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Do spacer-lifts (leveling kits) harshen the ride quality?

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by BoggyCreekTundra, Mar 13, 2020.

  1. Mar 13, 2020 at 9:04 AM
    #1
    BoggyCreekTundra

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    BoggyCreekTundra [OP] New Member

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    Moore, Oklahoma
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    Leveling kit, camper shell, TRD dual exhaust, K&N air filter, LED interior lights, dash mat.
    I purchased my 2012 CrewMax TSS 4x4 used, and noticed it obviously had a leveling kit installed in order to fit the LT305 Hankook DynaPro AT’s on it. I’ve been living with the overly firm ride for quite some time (the tires wear VERY SLOWLY!) and wasn’t sure if the stiff ride was due mostly to the leveling kit, the over-sized LT tires, or a combination of the two. Just wanting to soften the ride up a bit when it comes time to going back to an OEM tire size. (I plan on removing the leveling anyways)
     
    BoggyCreekTundra, Mar 13, 2020
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  2. Mar 13, 2020 at 9:14 AM
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    TG705

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    TG705 Braaaap

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    yes, the spacer kit will make the ride quality suffer tremendously. I had a spacer kit on my truck when I first got it and made the switch to king coil overs. and depending on the load rating of the tires that will have some effect too
     
    TG705, Mar 13, 2020
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  3. Mar 13, 2020 at 9:14 AM
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    AZBoatHauler

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    AZBoatHauler SSEM#140 / 2.5 gen plebe

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    Both hurt the ride. Changing either would improve the ride. Changing both should make a big difference. You’ll also notice increased acceleration and improved MPG going back to a stock P rated tire. They weigh about half what a large E rated tire weighs.
     
    AZBoatHauler, Mar 13, 2020
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  4. Mar 13, 2020 at 10:01 AM
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    BoggyCreekTundra

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    BoggyCreekTundra [OP] New Member

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    Leveling kit, camper shell, TRD dual exhaust, K&N air filter, LED interior lights, dash mat.
    Thank you both!
     
    BoggyCreekTundra, Mar 13, 2020
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  5. Mar 13, 2020 at 10:12 AM
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    Elduder

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    Elduder New Member

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    Tires, yes.

    Strut top spacers do not change the dampening or feel of the shock, so no. They do increase the risk for the shock failing when they're subjected to large drops, they also increase the CVs downward travel range, leading to potential CV failures.
     
    Elduder, Mar 13, 2020
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  6. Mar 13, 2020 at 10:27 AM
    #6
    BoggyCreekTundra

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    BoggyCreekTundra [OP] New Member

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    Leveling kit, camper shell, TRD dual exhaust, K&N air filter, LED interior lights, dash mat.
    I figured the tires for sure. They’re 10 ply load range E’s. With the bed filled with chunks of concrete, dirt, and gravel, they hardly even squatted. The previous owner used to tow a boat with it.
     
    BoggyCreekTundra, Mar 13, 2020
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  7. Mar 13, 2020 at 10:35 AM
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    Boerseun

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    Boerseun MGM XP-Series

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    The LT tires will stiffen the ride. Spacers can do nothing to stiffen the ride, since it is the same springs and same shocks as the OEM setup. People who say that they get a stiffer ride from spacers have a wild imagination. LT Tires with a 10-ply rating vs OEM passenger/road tires makes a big difference.
     
    Boerseun, Mar 13, 2020
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  8. Mar 13, 2020 at 10:37 AM
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    Boerseun

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    Boerseun MGM XP-Series

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    Along with the load rating (and resulting increased sidewall hardness), OEM P tires are typically run at about 30psi while E-rated tires are run at 40psi or even more, which makes a big difference (obviously)
     
    Boerseun, Mar 13, 2020
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  9. Mar 13, 2020 at 3:40 PM
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    AccuTune Offroad

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    AccuTune Offroad New Member Vendor

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    Pretty much everything said above is on point. Just thought I would share a video we put together discussing the topic. Although we use a Tacoma for the example, same results will occur with Tundras
    https://youtu.be/pve9VtD39H0
     
    AccuTune Offroad, Mar 13, 2020
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  10. Mar 13, 2020 at 4:43 PM
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    BoggyCreekTundra

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    BoggyCreekTundra [OP] New Member

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    Leveling kit, camper shell, TRD dual exhaust, K&N air filter, LED interior lights, dash mat.
    THANK YOU! THANK YOU! The Hockey Puck lift will be on its way out. Thanks guys.
     
    BoggyCreekTundra, Mar 13, 2020
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  11. Apr 8, 2020 at 6:23 PM
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    gupster88

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    gupster88 New Member

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    I haven't lifted my Tundra yet. But I can say from experience with my Silverado 1500 trucks I put first a 2" then a 2.5" spacer lift and I felt no difference in the ride quality. If you start throwing 3"+ spacers and adding heavy tires, that is when you will see a harsher ride. I have a "pavement princess" so won't need the expensive setup for 2"-2.5" of lift.
     
    gupster88, Apr 8, 2020
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  12. Apr 8, 2020 at 7:31 PM
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    vegas4x4

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    vegas4x4 Blaaack

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    This.

    I had 3” lift strut top spacers and noticed very little difference in ride quality, if any. Preload spacers will diminish your ride quality though
     
    vegas4x4, Apr 8, 2020
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