Lifted Struts Vs. Spacers: Which Is The Better Alternative?

Lifted struts and spacers are now a popular add-on accessory for 4-wheel drive vehicles. Maintaining the chassis geometry of an off-road vehicle is critical to maintaining part longevity and performance.

Would you like to own a lifted car that still performs like it just came out of the showroom? Would you like to increase your truck’s new height while still maintaining ride quality? If you want a worry-free ride, you need to install Lifted Struts or Spacers.

Confused to choose between Lifted Struts Vs Spacers, which one is really the better option? In that case, let’s learn more below so you can make an informed decision.

Lifted Struts Vs. Spacers: Table Of Comparison

Trucks vary in size and shape; some are large, and others are small, while most are tall & others are short. Regardless of what type of vehicle you own, you can always customize it to fit your specific needs, such as lifting the struts or installing spacers.

Lifted StrutsLifted Spacers
When driving off-road, you can increase your hauling and towing capacityThe wheel spacer is usually designed to be bolted between the wheel & its mounting hub
It does not interfere with droop travel the way spacers do, and the lower shock mount is not at risk of breakingWork on a factory suspension or aftermarket kit
Provides a more comfortable ride with upgraded shock absorbersStrut disassembly and coil spring compressors are not required
Coil spring compressor required if installing just the strutDoesn’t increase suspension ability when off-road
Your truck or SUV benefits from an increase in ground clearanceLifts are fixed, so there is no chance of sagging or settling
Increasing suspension travel as you wantCan be utilized to switch wheel bolt patterns

Lifted Struts Vs. Spacers: A General Overview

The Lifted Struts and Lifted Spacers are both very significant parts of your vehicle. Apart from that, they each have advantages and disadvantages.

Lifted Struts Vs. Spacers: What Do They Do?

It doesn’t matter whether you call them lifted struts, leveling struts, or adjustable height struts; they all mean essentially the same concept. For these struts, the coil spring collars can be attached to the shock absorber in a variety of ways. The coil spring collar is oriented differently or is located in a different groove.

Coil springs can be used in different bottom mounting positions, but sticking to the same bottom mounting location results in preloading the coil spring.

While each option has pros & cons, people are typically attracted to spacers due to the perceived lower cost of a new pair of struts. The spacers are equally very popular with new car owners who don’t want to replace struts that aren’t very old; just level the vehicle. However, in addition to its advantages of cost and ease, this system also comes with some drawbacks.

Vehicle Application

If you drive a daily vehicle that rarely goes off-road, strut spacers may be the appropriate option for you. However, if you enjoy exploring the countryside and plan to take your SUV or truck on more recreational excursions, you should consider lifting and leveling your vehicle.

When you upgrade your OE shocks to leveling shocks, not only will you improve the looks of your SUV or truck, but you could also compromise the handling or damaged parts. Ultimately, you will receive an actual handling and performance upgrade. A spacer kit’s shortcomings are addressed by lifted and leveling struts.

Capability

By increasing down-travel, strut extension kits can damage CV joints, ball joints, drivelines, or sway bars as well. A pre-load spacer kit increases ride height by changing the rate of static springs. This can cause drooping when the rebound damping is lost. As a consequence, there is excessive front end bounce, which is potentially dangerous and uncomfortable.

Many people purchase spacer kits in order to eliminate the rake since it is a lower front end height when it comes standard with your truck. Most trucks with coil spring suspensions can benefit from these kits that raise the ride height by 1 to 3 inches. The typical spacer kit does increase the ride height but usually reduces the suspension’s up travel, sometimes by more than 2 inches.

Pro Tips

Installation of the Lifted Struts is more challenging if you’re just installing the struts because coil spring compressors are needed.

When spacers are used, downward travel is significantly reduced, causing the lower control arm to hang lower due to the limiting effect of the bottom strap.

Lifted Struts Vs. Spacers: Cost Comparison

Costs for replacing a strut and shock assembly can range anywhere from $150 to $900 per component. In addition, replacement of shocks and struts can cost anywhere from approximately $150 to $300.

In general, thinner wheel Spacers can be found in packs of two for approximately $65-100. A thicker variety will cost $100 or more.

Lifted Struts Vs Spacers: What’s The Best?

A common question is what is more helpful: Lifted Struts Vs. Spacers? Lifted struts maintain suspension geometry by maintaining the maximum possible travel. The addition of spacers to a manufacturer’s coil-over suspension can compromise its durability by extending the droop travel too far.

Many times, coil bind also occurs when a spacer is installed, reducing the up-travel of the compression spring. Personally, I think Lifted Struts are the right choice. Finally, one more decision on your side.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are strut spacer lifts good?

Lift kits with spacers are great, but they are best suited to people who wish to raise their car a couple of inches for aesthetic reasons. However, they do not need the extra ground clearance for off-road use. It’s the simplest and cheapest method for raising your vehicle without affecting how it rides.

Are spacers a good idea?

Wheel spacers can alter suspension geometry, changing a scrub radius, changing braking performance, and also reducing the effectiveness of spring rates.

Can struts lift a car?

A vehicle cannot be lifted by standard shocks absent of specialized gas. It is possible to generate about a half-inch of shock with high-pressure nitrogen, though this is merely a side effect.

Are struts adjustable?

Struts can be adjusted for caster and camber angles, which are directly related to your vehicle’s alignment.

Should I replace front and rear shocks at the same time?

It’s always best to replace shocks and struts in pairs (either on the front or back axle), and you should replace them on all 4 wheels at once. By doing so, you can maintain reliable traction and ensure your vehicle responds consistently through both sides.

The Final Word

Before buying, what should you know about Lifted Struts Vs. Spacers? Wonderful.

Lifted and leveling struts provide a better fit for most vehicles than spacers since they can increase your vehicle’s profile flexibility without making it overly long. It provides extra stability as well as better aesthetics due to the non-downward pointing of the nose.

A lifted suspension is equipped with specially designed & tuned struts. In most cases, the Lifted spacers are used to re-use the manufacturer’s coil-overs, which in combination with top spacers, can drastically impair the vehicle’s handling also. And yes, do not forget your personal preferences.

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