Spacers vs. Springs/Shocks

I have been dreaming of lifting my T4R since before I was even ready to purchase it in the first place. Before that I had a 2012 Tacoma PreRunner and wanted to put a minor lift on that. Both vehicles’ desired lift would be no more than 2-3 inches. Scouring through the forums on both vehicles you’ll see groups all for installing full suspension lifts, while a smaller section take the spacer lift approach.


I already use mine as a daily with little to no minor off roading and absolutely no plans for legit off roading.


Question: if I do opt to go the less expensive route with spacers (assuming I buy a reputable brand…I see there is at least one Cornfed vendor on this forum), will people laugh at me more than they already do with me just using my Off-Road capable vehicle on pavement only? Is getting a 2-3” spacer lift something I should hang my head in shame for or proudly pull up to parking spaces knowing that a majority of people will have no idea it is “just” a spacer lift?


The purpose of this post is primarily meant for humor, but I am also interested in your thoughts, as long as it is more than “dude it’s your truck, eff what anyone else says.”


Thanks!

 

As an enthusiast, one of the first things I do when seeing a lifted 4Runner is look at the suspension they're running.

If it's a spacer lift, I stop looking.

If it's a top of-the-line coilover set-up, I'm jealous because that's what I want.

If it's a coil lift, I respect it because it's a solid, hard working and practical set-up that will get the job done.

I'm speaking in generalities here. Not all spacer, coilover, or coil lifts are created equal.

 

I was in the same boat as you. I’m gonna start by saying, I would HIGHLY advise not off roading with a 3/2 spacer lift. I think you would think you’re okay but end up doing extensive damage with one small mistake. It is cheaper, but my logic was one, I’ll be losing how buttery the ride is to a truck on cement blocks. Next, my off-road capability would be diminished , not improved. at that height you will require upper control arms, and if you want to run 285’s on a nice pokey (negative offset) wheel, you will likely require a body mount chop. Now add all that up and you end up with something that looks cool sure, but won’t offer the performance you’re looking for. Not bashing spacer lifts, but just saying it how it is if you want off-road capable. So I decided to fork out an extra ~$900 and buy a full suspension lift. In the grand scheme of things $900 is $900 but it’ll be a WORLDS difference on and off road. If you want something that’ll look cool and allow you to run big tires and go down a nicely paved dirt road, go spacers. If you want off-road capable, fork out an extra $700-$1000 and go full suspension lift. At the end of the day, it’s your truck so spend your money how you want. People will bash you but unless they’re paying for your truck/parts, keep their opinions in the
Nothing wrong with spacers for its intended use.

 

Is your 4Runner 4x4? If its 2wd a spindle lift may be a better option for the front. A lot of whats mentioned above is spot on. A cheap lift may get you the height you want, but suffer in ride quality.

We highly discourage spacer lifts, so much so, we made this nice video
https://youtu.be/pve9VtD39H0

 

Get the spacer lift.

I have a 2018 TRD ORP with KDSS

I have a 3" spacer lift similar to this one -https://www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/...MIrofywI_86AIVjh6tBh1PiAalEAQYBSABEgLObvD_BwE

I also added 1.25" wheel spacers and 285 tires

When I had it aligned I had them max out the caster and ended up .5-1 or so degrees short of factory recommendation. I could correct that with new UCAs.

My Runner drives great and rides smooth. It does not wander on the highway, does not squeak and sits level front to back and side to side. The only place I notice any additional firmness is in the rear going over a speed bump.

When I back out of my steepish driveway and turn hard right or left (can't remember which) I sometimes hear the slightest little rub of one tire on the body mount. I have checked the body mounts looking for wear so I could clearance it but so far the contact is so light I can not see where it touches. Doesn't happen when reversing and full lock on the flat.

Only thing I noticed off road is that I have more clearance. Zero problems or issues.

Others before me have done similar spacer lifts on their 4Runners. I found one user on here who did exactly the same as me a good year before I did. His plan was for the spacer lift to be temporary until he could install full coil overs but after a year, he was so happy with it that he could not justify the coil overs.

The only rigs I hear squeaking at events are the ones with full coil overs and aftermarket ball joints. Not all of them but enough to make me think there is more maintenance required that what I am willing to do.

If you think I am a dork/nerd/loser because I have a spacer lift I am OK with that. If we met away from 4Runners you would probably still think those things about me. I probably AM those things. I'm OK with that.

If someone looks at my Runner, sees the spacer and immediately walks away, Good! I don't want folks messing with my rig anyway. : -).

Full coil over suspension will for sure ride softer. Or firmer. Depending on how you tune it or set it up. Full coils can for sure blast through the gnar while I have to just cruise along. I'm OK with that.

Financially, I am in a position to install top of the line full coils, UCAs, Remote Reservoirs ect and not miss any meals or payments. More importantly, at the time, I had not only the full permission but full encouragement from my wife to install any lift I wanted. I am glad I went with the spacers. I am 100% happy with it.

This is only my opinion and experience. I am confident most will disagree with me.

I'm OK with that.

 

Anyone that says spacers are smooth as coilovers/springs/shocks hasn't ridden in both.

Spacer do their purpose if all you want is lift. But they are not comparable in ride quality. I had spacers in my Tundra and never again.

At a minimum I'd always suggest shocks/springs and call it a day.

 

Loving my "spacer" lift....

 

Firmness is because your coils are so compressed they have no travel, and risk damaging the shocks. While it “raises” the vehicle to achieve clearance, it comes against the cost of compressing the coils front and rear leaving you with minimal travel. While top of the line coil overs will allow you to hit baja at 75MPH, and jump, the purpose of a full suspension lift is to achieve a PROPER lift for someone who will be off roading. You get more travel and capability.
Again, all what you need it for. Just be mindful so you don’t bust your shocks.

 

I don’t see a problem with small spacer kits (like 1.5”)

Depending on your off-roading goals and budget, you do you.

 

Just to be clear, adding a spacer lift does not compress your spring.

 

^^That. Spacers raise the upper spring mount and extend the shock rod by the thickness of the spacer. Springs are no more compressed than without the spacer.