I voted for the Daystar 2.5/1.5 for all the reasons mentioned in numerous other threads. I will consolidate that info here and add this opinion in my lift write-up.
Things I considered when evaluating which lift to get, prioritized with my highest concerns at the top.
- Xreas compatability
- Allocation of overall spacer height between "preload" and "topout" spacers
- Size
- Material
- Compatability with factory inside the coil bumpstops
- Color
- Price
Xreas compatability - my preference was to retain XREAS, hence a spacer lift. Though spacer type lifts are much cheaper than coilover technology, price was not a deciding factor here. I Simply wanted to retain the XREAS system. I go off-road on occasion, but on-road performance was a higher priority.
Allocation - Front spacer technology can be all topout, all preload or some combination of both. Preload affects the spring rate, more preload equals a stiffer ride. Topout spacers put the strut assembly lower than the factory designed it to be, thereby creating the possibility of overextension especially with ball joints. While I wanted a kit with a combination of topout and preload, I wanted the preload to be smaller than the topout spacer as I wanted to minimize the change in ride harshness. The DS kit includes a 0.5" preload and a 1" topout spacer (due to suspension geometry you need to double the spacer size to determine lift height and yes the DS kit gave me closer to 3" than 2.5" of front lift). The 1" topout does not concern me. There are kits with all topout spacing and while they are much easier to install as they do not require the use of a spring compressor, the possibility of overextending components would concern me. On the other hand these all topout kits would not have an increase in spring rate though. If the 1" topout spacer sizing concerns you, a CF 3/2 kit reverses the DS allocation methodology and uses what appears to be an approx 1" preload spacer and a 0.5" topout.
Size - 2.5/1.5 fit my needs perfectly. The stance turned out to be perfect. Personally I wouldn't mind the the rear being a half to one inch higher as long term 4R's in general tend to sag a little regardless of adding a spacer. With a CF kit you can custom order any size you want, but since you cannot use the factory rear bumpstop I choose against it.
Material - Polyurethane was my choice here. I have heard from some people who needed to use rubber isolaters when using a aluminum spacer to reduce noise or something along those lines. Didnt want to be bothered with corrosion either.
Compatability with factory inside the coil rear bumpstops - DS is compatable, CF is not.
Color - DS is black poly, no need to paint (and subsequently re-paint and re-paint later on). Didn't want the spacer to stick out, but rather to blend in and be unobtrusive.
Price - The DS kit at approx $265 is a fair value. Similar in price if not lower than many other lifting options out there. Install it yourself or you will spend more getting it installed that the kit costs.
