OEM Leveling Kit + Wheel Spacers = "Unsafe"

[jcn83]

Picking up my '21 HE late today and had asked my dealership to install the OEM front leveling kit + a set of Spidertrax wheel spacers (that I provided, of course). They've been tremendously helpful and agreed to install. Here's where things went sideways. They installed the parts and, after doing so, the service manager deemed the vehicle "unsafe" and had the service tech take the parts back off. Very confused. I could see them not loving the wheel spacers - but not being willing to keep the OEM leveling kit on is frustrating / confusing.

Anyone else had a similar experience? Particularly with the dealership refusing to use OEM parts...?

On the upside, they did install the BFG K02's I asked for. So I won't be leaving the lot totally stock

Regardless, can't wait to pick her up and start enjoying!

 

[AverageJones]

I inquired here with my service director about the OEM spacer and he said it sucks and not to do it. It's money for them if they do so if he's telling me no then I'm avoiding it like the plague.

 

[jcn83]

I inquired here with my service director about the OEM spacer and he said it sucks and not to do it. It's money for them if they do so if he's telling me no then I'm avoiding it like the plague.

Appreciate the feedback. My dealer claimed that "the truck already has them on it and this would be doubling them up." Nothing I had ever heard before...unless that's new for 2021 or something. The only reason I was doing it was for larger tires...so hopefully these dont rub.

 

[grinchy]

If you want a dealer to do this work you may need to go to Indianapolis and work with @Eric Sarjeant 's service team.

 

[jcn83]

Hah, I know...I actually referenced that dealership when I spoke to my service manager. Shared that this upgrade was routine coming out of Ed Martin.

 

[afgman786]

I inquired here with my service director about the OEM spacer and he said it sucks and not to do it. It's money for them if they do so if he's telling me no then I'm avoiding it like the plague.

Your service director doesn't know what he's talking about in that "it sucks." Please explain how it sucks? If you tow, yes it will suck since that rake unloaded is useful. However, adding the spacer actually increases suspension travel and is OEM so its meant to work with our suspension.

Appreciate the feedback. My dealer claimed that "the truck already has them on it and this would be doubling them up." Nothing I had ever heard before...unless that's new for 2021 or something. The only reason I was doing it was for larger tires...so hopefully these dont rub.

No 200 in the states comes with that part already installed. It just has to do with lack of knowledge and that when you look at a parts diagram of the vehicle they interpret as if it's already there

 

[jcn83]

Your service director doesn't know what he's talking about in that "it sucks." Please explain how it sucks? If you tow, yes it will suck since that rake unloaded is useful. However, adding the spacer actually increases suspension travel and is OEM so its meant to work with our suspension.



No 200 in the states comes with that part already installed. It just has to do with lack of knowledge and that when you look at a parts diagram of the vehicle they interpret as if it's already there

Thanks for the confirmation. I'm having someone else install my Slee sliders next week. I'll have them tackle it.

 

[TeCKis300]

I inquired here with my service director about the OEM spacer and he said it sucks and not to do it. It's money for them if they do so if he's telling me no then I'm avoiding it like the plague.

Like others have commented, I wouldn't put weight in much of what service advisors tell you. At worst, they're uninformed salesman. Some have a passion and know more, but that's the rare exception rather than the rule. They're primarily interested in maximizing profit while minimizing effort and risk. They're not interested in helping you achieve your personal wants or goals. As soon as it deviates or complicates their job, as in this case with less than zero experience in it to even form an opinion, they'll steer you away.

The OEM spacer is an OEM validated part. USDM vehicles likely don't spec the installation of the part either because of federal guidance or rules for bumper heights, hood heights, etc. And/or it's used in cases where there's additional weight on the front end like OEM winches as installed in other countries. Either way, it's in the parts manuals and repair manuals as a factory part and nothing untoward would arise from its installation.

 

[bloc]

It may have to do with recalibration of the crash detection system, since toyota explicitly says altering ride height can cause issues. I could see a service manager considering this “unsafe”.

There was a recent thread about this though, and releasing them from liability for doing the work anyway could coax them into doing it.

 

[Moby]

My service manager was about as straightforward as I expect while saying to doing this mod. I mean this positively. I inquired about having him pop in a set just to save me some time since it was already going in for service and all my free time right now is going to my bike racing (fall offseason is for mods - don't have time for both hobbies at the same time plus family and work). He agreed that it was an OEM part but felt that it was not within their scope. He said that while he has installed upgraded brakes on his Mustang from a higher performance version and that it all worked fine and is technically OEM it didn't meet the vehicle's spec as sold (in so many words). I can appreciate and respect this perspective.

 

[grinchy]

My expectations of dealer service can't get lower. It's to the point where if I provide the part numbers and show them where it is in the catalog that I still have to double check the invoice and parts when they come in.
There is no way I'd put the truck in for any kind of service unless insurance gave me no choice.

 

[LBridges]

To the OP: I'm wondering about the level of experience/expertise of the dealership. My area as an example, only two Toyota Dealers in the county. From 2017 to today there have been three (yes 3) new LCs (and 1 used trade-in) sold between the dealers -- and I bought two of the new ones and the trade-in was me too.

Whenever I speak to a tech in any field I always try to ask a semi-tough question for which I know the answer. Those that try to BS me don't make a sale. There's a reason behind why I only take my vehicles in for warranty work.

 

[Eric Sarjeant]

@jcn83 you probably do want a dealer to do it because of the sensor recalibrate. If you want me to do it, shoot me an email at esarjeant@edmartin.com. We charge $500. That’s parts/labor/alignment. We have take-off suspensions that we can replace if yours is high-mileage too, that’s $1000 for parts/labor and would include a KDSS leveling. I see that you are in Ohio, we have dealer-trade drivers that we could pickup/deliver for $15/hr and I could drop off a rental while we have the vehicle.

 

[Cruisin911]

@jcn83 you probably do want a dealer to do it because of the sensor recalibrate. If you want me to do it, shoot me an email at esarjeant@edmartin.com. We charge $500. That’s parts/labor/alignment. We have take-off suspensions that we can replace if yours is high-mileage too, that’s $1000 for parts/labor and would include a KDSS leveling. I see that you are in Ohio, we have dealer-trade drivers that we could pickup/deliver for $15/hr and I could drop off a rental while we have the vehicle.

I wish all dealers had this level of service. Wish you were closer, Id feel much more comfortable having your team work on my 200. As it stands, my dealer doesn't touch my truck.

 

[RET2]

Sounds like cloning ES would be a great idea?

 

[bloc]

Also @jcn83 lock your glove box and keep the key blade with you! Only sure-fire way to avoid having your recirculate door broken. Other than at Eric’s dealership anyway.

 

[jcn83]

@jcn83 you probably do want a dealer to do it because of the sensor recalibrate. If you want me to do it, shoot me an email at esarjeant@edmartin.com. We charge $500. That’s parts/labor/alignment. We have take-off suspensions that we can replace if yours is high-mileage too, that’s $1000 for parts/labor and would include a KDSS leveling. I see that you are in Ohio, we have dealer-trade drivers that we could pickup/deliver for $15/hr and I could drop off a rental while we have the vehicle.

Thanks a million, Eric. We traded some PM's a couple of months ago and you have gone above and beyond. I've had the truck for a few days now and love it. I'll hold onto the spacers and may reach out to you in the coming weeks about making a trip over to you / your dealership for this. THANKS again!

 

[MRego]

@jcn83 you probably do want a dealer to do it because of the sensor recalibrate. If you want me to do it, shoot me an email at esarjeant@edmartin.com. We charge $500. That’s parts/labor/alignment. We have take-off suspensions that we can replace if yours is high-mileage too, that’s $1000 for parts/labor and would include a KDSS leveling. I see that you are in Ohio, we have dealer-trade drivers that we could pickup/deliver for $15/hr and I could drop off a rental while we have the vehicle.

Is the sensor in question the one for the adaptive cruise control (the toyota badge in the front grill) or the cameras in the windshield? If we installed the OEM spacers in a dealership how do we know if they recalibrated the sensor? Thanks

 

[Eric Sarjeant]

Is the sensor in question the one for the adaptive cruise control (the toyota badge in the front grill) or the cameras in the windshield? If we installed the OEM spacers in a dealership how do we know if they recalibrated the sensor? Thanks

Both potentially need calibrated. You would need to ask them.

 

[MRego]

Both potentially need calibrated. You would need to ask them.

Thanks Eric. I thought we could easily say if they didn’t recalibrate those. In case for example the ACC or various safety sensors dependent on the cameras stop working or malfunction.