Are Spacer Lifts REALLY that bad?

I looked up the 5100s and this looks like exactly the kind of solution that I need. Thanks big time

 

that is a BIG spacer. On the front a 1" thick spacer, nets you 2" of lift so... Ski

 

So the reason this happened is because he didnt extend his bump stops accordingly. This caused the articulation to still allow the lower control arm to rise to its stock bump location but because the coilover had been extended 3" it crushed the shock.

 

I highly recommend the 5100s. In your case if you don't want the 1" block in the rear, just set the front @ 1", and you'll be level. Best thing about the 5100's is it's a bigger better shock than the stock OR shocks, and keeps it's awesome ride, without the brake dive.

Do it, do it.

P.S. I love my 2/1" lift, and would do it again...

 

I had the same struggle...having had success with spacers in full-sized trucks in the past.

But, considering ride quality, off road performance and (very important and) carrying weight in the bed, I decided to pony up the money for all-around suspension lift from Toytec. My truck drives and rides great, off road is excellent (for me), I have the factory rake for an OEM look and the rears springs soak up a load without squatting.

Sounds like you'll be good with a minor front level kit, but if you off road or carry weight, you know what they say, "spend the money and cry ONCE!" Just my .02 worth.
Good luck!

 

I have a Leer shell. I used these shocks and it restored the rake and ride to be similar to without the shell.

$59 KYB 554350 Gas-a-Just Gas Shock

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001C9QXI6/?coliid=I2FGXTZ3VYO5WY&colid=22U6ZL5TRRQIM

 

Spacer lifts suck, speaking from experience. If you decide to lift, get proper shocks and don't go above two inches.

 

Buy one and install it on your $40K truck.
Good luck with that.

 

I've seen all of this with proper coil overs. Even the shaft inverting. Heck I've seen a stock non-lifted bilstien invert.

Abuse is abuse. Spacers aren't perfect, but they certainly aren't fear mongering time bombs like TW makes them to be.

 

@Mully, cant really tell what happened there. Did the spacer crack or collapse leading to the arm bending the shock?

Im stock and have no plans on any spacers, level, or lift in the near future. Just curious how that happened.

 

I had a level spacer / puck on my 2nd Gen. Top of strut spacer. Didn’t change the ride quality at all, but to be fair, my truck was well overdue for struts / shocks anyway. Had they been fresh, it probably would’ve made it a tad bit stiffer.

I know plenty of people that get them with no issues though.

I think most just get new struts / springs to get the most out of the level / lift.

I’m running 5100’s with Eibach Pro Springs. Love it, would never run a spacer again, unless I just needed a more affordable option.

But no, I don’t think spacers are that bad at all.

 

Do you live in the Carolinas? If no, forget the level. Stick with stock.

 

Thanks for this info, Ghost. I don't plan on off roading a whole lot, but I DO snowboard, and that would be the extent of me being off road. I'm mainly looking for an easy way to get 17" wheels with a high profile tire. And there are more options available in 17"

 

https://youtu.be/l1tTelhdEiM

 

I don't know why you would want a spacer lift other than price. I have experience with lifting a vehicle not the Tacoma. I lifted my Jeep Liberty CRD years back, Before I decided on the lift I wanted I was off Roading with some guys. One had A Gasser Liberty with a spacer lift, one with the Old man Emu springs and and all. I spacer lift rode hard like a Buck board. The OME was 2" lift and rode better than stock suspension. There are some many quality lifts for the Tacoma that are quality comparable to that. yes they cost more. all I can say is save up and do it right. I did with the Jeep and it was a good thing I enjoyed it and didnt need to spent more to redo it cus it sucked.