How do spring spacers add preload?
 

Hi all. I'm new here. I've owned many vehicles but this 01' 4Runner is my first truck. This first thing I see wrong is that the rear is an inch lower than the front. So I do research and see that this is common and read about the options to correct. I'm inclined to go for spacers because I don't want to make the ride any more stiff. But apparently some users experienced accelerated spring fatigue with spacers. I won't question their experiences but I just don't see how this can happen. What is it about spacers that add load to the spring? It seems that they just raise the vehicle. Could there be other attributing factors that I am overlooking?

I would just like to add the $40 1.5" Daystar spacers to the rear. I don't want to replace the shocks because they seem to work well. I would also like to have a little forward rake. Are stock replacements a little longer?

I mainly use the 4runner for driving to work and up bumpy mountain passes.

Thanks for the help!

If you put spacers on the spring but not on the bump stop, the spring can be compressed beyond its design limits accelerating spring fatigue.

True, but you also don't want to put the spacer between the conical bumpstop and the coil. This would not move the bumpstop away from the spring perch. I'm guessing that the BS is close to the perch now. (mine was about 1/4" away, it would hit on every bump)

Spacers on sagging springs are just a band aid. They will lift it but the spring is going to keep sagging. If you do spacers now you will be doing springs later.

Sounds like time for a lift.

The stiffness that you feel is probably from the suspension bottoming out and hitting the bumpstops. Mine was. Even with the Tundra TRD coils in front and Old Man Emu 891 coils (heavy duty) my 4runner has a better ride than before the lift.

Ahhhhhh, OK. I can see how an extra bit of twist can hurt em. Now my next question, can stock shocks handle a 2" lift with slightly stiffer springs? The clock just turned 85K on mine.

If you are at 85k and doing a spring lift, you'll want new shocks. I have spacers with new shocks and would still not recommend them. I will be replacing them all when I can.

It probably is time for new shocks. Especialy if you are doing something with the front. Alot of people like the OME shocks with their coils.

ehhhh, my mechanic specializes in trucks and only charges $40/hour. I think I'll just have him install the spacers and just do it right later if I don't like it. :banger: