How bad is a 1/2" top plate spacer

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you do get the driveline vibes/cv wear, it'll only occur while 4wd is engaged right?

 

I am still wondering about this as I want to buy the 1/2" spacers.... two things.
1)Are these bad? I figured it would be ok because my understanding is Toyota uses spacers anyway on the Pro model?
2) does anyone have a link to write up for a "how to" instruction? I haven't done anything like this before but was a mechanic in the Navy....... just don't want to take coils off and then not be able to put it back together? Special tools? etc....

 

.5" spacer wont cause you any problems. I cant give you a write up because I used this lift :

https://westcottdesigns.net/product/fox-trd-pro-lift-kit/

However if you watch the install video in that link, they show towards the end how to install a top plate, since it's part of the lift. Hope this helps.

Edit: the pro doesn't come from Toyota with a spacer as you stated in your post. The extra height is provided by the fox coilover

 

@CJH9980 is right, you can probably get away with a .5" spacer... however its not something we suggest, ever.

https://youtu.be/pve9VtD39H0

 

That's a good visual explanation !

 

Did you end up using them on your 2010 setup with the 5100s? I currently have 5100s set on the second notch with close to 1" of lift and was considering installing a set of these instead of adjusting up to the 4th or 5th groove to gain another inch or so.

 

Yes, I still have my 2010, my daughter drives it now. It has 5100's set at 0.85, eibach 1.6" springs, and a 0.5" top plate spacer. I had spc UCA's, then switched to TC, then back to the spc because my daughter isn't going to properly maintain the uniball. It's got wheels with -10 offset, and never runs anywhere. That particular lift has served me very well over the 10 year time I've had the truck. I replaced the 5100s a few years back on all four corners, but the other components have remained the same.

It's about to get a new leaf pack from toyota, they sent me a warranty notice saying the leaf could break and puncture the gas tank, so they are replacing them for free. Pretty good customer service as far as I'm concerned, when dealing with a 10 year old truck! When that happens, I'll put on a new AAL instead of reusing the current one.

My 2010 is still a damn nice truck, and I'd still be driving it if she hadn't started driving!

Edit: the 2010 is running 285/75/16 pro comp all terrains. No rub but originally after the lift I had to do some heatgun work on the fender liner

 

As far as the lift wearing out the suspension, I replaced both CV axles at about 120k miles. The axles weren't giving me any problems, but I noticed torn boots so I just replaced them. Then at 130ish k miles, one of the front wheel bearings went out, so I replaced them. I dont feel like the lift caused anything to wear prematurely.

 

Did you have to install longer studs for the spacer?

 

I dont think so. I dont remember all the details as it was so long ago, but pretty sure it was the same studs

 

https://youtu.be/l1tTelhdEiM

this might help clear up mis information about spacer lifts he cover them at the end but watching the whole video will help understanding as well

 

Using a .4-.5 spacer on top. Youre likely going to need to swap out the 3 top nuts to the shock or flip them upside down. Bc of how the oem nuts are designed. At least on the 3rd gen taco. There is a space in the nut before the threads engage.

 

Yep I had these on my TRD Pro 4runner and it was no good. I took them off almost immediately, and went with the Westcott Kit to achieve my goal and get some life out of the OEM suspension.