Lift Spacers vs. Lift Springs: Which Is Right for Your Subaru?

One of the questions we get asked almost every day is:

Should I use lift spacers or lift springs on my Subaru?

The answer depends on what you're trying to accomplish with the vehicle. There isn't one setup that is right for everyone, which is why I usually start by asking a few questions:

• How do you plan to use the vehicle?

• Do you have future plans for the build?

• Are you primarily looking for additional ground clearance?

• Do you regularly tow or haul gear?

• Are you experiencing sagging or instability?

• What is your budget?

These questions help determine whether spacers, springs, or a combination of both makes the most sense.

Some people simply want more ground clearance for off road driving. Others are trying to compensate for additional weight from camping gear, bumpers, skid plates, or recovery equipment. Some want to improve the way their Subaru handles when loaded down.

Let's break down when each option makes sense.

When Lift Spacers Make Sense

An ideal application for lift spacers is when you want additional ground clearance but are happy with the vehicle's existing spring rate and ride characteristics.

This is common for a vehicle that isn't carrying a lot of additional weight and isn't experiencing noticeable sagging.

A spacer sits between the spring and the vehicle's suspension mounting point to increase ride height. The important thing to understand is that the spacer doesn't make the spring itself stiffer.

That makes spacers a good option when you want to raise the vehicle while retaining the characteristics of the existing springs.

For example, if you have a Subaru that is primarily used as a daily driver but you occasionally take it off road, you may not need a heavier spring simply because you want more clearance.

In this situation, a spacer lift can provide the additional ride height needed to clear obstacles while retaining the OEM spring rate.

What Spacers Don't Do

A lift spacer does not increase the spring rate or increase the vehicle's load carrying capacity.

If your vehicle is already sagging because of additional weight, adding a spacer simply raises the vehicle from its already compressed position. You haven't addressed the reason the vehicle is sagging in the first place.

That's where springs come into the picture.

When Lift Springs Make Sense

Lift springs are a better choice when additional spring rate or load carrying capacity is part of the goal.

Let's say you have a Subaru that regularly carries camping equipment, recovery gear, passengers, or other additional weight. You notice that the rear of the vehicle sits lower than it used to, especially when loaded.

In that situation, simply adding a spacer isn't necessarily the best solution.

A spacer will raise the vehicle, but the original spring is still supporting the same load. The suspension can remain heavily compressed under load.

A higher rate spring can provide additional support and help the vehicle maintain its intended ride height when carrying additional weight.

This is where something like a RalliTEK overload spring can make sense.

Overload springs are designed for vehicles that regularly carry additional weight. They can help reduce rear end sag and improve stability when the vehicle is loaded.

It's also important to look at the condition of your existing struts. If the struts are worn out, installing new springs alone may not address every suspension problem.

In some cases, replacing the springs and struts together makes more sense. A properly matched RalliTEK strut assembly can provide a complete solution rather than putting new springs on worn out dampers.

When You Should Use Both

This is where things get interesting.

If you're doing everything with your Subaru, a combination of springs and spacers may be the right solution.

Imagine a vehicle that:

• Carries camping and recovery gear

• Regularly has passengers or additional cargo

• Experiences rear sag under load

• Travels long distances on the highway

• Needs additional ground clearance off road

• Is being built for extended trips or overlanding

In this situation, you have two separate problems to solve.

The springs address the weight and load carrying requirements.

The spacers provide additional ride height and ground clearance.

Using both allows you to build the suspension around the way the vehicle is actually being used.

The higher spring rate helps support additional weight, while the spacer provides the additional ride height needed for clearance.

There is an important distinction here: adding a spacer does increase the vehicle's ride height and therefore raises the center of gravity. The spring is not there to eliminate that effect. Instead, the properly selected spring helps the vehicle maintain better support and control for the loads it is carrying.

Spacers vs. Springs: What Is the Difference?

The easiest way to think about it is:

Spacers change where the vehicle sits.

Springs change how the suspension supports the vehicle.

That distinction makes it much easier to decide which one you need.

What About Ride Comfort?

This is one of the biggest misconceptions when comparing spacers and springs.

A spacer by itself doesn't inherently make the spring stiffer because it doesn't change the spring rate. However, lifting a vehicle changes the suspension's operating position and geometry, so the overall driving characteristics can change depending on the vehicle and the amount of lift.

Springs can have a much larger effect on how a vehicle feels because changing the spring rate changes how the suspension responds to bumps, loads, and body movement.

A properly selected spring doesn't necessarily mean a harsh ride. The goal is to match the spring rate to the vehicle's intended use and additional weight.

For a lightly loaded daily driver, a heavy overload spring may not be appropriate.

For a vehicle carrying hundreds of pounds of additional equipment, the same spring may make much more sense.

The best suspension setup is the one matched to the way you actually use the vehicle.

What About Off-Road Articulation?

Another reason people choose spacers is to maintain the characteristics of the OEM springs.

A softer spring can allow the suspension to respond more easily to uneven terrain, while a higher rate spring provides more support under load. Neither is universally better for off-road driving.

The goal is to keep the tires in contact with the ground while providing enough support for the vehicle and its payload.

This is also why simply choosing the tallest lift or stiffest spring isn't necessarily the best approach. Suspension travel, geometry, tire size, vehicle weight, and spring rate all need to work together.

So Which One Do You Need?

Start with what you are trying to accomplish.

If you want more ground clearance and aren't carrying significant additional weight: A spacer lift may be all you need.

If your vehicle is sagging or regularly carries additional weight: A properly selected lift or overload spring is worth considering.

If you want additional ground clearance and regularly carry significant weight: A combination of springs and spacers may make the most sense.

And remember, suspension components should be selected as a system. Your struts, springs, spacers, control arms, alignment, tires, and other suspension components all work together.

If you're not sure which setup is right for your Subaru, give the RalliTEK team a call at 503-619-0055. Tell us what you're building, how you use the vehicle, and what you're trying to accomplish. We can help you determine what components make sense for your particular application.