Spacer Kits Versus Ride Height Adjustable Leveling Shocks
Many enthusiasts want to lift or level their truck while staying on a budget. Popular leveling spacer kits are often a cheap way to get some lift, but there can be serious consequences and potential damage done to the vehicle’s suspension system. Ultimately, the correct leveling solution is to use a proper adjustable shock like the BILSTEIN B8 5100 Ride Height Adjustable, B8 6112, or B8 8112.
Spacer assemblies add length to the assembled shock which effects suspension travel, reducing it. B8 5100 series are .65 inches longer than the stock damper and sometimes the same length as the OE assembly so the lift comes from additional preload to the OEM coil, this will increase height the further up you place the snap ring. This does not increase the spring rate. This allows you to retain the necessary shock travel and avoid introducing binding.
Suspension geometry can be negatively affected by adding spacers. When using a spacer kit, you change when the shock bottoms, this will damage the shock as it will bottom prior to engaging the bump stop and will lead to shock failure. BILSTEIN shocks will not get the vehicle outside its range of proper alignment. BILSTEIN B8 5100s and B8 6112s will provide a bump stop relocation if needed. Using an assembly that is the close to or the same size as the OE is the key to better geometry when altering ride height.
Watch the video below to learn more about the benefits of using ride height adjustable shocks.