Lift help please!!??
- Thread starter 064runnerguy
- Start date
Ok, so I just called 3 dealers throughout the country (4wheelparts, Tellico4x4, and TopGunCustomz) and no one has the 1" Daystar in stock. I then called Daystar directly and they too do not have them instock indicating it will be a couple more weeks before they become available again.
I also confirmed with Daystar that the 1" Budget Boost kit is in fact only 1/2" of material. Kelly (male) at Daystar was very knowledable and helpful and was able to clear up a lot of the issues posted in this forum. The parts are BLACK, and he indicated the pictures that the dealers are using (showing red spacers) are old parts; the pictures just need to be updated to reflect the actual part.
Finally, he said something that I thought was very interesting. The 1" Budget Boost kit (part# KT09117BK) requires the strut assembly to be dissasembled to install the spacer, while the 2.5" leveling kit (part# KT09116BK) does not. According to Daystar, the 2.5" kit is a newer design where the spacer and isolator are installed on top of the strut assembly, not inside it; meaning no spring compressor is required when doing the 2.5" install. He also mentioned that the 1" spacer kit will be transistioning to this new design soon (didn't say how soon).
So where does that leave us? Wait for the 1" spacer to come in, or go with the easier to install 2.5" spacer? At least we now know that these numbers are actual lift, not the the thickness of the material.
Mike
I also confirmed with Daystar that the 1" Budget Boost kit is in fact only 1/2" of material. Kelly (male) at Daystar was very knowledable and helpful and was able to clear up a lot of the issues posted in this forum. The parts are BLACK, and he indicated the pictures that the dealers are using (showing red spacers) are old parts; the pictures just need to be updated to reflect the actual part.
Finally, he said something that I thought was very interesting. The 1" Budget Boost kit (part# KT09117BK) requires the strut assembly to be dissasembled to install the spacer, while the 2.5" leveling kit (part# KT09116BK) does not. According to Daystar, the 2.5" kit is a newer design where the spacer and isolator are installed on top of the strut assembly, not inside it; meaning no spring compressor is required when doing the 2.5" install. He also mentioned that the 1" spacer kit will be transistioning to this new design soon (didn't say how soon).
So where does that leave us? Wait for the 1" spacer to come in, or go with the easier to install 2.5" spacer? At least we now know that these numbers are actual lift, not the the thickness of the material.
Mike
J.A.
Senior Member
Interesting...I think we all agree that all companies advertise their lifts by the amount of lift and not the size of the spacer.
The problem here is that the pic DS is displaying is black (not red) and shows a part number that is confirmed to be 1" thick. I know you said that they confirmed the Red pic displayed by dealers is incorrect, but is their pic on their site which is black incorrect too?
Additionally the pic they show on there site as the 1" budget boost is a top out spacer just like the easy install 2.5" lift. The difference is that the 2.5" comes with bolt extenders and the 1" budget boost comes with longer bolts, requiring the spring to be compressed.
Thinking about it a little more....I think the 1" budget boost is probably the 1/2" preload spacer that is part of the DS 2.5/1.5 old style kit. Not the 1" topout shown in their own picture. If so the PN should be M03273
I think the only way we will really know the answer is for someone to order it. Doesnt Wheelers Offroad have it in stock? Cant they simply look at it and confirm sizing and type (preload or topout) before shipping? :bash:
The problem here is that the pic DS is displaying is black (not red) and shows a part number that is confirmed to be 1" thick. I know you said that they confirmed the Red pic displayed by dealers is incorrect, but is their pic on their site which is black incorrect too?
Additionally the pic they show on there site as the 1" budget boost is a top out spacer just like the easy install 2.5" lift. The difference is that the 2.5" comes with bolt extenders and the 1" budget boost comes with longer bolts, requiring the spring to be compressed.
Thinking about it a little more....I think the 1" budget boost is probably the 1/2" preload spacer that is part of the DS 2.5/1.5 old style kit. Not the 1" topout shown in their own picture. If so the PN should be M03273
I think the only way we will really know the answer is for someone to order it. Doesnt Wheelers Offroad have it in stock? Cant they simply look at it and confirm sizing and type (preload or topout) before shipping? :bash:
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Finally, a solution!! I'm buying from Wheelers Offroad (WO). I just called WO and spoke to Gary. He was very helpful, and probably more knoweladgeable about Daystar kits than Daystar themselves.
The 1.25" kit on WO's website (http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/03up4rundstrlift.htm) is the same 1" Budget Booster kit that Daystar and everyone else is selling. Gary refered to the item by its actual part number M03532, which merrys up exactly what part number comes with the KT09117BK kit. WO has plently in stock and his are definately black.
He explained that the M03532 part is a preload top spacer which includes the longer studs, and requires the strut to be taken apart (confirming what Daystar said earlier today). He was also familiar with BOTH 2.5" kits. The new kit that Daystar told me about earlier today is a 1 piece "Easy-Install" topout spacer which apparently does not require the longer studs. Daystar's website actually shows the correct picture for the new kit, though their PDF instructions are for the old kit. The old kit includes 2 parts to get the 2.5" lift, M03532 which is the same top spacer in the 1" kit, plus a larger coil spring isolator, part number M03273. I'm not sure how to differentiate between the old and new kit, but apparently the new 2.5" kit is what Daystar is calling KT09116BK.
When I asked why he calls his Budget Boost kit a 1.25" spacer, he said it's because that's what you can expect from this lift. He said there is a ratio but it's not quite 2:1. The spacer is about an inch (maybe just under he said), and you can expect about 1.25" lift. I didn't push the issue with him despite the controversy on this board. I promise to bust out with a ruler as soon as I reiceve the part to PUT THIS TO BED!!
Gary at WO did not recommend the new 2.5" single piece top spacer because he thinks it's too large and leads to sagging. I didn't quit understand his explaintion, J.A., maybe you would know more. He could order the old kit if someone wanted it. His price on the 2.5" kit is the cheapest around.
Since I have the XREAS suspension, he is faxing me the specific instructions for this install. Apparently, I have to keep the strut in the wheel well when taking it apart, watching not to damage the braking system, etc. Any advice on this would be great.
Hope all this info helps.
The 1.25" kit on WO's website (http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/03up4rundstrlift.htm) is the same 1" Budget Booster kit that Daystar and everyone else is selling. Gary refered to the item by its actual part number M03532, which merrys up exactly what part number comes with the KT09117BK kit. WO has plently in stock and his are definately black.
He explained that the M03532 part is a preload top spacer which includes the longer studs, and requires the strut to be taken apart (confirming what Daystar said earlier today). He was also familiar with BOTH 2.5" kits. The new kit that Daystar told me about earlier today is a 1 piece "Easy-Install" topout spacer which apparently does not require the longer studs. Daystar's website actually shows the correct picture for the new kit, though their PDF instructions are for the old kit. The old kit includes 2 parts to get the 2.5" lift, M03532 which is the same top spacer in the 1" kit, plus a larger coil spring isolator, part number M03273. I'm not sure how to differentiate between the old and new kit, but apparently the new 2.5" kit is what Daystar is calling KT09116BK.
When I asked why he calls his Budget Boost kit a 1.25" spacer, he said it's because that's what you can expect from this lift. He said there is a ratio but it's not quite 2:1. The spacer is about an inch (maybe just under he said), and you can expect about 1.25" lift. I didn't push the issue with him despite the controversy on this board. I promise to bust out with a ruler as soon as I reiceve the part to PUT THIS TO BED!!
Gary at WO did not recommend the new 2.5" single piece top spacer because he thinks it's too large and leads to sagging. I didn't quit understand his explaintion, J.A., maybe you would know more. He could order the old kit if someone wanted it. His price on the 2.5" kit is the cheapest around.
Since I have the XREAS suspension, he is faxing me the specific instructions for this install. Apparently, I have to keep the strut in the wheel well when taking it apart, watching not to damage the braking system, etc. Any advice on this would be great.
Hope all this info helps.
J.A.
Senior Member
I am going to have to respectfully disagree.
You are referring to M03532 as a "preload top spacer". No such thing, either it is preload or topout and the 3532 is topout. It measures 1" or slightly less as Wheelers stated but it will not give 1.25" lift but rather closer to 2.0" of lift as most on this board would agree that the ratio is 2:1 or close to that. By Wheelers thinking, they are implying a ratio of 1.25:1 for topout spacers.
You are saying that M03273 is a "larger" part than 3532, that is clearly not the case. 3273 measures 0.5". 3532 measures at or very near to 1.0".
Give it a try, but please post clear pics with measurements of the parts and the vehicle, before and after. I am sure that most playing along at home are confused
by now and curious to hear the outcome.
I wouldnt recommend the easy install 2.5" topout because of potential overextension issues, not potential to sag concerns.
You are referring to M03532 as a "preload top spacer". No such thing, either it is preload or topout and the 3532 is topout. It measures 1" or slightly less as Wheelers stated but it will not give 1.25" lift but rather closer to 2.0" of lift as most on this board would agree that the ratio is 2:1 or close to that. By Wheelers thinking, they are implying a ratio of 1.25:1 for topout spacers.
You are saying that M03273 is a "larger" part than 3532, that is clearly not the case. 3273 measures 0.5". 3532 measures at or very near to 1.0".
Give it a try, but please post clear pics with measurements of the parts and the vehicle, before and after. I am sure that most playing along at home are confused
by now and curious to hear the outcome. I wouldnt recommend the easy install 2.5" topout because of potential overextension issues, not potential to sag concerns.
J.A., you are correct. Going back over my notes from our call, I misunderstood what he said. He sells both a preload and topout spacer, I initially thought it was the same thing. The kit we have been talking about does not preload the spring. It is a topout spacer. HOWEVER, if you look at Wheeler's website, they do sell a preload spacer as well. When he first said it, I accidently combined the two in my mind and wrote it down that way.
So what are your thoughts for each. Should I go with the topout or preload? Advantages/disadvantages? Like you, I prefer to keep the ride as stock as possible and preserve the XREAS ride.
Oh, and the instructions he faxed over for the XREAS are the same posted for kit KT09115, and found here
http://www.daystarweb.com/attachments/instructions/kt/p10667.pdf).
So what are your thoughts for each. Should I go with the topout or preload? Advantages/disadvantages? Like you, I prefer to keep the ride as stock as possible and preserve the XREAS ride.
Oh, and the instructions he faxed over for the XREAS are the same posted for kit KT09115, and found here
http://www.daystarweb.com/attachments/instructions/kt/p10667.pdf).
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J.A.
Senior Member
I dont think the question should be "what is better a 1.25" preload or a 1.25" topout lift" as Whelers kits advertised as such dont provide those lift amounts. Additionally the spacer size needed to provide such a small amount of lift wont matter much to the ride quality weather it is topout or preload.
If we all agree (well except for slowteg97) that the ratio of lift to spacer height is 1.8:1 - 2.0:1 Then the kits wheelers sells cannot both give 1.25" of lift as clearly the topout and preload spacers are not the same size.
If we all agree (well except for slowteg97) that the ratio of lift to spacer height is 1.8:1 - 2.0:1 Then the kits wheelers sells cannot both give 1.25" of lift as clearly the topout and preload spacers are not the same size.
SO LET'S PUT THE DAYSTAR BUDGET LIFT QUESTIONS TO REST...
The spacers I ordered from Wheeler's Offroad Monday night arrived today (Thursday). Those guys are on the ball, two days shipping from Oregon to Virginia!! I can't speak more highly of Wheeler's. I found their professionalism, attention to detail, and timeliness to be top notch. I recommend them to anyone who is looking for a Daystar spacer kit. They sell both the 1" Budget Boost and 2.5" lift kit, and cheaper than anyone I found online.
Ok, now for the important info. After 2 weeks research, reading every post on Daystar leveling kits on this web board (at least two or three times), and now seeing and holding them in my hands, here are my observations:
- The Daystar 1" Budget Boost = 1.25" Wheeler's Offroad kit sold here (http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/03up4rundstrlift.htm). It's the same exact kit.
- Stamped on the spacer is part# M03532, meaning this is Daystar KT09117BK. The picture on Daystar's website for the 1" Budget Boost IS CORRECT.
- It is black; though Wheeler's said they can order it in other colors.
- It is exactly 1 1/8" of material as seen in the picture below (and is probably why Wheeler's calls it a 1.25" spacer, recognizing that they're a 1/8" off).
I probably won't get a chance to install it until after the weekend. I will measure the truck before and after to finally close the chapter on how much lift the 1" Budget Boost actually provides.
Thanks to all for your help!
The spacers I ordered from Wheeler's Offroad Monday night arrived today (Thursday). Those guys are on the ball, two days shipping from Oregon to Virginia!! I can't speak more highly of Wheeler's. I found their professionalism, attention to detail, and timeliness to be top notch. I recommend them to anyone who is looking for a Daystar spacer kit. They sell both the 1" Budget Boost and 2.5" lift kit, and cheaper than anyone I found online.
Ok, now for the important info. After 2 weeks research, reading every post on Daystar leveling kits on this web board (at least two or three times), and now seeing and holding them in my hands, here are my observations:
- The Daystar 1" Budget Boost = 1.25" Wheeler's Offroad kit sold here (http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/03up4rundstrlift.htm). It's the same exact kit.
- Stamped on the spacer is part# M03532, meaning this is Daystar KT09117BK. The picture on Daystar's website for the 1" Budget Boost IS CORRECT.
- It is black; though Wheeler's said they can order it in other colors.
- It is exactly 1 1/8" of material as seen in the picture below (and is probably why Wheeler's calls it a 1.25" spacer, recognizing that they're a 1/8" off).
I probably won't get a chance to install it until after the weekend. I will measure the truck before and after to finally close the chapter on how much lift the 1" Budget Boost actually provides.
Thanks to all for your help!
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chaz
New member
daystar
the total lift gained is twice that of the spacer thickness, so 1/2 = 1 , 1 & 1/8 = double that so it will be at least 2 in. in lift gained. daystar has been wrong, send burtman an email he ll tell ya the same thing. also remember that each side of the vec. has a different measurment - left vs right. good luck
the total lift gained is twice that of the spacer thickness, so 1/2 = 1 , 1 & 1/8 = double that so it will be at least 2 in. in lift gained. daystar has been wrong, send burtman an email he ll tell ya the same thing. also remember that each side of the vec. has a different measurment - left vs right. good luck
