1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Eibach Coils: Top Spacer Question

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by BGrutter, Oct 4, 2010.

  1. Oct 4, 2010 at 11:04 PM
    #1
    BGrutter

    BGrutter [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2010
    Member:
    #41476
    Messages:
    379
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Baron
    Kansas City, MO
    Vehicle:
    2010 4x4 DCSB TRD OR
    Rear-View Camera Mod, Anti-theft Tailgate, No Mud-Flaps, Diff Breather Mod, Color-matched Mirror/Handle covers, Front Valance mod, Phone/GPS/Camera mount, and Illuminated 4x4 Switch ToyTec Ultimate Lift Light Racing UCAs
    I know that many people have opted to go with the Bilstein/Eiback lift. Additionally, I know that the lift comes with a 1/4" spacer intended for the driver side to eliminate potential sag. However, most have stated that they went with a 1/4" spacer on the passenger side and 1/2" spacer on the driver side.

    I'm trying to figure out how I would get the 1/2" spacer, but I can't see it on the Toytec site and I'm not sure where else to look.

    So:
    1. Where can I obtain a 1/2" spacer?
    2. Does it makes sense to just buy (2) 1/4" spacers and stack them?
    3. What's the deal with the sag? Does it affect other lifts, or is it unique to the Eibach lift?

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Oct 4, 2010 at 11:29 PM
    #2
    eight3one_offroad

    eight3one_offroad Honey your two French Fries short of a Happy Meal.

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2009
    Member:
    #27261
    Messages:
    740
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Richard
    Santa Cruz, California
    Vehicle:
    TRD Sport 4x4 with a few things.
    Optima Red Top 34R, OME 885 / N140S + 5100 rear, TSB leaf pack, Camburg Ball Joint UCA, Wheelers Diff drop, AEM Brute Force Intake with filter wrap, Summit Super Turbo muffler, Llumar 5% tint, Pioneer single din head unit, PIAA 510 Ion Crystal Fogs in stock location, Sonar LED tails. Sway Bar removal. Charcoal filter delete. Stant 11509 Locking Gas Cap.
    A 1/4 inch spacer from Toytec will do just fine on the driver side, you don't need 1/2 inch spacer unless you want to replace your studs with longer ones. Last don't stack spacers thats no bueno. The lean is found in all Tacomas because the driver side has the battery and gas tank which makes it sag on the driver due to more weight. All you need iis 5100's set at .085 with Eibach springs and a 1/4 spacer on drive side. Get a Alignment and call it done!

    - Rich
     
  3. Oct 4, 2010 at 11:34 PM
    #3
    eight3one_offroad

    eight3one_offroad Honey your two French Fries short of a Happy Meal.

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2009
    Member:
    #27261
    Messages:
    740
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Richard
    Santa Cruz, California
    Vehicle:
    TRD Sport 4x4 with a few things.
    Optima Red Top 34R, OME 885 / N140S + 5100 rear, TSB leaf pack, Camburg Ball Joint UCA, Wheelers Diff drop, AEM Brute Force Intake with filter wrap, Summit Super Turbo muffler, Llumar 5% tint, Pioneer single din head unit, PIAA 510 Ion Crystal Fogs in stock location, Sonar LED tails. Sway Bar removal. Charcoal filter delete. Stant 11509 Locking Gas Cap.
  4. Oct 4, 2010 at 11:51 PM
    #4
    BGrutter

    BGrutter [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2010
    Member:
    #41476
    Messages:
    379
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Baron
    Kansas City, MO
    Vehicle:
    2010 4x4 DCSB TRD OR
    Rear-View Camera Mod, Anti-theft Tailgate, No Mud-Flaps, Diff Breather Mod, Color-matched Mirror/Handle covers, Front Valance mod, Phone/GPS/Camera mount, and Illuminated 4x4 Switch ToyTec Ultimate Lift Light Racing UCAs
    I hear what you're saying. Thanks for explaining the Driver Side sag. Though, I'm still unsure why other lifts don't reference and address this issue if it's a Tacoma issue and not a lift issue.

    And I agree about the stacking of spacers. That's why I hesitated at first. But after reading how many people have opted to integrate the 1/2" spacer (bringing them closer to 3" of lift), I am leaning heavily toward doing so myself. Sort of how the Toytec Ultimate adds a 1/2" spacer to bring the strut assembly to a full 3" lift.

    Thank you. I suppose the title, "(One - 1/4")", threw me off there. I thought it was just saying "One 1/4" spacer", like one unit. After reading the description, I see that they say it provides more approximately 1/2" lift.

    If only all this lift business was more straight forward. Someone with experience with many of the different lifts should make a spreadsheet comparing them all: price, components, lift options, ride quality, travel, etc.

    Thanks again for all the help.
     
  5. Oct 5, 2010 at 12:07 AM
    #5
    eight3one_offroad

    eight3one_offroad Honey your two French Fries short of a Happy Meal.

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2009
    Member:
    #27261
    Messages:
    740
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Richard
    Santa Cruz, California
    Vehicle:
    TRD Sport 4x4 with a few things.
    Optima Red Top 34R, OME 885 / N140S + 5100 rear, TSB leaf pack, Camburg Ball Joint UCA, Wheelers Diff drop, AEM Brute Force Intake with filter wrap, Summit Super Turbo muffler, Llumar 5% tint, Pioneer single din head unit, PIAA 510 Ion Crystal Fogs in stock location, Sonar LED tails. Sway Bar removal. Charcoal filter delete. Stant 11509 Locking Gas Cap.
    No problem. I didn't know about the Tacoma "lean" when I first bought the truck but I found this website and people explained what the problem was and how you can address it. I'm not really a fan of a huge spacer in there as it will most likely ride rougher and bring your CV angles to a harsher position. I basically just searched on here and you'll find examples of certain lift kits, it just depends if your pockets are deep enough from going budget to extreme. I would personally save up for some aftermarket coilovers and a better leaf pack in the rear if you got the cash laying around. Anyways good luck!

    - Rich
     
  6. Oct 5, 2010 at 12:13 AM
    #6
    eight3one_offroad

    eight3one_offroad Honey your two French Fries short of a Happy Meal.

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2009
    Member:
    #27261
    Messages:
    740
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Richard
    Santa Cruz, California
    Vehicle:
    TRD Sport 4x4 with a few things.
    Optima Red Top 34R, OME 885 / N140S + 5100 rear, TSB leaf pack, Camburg Ball Joint UCA, Wheelers Diff drop, AEM Brute Force Intake with filter wrap, Summit Super Turbo muffler, Llumar 5% tint, Pioneer single din head unit, PIAA 510 Ion Crystal Fogs in stock location, Sonar LED tails. Sway Bar removal. Charcoal filter delete. Stant 11509 Locking Gas Cap.
    I joined this place to learn something new, but also help people out when they can't seem to find the answer. I'm here for the support not the drama!

    - Rich
     
  7. Oct 5, 2010 at 7:44 AM
    #7
    Fabulous

    Fabulous Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2009
    Member:
    #19807
    Messages:
    860
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Fabian
    Calgary, AB
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tacoma double-cab TRD Sport
    TRD Pro grill and fog lights, Toytec Boss lift, 265/70-17 Duratracs on 17 x 8.5 FN Verge wheels, LEER canopy, 30% tinted front windows.
    How close to 3" do you want to get? I have the eibachs on 5100's at 0.85 with the 1/4" spacer on the drivers side. I got 2.5" after settling, and it looks/ drives excellent. I know that BirdTRD has a 1/2" spacer on the drivers side, and the 1/4" on the passengers side and got 2.75" of lift...maybe hit him up with any questions. In the future I may end up putting the 1/2" on the drivers side, and the 1/4" on the passengers side for more lift if I decide to get some bigger tires. Right now I have nearly new 265/70-17 Revos and at 2.5" it looks good. Pics in my gallery.
     
  8. Oct 5, 2010 at 9:42 AM
    #8
    BGrutter

    BGrutter [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2010
    Member:
    #41476
    Messages:
    379
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Baron
    Kansas City, MO
    Vehicle:
    2010 4x4 DCSB TRD OR
    Rear-View Camera Mod, Anti-theft Tailgate, No Mud-Flaps, Diff Breather Mod, Color-matched Mirror/Handle covers, Front Valance mod, Phone/GPS/Camera mount, and Illuminated 4x4 Switch ToyTec Ultimate Lift Light Racing UCAs
    I'm not one to worry about 1/4-1/2". However, I do feel like I need to maximize the lift (safely) so that it will fit the 285s the best possible. Also, I don't want to get this all put together and installed, only to decide a month or two later that I need to add the 1/2" spacer.

    And yes, I've contacted BirdTRD. He's been of great assistance. His truck looks great. However, I was hoping to see a few more people post that have the same setup.

    Thanks for all the help.
     
  9. Oct 5, 2010 at 10:00 AM
    #9
    Fabulous

    Fabulous Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2009
    Member:
    #19807
    Messages:
    860
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Fabian
    Calgary, AB
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tacoma double-cab TRD Sport
    TRD Pro grill and fog lights, Toytec Boss lift, 265/70-17 Duratracs on 17 x 8.5 FN Verge wheels, LEER canopy, 30% tinted front windows.
    Are you mechanically handy? If so you could always try out what I have, and if it's not enough you could always pull the front shocks back out quickly to add the larger spacers... I had to do that after I got mine all buttoned up, and then figured out I forgot to add the taco lean spacer. Took like 1 hour to pull the shock out and put the spacer in...no biggie.
     
  10. Oct 5, 2010 at 12:11 PM
    #10
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2007
    Member:
    #1138
    Messages:
    14,339
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Jandy
    Lancaster, PA
    Vehicle:
    2016 GMC Canyon SLT w/ LineX and....
    Just a note...

    The 1/4" thick top plate spacers will give you 1/2" of lift. So depending on who you talk to and how they 'refer' to the spacer as.....can get confusing.

    There's no such thing as a 1/4" LIFT spacer. It's usually 1/4" thick = 1/2" lift

    Reason why...is because the strut is mounted approx 50% inward of the full A-arm swing and why you get twice the amount of lift for how thick the spacer is (top or internal coil spacer).
     
  11. Oct 5, 2010 at 12:13 PM
    #11
    BGrutter

    BGrutter [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2010
    Member:
    #41476
    Messages:
    379
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Baron
    Kansas City, MO
    Vehicle:
    2010 4x4 DCSB TRD OR
    Rear-View Camera Mod, Anti-theft Tailgate, No Mud-Flaps, Diff Breather Mod, Color-matched Mirror/Handle covers, Front Valance mod, Phone/GPS/Camera mount, and Illuminated 4x4 Switch ToyTec Ultimate Lift Light Racing UCAs
    Yeah, I'm pretty handy. No expert, but this will be my 3rd self-installed lift ('94 Ranger & '02 Liberty). So I'm not afraid of having to fix it. But, if i don't put the 1/2" on the Driver side an 1/4" on the passenger side, but decide to later, I will have to uninstall both to swap locations of the 1/4" and install the 1/2". That will take a couple hours likely with a required trip to Auto-shop to de-compress, disassemble, re-assemble, and re-compress.

    I know I could do all the strut work myself by borrowing the tools from Autozone or somewhere, but I'm not feeling up to that anymore. A simple slip could fairly easily hurt me or more easily my hands. Not worth the risk in my profession. I'd rather spend the $40-60 to let someone else take that on.

    However, you do present a good point. I will see when the time comes. If adding that top spacer was the difference between needing and not needing new UCAs to get true alignment, I'd definitely pass. But, from what I've read, in order to comfortably fit 285s, I'll need an amount of lift that will push the stock UCAs beyond the point of re-alignment. So, if I'm already going that high, might as well get the extra 1/4" to provide additional clearance.

    This lift stuff certainly isn't an easy process. There are FAR too many factors and choices. Eventually I'll stop spamming the forums with questions and "what ifs..." and just buy/install the lift and be done with it. But this passes the time while I put the money together.
     
  12. Oct 5, 2010 at 12:16 PM
    #12
    BGrutter

    BGrutter [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2010
    Member:
    #41476
    Messages:
    379
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Baron
    Kansas City, MO
    Vehicle:
    2010 4x4 DCSB TRD OR
    Rear-View Camera Mod, Anti-theft Tailgate, No Mud-Flaps, Diff Breather Mod, Color-matched Mirror/Handle covers, Front Valance mod, Phone/GPS/Camera mount, and Illuminated 4x4 Switch ToyTec Ultimate Lift Light Racing UCAs
    EXCELLENT POINT! I hadn't thought of that. I've seen the inconsistencies of spacer sizes and actual lift amounts. But, I'd never thought of the medial mounting location and its compounded impact on actual lift. Very interesting. That certainly clears up some underlying confusion.
     
  13. Oct 5, 2010 at 1:32 PM
    #13
    Fabulous

    Fabulous Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2009
    Member:
    #19807
    Messages:
    860
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Fabian
    Calgary, AB
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tacoma double-cab TRD Sport
    TRD Pro grill and fog lights, Toytec Boss lift, 265/70-17 Duratracs on 17 x 8.5 FN Verge wheels, LEER canopy, 30% tinted front windows.
    The 1/4" and 1/2" spacers go on top of the shock assembly, so no need to compress the spring after it's set on the 5100's. You just have to jack the truck up, pull the assembly out enough to get it on top, and reinstall. The 1/2" on the drivers side would require 3 new bolts installed, but that wouldn't take hours...bet I could do it in under 3 with my hand tools, and I'm not even that mechanically inclined. I'd say buy the 5100's, the springs, and both the 1/4" and 1/2" spacers, and play around a bit. I think in the future I will end up getting a 1/2" toytec spacer for my drivers side, and putting the 1/4" on the passengers side when I go to some new tires, and/ or wheels.

    BTW- I was able to get my castor to 1.9/ 2.0 with my 2.5" of lift, and it drives exactly the same as before I got my lift. Not the 2.4 that is the desired number, but good enough for me :)
     
  14. Oct 5, 2010 at 2:08 PM
    #14
    BGrutter

    BGrutter [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2010
    Member:
    #41476
    Messages:
    379
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Baron
    Kansas City, MO
    Vehicle:
    2010 4x4 DCSB TRD OR
    Rear-View Camera Mod, Anti-theft Tailgate, No Mud-Flaps, Diff Breather Mod, Color-matched Mirror/Handle covers, Front Valance mod, Phone/GPS/Camera mount, and Illuminated 4x4 Switch ToyTec Ultimate Lift Light Racing UCAs
    Good tip again. For some reason, I had envisioned the spacer being placed between the spring and the top-plate. I didn't realize it was just set on top of the strut, like my Liberty Spacer. That's much, much easier. I suppose I could hold off on buying the 1/2" spacer and UCAs for a month of so and go with the 2.5" lift for now. Then, get them both done at the same time. Only problem there is that I'd have to pay to get it aligned all over again. Hmmm...

    I guess I'm back to buying the 1/2" and getting the UCAs right off the bat. Get it all over with so that I don't have to think of it later. So hard to make these decisions.
     
  15. Oct 5, 2010 at 6:02 PM
    #15
    roxspin72

    roxspin72 Enjoying my addiction

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2008
    Member:
    #4659
    Messages:
    1,829
    Gender:
    Male
    NC
    Vehicle:
    Speedway Blue, TRD, 4X4,
    Oh Yeah!!!
    So I've noticed my drivers side lean since my Eibach install with 5100's set at 0... It was just a slight lean.

    Well lately a few friends have been asking whats up with my suspension:mad: Naturally it is starting to bother me more and more.

    Soo, is the general consensus that I need to put a 1/4" Thick spacer on my drivers side and the Taco lean will be eliminated?

    Need to know before I order.

    Thanks...
     
  16. Oct 5, 2010 at 6:18 PM
    #16
    BirdTRD

    BirdTRD Unsuspectingly striking from above

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2009
    Member:
    #25166
    Messages:
    2,070
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Greg
    New Mexico
    Vehicle:
    TRD Off Road 4x4
    Front (2.75" total): 1.6" Eibach coils, Toytec 0.5" (L) & 0.25" (R) top plate spacers, 5100's @ 0.85", Built Right uniball UCA's, Differential drop, Removed sway bar Rear: TSB springs, Wheeler's 1.5" AAL, 5100's, 2* shims, Carrier bearing drop, F and R Spidertrax, 285/75-16 Goodyear Duratracs, Self-fabbed sliders, rear bumper, and skid plates, Cobra 75 CB, Bed lined slim lo-pro tool box, Bed Extender, Diff breather mod, Two tail gate security mods, Exhaust dumped behind axle, Can't leave shit alone so plenty more coming...
    I have the set up you speak of. I bought the 2-pack of 1/2" spacers with extended studs for $60 at Toytec. I originally had them on both sides. The lean bugged me so I swapped the passenger side on out with a 1/4" spacer (which you can buy individually).

    To correct an earlier post. Changing those three studs is a pain in the ass. You do need to disassemble the whole strut assembly because the studs go in from the bottom (where the coil seats).
     
  17. Oct 5, 2010 at 6:21 PM
    #17
    BirdTRD

    BirdTRD Unsuspectingly striking from above

    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2009
    Member:
    #25166
    Messages:
    2,070
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Greg
    New Mexico
    Vehicle:
    TRD Off Road 4x4
    Front (2.75" total): 1.6" Eibach coils, Toytec 0.5" (L) & 0.25" (R) top plate spacers, 5100's @ 0.85", Built Right uniball UCA's, Differential drop, Removed sway bar Rear: TSB springs, Wheeler's 1.5" AAL, 5100's, 2* shims, Carrier bearing drop, F and R Spidertrax, 285/75-16 Goodyear Duratracs, Self-fabbed sliders, rear bumper, and skid plates, Cobra 75 CB, Bed lined slim lo-pro tool box, Bed Extender, Diff breather mod, Two tail gate security mods, Exhaust dumped behind axle, Can't leave shit alone so plenty more coming...
    Partially true. It won't give you a 1/2" of lift. That's double the spacer height. It is more likely you'll see 1.5 times the height. In this case, 3/8" of lift. Splitting hairs I know but more accurate nevertheless.
     
  18. Oct 5, 2010 at 9:04 PM
    #18
    Fabulous

    Fabulous Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2009
    Member:
    #19807
    Messages:
    860
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Fabian
    Calgary, AB
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tacoma double-cab TRD Sport
    TRD Pro grill and fog lights, Toytec Boss lift, 265/70-17 Duratracs on 17 x 8.5 FN Verge wheels, LEER canopy, 30% tinted front windows.
    Hmmm...maybe I'll have to think about putting a 1/2" in on my drivers side later on then. That sounds like a pain now that I have everything all buttoned up, and riding so great. Maybe later, later down the road. Right now 2.5" is fine by me :) Thanks for the clarification.
     
  19. Oct 5, 2010 at 9:07 PM
    #19
    BGrutter

    BGrutter [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2010
    Member:
    #41476
    Messages:
    379
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Baron
    Kansas City, MO
    Vehicle:
    2010 4x4 DCSB TRD OR
    Rear-View Camera Mod, Anti-theft Tailgate, No Mud-Flaps, Diff Breather Mod, Color-matched Mirror/Handle covers, Front Valance mod, Phone/GPS/Camera mount, and Illuminated 4x4 Switch ToyTec Ultimate Lift Light Racing UCAs
    Thanks for chiming in, Bird.

    Question: the Eibach setup comes with a spacer, as advertised. I am assuming this is the smaller, 1/4" spacer (intended to be used om the driver side, but i would use it on the passenger side). That would mean I just need to buy the 1/2" spacers kit and just use one for the driver side.

    Am I thinking in the right direction?
     
  20. Oct 6, 2010 at 7:42 AM
    #20
    Fabulous

    Fabulous Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2009
    Member:
    #19807
    Messages:
    860
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Fabian
    Calgary, AB
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tacoma double-cab TRD Sport
    TRD Pro grill and fog lights, Toytec Boss lift, 265/70-17 Duratracs on 17 x 8.5 FN Verge wheels, LEER canopy, 30% tinted front windows.
    Are you refering to the Toytec ultimate lift kit? If so then I do belive it comes with the 1/4" spacer. I bought the 5100's from DSM, and then bought my eibach springs, AAL's and spacer from Toytec seperate as I don't need the adjustability of the ultimate kit. If you do get the ultimate kit then you wouldn't have to worry about fiddling around with the height after putting it on, as you can just adjust them with the collar till your happy with the height.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top