Spacers vs New Springs?

[SSTJ]

So, this thread and this thread got me wondering:

When one wants a bit of lift, when is it best to use spacers, instead of getting new springs? It seems that I see a lot of talk about spacers for lifts in the range of 0.5"–1.5", but after that it's always springs. So, what is the cutoff? At what amount of lift should you lean away from spacers and go for new springs? And of course, why?

Also, even in the realm of small lifts (like 1"), is there any advantage to new springs instead of spacers? (Other than price.)

 

[Gollywomper]

Spacers are often used for leveling a rig. Other than that I suggest springs.

 

[LONGJP2]

Both will increase height, but springs will increase travel and articulation.

 

[Zorba]

This thread is apropos right now. As the H&R springs are currently unobtainium, it occurred to me last nite "what about 1" spacers?".

 

[JMT]

I have 2” OME and 1.5” spacers with the Rancho 55239/55241 and 2” bumpstop. I don’t unseat my springs, but it’s right there. They are to adjust your ride height.

 

[starkey480]

Personally if I was just doing a 1” lift I would do spacers and retain the progressive rate factory springs. Much more than that and I would go with springs. Spacers can also be used in addition to longer springs to adjust ride height. Spacers only start to become a burden when they cause coil bind. If you think about it, when you add a spacer, the coil has to compress more for the bump stops to hit than it did before. There’s not really a downside to a spacer as long as your coils aren’t binding before your bumpstops touch. Typically spacers of no more than 1.75” are recommended I believe.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Spacers work fine if your springs are still good. Most people with over 100,000 miles opt for new springs. If you only need a 1" lift a BL is a better, less expensive option.

 

[D M]

Spacers work fine if your springs are still good. Most people with over 100,000 miles opt for new springs. If you only need a 1" lift a BL is a better, less expensive option.

Sets one up for a tummy tuck too once down the rabbit hole... which is inevitble once you put a single cent into these rigs id be better off addicted to crack

 

[TJim]

Both will increase height, but springs will increase travel and articulation.

If I am not mistaken that type of spacers (0.5" - 1.5") doesn't limit articulation.
So I guess you will get the right amount of travel and articulation with a 3" springs vs 2" spring +1" spacer.

Am I wrong?

 

[TheBoogieman]

 

[TJim]

Spacers work fine if your springs are still good. Most people with over 100,000 miles opt for new springs. If you only need a 1" lift a BL is a better, less expensive option.

An occasion that 1" SL could be more beneficial than a 1" BL is if you install longer shocks (Ranchos 0-2") in order to put your new shocks closer to 50 50 bias.

That way you are getting more travel and articulation vs only more tire clearance by body lift.

*Of course, by combining it by the correct size of tires.

 

[Fishtaco]

Thats it I am doing a 1.75 spacer lift! With me its all about the mall

 

[Fishtaco]

Front TJ shock extensions anyone? I have only seen rear for TJ?