3" vs 4" springs- spacers discovered!

FatBuoy · 01-12-2009, 07:01 PM

So I just discovered that my 4" TeraFlex lift consists of 3" lift springs combined with 1" spacers. I didn't know what I didn't know at the time and didn't know what to ask or what was really available. I told my local shop that I wanted a 4" lift. I do see that TF has both 4" and 3" springs so I kind of feel I got the shaft. Now to be fair, maybe TF didn't offer a 4" spring last March-not sure. So my question is: What do I give up by having this setup instead of actual 4" springs? Should I be upset that they didn't give me the option or ask which way I would prefer or make ANY recommendations? Another reason I'm asking is that I'm about to add the Long Arm upgrade and want to make sure I've got the right setup...

sean2857 · 01-12-2009, 07:18 PM

with the spacers, your springs wont compress as much as the 4 inch spings. less articulation. If it were me, I would be a little upset that I didnt get the option between the 2 springs. i mean if your going to have it ripped apart to put a lift on it, you might as well go all out and get the extra inch of spring in there instead of just tossing in some spacers.

FatBuoy · 01-12-2009, 07:41 PM

yeah, that's kinda what I figured. I'm a little chapped. Can I just start all over?

sean2857 · 01-12-2009, 07:49 PM

you could always replace the 3 inch springs with the 4 inch ones.

desertjk · 01-13-2009, 12:34 AM

Just as a point of clarification, using a spacer won't necessarily limit or reduce your articulation (though it may). If the lift is designed properly, the upward travel of your axles should be limited by the bump stops and the droop should be limited by the shocks (or a limit strap). Adding a spacer won't limit the droop, of course. The only way it would limit the compression is if the spring coils bottom out on each other before the bump stops are reached. Though this is certainly possible, I would find it unlikely to happen in the case of a lifted JK.

What will happen with spacers, though, is that the spring will be compressed a bit more when the bump stops are hit than they would be without the spacers (or with a longer spring) so it'll take a bit more force to get full stuff.

If it were me, I'd rather have the longer springs than the shorter ones with a spacer but I wouldn't necessarily say that it's all that bad. You might try getting the Jeep into a position where you have full stuff and then take a look at how much the springs are compressed and see what you think.

Warlord2 · 01-13-2009, 05:08 AM

I would flex the jeep and see how it looks... I was at a offroad park a week ago and was finally able to flex my kit. I always thought I wouldnt have rubbing problems with a 4" actual height, and I didnt but it was VERY close to rubbing at full flex. For the most part I do believe longer springs are better. Im thinking of going to 6" now just because I have all the adjustable arms and want new shocks anyways but am afraid it would make the ride even worse down the interstate.

tricked919 · 01-13-2009, 01:51 PM

Just had to throw this out there... I've seen my fair share of shops pull shady stuff like this, but are you sure that the 1" spacer that you're seeing isn't the stock coil isolator? That's about an inch thick and most lifts call for keeping that in there.

FatBuoy · 01-13-2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tricked919

Just had to throw this out there... I've seen my fair share of shops pull shady stuff like this, but are you sure that the 1" spacer that you're seeing isn't the stock coil isolator? That's about an inch thick and most lifts call for keeping that in there.

Sure would like to catch them at that. Well here's all I know, and how I discovered everything in the first place: My receipt states that I bought a 3" TF lift kit with shocks. There is a separate line item for 1" TF spacers. I will go look now if you can tell me what to look for. The other thing that may help is if someone with 4" of lift, 35" KM2s and aftermarket bumpers can tell me at what height their front and rear fenders are. I know there are variables here, but it could be a start.

H8T2W8T · 01-13-2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tricked919

Just had to throw this out there... I've seen my fair share of shops pull shady stuff like this, but are you sure that the 1" spacer that you're seeing isn't the stock coil isolator? That's about an inch thick and most lifts call for keeping that in there.

+1 my TF kit called for leaving the stock spacer (about 1/2-1" if I remember right) to help level out the front end droop.

tricked919 · 01-13-2009, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatBuoy

Sure would like to catch them at that. Well here's all I know, and how I discovered everything in the first place: My receipt states that I bought a 3" TF lift kit with shocks. There is a separate line item for 1" TF spacers. I will go look now if you can tell me what to look for. The other thing that may help is if someone with 4" of lift, 35" KM2s and aftermarket bumpers can tell me at what height their front and rear fenders are. I know there are variables here, but it could be a start.

yeah, if your invoice calls it out, then that's a no-brainer. That kinda sucks. Its probably no different from a ride height and performance perspective, but if I had a choice in 4" lifts between full coil and a coil/spacaer combo, I'd do the straight-up coil.

The factory isolator is rubber - and almost all BB or spacer pucks are urethane. They look very different. The OEM looks rubbery, has no shine, and its usually pancaked out. A urethane spacer keeps relatively squared up sides and doesn't bulge nearly as bad.

FatBuoy · 01-13-2009, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tricked919

Just had to throw this out there... I've seen my fair share of shops pull shady stuff like this, but are you sure that the 1" spacer that you're seeing isn't the stock coil isolator? That's about an inch thick and most lifts call for keeping that in there.

Wait, if the stock coil isolator is 1" shouldn't the spacer be 2" if it's going to get an extra inch???

BeerMonkeY · 01-13-2009, 04:26 PM

you should buy 4" springs and give me your 3" ones, that should fix everything

**voodooJK** · 01-14-2009, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatBuoy

Wait, if the stock coil isolator is 1" shouldn't the spacer be 2" if it's going to get an extra inch???

No, the stock one stays and you put in the one inch spacer in addition to it.

01-12-2009, 07:41 PM	#3
FatBuoy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Austin Posts: 1,016 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	yeah, that's kinda what I figured. I'm a little chapped. Can I just start all over? __________________ Rescue Green Auto Unlimited Rubicon, and lovin' it! So far: Rugged Ridge front bumper, rear bumper/tire carrier and side armor, 37" Toyo Open Country MTs, Argent AEV Pintlers, AEV hood, 5.13 gears, Teraflex 4" Long Arm lift, JE Reel front shaft. Flat fenders-Bushwacker. Superchips Flashpaq Waiting to be installed: Nuttin! On order: Nuttin! Some day: I may grow up, but I seriously doubt it. Oh, and a Hemi!