The Right Way To Use Spacers

When it comes to lifting your 4WD, not everyone is ready to commit to the cost of a full suspension upgrade. That’s where coil spacers and strut spacers come in. These budget-friendly solutions give you extra ground clearance, correct sagging springs, and let you test out a lift before investing in a complete kit. But with multiple spacer types and materials available, how do you know which one is best for your setup?

Why Use Coil Spacers?

Coil spacers are a cost-effective way to gain extra ride height while retaining near-factory ride and handling.

They’re ideal for:

• Testing out a lift before committing to new suspension
• Correcting uneven load distribution
• Compensating for spring sag and settling
• Quickly restoring lost ride height

By fitting a coil spring spacer between the spring and the spring seat, you can instantly raise your vehicle without the expense of new coils. For many owners of coil-sprung solid axle 4WDs, this is often the simplest solution.

Spacer Materials: Rubber vs Metal vs Polyurethane

Not all spacers are created equal. The material you choose will affect ride quality, durability, and long-term reliability.

Rubber Spacers
Rubber was once common but is now rarely used in quality spacer lift kits. While rubber absorbs vibration well, it is susceptible to fuels, oils and road contaminants. Over time, heavy loads or pinching can cause premature failure.

Metal Spacers
Steel and aluminium spacers are widely used in strut spacer kits. Steel is strong but must be properly coated to prevent rust. Aluminium avoids rust but may suffer electrolysis if bolted directly to steel frames without insulation. Metal provides rugged durability but offers no vibration dampening.

Polyurethane Spacers
Polyurethane has become the most popular choice for coil spring spacer lifts. It offers excellent resistance to fuel, oil, and road grime, while also resisting abrasion. Available in different durometers (hardness levels), polyurethane can be moulded and machined for precision fit. It doesn’t rust, it’s durable, and it often comes with long warranties.

Recommendation: For coil spring spacer lifts, polyurethane is generally the best option due to its strength, chemical resistance and smoother ride compared with metal or rubber.

Strut Spacers for IFS Vehicles

For vehicles with independent front suspension (IFS), strut spacers provide an economical way to achieve a moderate lift. These bolt between the coil strut top hat and the chassis mount, spacing the entire strut assembly down. Because the strut itself is unchanged, factory articulation limits are maintained.

While effective, strut spacers must be chosen and installed carefully:

• Fitting above the strut mount can cause over-extended down-travel, placing stress on CV joints and ball joints.
• Incorrectly fitted spacers may cause the shock to bottom out before the lower control arm reaches the bump stop, risking major component damage.
• Ideally, strut spacer kits should be paired with a diff drop kit to preserve CV and axle life.

Spacer Lifts vs Full Suspension Kits

If you want a quick, affordable lift of 1-2 inches, spacers are a simple solution. They’re great for testing extra clearance, levelling your vehicle, or correcting sag. However, if you’re after improved performance, better handling, and long-term reliability, a full 4WD suspension kit with upgraded springs and shocks will always be the superior option.

Choosing the Right Spacer for Your 4WD

• Coil spacers are best for solid axle coil-sprung vehicles needing quick ride height correction.
• Strut spacers suit IFS vehicles for modest lifts, but must be installed carefully to avoid damage.
• Polyurethane spacers offer the best balance of durability, chemical resistance, and ride comfort.

Final Summary

Spacer lifts are an affordable way to experiment with vehicle height or restore lost ride height without replacing springs. Whether you’re chasing better clearance for off-road trips, correcting sag, or just testing before committing to a suspension overhaul, coil and strut spacers have their place.

For expert advice on which spacer lift kit or full suspension system is right for your 4WD, contact the Superior Engineering technical sales team today.