Southern California Club Xterra
Southern California Club Xterra => SCCX General Discussion => Topic started by: Adio. on April 30, 2013, 07:34:56 PM
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So I'm wanting to do a suspension lift soon, and I'm not quite sure what's the best route to go with the front suspension.
I'm working with a budget right now, so would a pair of TJM med coilovers be better than say 2in spacers?
If I go with 2in spacers, I'm just going to end up getting them in a kit from Calmini along with an AAL, and then buy adjustable shackles seperately. Along with upgrading to Bilstein 5100s. Overall I could probably get about 2.5in max with that I think? I'm aiming for 2-3in. all around with a lift.
The other option I was looking at was getting some TJM med coilovers, and getting an OME AAL, and adjustable shackles.
What sounds like the better option?
Are there pros/cons between spacers and coilovers?
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Coilovers are the complete bit, spacers just lift and actually give you less articulation off road because it pre loads your coilovers.
The TJM is a lift because of the coils themselves and are about 2 inches more travel than stock i believe.
Spacer is the most basic lift, coilover is the next step. Do yourself a favor and just do coilover to start if you have the funds for that.
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If you can swing financially, definitely go with coilovers. The spacers do the job, to give you lift, but the first time you hit a speed bump, BAM!! The coil bucket will sound like its going to shoot through your hood. A coilover set up will give you lift and performance. I've run both on my rig, and definitely prefer my Radflo 2.0's over my Calmini spacers.
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I have the money for coilovers, so I think I'm pretty much set on getting those now. And I am looking for performance too, so I'm completely sold on them now haha.
Are cam bolts necessary for when I get an alignment done after too?
edit: Also instead of buying pre-installed coilovers for an addition $110, is it pretty easy to install them yourself?
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You'll need a spring compressor in order to put the coil in the shock. I've heard that truck springs pack quite a load and can be quite dangerous to do it yourself if you have never done it before. You could have a shop do it but I don't know if that negates any savings of not having put in when you order. Just remember that once you start getting towards 2.5"-3" of lift, up front, you'll also want to think about getting aftermarket upper control arms. Not only will you maximize suspension droop but you will also decrease the likelihood of coil bucket contact. If it does occur, i thinks some aftermarket UCAs have bump pads that soften the blow.
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Yeah that would definitely negate the cost of just having them come pre-assembled. And seeing as I have no experience with a coil compressor whatsoever I think that would be the safest option too lol.
And yeah I actually just read about needing aftermarket UCAs when you start getting into the 2.5-3in range and so on, looks like I'm sticking with 2in. for now. I really am looking for better performance with my suspension too so that should keep me happy for now.
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According to the guys I spoke with at ORW, The 0-2 coilovers produced by most of the manufactures use the same length spring as OEM , the compression ration is the only difference. the shock tube itself is longer to allow for the lift. So in theory you get the same pre-load as using a spacer and it is highly recommend the new UCA's be installed since you'll be limited on the upward travel.
I bought spacers on e-bay that are little taller than most and Total Chaos UCA's from one of the links on NewX, the ride is great and I haven't had any issue with articulation. Mind you, I will be buying some Fox coilovers once I'm financially flush again but will still use the spacers with coilovers set at 0 lift.
My 2 cents for what it's worth.