


Click here