What is the difference between a pre load collar lift spacer and something like a Bilstein 5100?

I’m trying to understand the difference between the two. Doesn’t the bilstein achieve lift by doing the same thing a pre load spacer does? If both provided the same amount of lift wouldn’t they theoretically provide the same ride, handling, and comfort?

 

You are not preloading - the spring rate remains the same with either lift. On a spacer lift, you are placing a spacer at the top of the shock between it and the chassis shock bracket. In this setup what you gain in lift, you lose in amount of travel. With 5100’s the lift is at the bottom of coil, where it sits on the shock, so you don't lose suspension travel.

The other affordable lift using OE shocks is to replace the OE coils with slightly taller ones, like OME coils.

 

I’ve never liked how spacer lifts ride. I would recommend going 5100. 6112 even more so

 

A preload collar spacer (i.e. spacer between top of spring and the "hat" of the coilover) will have the same effect as preloading from the bottom like when you move the lower spring perch up on a 5100. However, I'm pretty certain the 5100 has a slightly longer extended length than the stock struts so while you are still losing the travel with both, the 5100 gives you more to start with so you have that amount more in the end.

 

If both are same amount of lift with same spring then yes, you get the same amount of lift. However, each will put you in a different range of the shock’s stroke. Each being in a different stroke range will alter how the shock reacts to the same bump, rut, freeway transition, etc. A spacer puts more preload on the shock and puts you closer to the end of its range. A collar / clip moved up will put you higher in the shock range. Most agree, and myself, that the spacers don’t feel as good. Your past the small bump sensitivity and already closer to firmer end stroke support which is why they ride harsher.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-tacoma-lift-guide.509171/