What to expect from spacer lift ( Daystar)

[WI4Runnin]

OK Ive had 4R in the past and have always run suspension lift. My actual off roading is now fire lane travel in northern wisconsin. I do encounter logs ,ruts , rocky terrain at low/crawl speeds . I feel the factory suspension is more than capable of handling these obstacles ( I have a 16 TE w/KDSS ). SO what Im looking for is a little under belly clearance and a better stance .

What can I expect with ride quality ? Nose dive ? body roll ? Will any of this change for the better ? I bought the 6pc spacer kit from Wheelers Off Road . It has a 1/2" preload , a 1" top out spacer and the 1.5" rear.

Note : Tires will be upgraded from stock tires to BFG KO2 either in stock size 265/70/17 "C" rated or may go to "E" rated 275/70/17.

Thanks for your input

 

[RonJR]

I installed the Daystar 2.5 topout spacer front, 1.5 spacer rear lift on mine. Ride quality was indistinguishable after vs before. I like the stance and on a couple of moderate offroad trails near Ouray I was more than happy with the performance and ground clearance. I think I can do any 4-5 rated trail (based on a scale of 1-10 as per traildamage.com) with no problem now as long as I do a decent job of driving.

I installed BFG KO2 255/75/17's. I chose that size because it gives a good diameter (32"), but the slightly smaller width decreases the chances of rubbing, and also should improve snow/ice performance slightly. It's a less common size, but easily available at Discount Tire on special order. They balanced up fine and run smooth and dead quiet.

 

[salong53]

My complaint with the Daystar lift on my 4th gen was the noticeably higher center of gravity. Simple bumps and highway driving felt the same, but diagonal speed bumps that rock you side to side felt like I was taking a ride in the crow's nest of a ship compared to stock height. Obviously I'm exaggerating a little, but the difference was noticeable.

 

[RonJR]

I noticed that at first as well, and initially attributed it to the same thing, a higher center of gravity. However, I found that installing aftermarket UCA's to get the caster back to a fairly high value really cured the issue.

After installing the lift, the caster was at about 2.3 degrees. The new UCA's upped that to about 4.3 degrees, and the difference in stability is nothing short of amazing. Before the caster increase, if you rocked the steering wheel back and forth 1-2 times/second while driving at about 40 mph, the vehicle rocked like a rowboat on the ocean. Now it barely responds.

 

[Jono.ful]

OK Ive had 4R in the past and have always run suspension lift. My actual off roading is now fire lane travel in northern wisconsin. I do encounter logs ,ruts , rocky terrain at low/crawl speeds . I feel the factory suspension is more than capable of handling these obstacles ( I have a 16 TE w/KDSS ). SO what Im looking for is a little under belly clearance and a better stance .

What can I expect with ride quality ? Nose dive ? body roll ? Will any of this change for the better ? I bought the 6pc spacer kit from Wheelers Off Road . It has a 1/2" preload , a 1" top out spacer and the 1.5" rear.

Note : Tires will be upgraded from stock tires to BFG KO2 either in stock size 265/70/17 "C" rated or may go to "E" rated 275/70/17.

Thanks for your input

the lowest part of your truck is the 3rd member (aka rear diff), there isn't a single lift of the market that will change this. the only thing that will, is taller tires.
While a spacer lift will increase your ground clearance everywhere else, this comes at the expense of suspension travel since what you are effectively doing is making the spring taller (in actuality you are increasing spring preload) without changing the length of the shock. if you actually plan to wheel your truck, this has the potential consequence of causing damage to the shock. Bilstein 5100s can be found for less than $100 and are a better option for gaining height without breaking the bank.

 

[RonJR]

This is all true, but with care, and limiting how hard you wheel, those issues don't have to be show stoppers.
- The preload spacer won't change the suspension travel at all - it just moves the normal "rest" position. So you wind up with less down travel and more up travel. Some say the extra "preload" makes for a harsher ride. That's not directly true; the spring is carrying the same weight as before and as such is compressed exactly the same as before when under normal suspension loading. The added "harshness" occurs if the down travel is now so limited as to hit the stops on mild bumps. A .5" preload spacer will actually center the suspension better than it is stock, so will likely not cause much of an issue.
- The topout spacer increases the chance that the shock, and not the bump stop, will limit up travel. This is a real problem if you wheel hard and often bottom out the suspension hard - you'll likely bend the shock eventually. If you go easy on things that's not so much of a problem. Driving around on logging roads and easing over rocks and logs will likely not cause an issue.
- The topout spacer also has the potential of allowing enough excess down travel (droop) to cause the CV's and/or upper ball joints to bind. About 2.5" of topout lift (1.25" of actual topout spacer) is generally safe - any more than that is asking for trouble. With a 1" topout spacer, the OP should not have binding issues.

Spacer lifts are an appropriate inexpensive choice for someone who wants a mild lift for looks and mild to moderate offroad performance. If you are into serious offroading, and especially if you like to go fast and hit the bumps hard, the Bilstein/OME aftermarket shock/spring approach is a much better and more rugged solution.

I chose the spacer lift to allow me to keep XREAS for now (while it's still working well), to keep my ride quality which I like, and to allow me to experiment with how the vehicle looked, felt, and rode while lifted, with an inexpensive and easily reversible mod. I will probably switch over to Bilsteins or something similar next year before the offroad season starts here in Colorado, or whenever the XREAS starts leaking.

 

[MeefZah]

OK Ive had 4R in the past and have always run suspension lift. My actual off roading is now fire lane travel in northern wisconsin. I do encounter logs ,ruts , rocky terrain at low/crawl speeds . I feel the factory suspension is more than capable of handling these obstacles ( I have a 16 TE w/KDSS ). SO what Im looking for is a little under belly clearance and a better stance .

What can I expect with ride quality ? Nose dive ? body roll ? Will any of this change for the better ? I bought the 6pc spacer kit from Wheelers Off Road . It has a 1/2" preload , a 1" top out spacer and the 1.5" rear.

Note : Tires will be upgraded from stock tires to BFG KO2 either in stock size 265/70/17 "C" rated or may go to "E" rated 275/70/17.

Thanks for your input

I don't have that specific spacer lift but my experience with a Toytec version of it is that nothing was noticeably different, on or off road.

 

[Trail-AMMO]

Have it, bought on Amazon prime and did it in my garage... super basic and IMOP it's how the truck should sit stock.

Parked next to a TRD Pro it sits equal, drive angles are almost flat. Ride is the same as before, with better ground clearance.

Seeing how this was my DD this was the "smartest" "lift" for me.... hopefully to keep me from getting into too much trouble... I have to constantly remind myself that I have a landcruiser on 37's to beat on in the trail

-A

 

[Watchdogg]

The 1/2 inch preload spacer is gonna give you a harsh ride. Put this kit in a Tacoma and it was hard riding. That 1/2 inch makes a big difference on the street. Your compressing the spring in the housing so that's a 1/2 inch less travel. It doesn't sound like a lot. But it is on the street.

 

[Trail-AMMO]

The 1/2 inch preload spacer is gonna give you a harsh ride. Put this kit in a Tacoma and it was hard riding. That 1/2 inch makes a big difference on the street. Your compressing the spring in the housing so that's a 1/2 inch less travel. It doesn't sound like a lot. But it is on the street.

FYI: as previously pointed out the Daystar kit is only a "hat" that sits on the top of the coil.... does not compress the coil in any way. Same is true on the front, as it sits between the mounting surface of the "coilover's" and coil mount...

This kit is not like the Rev Tec / ToyTec ect kits that mount between the coil and top plate.

This kit goes between the top plate and the mount and the front coil over is never disassembled. Kit includes longer mounting studs for the front, and basically adds height or length to the front coil over making "lift".

Is this a real lift kit? No not if your looking to do some serious wheeling, but as the OP stated the rig is very capable in stock form. This helps raise the body and bumpers up giving you a tad more clearance. And that's about it. I've rallied mine up to a look out a few weeks ago and was glad to have the added clearance. I'll add I'm running stock sized Duratrac's and sliders JIC cause I am still considerably lower then my trail rig.

-A

 

[WI4Runnin]

FYI: as previously pointed out the Daystar kit is only a "hat" that sits on the top of the coil.... does not compress the coil in any way. Same is true on the front, as it sits between the mounting surface of the "coilover's" and coil mount...

This kit is not like the Rev Tec / ToyTec ect kits that mount between the coil and top plate.

This kit goes between the top plate and the mount and the front coil over is never disassembled. Kit includes longer mounting studs for the front, and basically adds height or length to the front coil over making "lift".

-A

That is incorrect. It has a preload & top out. The total kit including the rear is 6 pcs.

 

[Watchdogg]

FYI: as previously pointed out the Daystar kit is only a "hat" that sits on the top of the coil.... does not compress the coil in any way. Same is true on the front, as it sits between the mounting surface of the "coilover's" and coil mount...

This kit is not like the Rev Tec / ToyTec ect kits that mount between the coil and top plate.

This kit goes between the top plate and the mount and the front coil over is never disassembled. Kit includes longer mounting studs for the front, and basically adds height or length to the front coil over making "lift".

Is this a real lift kit? No not if your looking to do some serious wheeling, but as the OP stated the rig is very capable in stock form. This helps raise the body and bumpers up giving you a tad more clearance. And that's about it. I've rallied mine up to a look out a few weeks ago and was glad to have the added clearance. I'll add I'm running stock sized Duratrac's and sliders JIC cause I am still considerably lower then my trail rig.

-A

Incorrect. The op states he has a 1/2 inch preload spacer and 1 inch top hat. Compressing the spring in the housing by even a half inch is going to make a harsh ride. Installed this kit on a Tacoma. Plus no adjustability. Whatever you get is what you get. I liked the look, but the ride not so much. If it was just a top hat lift I would say go for it

 

[Simpleman74]

Daystar makes a 2.5/1.5 TOP MOUNT kit that is $140 and doesn't change the feel of the ride at all.... wheelers sells the preload kit for much more. Not sure why anyone would install that kit

 

[Trail-AMMO]

Daystar makes a 2.5/1.5 TOP MOUNT kit that is $140 and doesn't change the feel of the ride at all.... wheelers sells the preload kit for much more. Not sure why anyone would install that kit

This is what I have.... I don't have a "pre load kit"

-A

 

[Trail-AMMO]

That is incorrect. It has a preload & top out. The total kit including the rear is 6 pcs.

I didn't realize Daystar had different versions.

You must be thinking about another Daystar kit from what I have. Attached is the kit I used and noticed no difference in ride quality.

I now realize this is a different kit from what the OP asked about.

My apologies.

-A

Daystar KT09134BK Front and Rear Suspension Lift Kit for Toyota 4Runner https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008Y8YCJ0/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_tai_4oP6xbDQ5T9Y3
Daystar KT09134BK Front and Rear Suspension Lift Kit for Toyota 4Runner https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008Y8YCJ0/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_tai_4oP6xbDQ5T9Y3

 

[Hippestguyever]

I just purchased the Daystar 2.5/1.5 leveling kit for my 17' with kdss. (The one in the link below) Have you had any issues with it?? Did you need to align it after it was installed?

Thanks in advance!


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006ZWOCZ6/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

 

[Captain_Dan]

I just purchased the Daystar 2.5/1.5 leveling kit for my 17' with kdss. (The one in the link below) Have you had any issues with it?? Did you need to align it after it was installed?

Thanks in advance!


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006ZWOCZ6/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Did you get this kit installed? How did it do in the open road, did it make it handle different at higher speeds?

 

[TEPUI]

Did you get this kit installed? How did it do in the open road, did it make it handle different at higher speeds?

I ran mine for 4 weeks. I purchased it as a temporary, economical solution to evaluate how I liked my 5th gen lifted. Got the truck leveled and nicely lifted. However I was not happy with the ride at highway speeds. The truck felt slightly wobbly and unstable... especially when cornering or swerving. Honestly, I did not feel as safe as with other suspension lifts I've had on previous trucks (Prado, Hilux and 3rd gen and 4th gen). I ended up changing the shocks to Bilstein 5100 and just kept the rear spring spacer.

It might work for some of us, but I decided to upgrade and have peace of mind.

 

[Scratch and dent]

I ran mine for 4 weeks. I purchased it as a temporary, economical solution to evaluate how I liked my 5th gen lifted. Got the truck leveled and nicely lifted. However I was not happy with the ride at highway speeds. The truck felt slightly wobbly and unstable... especially when cornering or swerving. Honestly, I did not feel as safe as with other suspension lifts I've had on previous trucks (Prado, Hilux and 3rd gen and 4th gen). I ended up changing the shocks to Bilstein 5100 and just kept the rear spring spacer.

It might work for some of us, but I decided to upgrade and have peace of mind.

I have been driving with the Daystar top hat spacers for a couple weeks and think the ride quality is good but generally unhappy with getting 3" of lift instead of the 2.5” advertised.

Measurements ground to the top lip of my wheel well:
Stock 34-1/8”
Modified 37”

I think these spacers were designed for the 4th gen 4runners and Daystar just carried them to the 5th gens.

While installing these, I was able to see what the max extension was with the spacers installed; the UCA was hitting the coil and the CV axles were binding. This is very troubling to me.

So far driving around with them installed I have noticed the front suspension is ever slightly stiffer, which actually matches the back a little more when the vehicle is unloaded (no gear in the back cargo area). The CV axles when resting are slightly angled down as opposed to slightly angled up before modifying.

Next I am planning on cutting the spacers down to give me the desired lift in front (2” is the goal).

Update:
I removed the spacers and installed OME 2883 springs up front in 2020. Have been running the aftermarket springs 4 years now with zero regrets.

 

[DigitalRJH]

I’m looking to get 1/2”’spacers from either day star or cornfed just to level the front. I have a 19 with KDSS. Debating on going to an off road shop or just have the dealer install it. I’d rather have the off road shop do it since I would imagine it would be cheaper but my main concern is that they wouldn’t be familiar with the KDSS. I’ve read where some have said the sway bar doesn’t need disconnected with the 1/2” spacers and that would eliminate any issues with the KDSS during install but I’m not sure. Last thing I’d want is just a simple top hat spacer lift install turning into an issue KDSS related. Anyone have input or experience with this type of situation? Thanks