Spacer lift, rear shocks

2019 TRDOR

Hello - Last year I had a 3" front and 2" rear spacer lift installed. When it was done, my mechanic mentioned he really needed to crank on the rear OEM shocks to get them to fit after (pull them down? I think that was it?) and he said I'll probably want to get new rear shocks to compensate for the space created by the lift.

I assume getting new rear shocks that compensate for the added space could help with a smoother ride? And please note, A. I know it rides like a truck. & B. I know adding the spacer lift compromised the OEM suspension, firming up the ride. That said, I'm not looking for Cadillac-float, but maybe something closer to OEM.

If so, and for the those in the know, what rear shocks would you suggest?

Thank you for any suggestions in advance.

MJA

 

I'm really confused by all of this. How did a body lift affect the shocks? The shocks are mounted to the frame rails. Raising the body shouldn't affect the suspension at all, unless I understand differently.

... Unless, are you taking about a spacer lift? That's a different animal.

 

Correct. Spacer lift. In particular, this one :

https://www.ebay.com/itm/123466420010

Sorry, my understanding of the lingo might not be the best. I've updated the title and body of the thread.

 

Now that makes sense. front spacer, rear blocks. Yes, you'll probably benefit from taller shocks in the rear, like 5125s or similar.


FYI, body lift referred to the very old fashioned method of putting spacers between the body panels and the frame. I was confused since almost no one does that anymore, for good reason.

 

Thanks. The 5125s would give a better ride, is that correct?

 

Subjective, but I think so.

The issue is that your stock shocks are at risk of topping out (hitting their max travel) at full droop. It's an easy way to trash a shock.


The 5125s will have the needed travel. However, be aware that the 5100 series are digressive shocks, they are slightly firmer on dampening than the stock OR billies, and I'm not 100% how well a stock front/5100 rear will play together.

Maybe someone with that experience will chime in.

 

Yes you need extended rear shocks to make the most of a 2" rear spacer. Or you have very little down travel.

Front shocks won't make a difference with 3" spacers. They max out the suspension regardless.

 

Thanks for the responses. This is helpful. So, definitely replace the rear shocks with extended shocks. Brand and type, TBD, potentially Bilstein 5125, unless others are preferred. All ears, if anyone has any suggestions.

Regarding your comment about the front shocks, there are no substitutes that compensate for 3" spacers, is that correct? Or does the spacer change the geometry, to a point of no return, that a shock would not compensate for, is that correct?

Again, thanks so much for the help. It's greatly appreciated.

MJA

 

Interesting no one is mentioning the limitations of compression with a longer shock.

If you put in a shock to compensate for the lift then you need to add bump and limit up travel otherwise the longer shock with bottom out.

The rear only allows for about 8-9” shocks stroke.

 

I don’t know what your mechanic was trying to tell you, but I do not think you need longer shocks for a 2” block lift. Longer shocks can increase travel within some limitations, but they are not a requirement.

 

Thanks for all the responses. That last two responses have provided suggestions that seem (?) to go against the prior two. If anyone else has information to share that could give clarity to my situation and questions, it would be appreciated. Thank you to the collective group.

Best,
MJA

 

Yes, you need longer shocks.

 

Your shock length is limited by both compressed length and extended length. The mounting locations on the frame and axle will determine what the maximize size shock you can fit while fully compressed. These are unchanged so all you have done is moved where the vehicle sits within the shock stroke.

So if your maximum compressed shock length is only 15" how would you fit a longer shock in the same space without damaging the shock on compression? You would need to install a bump stop that prevents damage to the shock thus limiting up travel.

Take a tape measure and measure you eye to eye shock length at ride height and then measure how much shock shaft is showing. With a 2" lift my guess is you have about 4" of shock shaft showing. OEM rear shocks are 14.5" compressed and 23" fully extended.

My guess is the mechanic didn't have to crank on the the shock in order to fit the lift but rather crank on them in order to fit with the axle fully drooped.

If you want longer shocks you need to look into a shock relocation kit.