Spring spacer question

[Coppermane]

It appears one of the previous owners of my TJ installed spring spacers:



I have next to no knowledge about lifting vehicles, and I have no idea whether or not the person who installed these spacers knew what they were doing. What potential problem areas do I need to double check to verify the integrity of this lift?

 

[mrblaine]

It appears one of the previous owners of my TJ installed spring spacers:

View attachment 95626

I have next to no knowledge about lifting vehicles, and I have no idea whether or not the person who installed these spacers knew what they were doing. What potential problem areas do I need to double check to verify the integrity of this lift?

What is it doing that you don't like?

 

[Goatman]

Well if the picture is any indication the spacers have been there a while. So any issue is probably fixed. They dont really cause an issue other than needing a slight alignment fix that all lifts would need. Or a slight pinion angle change that you would feel when you drive. While not the preferred way to lift a Jeep, it is far from the worst way.

 

[Mr. Bills]

Many TJ's have spacer lifts. It may not be the "best" way to lift a jeep, but it is quick, easy and inexpensive and for many jeep owners it is all they will ever need.

As alluded to by @mrblaine, unless there is an issue that can be traced to the spacers no action is required at this time.

 

[Coppermane]

The steering wheel is a bit off center from the tires, other than that I haven't noticed any issues linked to the spacers. Just making sure I'm not going to break my Jeep if the previous owner threw some spacers in and called it a day.

 

[jjvw]

The only meaningful issue I can think of with spacers is that they can lead to coil bind or, less worrisome, unnecessary bump stop extension. Beyond that, spacers are just a tool for changing ride height and can be used with varying degrees of effectiveness.

 

[ftwhite3]

Is that picture unloaded weight, or resting weight? seems to me that the spacer is not much more in size than the exposed shock shaft.

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[Coppermane]

Is that picture unloaded weight, or resting weight? seems to me that the spacer is not much more in size than the exposed shock shaft.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

The picture was taken with my Jeep sitting on a level driveway.

 

[JMT]

The steering wheel is a bit off center from the tires, other than that I haven't noticed any issues linked to the spacers. Just making sure I'm not going to break my Jeep if the previous owner threw some spacers in and called it a day.

To center the steering wheel adjust the sleeve on the drag link by loosening the two bolts and turning the sleeve clockwise or counterclockwise till the steering wheel is centered with the wheels straight ahead. It can take a few tries.

 

[ftwhite3]

The picture was taken with my Jeep sitting on a level driveway.

Take the shock off and see if the exposed shaft more than doubles when it fully extends. If it does, you might be getting a harsher ride because of where the valve is riding in the tube. Even if the bump stop catches it before it bottoms out.

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[Chapman4266]

Is that picture unloaded weight, or resting weight? seems to me that the spacer is not much more in size than the exposed shock shaft.

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I think you’re looking at the bumpstop. The spring spacer is directly above the spring

 

[Coppermane]

Take the shock off and see if the exposed shaft more than doubles when it fully extends. If it does, you might be getting a harsher ride because of where the valve is riding in the tube. Even if the bump stop catches it before it bottoms out.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Shocks are coming off regardless, one of the rear shocks is completely missing a bushing so it slaps back and forth pretty good. I'll keep your advice in mind and see where the shocks are riding.