Hoopster

What's the verdict on using spacers front and back for a 1 or 2 inch lift? I probably won't do much off roading with this 4runner but think the extra clearance would be nice just in case. It would also make getting underneath easier for oil changes etc. not to mention a little better looking.

Just looking for the cheapest way to add a little clearance that's all.

emptypockets

Spacer lifts are a decent temporary lift solution on the cheap. I did the Daystar 2.5" front/rear lift, but ended up going to LC coils because of my stock springs sagging. With spacers, you'll put more stress on the rear coils, which makes the ride harsher as well. But my biggest issue was with the sagging rear, which the spacers made worse over time.

frodin1

Thanks, I didn't want to jack another thread. You basicly did the same as I did. Just looking for a cheap lift for clearence. Now it looks like I'm into this for for more $$$.

Gerdo

I looked into spacers. Most people told me that since my stock springs were sagging, spacers are just a band-aid. I did a simple mild lift. I kept my shocks, they are in good shape. I just did Tundra TRD coils up fromt and OME 890s out back. If memory serves me right the 4 coils cost about $330. I'm glad I went with new springs, well worth the money. This thread has all my specs. https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f79/gerdos-profile-85724/

Maj

I'm not sure I buy into the idea of rear spacers causing springs to sag. If front and rear are raised near-identical amounts, the weight on the rear springs will be the same as before. But, if you do not lower the bump stops the amount of your lift, that would introduce additional travel on the spring which may or may not cause fatigue (and sagging) depending on how often you kissed the bump stops. The rear springs are notorious for sagging on their own and I think the spacers are often unjustifiably given a bad rap as the cause.

Front spacers that preload the spring are a different matter. The preload is quite a bit over stock and that could lead to increased spring fatigue and sag.

I've been running 1.5" spacers up front and 2" in the rear for over 6 months and haven't observed any sagging in my 10 year old factory springs. I suppose time will tell...

Hoopster

Thanks for the replies. My stock springs aren't sagging a bit since it doesn't have a rear hitch and I have the feeling this 4runner was used like a camry. It's mainly my wifes ride and she claims it will never see off road action so spending hundreds on a lift is not gonna fly. I'm just thinking a bit of spacer action and eventually better shocks.

ROOFGOOF

You'll wanna go bigger over time... I was in the same boat about 3 years ago

Gerdo

I'm not saying that spacers cause sagging. I'm saying that spacers will only raise a sagging coil that will continue to sag. Some sagging is caused by heavy loads for years and some is caused the age of the vehicle and its own weight. I'm sure spacers are an accepted lift, but for a little more money you can go with new coils.

emptypockets

Agreed Gerdo: new springs, although more expensive initially, are definitely the way to go.

frodin1

I made the mistake of thinking the sagging issue was only on the older runners. My 00' is drooping just a little, but i'm sure once I put a little weight on the back bumper it'll drop.

Gerdo

My 2000 was sagging. I got 2.5" out of my TRD springs and 3.25" out on my 890s. It should have been 1.75" F and 2-2.5" R. That is how bad mine had sagged. I do haul and tow and have 150k on it. I'm glad I went for the new springs.

frodin1

I'll sell my 2.5" Daystar rear spacers! What do you guys recommend better? OME or LC springs for a 3.5 inch lift in the rear. Which retains the best ride? What shocks are you running? Sorry about the JACK!

emptypockets

Depends on what you're going to be doing. OME's are much stiffer, which is great for towing, but bad for ride comfort. My LC's ride like a dream compared to stock spring/spacers I had on before. They flex like mad off road and do a decent job towing my 5,000 pound boat. Plus, LC coils will give you more lift than the OME's. This was the same decision I made a while back too and am very happy with the LC's!

The limitations you'll have is travel. If you want the extended travel the LC coils can give you, you'll want to look into getting the Sonoran Steel panhard drop bar or bracket and longer LC Tokico black shocks. Something else to consider is a modified e brake bracket, extended brake lines and longer bump stops. Sonoran Steel makes a complete kit with LC coils and all the necessary hardware and parts.

Since I'm not off road that often and don't need the extended travel, I just did the LC's and put on slightly longer Rancho shocks. They're longer than stock, but limit travel just enough that longer brake lines, e brake bracket modifying and extended bump stops aren't really necessary. I have been off road a number of times and haven't had any problems with limited travel or parts breaking. Like I said before, how far you go with the suspension is determined by what you're going to do with your rig.

frodin1

Where did you get your springs & shocks from. Did you go through Sonoran?I'm looking for the same setup you have so any info would be great!

emptypockets

My setup is actually kind of pieced together. The Rancho shocks are pretty common parts and are available at nearly any auto parts store. Seems like they're on backorder a lot though. I picked up the coils from Toyota Parts Sales: http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...?siteid=214074. I've still got the Daystar + homemade spacer setup up front.

Part numbers for the LC coils are: passenger side - 48131-6A570 (double purple, grey, white); drivers side - 48131-6A480 (green, orange, white). I've included the striping in case you want to look for used coils, as those are the ones you want. The Rancho part numbers are front: RS5763, rear: RS5187. Let me know if you have any other questions.

frodin1

Right on! thanks!