Rear spacer advice

[JD914]

Hey everybody,

So I have most components for my budget lift on their way for my 04 Limited V8: Bilstein 5100's, FJC springs, Airlift 1000 and a set of 275/70-17's. I'd like to set the fronts at 1.75" for moderate off roading (I have a few buddies with serious rock crawlers, and I like to go out on their "easy" trail days).
I'm trying to decide whether to add a rear spacer or not. I don't want the bro-lift, but don't want a goofy amount of air over my back tire, either. My issue is that I tow often, and frequently will carry my sport or track bike on a Versahaul hitch mount (hence, the Airlift). The ramp for the Versahaul is about the perfect length at the moment, but if it's another 2" off the ground, getting the bike up there is going to be a chore.
I don't mind a little sag when the bike's up there, which the bags and stiffer springs should help a lot with, but I don't want the front lifted higher without the bike.
Any thoughts? Any pictures of this setup with and without the spacers?

 

[JD914]

Any thoughts at all?

Does anybody know of a 3/4-1" rear spacer? I'd like to maybe get a slight rear lift, ensuring that my front isn't higher than the rear.

 

[krupnation]

I currently have my Bilstein 5100's set at 1.75 and I have 1/2" rake (1/2" higher in the rear). I think it looks perfect when not loaded but I'm sure I'll probably get a little sag in the rear when it's fully loaded down. I've been trying to get some nice pics but have been so busy lately. I'll try and get some pics tonight after work so you can see my setup. I just plasti-dipped my wheels as well.

I also have the FJC coils that are stiffer and should help a little. If it's really bad I'll add some air bags but I think you'll be fine. If you do want to add a small spacer in the rear you might want to look at this one I found on eBay: SIL REAR LEVELING LIFT KIT 1" 4-RUNNER 2003-2011 4WD | eBay

I'm contemplating getting this in the near future and raising my 5100's to the top notch but won't do that until I get new tires.

 

[JD914]

Ah, perfect. It doesn't seem like rear spacers are that tough to install, right? Maybe I'll just get everything else done, and decide on the spacer later.

 

[empty403]

Any thoughts at all?

Does anybody know of a 3/4-1" rear spacer? I'd like to maybe get a slight rear lift, ensuring that my front isn't higher than the rear.

You shouldn't need a rear lift spacer. I have a similar set-up as what you will have, except I'm using stock springs. I started with the front and I had 1st set the front to the 3rd line (1.75" setting), but it seemed I ended up with a 2.5" lift so lowered it down to the 2nd line which gave me about a 1.5" lift in the front - I haven't found anyone else on this forum with this same situation. After the front was installed there was about a 1.25" gap difference between the front and rear - which I wanted. But when I installed the rear shocks it raised it about 0.5" and another 0.25" with the airbags (5lbs of pressure) installed. So now I have just less than 2" of a gap difference. So could have left it on the 3rd line, but it's fine since when I have the cargo or accelerating the vehicle looks level without adding more air. I only add air when I'm towing or using multiple bikes on my 4 bike Thule Holdup hitch rack.

The FJ springs will give you a bit more lift on your setup but just expect the rear to rise at least by 0.5" by installing the rear shocks and airbags. You should be able to level out your vehicle with the airbags to almost the max pressure, that's if your vehicle is level to begin with.

Also, when you go on that trail ride remove the valve cores and leave the caps a bit loose from the airbag filling point to give you a bit more articulation in the rear.

 

[krupnation]

After doing my suspension swap in my buddies garage, it's easy to add a spacer later. From what I could see (without checking on here for DIY spacer instructions) all you do is add the spacer to the top of the spring in the rear. The springs are held in by the weight of the vehicle and you just need to manipulate the axle up/down to get the springs out. We used a second jack to help apply the pressure to pull the spring out (you also have to unhook the sway bar in the rear).

Good luck on your swap! Make sure to contact ARK_SWAMP_RIDER after doing your FJC/Billie swap so he can add your info to his spreadsheet. And post some pics of before and after if possible

 

[Colemanfu]

I walk my super tall LC4 640e up my Versa hauler in 1st gear. Have you given that a try?

I also run a OME 3in HD spring, cut down spacer and and air bag thus making me bro lifted ha!

There obviously has to be a cleaner way to fit an air bag in a heavy duty lift coil but.....
Tucked in the spring from bottom to top is - upside down bump stop, pad from air bag, air bag, round piece of composet deck. Out of view on top of the spring is a white 3 inch Revtec poly spacer cut down to 1.5 inches.

 

[TOYLUVA]

I cut the 1.5" rear spacer from the DS2.5/1.5 kit down to about 3/4". looks more level to me than a high rear or a high front.

check it out>

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/76713-how-make-daystar-2-5-1-5-perfectly-level.html

 

[JD914]

All good advice, thanks guys. I have clutched bikes up into trucks before, but I was concerned that it would be too tall in this case... but I'm sure I'm just overreacting. I'm tall enough that I should still be able to reach over the bike when it's another 2" higher.

Thanks for all the responses. I think I'll install what I have on order, and if I really need, I'll go with a spacer later.