I wanted a specific answer here. I have a 2nd gen 4runner and I installed the BJ spacers. The full 1.5" is between the lower contol arm and the lower bump stop (due to the design of the torsion bars). When thinking about it this limits the downward travel to the same as stock. Ideally I think you would want the almost equal in order to benefit the greatest from the extra travel and to help stabalize the truck more on side slopes (ie - the truck can drop the tire more to keep the truck more level , therefore help minmize (slightly) the tip over factor.

So my question is this. How many of you with BJ spacers adjusted your torsion bars after the install? How much? I have lowered mine about .5" resulting in a net gain of around an inch in ride height instead of the 1.5". However much better articulation and ride. Has anybody that has adjusted their torsion bars noticed a ride difference - if so what was it. the other thing I noticed was it was slightly harder to put it in 4 wheel with the spacers, now it is a little easier with it down .5". I still have a gain of 1.5"n the rear due to the OME springs.

 

I think folks have done adjustments from -1.5" (meaning no lift at all with the spacers installed) up to around +1.5" (for nearly 3" lift) and anything in between:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...cer.shtml#FAQ2

The lower the height the better the ride, the higher the worse it will be. Seems to be somewhat subjective, some folks say it gets much worse the higher you go, others note little change. Spring rates do not change, but the angles of the suspension parts do. Think of the a-arms horizontal vs. at a high angle, the tires are more free to move up and down in the horizontal setup. Tie rods are at more angle, so you may get more bump steer, etc.

 

I dropped mine so that I had approx 1.25-1.5" up front (I had them cranked up to keep from rubbing before I put on the bj spacers and trimmed my fenders) Its nicer with them lower, the ride is better and the suspension is more complient and more willing to flex

 

All I have to say is this a very timely post. lol

Dennis

 

I lowered mine from stock after the bjs, and then replaced the bars and pushed them back up to stock to fit tires. With the new bars, it rides nice, which is what i wanted. We'll see when i go up higher.