Would a 1" spacer lift kit get you 1" ground clearance?

[gte105u]

I am new to the lift kit side of things. I have been doing enough research to be dangerous. I have seen where there are spacer lift kits, and suspension kits. While spacer lifts tend to be cheaper, I have read different things (especially across different vehicles) if they actually give you more ground clearance. So if I went with an affordable 1" to 1.5" spacer kit, how much extra clearance would I actually get. Gauging getting a Tremor (which is really about 0.75" lift due to the rest being in the tires) vs. FX4 with 4x and doing a modest lift.

Thanks for walking a noob through on this.

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[Daverick]

From my understanding the ground clearance would not change with spacers; the body would be pushed up slightly, but the suspension, axels, etc. would still be at the same height.
I could be wrong as I am also a noob at this.

You would definitely gain some clearance if you upgrade to larger tires post-lift since the center of the wheel would be higher up.

 

[Woodjoints]

https://unsealed4x4.com.au/busted-the-truth-about-4x4-ground-clearances-and-manufacturer-claims/

 

[gte105u]

https://unsealed4x4.com.au/busted-the-truth-about-4x4-ground-clearances-and-manufacturer-claims/

Good article thanks

 

[Decayed]

Seems to me the only thing that will increase the space under the diff is bigger tires.

 

[aspect]

From my understanding the ground clearance would not change with spacers; the body would be pushed up slightly, but the suspension, axels, etc. would still be at the same height.
I could be wrong as I am also a noob at this.

You would definitely gain some clearance if you upgrade to larger tires post-lift since the center of the wheel would be higher up.

That is true for a body-on-frame pickup.

The Maverick is not body-on-frame.

 

[J.C.23]

The answer is.. kind of. A spacer suspension lift (not body lift) on ifs/irs will give you some more ground clearance (and improve approach/break over etc.) pretty much everywhere except where the lower control arms meet the steering knuckle. You will gain more clearance where the lower control arm meets the sub frame as they will be at a steeper angel. (Assuming no diff drop/sub frame drop) and usually allow larger tires which are the only true way to lift the entire vehicle, regardless or suspension setup.

 

[gte105u]

Seems to me the only thing that will increase the space under the diff is bigger tires.

That's my take away. Which makes me wonder on the Tremor if it's really the full difference they state.

 

[Decayed]

That's my take away. Which makes me wonder on the Tremor if it's really the full difference they state.

I mean, the entire point of a lift seems to be to make space for taller tires. I'm not an off roader type guy but the space under the diff is the important part.

 

[gte105u]

This thread may have made me rethink the entire Tremor vs FX4, 4k and the upgraded tires. I don't think they did anything to get the differential case up. I'd rather have the cooling and tow capacity than a dual clutch I don't need and a lift that is mostly tires and the rest questionable...

 

[Maverick2022XL]

I am new to the lift kit side of things. I have been doing enough research to be dangerous. I have seen where there are spacer lift kits, and suspension kits. While spacer lifts tend to be cheaper, I have read different things (especially across different vehicles) if they actually give you more ground clearance. So if I went with an affordable 1" to 1.5" spacer kit, how much extra clearance would I actually get. Gauging getting a Tremor (which is really about 0.75" lift due to the rest being in the tires) vs. FX4 with 4x and doing a modest lift.

Thanks for walking a noob through on this.

If it doesn't drop the suspension arms by an inch from if we assume lowest point then no. But like it anything else it depends how you define the ground clearance.

Technically the lowest point besides the tires will be where the rim connects to the axle. Only way to get a true 1 inch clearance is a bigger tire and rim with an increased overall diameter of 2 inches. The lift which does improve other things like approach and departure angles will more likely be needed to accommodate the bigger tire and rim.

 

[Shay]

Ground clearance as defined by the SAE, and specified on all new car specs is based on the center line of the vehicle. So yes adding a 1-inch spacer or lift kit would give you 1-inch additional ground clearance.

 

[Mymaverick2021]

Seems to me the only thing that will increase the space under the diff is bigger tires.

True, But getting a little extra body clearance with a spacer kit can't hurt

 

[Mavreezy]

Anyone have a brand and/or part number of good or high-end quality spacers?

I'm looking to add 1" spacers to the rear springs of my Ford Maverick Hybrid. I added a bed rack and a RTT a few weeks ago and I noticed my Maverick sits leveled . I prefer the OEM look, with the rear just a tad higher.

I'm not a fan of the leveled or droop look of the rear.

I've looked online without much success. Any recommendations will be appreciated.

Thank you

 

[Tbone289]

Anyone have a brand and/or part number of good or high-end quality spacers?

I'm looking to add 1" spacers to the rear springs of my Ford Maverick Hybrid. I added a bed rack and a RTT a few weeks ago and I noticed my Maverick sits leveled . I prefer the OEM look, with the rear just a tad higher.

I'm not a fan of the leveled or droop look of the rear.

I've looked online without much success. Any recommendations will be appreciated.

Thank you

When increasing clearance/reducing droop due to added load, I would consider using an air spring kit instead of spacers. Air springs will bring the ride height back to normal by increasing spring rate and allowing adjust-ability rather than just lengthening the struts as a spacer kit would. The increase in spring rate will have the added benefit of improving ride and sway.

However, I'm unable to find an air spring kit for a FWD Maverick. I can only find the Air Lift brand kit for the AWD drivetrain/suspension. I seem to recall some discussion from MTC members using air springs with FWD in the past.

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