Decisions Decisions: Cornfed Spacer or Eibach/Bilstein?

Now let me preface my comments by saying that I am aware that there is no true comparison between a real lift kit, and a spacer only one. Right now, I just don't have the budget for a full on kit. I do, however, need more clearance as I have already smashed the gas tank skid in a few places. Here in Arizona we have a ton of rocks on all the trails. I am looking at the Cornfed 2/1.5, and I am just looking for some basic feedback on whether I will regret it or not. Down the road, when I do finally replace the shocks, what, if anything, will I be able to do with the spacers? Hold off on the rude comments please. I am running the stock size Toyo AT3 with the ubiquitous PRO wheels.
Thanks in advance for the help!

 

If you can’t afford to do it right yet, save and then do it. Buy once cry once. With that said though, I change my opinion on what setup I want more than I change my underwear. But save up for a proper suspension lift including UCA’s and you’ll thank yourself later on, it sounds like you’re running some decent trails, which I wising consider running with spacers because you risk damaging the shocks and that’ll make a bad day.

 

This.

I think it falls into the category of "the poor man pays twice".

If you get spacers, are you going to be ok staying with them? Or just want to upgrade anyway?

Save and do it right.

You can get a 5100/Eibach 1" and go 1.75 f/1r for about 600 shipped to your door. Not cheap, but not a a crazy amount to save either.

Having said that, no one knows your finances like you, and no one can tell you how to spend your money. It's a personal decision.

 

I think it depends somewhat on whether you can do your own work. If you just need some clearance and will be taking it easy, sure why not. When you get some cash, upgrade. Spacers are completely cheap and disposable. It’s not the end of the world if you use them. Full disclosure: I wouldn’t lift a vehicle with a spacer, and I have a high end system on mine - Elka 2.5 IFP. But I’m totally agnostic about spacers.

 

Imho, the OEM suspension and a Bilstein 5100 are both pretty marginal. A spacers just another marginal option. But it works, in terms of lift and they are cheap, cheap, cheap.

 

It honestly depends on the trails you’re going to be on. Are you going to be in a situation where extended travel is needed? Or are you mainly doing forestry trails. I personally have done the spacer route before (simply had no idea what I was doing) and would never recommend anyone that over a full suspension as someone above said buy once cry once. That being said though are you a dusky driver that maybe goes out two weekends a month or less, then go with a cheaper lift option over the spacers. I’m assuming this is you since you’re asking the question. But there’s no sense in adding a 4-8k suspension for a daily driver. I personally have fallen in love with Bilsteins on the 4Runner. I did 6112’s on front and 5160 on the rear with an icon 2” spring. And I saved a ton of money over fox, kings, etc. not to say I wouldn’t ever go kings but for my uses the kings aren’t justified. On my Tacoma. Very much justified.

 

I appreciate all of the responses! Most have confirmed what I already think is the best choice, do it right the first time. I am basically down to the Eibach pro kit, Bilstein 5100, or Bilstein 5160/6112. I dont need to spend 4 or 5K on a King or Fox setup, as I just don't need that now. I need more clearance and some additional travel, but nothing too extreme. Guess I should start saving my pennies!

 

I'm a dealer for Cornfed. I stock every kit combo you can think of and I ship free anywhere in the US All kits come with a lifetime no questions asked warranty for your peace of mind. Common kits are listed below, many other kits and combinations are available. Feel free to send me a PM to discuss kits and options.

1/2" rear $59
3/4" rear $69
1" rear $79
1.5" rear 89
2" rear $99
3/4" front $44
1" front $49
1.5" front $69
2" front $79
1" front 1" rear $109
1.5" front 1/2" rear $119
1.5" front 1" rear $129
1.5" front 1.5" rear $139
2" front 1" rear $169
2" front 1.5" rear $179
2" front 2" rear $189
2.5" front 2" rear $199
3" front 2" rear $209