View Full Version : Suspension MAXX Spacer
twogrenades
05-09-2005, 10:28 PM
Has anyone heard of or tried the Suspension MAXX spacer that goes on top of the coil spring and strut assembly to raise the front end? I'm really thinking about giving it a try but I don't know how safe this is to do. I would have it install by a local shop and get a front end alignment. I have a friend that says that the spacer can damage the coil and end up destroying the strut assembly. I also talked to another local shop that said they wouldn't recommend this because the spacer could somehow pop of the coil.
If anyone has a suggestion of another way to do a lift or whether this is a good idea to try? Thanks for any help. twogrenades
MoJoe
05-18-2005, 12:42 PM
Hey bro, I ran spacers in my Tacoma for over a year before I sold it, with no issues. I have not seen a small spacer like that hurt anything before. It is basically like adding a spring with a higher load rate to keep the front end up higher. You are not going to damage the strut if installed correctly. On my Tacoma I installed a 2" spacer between the spring and top strut plate, and ran a .75" spacer between the strut and the strut mount to gain a total of 2.75". I have not had a chance to pull off my wheels and study the setup of the TB, but a 1" to 1.5" spacer will only stiffen the ride and give you lift when placed inside of the assembly.
The down side is you loose some of your down travel, but at that small of amount of lift, you will be fine. Some one who has installed springs or spacers on a TB may chime in also. My experience has only been with Tacoma's up to this point when dealing with spacers. Oh, and by the way, when it is sandwiched in between the spring and strut plate, it will not pop out unless your strut cracked in half. I have seen people try too large of a spacer in, and break the bottom spring perch of the strut, but that may have been issues with strut itself.
MoJoe
05-18-2005, 04:28 PM
I emailed the tech support at Revtek to inquire about them producing a lift. I will keep you posted on that one also.
twogrenades
05-22-2005, 06:04 PM
Well, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna try this spacer setup. The only question I have right now is whether the company should provide the lower jounce washer. In their instructions, they say that the washer's diameter has to be reduced from 2.75" to 2.388" which would have to be machined. Also, this could have to be replaced if I want to take the spacers out in the future. I'll be emailing Suspension Maxx to see if they will provide a washer.
If anyone gets any info on other ways to do a suspension lift then please let me know. When I get this done I'll get some before and after pics out.
twogrenades
MoJoe
05-22-2005, 06:08 PM
What size tire you going for? I was thinking a 265/75/r16. Should be close to a 31 mounted on the SUV. I am still flip flopping between a small lift, and 22's...
Envoy Fan
05-22-2005, 07:25 PM
What size tire you going for? I was thinking a 265/75/r16. Should be close to a 31 mounted on the SUV. I am still flip flopping between a small lift, and 22's...
Your'e thinkin a lift AND 22's?
MoJoe
05-22-2005, 10:49 PM
Your'e thinkin a lift AND 22's?
No, one or the other, either level the front and 31's, or level the rear and 22's. One up or the other down :D
MoJoe
05-23-2005, 05:31 PM
I do not know if you saw this write up on the install, but it say the jounce washer needs to be ground down. I think I may be ordering the kit also. I have not heard back from anyone else about their products.
http://www.suspensionmaxx.com/htstrutremoval.htm
twogrenades
05-23-2005, 10:39 PM
Haven't decided what tires I want yet. Just taking it one step at a time while a make sure that I have the money. When I do get new tires, I'm gonna want some different wheels too.
Oh, and about the washer, I emailed Suspension MAXX to see if they will provide it, just waiting for a reply. Otherwise I'll probably try and get one from the dealer and have a friend machine it so I can save a little money.
twogrenades
MoJoe
05-23-2005, 11:09 PM
According to their site, you need to grind down your stock washer. Does not sound hard to do, just takes a little time to do it right.
"Notice: Important! DO NOT disregard. Due to minimum clearance the lower jounce washer must be reduced in diameter from 2 3/4 inches to 2 3/8 inches to allow sufficient clearance. This can be done by grinding or filing."
the roadie
06-01-2005, 12:17 AM
I put in their 1" spacers last weekend, and it worked out just fine. I have no worries they can jump anywhere, and all it seems to do is pre-load the springs so they start out stiffer. I like the ride better.
Reducing the diameter of the jounce washer should not need to be reversed if you take the spacers out later. All it does is catch the top of the shock in a rebound. Not having a big honkin' grinding wheel at home, I used a saber saw to remove that 3/16" strip around the edge of the thick washer. It took longer to modify the washers than to compress the springs and put in the spacer.
Note: $20 spring compressors are NOT worthy to compress these springs. You need real moosy ones, or a professional setup. I'd pay a shop to do it if I didn't already have $75 compressors.
Because of the geometry, 1" lift at the spring gave me 1.5" total lift at the tire.
Now to go figure out how much bigger tires can fit without wheel well mods. Anybody using 32"?
Email me if you want pics of the work in progress. It took me 1.5 hours on the first one to learn the process, then 45 minutes on the second one, and most of that was sawing the edge off the washer. And cranking down VERY carefully and evenly on the compressor bolts.
MoJoe
06-01-2005, 08:37 AM
Thats good news, get some pictures posted! :cool:
the roadie
06-01-2005, 04:45 PM
Done. In the gallery under "the Roadie"
tbmdsd
06-03-2005, 01:38 PM
I have the 1" spacer that gives close to 1.5 inch lift. The jounce spacer definitely needs to be made smaller(outside diameter) because it makes a very annoying squeak when hitting bumps
tbmdsd
06-03-2005, 01:41 PM
I have 2 sets of the cheap spring compressors and had no problems. 3 bolts and the whole strut comes right out of the truck. Then crank down the compressors and remove the top nut on the shock. It takes a bit when first doing it but a cinch once you know how to do it
markmc
03-22-2009, 06:15 PM
Well,, it just goes to show you all how much gr8 info
is in these old threads.
According to Roadie`s post the washers i need can be found at
the local GM dealer and machined to my specs for the lift i am working
on.
Thanks again Roadie!
for your infinate wisdom!:hail:
Proof that search is your freind..haha..