Recovering lost lift height?

[Deuxdiesel]

Greetings- I have 5100's at "0" and ToyTec 1.6" coils on the front of my '18SR5P. A year ago it was right at 1.6" but now it's down at least 1/2". Would I be better off going up one clip on the 5100's (the .85" groove) or adding 1/2" top plate spacers? I have the spacers on hand, so no cost on either. Thanks for the input.

Deux

 

[jetmechG550]

Moving the clip up will load the spring resulting in a stiffer ride.

 

[Sundy]

Moving the clip up will load the spring resulting in a stiffer ride.

This is not completely true.

Raising the clip will increase the preload. Increasing preload alone will not create a stiffer ride, unless you have a variable rate coil. Increased preload can create a rough ride of you are making the shock constantly be fully extended and have removed down-travel.

Personally, I prefer to let the shocks and springs do the work, using the spacers for leveling purposes. For a half 1/2", you likely won't notice a difference either way. It's a similar amount of work if you do the no compressor method, I'd say whatever you are more comfortable installing. One thing to note, since you are using Toytec coils on the 5100's the perch height could be affected differently (stiffer coils vs. OEM). Something to consider.

The reason 3" preload lifts on OEM shocks are frowned upon is the shocks aren't designed for it - they are likely limited on the down-travel, creating a harsh ride. Plenty of people on here are running 2"+ on their 5100's with a great ride.

 

[LeekT4R]

Is adjust the clip before going with the spacer.

 

[MAST4R]

That half inch will change nothing offroad.

That aside, a spacer will keep the shock piston wherever it used to be whereas a preload spacer will move the piston. But since you are right in the middle of the 5100's 0-2.5" range, that should not matter.

So, adjusting the 5100 should be better than adding a spacer. The piston would still be in close to optimal position. There will be no spacer to deal with/worry about.

With other shocks and springs, adjusting the preload can easily become a problem, as mentioned earlier, as the piston's normal position can be pushed too far up or down the travel.