Whiteline W73385 30mm Rear Coil Spring Spacer Installation on 04 LX470

[AFei]

I just purchased this Whiteline W73385 30mm Rear Coil Spring Spacer at $60 shipped, and hope to get the rear AHC pressure back to spec. However, it doesn't come with any instruction. Checked with Whiteline support and was told "they would simply install onto the lower perch as any other pad". Their product website does has the following diagram, showing the spacer goes to the bottom.

However, when compared with the picture of Slee's spacer, it seems both spacers are identical. According to this installation guide, Slee's spacer goes to the top. So should it be put to the top or bottom?

As a comparision, this is the product image of Slee:

And here is the product image of Whiteline:

View attachment Coil Spring Spacer - 30 mm - Whiteline - 2.png

 

[aging fleet]

When I used spring spacers, I had them installed on top. It probably doesn't matter either way because the end result is the same, but I'd be willing to bet Slee knows Land Cruisers better than Whiteline.

 

[GTV]

Get the rear end up high on jack stands. Support the axle on a jack. Remove lower shock bolts, disconnect sway bar links, disconnect height sensor linkage and lower the axle down until the springs can come out. The spacers go on top.

 

[kevgentile]

Follow @GTV instructions. Once you get into it you'll quickly learn that the spacers will not correctly fit on the lower perch.
I'll also add that lowering one side of the axle at a time will be a little easier due to the articulation angle.

 

[AFei]

When I used spring spacers, I had them installed on top. It probably doesn't matter either way because the end result is the same, but I'd be willing to bet Slee knows Land Cruisers better than Whiteline.

The spacers go on top.

Thanks for the tips!
Just wondering if Slee provides any instruction for their spring spacer?

Once you get into it you'll quickly learn that the spacers will not correctly fit on the lower perch.
I'll also add that lowering one side of the axle at a time will be a little easier due to the articulation angle.

Thanks! Will know for sure.....

 

[Kabanstva]

Spring spacers? How safe is that?

 

[hoser]

No danger. I've been using them for 20 years. But It would be dangerous to install on the lower perch. The spring would literally fall off.

 

[kevgentile]

Also, after having recently installed spacers I would consider removing one of the lower trailing arm bolts to allow the axle to swing/pivot to aid in removal of the shock from the lower mount. It requires a lot of force to pull far enough out and off the boss.

In over 25 years as a mechanic I have never really ever been hurt on the job. When installing these spacers in the driveway while visiting family for a few months I had the shock slip and smack my little finger against the axle. after the initial pain subsided and the finger went numb I later realized it was broken. Been 6-7 weeks and still a bit tender.

I would not attempt to repeat the same procedure and definitely drop the trailing arm on one end to take some load off the shock.
Other than that it's an easy job and really only need one wheel off at a time.

 

[tmoneyallday]

When I used spring spacers, I had them installed on top. It probably doesn't matter either way because the end result is the same, but I'd be willing to bet Slee knows Land Cruisers better than Whiteline.

I did the same and didn't even think to look up if I should. lol. I did forget to install the little rubber slips that keep the thing from squeaking though. I'm going crazy

 

[AFei]

But It would be dangerous to install on the lower perch. The spring would literally fall off

Good point!

I did forget to install the little rubber slips that keep the thing from squeaking though.

Guess the spacer can also act as squeaking damper? Since it's also a big chunk of soft material...

Also, after having recently installed spacers I would consider removing one of the lower trailing arm bolts to allow the axle to swing/pivot to aid in removal of the shock from the lower mount

It sounds like you refer to the front spring, where it's IFS on our LC/LX? The spacer I'm going to install is for the rear spring where it's live (solid) axle. Have watched several videos and all look straightforward. But thanks for the tips, and will keep extreme caution while working on it. After all, the whole heavy rear end will be in the air...

 

[kevgentile]

It sounds like you refer to the front spring, where it's IFS on our LC/LX? The spacer I'm going to install is for the rear spring where it's live (solid) axle. Have watched several videos and all look straightforward. But thanks for the tips, and will keep extreme caution while working on it. After all, the whole heavy rear end will be in the air...

Nope, referring to the rear spring. Once you get into removing the rear shock from the lower boss you'll see.
Otherwise a straight forward install.

 

[whitec13]

I recently installed 30mm Nolathane spacers and as @kevgentile said, I annihilated my knuckle (finger) by slipping while prying and applying too much force. Honestly, I love how much the spacer stiffened my ride. I have FOX 2.0 remote reservoir shocks on the rear and can adjust the dampening along with the spacer stiffness, and it’s amazing the difference in overall ride quality.

 

[AFei]

Nope, referring to the rear spring. Once you get into removing the rear shock from the lower boss you'll see.
Otherwise a straight forward install.

Good to know. Will definitely keep eyes on it....... Thanks!

 

[kevgentile]

I recently installed 30mm Nolathane spacers and as @kevgentile said, I annihilated my knuckle (finger) by slipping while prying and applying too much force. Honestly, I love how much the spacer stiffened my ride. I have FOX 2.0 remote reservoir shocks on the rear and can adjust the dampening along with the spacer stiffness, and it’s amazing the difference in overall ride quality.

I did the Nolathanes too. Couldn't beat the price and delivery time. Through AutoZone was $55 for the pair plus $5 to next day ship to my door. Ordered early afternoon and had in my hands the very next morning at 9 am.

 

[whitec13]

I did the Nolathanes too. Couldn't beat the price and delivery time. Through AutoZone was $55 for the pair plus $5 to next day ship to my door. Ordered early afternoon and had in my hands the very next morning at 9 am.

Yep, can’t beat the bargain. I got mine for $45 free shipping on Amazon during some random sale.

 

[AFei]

I recently installed 30mm Nolathane spacers

I did the Nolathanes too.

So I took a look at Nolathane's website, and the pictures on the product page also shows the spacer was put under the bottom of spring. Just curious where did you put it?

 

[whitec13]

So I took a look at Nolathane's website, and the pictures on the product page also shows the spacer was put under the bottom of spring. Just curious where did you put it?

View attachment 3645932

View attachment 3645929

That is for a 10mm spacer, which you may be able to get away with on the bottom. But for a 30mm spacer, I would not suggest it. Mine are on top and secured to the coil with zip ties on each.

 

[GTV]

No spacer goes on the bottom. You'll understand when you take it apart.

 

[AFei]

But for a 30mm spacer, I would not suggest it. Mine are on top and secured to the coil with zip ties on each

No spacer goes on the bottom. You'll understand when you take it apart.

After all the researching and reading, I'm pretty sure it's clear as mud the spacer should go to the top
Will take pictures and come back with a write up.....

 

[AFei]

Another question. Just in case the 30mm spacer is not enough to bring the rear AHC pressure back to the spec, and also to prepare for the future more load, I'm also thinking about to install the Air Lift 1000 at the same time. Is it a good practice to have both the 30mm spacer and the air spring?

Assuming the spring bump stop cone on the top has to be removed to install the air spring, would it cause the spacer won't stay in the place? Should the spacer be secured in any way such as zip tie?