Alright, so I'm starting to look around for some new front struts/coilovers as mine are starting to show their age (190,000 miles). I want a nice plush ride since this thing is my daily and I spend multiple hours in it on a daily basis, but I want a little more performance off road. It has a 2" level spacer on it, and I like how it sits at that height, so heres my question. Would it theoretically be possible to take a kit like the Fox 2.5 factory series, preload the spring at one of its lower settings (0.5"-1") and then put a 1"-1.5" spacer on top of that. Will the Assembly be too long at full extension or will it behave basically like having the stock strut+spacer, just with different valving/spring rates? Im trying to find the happy medium as far as ride comfort, and ride height, while still being able to clear 34.4" tires without having to cut the front end in half so it doesn't rub (mild exaggeration). Im not in a huge hurry to find out on this, and if I end up having to go with the ICON kit and set it at 2" of lift then I'm fine with that, but I'd like to entertain all the options.

 

I don't think I would be modifying the standard length shocks to try to make them work. Look for a set of shocks specifically made for a 2 inch lift.

 

and some shocks do have an AADJUSTABLE spring length... that might be an option.

 

I know they do, and that’s my dellima. I’m really looking at the Fox 2.0 or 2.5’s for the front and setting them at only the 0.5” setting and then spacing the top of the strut. The fox struts should* be the same length as the factory ones, so a spacer would behave exactly like having the one I have now. My only real concern is that with this setup *if* the fox’s Have more away travel than the stock struts from ride height, it could over extend the control arms and bind the ball joints, or put unnecessary stress on the cv’s. I’ve done more reading when I’ve had time and the Fox plus a spacer should work fine, as long as I get the preload right on them. If I shoot for 0.5” then use my existing 2” block it *should ride like the rancho quick lift at its highest setting. Like I say I’m looking for a more plush ride for daily use but something more progressive than the stock setup so if I’m beating on it, it can still take some punishment. I’ve already decided on a Raptor rear block, leaf pack and shocks for the back, which will be softer than the stock setup, but take a little more abuse. Just need to sort out what I’m putting in the front.