Spacer lift

[Zerokharma]

So I have read a lot of different threads about this and I could not find this answer. I have a 20 wrangler sport. I am wanting to just get a little lift so I can get slightly larger tires (315/70R17 maybe). What are the cons of just getting a spacer lift. I have been looking at the Teraflex 2.5 spacer lift. What would be the biggest con with going this route?

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[Zippity]

So I have read a lot of different threads about this and I could not find this answer. I have a 20 wrangler sport. I am wanting to just get a little lift so I can get slightly larger tires (315/70R17 maybe). What are the cons of just getting a spacer lift. I have been looking at the Teraflex 2.5 spacer lift. What would be the biggest con with going this route?

That's a great question, because that's almost exactly what I had done 2 years ago. Teraflex 2.5 spacer lift and put on 35s. I love it and have had no issues. The person who did it recommended it, because the ride is so much better. I'd like to know what the cons are too!

 

[Camaroboi13]

Your spacers will wear out in roughly 73-74 years. There’s your con.
my wife has been on 35s and spacers for over 5 years with zero complaints.

 

[jeepingib]

Teraflex 2.5 typically sells for about 500. It's not bad, but kinda expensive for what it is.

Daystar actually includes longer lower control arms, which helps to correct the caster after the lift from the spacers. Currently on Amazon for 230. I started with this kit 4 years ago.

 

[tomk62]

So I have read a lot of different threads about this and I could not find this answer. I have a 20 wrangler sport. I am wanting to just get a little lift so I can get slightly larger tires (315/70R17 maybe). What are the cons of just getting a spacer lift. I have been looking at the Teraflex 2.5 spacer lift. What would be the biggest con with going this route?

Here's what ChatGPT has to say ...

Installing a spacer lift kit like the Teraflex 2.5" spacer lift can be an attractive option for those looking to achieve a small lift and accommodate slightly larger tires without breaking the bank. However, it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks and limitations of this type of lift kit before making a decision. Here are some of the main cons to consider:

1. Limited suspension travel: Spacer lift kits only provide additional height by spacing out the existing suspension components. They do not address the underlying suspension geometry or improve suspension travel. As a result, your vehicle's off-road performance, especially over rough terrain or obstacles, may be limited compared to a more comprehensive suspension lift.
2. Ride quality: Spacer lifts can affect your vehicle's ride quality, especially on rough or uneven surfaces. The added height without corresponding adjustments to the suspension components can result in a stiffer, less compliant ride compared to a more advanced suspension lift kit.
3. Potential for premature wear: Because spacer lifts do not address the underlying suspension components, they may lead to accelerated wear and tear on other parts of the suspension system, such as bushings, ball joints, and control arms. Over time, this could result in increased maintenance costs and the need for more frequent repairs.
4. Limited adjustability: Spacer lifts typically do not offer much adjustability beyond the initial lift height. If you later decide to make further modifications to your suspension, such as adding aftermarket shocks or adjustable control arms, you may find that a spacer lift restricts your options or requires additional modifications to accommodate.
5. Aesthetics: While spacer lifts can provide additional clearance for larger tires, they may not offer the same level of aesthetic appeal or off-road capability as more comprehensive suspension lift kits. Depending on your preferences and intended use for the vehicle, this may or may not be a significant concern.

Ultimately, the decision to install a spacer lift kit like the Teraflex 2.5" spacer lift will depend on your specific needs, budget, and intended use for the vehicle. It's essential to carefully consider the pros and cons, as well as any potential long-term implications, before making a decision. If possible, consult with experienced Jeep enthusiasts or professionals to get their input and advice based on their own experiences.

 

[Zerokharma]

Thanks for all the answers. I guess with them wearing out in 73-74 years I might have to go a different direction. If it was 75 I might could swing it.
#jeepingib do you have the daystar? Happy with it? I did find the teraflex on facebook for like 250 in the box. (If he still has it)

 

[GATORB8]

Here's what ChatGPT has to say ...

Installing a spacer lift kit like the Teraflex 2.5" spacer lift can be an attractive option for those looking to achieve a small lift and accommodate slightly larger tires without breaking the bank. However, it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks and limitations of this type of lift kit before making a decision. Here are some of the main cons to consider:

1. Limited suspension travel: Spacer lift kits only provide additional height by spacing out the existing suspension components. They do not address the underlying suspension geometry or improve suspension travel. As a result, your vehicle's off-road performance, especially over rough terrain or obstacles, may be limited compared to a more comprehensive suspension lift.
2. Ride quality: Spacer lifts can affect your vehicle's ride quality, especially on rough or uneven surfaces. The added height without corresponding adjustments to the suspension components can result in a stiffer, less compliant ride compared to a more advanced suspension lift kit.
3. Potential for premature wear: Because spacer lifts do not address the underlying suspension components, they may lead to accelerated wear and tear on other parts of the suspension system, such as bushings, ball joints, and control arms. Over time, this could result in increased maintenance costs and the need for more frequent repairs.
4. Limited adjustability: Spacer lifts typically do not offer much adjustability beyond the initial lift height. If you later decide to make further modifications to your suspension, such as adding aftermarket shocks or adjustable control arms, you may find that a spacer lift restricts your options or requires additional modifications to accommodate.
5. Aesthetics: While spacer lifts can provide additional clearance for larger tires, they may not offer the same level of aesthetic appeal or off-road capability as more comprehensive suspension lift kits. Depending on your preferences and intended use for the vehicle, this may or may not be a significant concern.

Ultimately, the decision to install a spacer lift kit like the Teraflex 2.5" spacer lift will depend on your specific needs, budget, and intended use for the vehicle. It's essential to carefully consider the pros and cons, as well as any potential long-term implications, before making a decision. If possible, consult with experienced Jeep enthusiasts or professionals to get their input and advice based on their own experiences.

Chat GPT is basing this on an IFS spacer. Solid axle is different.

 

[Craigger]

As others have said, it will make caster worse but you can correct that with longer/adjustable LCAs. Also, spacers don't address bump stop - you may need to add some with bigger tires.

 

[GATORB8]

While a lot of the hate on spacers comes from the IFS side (where they have significantly more cons), when you look at the "kits" you end up with missing components or cheap out solutions to keep the price down.

On a sport that will see any off road use, I would 100% get new shocks and not mess with shock extensions. You don't have to dump a wad of cash on Fox 2.5 Resi's, basically anything is better than the stock short travel twin tubes that come on the sport.

Before all the 4xe springs came out from the lift manufacturers, I ran spacers for about six months. Don't do this if you're going bigger eventually since you'll end up paying twice, but if you want great bang for your buck and really solid off road performance, I still recommend my initial setup:

1. Spacers brand really doesn't matter that much, but the TF is solid. At the absolute minimum lift what you bump, I recommend more to increase uptravel.
2. Bump extensions to keep the tires out of the fenders. Not a lot of personal experience with the sport fenders, but guessing 2" to clear 35s. I'd do adjustable so you can swap without pulling springs up front.
3. Extended sway links, you'll want QDs up front if you off road.
4. You don't "have" to (the XRs run the same LCAs you do), but Mopar LCAs are a cheap and solid way to keep the caster up, they're ~$75 shipped and an easy install.
5. Shocks. With 2" of bump you can run Bilstein 5100 3-4.5s which basically max out your Jeep's potential flex on a stock driveshaft.

With 2" of bump, the difference between your sport shocks with extensions and those Bilsteins will almost double your flex. They are firm, another option for a little more coin is Fox 2.0s with similar results:

Other than QDs, a TF/Bilstein package would looks something like this:

Like I mentioned, literally anything's better than stock sport shocks:

 

[jeepingib]

Thanks for all the answers. I guess with them wearing out in 73-74 years I might have to go a different direction. If it was 75 I might could swing it.
#jeepingib do you have the daystar? Happy with it? I did find the teraflex on facebook for like 250 in the box. (If he still has it)

I am still using parts of this kit. I have added to it over the years. I first removed the stock Rubicon shocks and extensions for some Fox 2.5s. Then I added a Rock Krawler set of lower control arms and track bar. And then finally some TF ball joints and a RK drag link. I've been doing it like that old Johnny Cash song, one piece at a time.

If you get the TF kit you saw on marketplace see if it's the version with shock extensions, as they have more than one version of the kit. If it isn't then you will want to consider longer shocks, or at least some extensions. And I would add the Mopar lower control arms as a cost effective way to improve the caster as well.

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