Strut Spacers

So I have 2.5 lift struts and wanted to add a 3 inch strut spacer for more lift I know someone who had it done but just want to know if it works good or not or if I should just save up and buy a bigger lift kit thanks!

 

No.

Even if you have a pre-runner (no CV axles to worry about), this is a terrible way to lift the truck. Don't stack lifts. You end up exceeding the designed specifications of BOTH lifts.

Get a 6" bracket style lift (Procomp, etc.) if you want that high of a lift.

 

Even if there is no strut spacer in there right now?

 

Yes.

I'm not talking about adding 2 different strut spacers, although that would be stupid too...

You have a 2.5" lift from your coilovers (they aren't struts, tho) and want to add 3 more inches with a spacer.

The geometry of the suspension simply can't handle that much of a lift. Your upper and lower A-arms will be at such an extreme downward angle it will be impossible to get it aligned, not to mention you'll destroy your CV joints.

Get a bracket lift. And don't cheap out and get that one that costs $800 (I'm looking at you, Rough Country) when all the other ones cost $2k+. There's a very good reason it is so much cheaper.

 

this aint it chief. I mean if you really wanted to yeah you can put a 3 inch spacer on your already lifted setup.

 

Is it 4wd?

Is this lift to impress kids at the mall, or do you have a functional plan in mind?

Side note. Tacomas don't have struts. They are coil-over-shock double wisbone front suspension. Regardless of the terms you may see in online ads.

 

I think the actual issue would be getting it to align afterward. You'd never be able to get rid of the positive camber. If you want it to drive afterward, you should get a bracket lift. Or a 3" body lift would be cheap and get you taller.

I lowered a 6 lug Tacoma so far be it from me to throw the first stone LOL- it's your truck do what you want.

 

Good point about the intended use @Clearwater Bill

If you want performance for off road, I will HIGHLY recommend you not get a huge lift. You will get far superior performance for off-roading from a well thought out set of coilovers and rear leafs to get you (at most) 3" of lift. That's all you need to fit 33's. If you want 35's, you'll need to do some serious and . All the 6" lifts do if make your truck have a higher center of gravity.

The other "proper" way to get a little more than 3" (maybe 4-5") of lift is to go long travel. But again, that takes some serious fabrication and of course, $$.

If you want the bigger lift for looks, that's cool too. But please don't stack your lifts. Get a lift that is designed form the start to achieve your desired result.

 

No I’m basically going off looks I want it look sharp but be functional and not go too cheap the lift was already on it but I didn’t know what kind has anyone looked into that 4” pro comp?

 

I’m kind of new to this so bare with me

 

It’s a pre runner no 4wd but 6 lug

 

I don't think they make spindle lifts for 6 lugs but if they do that would be a decent way to go since your 2wd

 

Yeah I’m not into to all the over landing and what not plus I love my truck it’s only got 55,*** miles on a 03 so I don’t want to mess anything up on it

 

Do you like wheel bearings? I've seen a few 1st and 2nd gens where the strut spacers like wheel bearings to. Not sure why - have just seen it in person.

 

Since you're a pre-runner, that does help things a bit since you don't have to worry about your CV angles.

That said, even at 3" a lot of people end up needing aftermarket upper control arms (UCA) to get their truck aligned. The stock ones can be too short and you end up with really bad camber. After market UCAs will fix that, but only to a point. When you put shocks that are too long, or shock spacers like the pro comp and others have, you also run into an issue where at full droop the spindle can contact the coil spring (bad!).

Hence why even the pro-comp 4" lift is a bracket style.

https://www.procompusa.com/suspension-product-details.aspx?pt=3533&pl=1808

But even then, all that does is throw a giant spacer in between your stock coilover and the shock tower and uses spacers between the upper control arm and the spindle (i.e. balljoint spacer). You will not see any performance improvements with this lift, despite what Pro Comp tells you. In fact, IMO, performance and durability decrease with that kind of lift. If you go this route, you must remove whatever "lift" is already on your truck, because this lift assumes you have stock coils.

Honestly, I would focus more on getting some good performing shocks (adjustable coilovers like king, fox, icon), or even go with a kit like the OME 3" lift kit where you get ALL new springs, shocks and leafs for about $1200. It will perform better on and off road than the Pro Comp...

 

Since you are pre runner, call Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road and ask about the @ChadsPride special.

Chad may pop in with some info and a pic or two.

 

Thank you again @Clearwater Bill

 

Ok... What's that?