4 inch lift kit 1 or 2 prop spacers

I am seeking to install a 4" suspension lift kit. It has come to my attention that some providers supply the prop shaft with one spacer, while others supply the shaft with two spacers. The concern is whether I need to modify one or both shafts using a spacer.

4" sounds a lot. What kit is it?

Is it a flexy kit? I'd have thought at this point considering wide angle props would be a must.

As for number of spacers, wouldn't it depend on the size of them? e.g. 1 x 50mm spacer would be the same as 2 x 25mm.

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationI could always drop down to a 3-inch kit. The link below is to Jimny Bits' suspension 4" lift kit. And on eBay, Vitmods has a 4" suspension lift kit that has an extra spacer and other parts. 

www.jimnybits.com/suzuki-jimny-4-100mm-b...ension-lift-kit.html

Jimnybits do offer wide angle probs.

I have looked at these kits. Curious, what would make you go for a 4" lift? Is there a specific use case or just the looks? What sort of tyres would you be running.

Each to their own and my view is no more right than any others. But 4 inches of lift sounds fairly extreme, unless you planning a specific off road activity.

As for the spacers, the prop angles will change with a lift and you have a chance of binding, which will increase wear, could cause a failure and introduce vibrations while driving.

A spacer will slightly reduce this angle, but it may not cure the problem. But it does this by making the prop longer or rather the gap smaller. Ultimately spacers can only achieve so much. And if you add to many you run risk of damaging the diff and/or transfer case should the prop be fully compressed. As it'll try and crush the items at either end, due to the gap being smaller than length of the compressed prop.

I don't know how much leeway there is on the Jimny on the Jimny and there probably aren't many people running these kits or lift levels (at least in the UK).

I am personally considering the 3" lift or the 2" lift or maybe a hybrid of both. But my aims are to increase wheel travel (flex) mostly, as well as improve the breakover angle. As both of these are weak areas in the stock suspension (IMO).

4" to me just seems a little excessive. I don't believe you gain any travel, as you have bigger bump stops. Which prevent compression. But you do sit higher. For really big tyres this will help no doubt, but re-gearing and probably more power would also be needed too. Or if your intended use is deep water/ruts/mud truck then the more lift the better. But general off road use I think it'd probably be less stable (relatively speaking) and offer no gains apart from breakover.

If it is just about the looks, then that is a different story really.

I'd also suggest, if you are concerned, give Jimnybits a call and ask them about the prop spacers. Although I'd guess they would probably advise on the wide angle props being recommended.

I am grateful for the extensive information that you have provided on this topic. I am a member of a small group of Jimnys laners that enjoy going off-roading and green laning. We don't do anything too extreme, like some off-roading enthusiasts who prefer to get stranded and enjoy the challenge of digging themselves out. I will be installing a raise kit, which will require me to change the wheels to steel rims with mud tyres. One of the guys in our group takes the lead and always goes first; he has a 4-inch lift kit and always goes first; if he gets stuck, we all know there is no hope for the rest of us. I am going to call Jimny bits to get their advice on whether a 2 or 3-inch raise kit is better and to ask about the benefits and disadvantages of each. Once more, I am grateful to you for your assistance.

No probs.

And please don't think I'm against a 4" lift or modding. I wouldn't want you to not go for it just on my say so.

The person who leads your group, is that also a 4th Gen Jimny? Laning is fun, I've done some local lanes in mine. But usually head off to Wales most years, but that had been Land Rovers. Would be great to get laning with some fellow Jimnys one day.

Please post back what you find out and any decisions you make.

I've spoken, well emailed Jimnybits about the 3" lift. But not quite ready to commit to buying yet. Hopefully later in the year I will though.

How far you get is partly down to the vehicle and partly down to the driver. I have been a passenger in a basic Toyota driven in a competent manner that easily got through a hazard whereas the same model but modified and driven in an aggressive manner failed. Going too far on your modifications can easily result in a motor that becomes uncomfortable to drive and is likely to fail more easily. It is better to improve your skills than to modify your vehicle to try and compensate for other things. Remember, fast as necessary, slow as passible.
A 4" lift is viewed with distrust because what you gain - 4" lift under the body and chassis but not under the diffs. is outweighed by the reduction in stability.

Roger