Spacer lift vs. Full lift kit

[ToK_T4R]

Does anyone know if adding a small spacer lift to a 3/2 toyotec BOSS or Bilstien 5100 3" lift is possible? Just basically to add a bit more clearance and look factor. I know getting into the 4"+ range is calling for extended brake lines and other issues.

 

[agypsytail]

Spacers...

Hi Everyone!

I have a 2002 SR5 4X4 4Runner.

I had some work done including replacing the shocks (last week). Then I had the bright idea that I wanted it lifted. Since the shocks aren't the adjustable kind... I am debating spacers or just leaving it as is since I am not willing to buy new shocks.

I don't intend on hardcore off-roading or rock crawling.. but I want more clearance for future off-road possibilities. I am also in the market to get new tires, so I want the size to match the lift. I drove from Argentina to California and it was perfectly fine. But now that I am home....

I've researched just a bit so I am far from being really knowledgeable, hence why I am reaching out. I don't want more than a 2inch lift. I don't want it to be especially ostentatious. There is a running board I intend on keeping. I simply want it to be a bit higher so I am more comfortable going through places such as Afton Canyon in the Mojave Desert or Sneably Hill in Sedona.

Soooo....

1. What are the major mechanical issues that may result from spacers?
2. Since I use the car in average SoCal city life, will there be a difference in how "driving" feels?
3. What other things do I need to think about before making a decision?
4. Recommended spacers for the lift I am looking for?
5. With what I disclosed, Is there anything else I need to take into account?
6. Overall, Are they worth it?

 

[TEujunga]

Hi Everyone!

I have a 2002 SR5 4X4 4Runner.

I had some work done including replacing the shocks (last week). Then I had the bright idea that I wanted it lifted. Since the shocks aren't the adjustable kind... I am debating spacers or just leaving it as is since I am not willing to buy new shocks.

I don't intend on hardcore off-roading or rock crawling.. but I want more clearance for future off-road possibilities. I am also in the market to get new tires, so I want the size to match the lift. I drove from Argentina to California and it was perfectly fine. But now that I am home....

I've researched just a bit so I am far from being really knowledgeable, hence why I am reaching out. I don't want more than a 2inch lift. I don't want it to be especially ostentatious. There is a running board I intend on keeping. I simply want it to be a bit higher so I am more comfortable going through places such as Afton Canyon in the Mojave Desert or Sneably Hill in Sedona.

Soooo....

1. What are the major mechanical issues that may result from spacers?
2. Since I use the car in average SoCal city life, will there be a difference in how "driving" feels?
3. What other things do I need to think about before making a decision?
4. Recommended spacers for the lift I am looking for?
5. With what I disclosed, Is there anything else I need to take into account?
6. Overall, Are they worth it?

Answering all those questions individually would be a bit much, but I'll just tell you that the overall consensus seems to be to stay away from spacer lifts unless you're a dedicated mall crawler and you're sure you'll never go off-road.

A good cost-effective moderate lift is the Bilstien 5100 shocks front and rear, set at 1.75" in the front with Cornfed spacers providing 1" of lift in the rear. It's a nice look, performs well, and seems to hit a cost/performance "sweet spot." Reduces nose dive and floaty feeling while providing some improved off-road capability. About $500 for the parts.

 

[Jack08520]

I just got my 2016 and have gone through this thread and found it very useful.

Previously I had a 2002 with full Toytec lift (put in at about 100k). I don't want to "throw away too much" as this one has only 16k miles on it.

I'm liking the idea of "being level at 38in".

This is a 2.5 spacer in the front, 1.5 in the rear, and the bilstein 5100's to mellow out the ride?

Sounds like stock UCA will work.

Tires would be 285/70 x 17 - any "special offsets or spacers" needed?

I was looking at Helo HE901 which would look good against silver paint - offset shown is -12mm.

https://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Whe...87321&ef_id=W_2N-QAAAKt-Bnrg:20181120141222:s

 

[Crusifix]

Heck, do both.

I've played around with several different suspension lifts and spacer lifts in the past couple months. For the last 3,000 miles I have been lifted anywhere from 3" to 4". Right now I am at 3.5". I also have a diff drop. I've been offroad about 1K miles of that 3,000 due to work. I fly UAV's for imaging of properties and survey work in hard to reach areas. Now, I am not saying that everyone should lift this much, as 99% of those that go this high have issues, but so far, so good. I've not had any problems. I am paranoid about the CVJ's, but they are still quiet and no tears or leaks. Also, I have just this morning crossed the 90K mark. I installed a Toytec 2/1.5 lift the week I bought it, so it has had at least some sort of lift for it's whole lift.

My current setup, and the one that rides and feels the best, though a bit on the stiff side.

Stock Control arms still..
OE TRD pro front and rear Bilstein dampers.
King 650# 14" front coils with 0.5" toytec top hat spacer (~3.5")
OME rear 885e coils with 1.5" spacer ( ~3.5" lift )
The rear is about 0.5" higher than the front when measuring from hub to center of fender, which aesthetically creates a forward rake, so I may have a bit more than 3.5 in the rear, or a bit less than 3.5" in the front...Or a combo of both.
BFG's in the 285/70/17 flavor

I've been at high speed on logging roads, and crawled over a fair share of rocks and boulders. There is even one sweet spot I found where I can get about two feet of air at 40mph. I'm literally trying to find the weak spot so that I can fix it and move on without much worry. So far, I have been one lucky SOB.

I will be waiting for the flames, as I know the way I have done things is not the norm, nor is it logical... LOL :target:

In any case, I'm not overly concerned as I can fix anything that breaks, as I have a decent enough shop to make repairs, welds.. etc. I've gotten to where I can do a complete 4 corner suspension swap on this rig in about 1.5 hours, and that is why I play around with different setups. I get bored and go out to the driveway with my tools and go... ok.... what now.

My most current alignment, as done about 12 days ago.

My Rig as it sat yesterday outside of my office...

 

[TeeDub21]

Get ya some aftermarket UCA’s. 4 degrees of caster vs 1 will make it more enjoyable to drive on the highway.


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[Crusifix]

Get ya some aftermarket UCA’s. 4 degrees of caster vs 1 will make it more enjoyable to drive on the highway.


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It actually drives like stock believe it or not. But, they are on my short list. For no other reason than geometry needed to fit some 295's. I'm just glad I didn't end up in the negatives with this much lift.

 

[Saltfevertx]

I have a toytec 3” lift, diff drop, light racing upper control arms on my 11 limited. After 15k miles I noticed my tires cupping on the inside. My alignment specs were in the green ranges...toytec provided the specs below. Replaced the tires and went with new alignment settings...no issues with tires wear after 15k on new tires. I’d contact toytec and get their recommendation on alignment settings before wearing out your tires. Here are the settings they recommend..

Caster: between 2 - 3 degrees (positive)
Camber: as close to 0 degrees as possible
Toe: as close to .04 degrees as possible


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[Jack08520]

I got the Daystar spacers and Bilstein 5100's.

Sounds like 285/70x17 is a safe choice.

Will try and get all installed at the same time to get the alignment right.

Will post pics eventually...

 

[JCooper43]

2 or 4 Bilistein's?

I'm new to the 4Runner, suspension upgrade world. Are you all saying it's better to buy 4 Bilstein's or just 2 for the front and put spacers in the rear? I'd rather do this right the first time. Thanks!

FYI, I have a 16' Limited w/out KDSS if that matters. Gonna put 285/70R17s on - not hardcore offroader(mall crawler w/occasional, minor offroading).

 

[Decipher]

I went a common route, which is Bilstein 5100s all around on stock coils. I love the ride a lot. If you go with the highest setting (2.5), you’ll also need a 1.5” spacer on the rear to raise the rear. The rear Bilsteins don’t raise the rear. If you go 1.75” front, you’ll need a 1” spacer for the rear. I went daystar with no complaints.

I off road more than anyone I know and these shocks have performed well beyond their price point.


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[Ivan4R]

I went a common route, which is Bilstein 5100s all around on stock coils. I love the ride a lot. If you go with the highest setting (2.5), you’ll also need a 1.5” spacer on the rear to raise the rear. The rear Bilsteins don’t raise the rear. If you go 1.75” front, you’ll need a 1” spacer for the rear. I went daystar with no complaints.

I off road more than anyone I know and these shocks have performed well beyond their price point.

DECIPHER, after reading a LOT of threads, a setup like yours is probably what I want. Due to garage height, I'm not sure if I can do 2.5 or 1.75 on the 5100s up front. Either way I might want to raise the rear a bit. There seem to be a few options for rear spacers. Toytech has a 1.5" poly. Cornfed has them in lots of different thicknesses, which appear to be metal, but their web site isn't exactly exhaustive. I can't figure out what Daystar has. What did you decide when you were researching rear spacers?

 

[titanium77]

DECIPHER, after reading a LOT of threads, a setup like yours is probably what I want. Due to garage height, I'm not sure if I can do 2.5 or 1.75 on the 5100s up front. Either way I might want to raise the rear a bit. There seem to be a few options for rear spacers. Toytech has a 1.5" poly. Cornfed has them in lots of different thicknesses, which appear to be metal, but their web site isn't exactly exhaustive. I can't figure out what Daystar has. What did you decide when you were researching rear spacers?

I like this setup as well after sifting through the forum. I just bought a new 2019 ORP and I'm currently on pavement 98% of the time so I think I will start with the 2.5/1.5 leveling kit from daystar and upgrade to the 5100's later down the road since I plan to do all my own installs. Who knows, I may do it all at once but I just bought the damn thing so I'm piss poor broke right now!

From what I saw on daystars website, they only have 2 types of lift/leveling kits - one for the front only and one for the front and back which is the one I plan to get.

If your garage door is at least 7' tall which I am sure it is, you will be good to go.

Will I fit into a 6'-8" parking garage w/ daystar lift?

 

[daytonaviolet]

DECIPHER, after reading a LOT of threads, a setup like yours is probably what I want. Due to garage height, I'm not sure if I can do 2.5 or 1.75 on the 5100s up front. Either way I might want to raise the rear a bit. There seem to be a few options for rear spacers. Toytech has a 1.5" poly. Cornfed has them in lots of different thicknesses, which appear to be metal, but their web site isn't exactly exhaustive. I can't figure out what Daystar has. What did you decide when you were researching rear spacers?

I can can confirm that Cornfed is a polymer.