Suspension spacers are an aftermarket modification designed to raise a vehicle's ride height. These components fit above the existing coil springs or strut unit, providing a straightforward way to achieve a lift.
Understanding Suspension Spacers
Suspension spacers are specifically engineered to sit on top of your vehicle's factory or aftermarket coil springs or strut assemblies. Their primary function is to increase the vehicle's ground clearance without requiring a full suspension overhaul.
Key characteristics of suspension spacers include:
- Placement: They are installed on top of the vehicle's existing coil springs or strut units. This means they work in conjunction with your current suspension components.
- Lift Height: Spacers typically raise a vehicle by 1" to 2.75". This range allows for noticeable changes in ride height, often to accommodate larger tires or improve the aesthetic stance of the vehicle.
- Articulation Impact: An important distinction of spacers is that they achieve lift without adding any extra articulation to the strut modules or coil spring. This implies that while the vehicle gains height, its dynamic suspension travel (the range of motion of the wheels) is not significantly increased by the spacers themselves. They primarily provide a static lift.
Benefits and Considerations
One of the significant advantages of opting for suspension spacers is their cost-effectiveness. This is considered a less expensive option compared to full suspension lift kits because spacers integrate with and utilize the existing factory or aftermarket coil springs and struts. This reduces the need for purchasing an entirely new set of springs or specialized struts, making it an accessible modification for many vehicle owners.
Here's a quick overview of suspension spacers:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Placement | Installed above existing coil springs or strut units. |
| Lift Range | Typically provides a lift of 1" to 2.75". |
| Articulation | Does not add extra articulation to strut modules or coil springs, primarily focusing on static lift. |
| Cost | Considered a less expensive option because it utilizes existing factory or aftermarket components, avoiding the need for full suspension replacement. |
| Compatibility | Works seamlessly with the vehicle's current coil springs or struts, whether they are original equipment (OEM) or aftermarket upgrades. |
| Primary Use | Ideal for achieving a moderate lift for aesthetic purposes, accommodating slightly larger tires, or gaining minor ground clearance without a complex or costly suspension overhaul. |
In essence, suspension spacers offer a practical and budget-friendly solution for increasing a vehicle's height, leveraging its existing suspension setup to provide a noticeable lift.
