Homemade Coil Spring Spacers : Easy DIY Tips
Coil spring spacers are a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts looking to lift their vehicles and achieve better ground clearance. These spacers are a cost-effective way to add height to your vehicle and accommodate larger tires, without sacrificing ride quality. While there are many commercially available coil spring spacers on the market, making your own homemade coil spring spacers can be a rewarding and budget-friendly alternative.
Understanding Coil Spring Spacers
Before delving into the process of making homemade coil spring spacers, it’s important to understand how they work. Coil spring spacers are essentially rubber or polyurethane inserts that are placed between the coils of a vehicle’s suspension spring. They provide additional lift to the vehicle, which is desirable for off-road enthusiasts who need the extra clearance to navigate rugged terrain without damaging the undercarriage of their vehicle.
Benefits of Homemade Coil Spring Spacers
Creating your own homemade coil spring spacers offers several advantages:
- Cost-Effective: Purchasing commercially available coil spring spacers can be expensive. Making your own spacers allows you to achieve the desired lift at a fraction of the cost.
- Customization: Homemade spacers can be tailored to your specific vehicle and lift requirements, allowing for a customized approach to your suspension modification.
- Hands-On Experience: Crafting your own spacers gives you a deeper understanding of your vehicle’s suspension system and allows for a sense of accomplishment.
- Flexibility: You have the flexibility to experiment with different materials and designs to create the ideal spacers for your needs.
Credit: grassrootsmotorsports.com
Materials and Tools
Before embarking on your homemade coil spring spacer project, gather the following materials and tools:
| Materials | Tools |
|---|---|
| High-density polyurethane or rubber blocks | Jack and jack stands |
| Measuring tape | Power drill |
| Marker or pencil | Safety goggles |
| Utility knife or saw | Work gloves |
| Sandpaper |
Steps to Create Homemade Coil Spring Spacers
Follow these steps to craft your own homemade coil spring spacers:
- Measure and Assess: Using the measuring tape, determine the amount of lift you want to achieve. Assess the space between the coils of the suspension spring to determine the appropriate thickness of the spacer.
- Select and Prepare Material: Choose high-density polyurethane or rubber blocks as your spacer material. Mark the dimensions on the material and cut the blocks to the desired size using a utility knife or saw. Ensure that the edges are smooth by using sandpaper to remove any rough edges.
- Jack Up the Vehicle: Use a jack to lift the vehicle and place it securely on jack stands. This provides safe and stable access to the suspension springs.
- Install Spacers: With caution, position the spacers between the coils of the suspension spring. Ensure that the spacers are seated properly and do not impede the movement of the suspension.
- Test and Adjust: Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands and assess the new ride height. Make any necessary adjustments to achieve the desired lift.
Precautions and Considerations
While homemade coil spring spacers can be a cost-efficient solution for lifting your vehicle, there are some precautions and considerations to keep in mind:
- Material Selection: Ensure that the material used for the spacers is of high quality and suitable for the intended application. Inferior materials may compress or deteriorate over time, compromising the lift and ride quality.
- Professional Input: If you are uncertain about the fabrication process or the impact of the spacers on your vehicle’s suspension, seek advice from a qualified mechanic or suspension specialist.
- Legal and Safety Compliance: Be aware of local regulations and safety standards regarding suspension modifications. Non-compliant modifications may result in legal repercussions and compromise vehicle safety.
Frequently Asked Questions Of Homemade Coil Spring Spacers : Easy Diy Tips
What Are Homemade Coil Spring Spacers?
They are DIY devices to add height to a vehicle’s coil springs.
How Can Coil Spring Spacers Benefit My Vehicle?
They can increase ground clearance and support heavier loads.
Are Homemade Coil Spring Spacers Safe To Use?
When properly installed and maintained, they can be safe.
What Materials Are Typically Used For Homemade Spacers?
Common materials include rubber, steel, and polyurethane.
Conclusion
Homemade coil spring spacers offer an affordable and customizable solution for lifting your vehicle and enhancing off-road capabilities. By following the steps outlined in this guide and considering the necessary precautions, you can craft homemade spacers that cater to your specific lift requirements. Enjoy the process of creating a suspension modification that not only elevates your vehicle but also deepens your understanding of its mechanical components.
