Lift Spacers vs. Off-road Springs?

Hello everyone, Brett from RalliTEK here again. When the question between choosing lift spacers and springs comes up (which is daily), I always begin by asking the following questions:

• How do you plan to use the car?
• Do you have future plans for the car?
• Do you want to lift the car?
• Do you tow/haul gear with the car?
• What is your budget?

These are important questions to ask when deciding which method (if not both) you are going to need to accomplish the goals you have in mind. Some just want to remove vehicle sag, others want to tow, and some want the ground clearance.
So let me a explain a situation where spacers are ideal, where springs are ideal, and where both are ideal.
Here is an ideal situation to only use spacers. You need the clearance, you aren't sagging, and you enjoy the OEM ride quality. This is usually the most ideal setup for light weight off-roading scenarios to tackle more complex terrain. The OEM springs are going to be softer than RalliTEK or King springs. This is for situations that need the most strut articulation to get over an obstacle and maintain grip (tires on the ground). A stiffer spring here can still work, but if you aren't hauling a lot of gear or noticing any vehicle sag/instability, then it's a cheaper and more effective option to stay with the OEM strut and simply use spacers to increase ground clearance.
Here's an ideal situation to only use springs. Let's say the back of your vehicle is sagging under load, and you only want to fix that. In this case, I would suggest to this individual to get a set of RalliTEK overload springs. A lift spacer kit on all 4 corners of the car will simply raise the car up, and you'll see the same sag, only higher up! Now, you may ask, "Can I run just spacers in the rear to offset the sag?" Sure, but this isn't ideal since the strut itself is still sagging meaning you're likely that much closer to hitting the strut's bump stop. This is where the overload spring with a higher spring rate is needed. It's important to make note to check the health of your struts. You may need new struts and springs. RalliTEK strut assemblies are a great fix for this.
Here is an ideal situation to use both. You do everything! You load your vehicle down often, and see a lot of sagging in the rear. Even street stability seems wonky, and you want it improved. At the same time, you offroad and need the clearance to get to your next location with all of your gear. This is the most costly option, but it comes at the advantage of being able to do it all. Equipped with RalliTEK springs that are designed to improve street stability and handle heavier loads off-road, you'll notice how the car feels stable in every situation. Even with the higher center of gravity after installing spacers.
Here's a quick chart showcasing the benefits of each method.

Options (Front & Rear)	Spacers Only	Springs Only	Both
Light Cargo	✓	X	✓
Moderate Cargo	X	✓	✓
Heavy Cargo	X	✓	✓
Ground Clearance	✓	X	✓
Increased Street Stability	X	✓	✓
Comfort	✓	✓	✓
Sag Prevention	X	✓	✓
Estimated Cost	$110-$589	$400-$440	$400-$1029

Still think you need some help? Shoot us a call! 503-619-0055