Shocks don't create coil bind. Thick spacers do. Coil bind reduces the otherwise normally available up travel because the spring and spacer become a solid mass before a longer lift spring would.With new shocks, which can be added to the RC spacer lift, will that help decrease coil bind?
Would you say that a spacer lift actually reduces on trail capability because of the reduction of travel? Obviously spacers would lift the frame for more clearance but at what cost to articulation? I don’t want to put a lift on just for the look, I want to increase off-road ability without spending thousands on a lift and steering components.Shocks don't create coil bind. Thick spacers do. Coil bind reduces the otherwise normally available up travel because the spring and spacer become a solid mass before a longer lift spring would.
All things being equal, a thick spacer reduces suspension travel compared to a spring lift IF the spacer causes coil bind where a lift spring wouldn't. I consider an unnecessary loss of up travel to be a loss of performance both on and off road.Would you say that a spacer lift actually reduces on trail capability because of the reduction of travel? Obviously spacers would lift the frame for more clearance but at what cost to articulation? I don’t want to put a lift on just for the look, I want to increase off-road ability without spending thousands on a lift and steering components.
Good to know you consider it a decrease in performance. My thinking on a 1.5inch lift is the stock steering components would still be able to handle that increase in lift. Everything I’ve read says that a 2” lift and higher steering components are necessary. Therefore a 1.5” lift wouldn’t require steering components.All things being equal, a thick spacer reduces suspension travel compared to a spring lift IF the spacer causes coil bind where a lift spring wouldn't. I consider an unnecessary loss of up travel to be a loss of performance both on and off road.
All other requirements for steering, control arms, track bar, etc apply to the resulting increase in ride height. Spacer or no spacer won't change that.
You’ve don’t it so that makes you more an expert than me. Thanks.I fitted a 2 inch Rough Country spacer lift with shocks and looks and drives great ,
No steering problems, Levelled it our as well and was cheap
But I am no expert and a new comer to a TJ
Thanks, that’s good to know. I don’t want to go fully down the wheeling rabbit hole with this build. Just a weekend warrior. I’m thinking spacer with new struts will be a good plan based on what I’m reading here.Look its like this "so up to you" many many people put a 2" spacer lift on a TJ without changing stock length shocks and they are running around all over the place! you do not need to change shocks for a 1.5" spacer lift plain and simple unless you want to go down the wheeling mod rabbit hole! Is it ideal? No! is it acceptable? Yes! can you do it? yes! Your Choice
You’re just the type of person I wanted to hear from. Glad it’s working out for you. I’ve been toying with doing the 3/4 or the 1.5”. Your Jeep is great reference for what the 3/4 look like.I did a .75" spacer lift on mine with 31" tires and stock length springs with NO problems whatsoever. *I* think it looks "exactly right" with same:
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That’s good to hear. Thanks for the input.I just use my TJ for dogs , beach and just running around local etc, The RC lift kit was cheap and fitted very easy, I also fitted 1 inch spacers to wheels just to bring them out a bit, I am happy with the look and drive and that is all that matters, I live in Southern Spain so all the bits I buy have to come from the States and costs me double with taxes and post,
Look its like this "so up to you" many many people put a 2" spacer lift on a TJ without changing stock length shocks and they are running around all over the place! you do not need to change shocks for a 1.5" spacer lift plain and simple unless you want to go down the wheeling mod rabbit hole! Is it ideal? No! is it acceptable? Yes! can you do it? yes! Your Choice
Good to know you consider it a decrease in performance. My thinking on a 1.5inch lift is the stock steering components would still be able to handle that increase in lift. Everything I’ve read says that a 2” lift and higher steering components are necessary. Therefore a 1.5” lift wouldn’t require steering components.