Spacer Lift -vs- Suspension Lift Differences

I've had a 3" Spacer Lift on my truck since almost day one.
Recently I decided to install a proper suspension lift, and ordered an OME Kit w/2882 coils and Dakar Leaf Pack.

In anticipation of the change/install, I'm trying to imagine it.
Comparing the Spacer Lift to the Suspension Lift, what differences will be experienced when driving on and off road?

 

A better ride.

 

Respect.

 

Where’d u buy ur setup? I’m in the market too.

 

Both ^^

 

I know the spacer lift is not a the best route, because the spacer stiffens the front.
This is what I can not imagine, going away from that, to an actual shock/coil designed too lift, and enhance the whole geometry while doing so.

The rear, the block will be removed.
The lift will be designed into the leafs. As it should be.

It's just hard for me to imagine, how the whole geometry of the package will be better.
So far, everyone's one-liners, doesn't really say anything!! LOLOL!!!

 

A spacer just forces the assembly downward, causing you to lose travel and therefore "preloading" shocks not designed to run the way they're being used.

Pair that with shocks that most likely need replacing (if its been over 60k miles), because they aren't providing any damping worth a shit.

Let's add to that the way the new shocks are valved, which will be tons better than what you are running (assuming stock).

Last but not least, a quality shock.

You can taste the difference between a good cut of steak and a crappy one right? Or a good IPA versus some shitty Coors. How about a quality tire?

Not sure how many ways you'd want it spelled out.

 

Best come back I have, without digging into the paperwork history, I've no clue what shocks are under it, or what spacer brand it was. The ride was fine.
As for knowing the difference of quality shocks, all my rigs were loaded to the hilts. And the weight carried always changed.
Maybe that's why when I got in my 1st gen, the ride felt like my work rigs, and felt..normal or good? Dunno.

Comparing the ride to a quality cut of beef, that somewhat gives my brain something to chew on.
IPA's, IMHO, they all taste similar to pee.
Budlight Platinum is the only beer I buy.
Pendleton

From the references shared here, I guess I'm going to be impressed.
I hope so.

 

I'll tell you this; maybe on some bad roads, especially speed bumps and potholes it may feel slightly better but on road performance won't really change.

It's the off road handling that'll surprise you, as you will feel more often "planted" to the ground.

That's where quality suspension shines for our vehicles.

I can't say how Bilsteins or OME feel as I never drove a truck with them, but I believe in quality which is why I went from stock to Fox 2.5 on one truck, and stock to King 2.5 on another.

Don't like a quality IPA?

You're dead to me

 

OK, now. Now I get to the skinny of understanding how the OME configuration is going to be.
I haven't had any previous off roading experience, per-say, in my truck.
But it sounds like my ride will compare to "my" beverage likings.

At least we agree, we won't be bumming the others beverage!!
IPA,.........

 

I’ve got an OME setup. Bought it that way. Now I’ve got the 1” lean going. Should I just buy an entirely new OME setup then? Or try a spacer for cheaper?

 

Maybe you have a bad shock or broken leaf?
I would check tire pressure, measure, then check for a broken leaf.

 

Back to my topic.

Since my truck coming from front spacer/stock UCAs, to the 2882 OMEs, should I be considering aftermarket UCAs?

 

Every truck is different, even with the same suspension.

Aftermarket UCAs help to achieve proper alignment; I got away without needing them even though I have a set.

So only you can decide if you want or need them.

 

Really now just going back to every thread on here about "what lift" and "do I need UCAs"

 

How much lift are you going with?

I've read that aftermarket UCAs are best to get for anything three inches and up. Mine is lifted right around the three inch mark with an Icon Stage 3 and I went with new UCAs because I'd rather have them and not need then than not have them and need 'em.

Now, here's a good question - Do you have a 3rd Gen Tacoma like the one in your avatar? If so, why did you post your question in the 1st Gen Tacoma section?

 

1.5" lift with Deaver single AAL, 500# Sumo Springs and ADS Level 1. Can't compare to spacers, but can compare to stock, which might help. My purpose was solely for off road. Primarily the front undercarriage/skid plates, which were hitting obstacles on a regular basis. Think of the front end like doing push ups - your hands are tires; your arms are suspension, and your chest is the undercarriage/skid plate. While traveling moderate trails at moderate speeds, the stock suspension was doing push ups and slamming its chest into the ground. It just felt too loose and got overwhelmed too easily. The stock skid plates took a beating.

With the new setup, the front undercarriage sits 1.5" higher; which helps, but the real improvement is in the control offered by the shocks themselves. Control is the best word I have to describe it. The full amount of travel hasn't changed, but the speed through which it moves has slowed, lessening the amount of momentum the body of the truck can generate up and down. No more raising up and slamming down off road, especially after several miles of rigorous use.

Below freeway speed on pavement, I don't really feel any difference, unless I hit something big like a pothole. Again, control. It absorbs the bump and settles down immediately. At freeway speeds, I notice it over undulations like overpass expansion joints. The stock suspension cycled up and down twice after the hit - once to absorb, then once again to settle. Again, control. The new setup absorbs the hit once, with no further movement.

Hard to describe. If I didn't off road the truck, I'm not sure I'd recommend the expense. Hope that helps.

 

*Complains about IPAs, drinks budweiser*



Guess you're just afraid of taste...

So here's my take on what will happen to your ride. As other said, on the road, probably not much will change. If anything, your ride may actually be a bit stiffer since the 882's have a higher spring rate than stock, although you'll have nicer shocks, which will handle better. In teh rear, you'll have reduced axle wrap because you don't have the blocks.

Also as other said, the main thing you'd notice is the off road performance. This suspension system is geared for off road performance, so that should make sense.

Although "better" ride is all in the eye of the beholder. I see people complain about the ride after spending $1500 on front shocks alone because it still rides "like a truck". Well, it is a truck, lol, so....

As for UCAs, here's my suggestion, go without at first. When you install your new suspension, go get it aligned (factory alingment specs ONLY). If the shop has trouble aligning it, then you likely need new UCAs.

 

I hauled the new, empty cans, to most Micro Breweries, from Canada to Southern Oregon.
I sampled (by the 4-packs for free) a lot of breweries. About all I cared to sample.

The UCA suggestion, I'll go with that!!

I like and agree with 50% of what you referenced!