Coil spring spacer

Types of Coil Spring Spacer

A coil spring spacer is a vital component on many vehicles. It is placed in between the coil spring and the vehicle's chassis. Its main job is to adjust the suspension height. When a spacer is added to the coil spring, it increases the spring's tension. This results in a stiffer suspension. The vehicle's ride height also increases. This, in turn, improves ground clearance. A increased coil spring tension can help to minimize bottoming out. Bottoming out happens when the suspension compresses completely. It is often experienced when driving on rough terrain. With a coil spring spacer, the vehicle's load carrying capacity also increases. This is because the coil spring becomes stiffer.

There are three main types of coil spring spacers. They are:

• Polyurethane spacers: These come in different sizes and thicknesses. Polyurethane coil spring spacers are affordable and easy to install. They are effective at raising the vehicle height by half an inch to two inches. The only downside is that they can become compressed over time. This will affect their performance.
• Steel or aluminum spring spacacer: A steel or aluminum spring spacacer is machined into a specific size. It is then fitted into a vehicle's coil spring. Compared to the polyurethane spring spacer, the steel or aluminum spacer is more durable. It does not wear out or compress easily. However, it can raise the spring rate excessively. This can make the vehicle's ride too harsh.
• Adjustable coil spring spacer: The adjustable coil spring spacer can be made from steel, aluminum, or polyurethane. Its main feature is the ability to adjust the vehicle's ride height. This type of spring spacer has a threaded design with a bolt or nut on top. When the bolt is tightened, it pushes the top of the spacer up. This closes the gap between the coil spring and the vehicle's chassis. As a result, the spring becomes compressed. This increases spring tension and raises the vehicle's height. The adjustable spring spacer can increase the ride height by one inch to three inches.

Specifications and Maintenance of Coil Spring Spacers

The specifications of coil spring spacers vary depending on the make and model of the car. Here are some common specifications.

• Material

  Coil spring spacers are available in different materials, such as polyurethane, steel, or ABS plastic. Each material has its advantages. For instance, polyurethane coil spring spacers are durable and can withstand harsh environmental conditions like extreme temperatures. They also compress easily to fill spring gaps.

• Size

  Coil spring spacers come in a variety of sizes and are measured in inches. The size is determined by the diameter and height of the coil spring. It's important to choose a spring spacer that is compatible with the vehicle's coil spring. Coil spring spacers that are too large or small will not function as expected.

• Thickness

  The thickness of a coil spring spacer affects the level of lift. Coil spring spacers have different lift amounts, which can range from half an inch to three inches. Buyers should be aware that a thick coil spring spacer can result in a stiff ride.

Maintaining coil spring spacers is important, especially for vehicles that carry heavy loads. Here are some maintenance tips:

• Regular Inspection: Buyers should schedule regular inspections to check the condition of their vehicles' coil spring spacers. During the inspection, look for signs of wear, cracking, or damage. It's also important to check the coil springs for signs of sagging.
• Cleanliness: Keeping the coil spring spacer clean is essential. Accumulated dirt and debris can cause wear and tear. Wipe the spacer with a clean cloth and use a soft brush to remove stubborn dirt. Coil spring spacers made of polyurethane or ABS plastic can be washed with soapy water.
• Proper Lubrication: Coil spring spacers should be lubricated to reduce friction and make them compress and expand easily. Use the recommended lubricant for the specific coil spring spacer material.
• Load Management: For lift kit spacers designed for off-road vehicles, ensure that the load on the coil spring is within the manufacturer's specified limits. Overloading the vehicle can stress the coil spring and spacer, leading to premature failure.
• Replacement: Coil spring spacers wear out over time. Buyers should replace them when they notice significant damage or after reaching the manufacturer's recommended lifespan.

How to choose coil spring spacers

When buying coil spring spacers for resale, customers and clients are the first consideration. Coil spring spacers are mostly bought by people who have lifted their trucks or off-road enthusiasts. They will be looking for features that will suit their needs. To make the search easier, look for coil spring spacers suitable for specific applications. It could be for lifted trucks, off-road vehicles, or heavy-duty trucks that carry loads.

There are different sizes of coil spring spacers. They come in various measurements, ranging from 3/4 inches to 2 1/2 inches or more. The size corresponds to the lift height. A vehicle lifted by an inch will require a 1-inch coil spring spacer. When clients purchase these lift kits, they prefer to get the correct spring spacers that will work perfectly. It is important to stock the right sizes that will move fast.

Another important factor to consider when buying coil spring spacers is the material. Most of the spacers are made of polyurethane. ABS plastic is also used to make coil spring spacers. It is a strong material that can withstand the pressure from the coils. Polyurethane is more preferred because it lasts longer and is durable. It is also resistant to wear and tear.

Spring spacers are available in several colors. The color might not have any impact on the performance of the coil spring spacer. However, it is a good idea to stock popular colors that customers prefer to buy. Most of the coil spring spacers are available in black or white.

Wholesale buyers can take advantage of the deals offered by suppliers on Alibaba.com. Some manufacturers have a minimum order requirement, while others don't. Look for suppliers that offer discounts on bulk purchases. The profit margin will be high if the spring spacers are bought at a reasonable discount.

How to DIY and replace coil spring spacers

Installing a coil spring spacer is quite a simple process that can be done at home using basic car repair skills. Here is how to install a coil spring spacer.

Tools and materials needed:

• Jack and jack stands
• Socket and wrench set
• Coil spring compressor
• New coil spring spacers

Step-by-step guide:

• 1. Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brakes.
• 2. Loosen the lug nuts of the tires that are being worked on and use a jack to lift the vehicle off the ground.
• 3. Once the vehicle is elevated, secure it with jack stands, remove the wheels, and expose the wheel wells.
• 4. Follow the vehicle service manual to detach the coil springs from the suspension. This might involve removing other components like the shock absorber.
• 5. Use a coil spring compressor to safely compress the coil spring and create enough space to install the new spacer.
• 6. Place the new coil spring spacer on the coil spring and ensure it fits well.
• 7. Once the spacer is fitted, expand the coil spring to its original size (according to the manufacturer's manual).
• 8. Reattach the coil spring to the suspension system and reassemble any other components that were removed.
• 9. Before reattaching the wheels, double-check to ensure all components are fitted correctly.
• 10. Once the vehicle is on the jack stands, lower it and use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts.

Q and A

Q1: Are coil spring spacers safe?

A1: Coil spring spacers are safe when installed correctly and used within their intended limits. Unsuitable or improperly installed spacers can cause handling, stability, and safety issues. It's crucial to choose the right spacer for the specific vehicle and use case and have it installed by a qualified professional.

Q2: Do spring spacers affect ride quality?

A2: Coil spring spacers can affect ride quality. Typically, they make the ride stiffer and the vehicle higher. This change may impact how the vehicle handles bumps and uneven terrain. The exact effect on ride quality can depend on the size of the spacer, its material, and the vehicle's overall suspension design.

Q3: Can spring spacers be used on all vehicles?

A3: Coil spring spacers can be used on most vehicles, particularly those with coil spring suspensions. However, choosing a spacer compatible with the specific vehicle model and suspension system is essential. Not all vehicles may benefit from spring spacers, and some could experience adverse effects.

Q4: How long do spring spacers last?

A4: The lifespan of coil spring spacers can vary based on several factors, including the material of the spacers, the quality of their manufacture, the conditions of their use, and how well they are maintained. Generally, coil spring spacers are designed to last for many thousands of miles (or kilometers) of driving. However, signs of wear or damage should be replaced as soon as they are noticed.

Q5: Do spring spacers require maintenance?

A5: Yes, spring spacers may require some maintenance. It is essential to inspect them periodically for signs of wear, tear, or damage and ensure they are securely installed. Keeping them clean and free of debris can also help maintain their condition and the vehicle's suspension performance.