Thread: sls spacers explained

good question, Im also intrested in finding out the answer to this question

X3....just got my suspension and waiting on lift kit,,,would like to know myself,

Regards

Stevo

Ok ok I'll write a detailed explanation after my shift finishes!!! (19:30)

I should be able to write up a good explanation as I designed and manufactured the first and original kits in Australia before my design was "cloned"

Ok ok I'll write a detailed explanation after my shift finishes!!! (19:30)

I should be able to write up a good explanation as I designed and manufactured the first and original kits in Australia before my design was "cloned"

Thanks Tombie...would be very much appreciated,

Regards

Stevo

If you just raise the air bags 50mm with the computer, you loose your articulation same as if you push your raise button for the extra 40mm, lifts the vehicle but articulation is not as good, I have found the front wheels have a tendency to lift easier.
With the spacer kit you go up 50mm with out loosing articulation, you can still push your raise button (extra 40mm), back to the articulation again (this all depends on how extreme your off roading is). Brake lines and abs are still ok.
You have to ditch the original shocks, I used limiting straps on my new shocks as not to rip the bags apart.
Hope this helps.

SLS spacers are a multi material compound.

They fit between the original factory mount on the diff and replicate that mount higher on a top plate. The bag locates using a keyway where the bag is intstalled at 90' and rotated till its in position.
The top of the bag is located by 2 spigots and small circlip style retainers.

Lifting an SLS vehicle by lengthening the sensors does, as mentioned above just raise the vehicle, and gains no extra articulation (although it remains the same as before - just more up travel than down) It also has the possibility of overextending the bag in offroad mode (+40mm).. This is not good!

Another issue is to get the raised height pressure in the bags is greatly increased and ride suffers.

Raising the SLS rear requires longer shock absorbers be fitted to take advantage of newe height.. OME/Billies +2" will do the trick nicely.. They will still allow full bump compression without bottoming and 2"+ extension to take advantage of the added ride height.

In *this* instance fitting a bump stop extension is *NOT* a good idea as you will lose the up travel benefit (compression) and all you get is a 2" lift with no extra travel - all thats happened is its been 'moved' 2 " lower.

It *IS* possible though, to go even longer on the shocks (+4" eg. 16"closed / 26" open) and fit a 50mm bump extension and have an extra 2" travel IF you fit longer (+2") airbags. This will give a great benefit offroad - although you will lose the 2" up travel to get this...

The kits (I sold) include the following:

2x alloy spacers with keyed steel top plates. (26mm alloy + 4mm plate)
2x brake / ABS line lowering brackets (Stainless)
2x sensor extension plates (calibrated 30mm lift)
2x sensor extension plates (calibrated 50mm lift)
1x assorted bolts for fitting spacer to axle, Brakeline lowering plates to spring mount and sensor extensions to lower arm and sensor.
NO Bump stop spacers were included with kit for reasons explained above.

Now the reason I sold the kit with only a 30mm spacer assembly....

Raising the vehicle 30mm doesnt present any problems, cornering etc remain good.
Add 20mm and the ride wallows a little due to increased height. Fitting a 30mm spacer and 50mm calibrated arms gives a 50mm lift AND a slight increase in "rate" through slightly increased air pressure in the bags.
This helps prevent induced body roll....

The bags have enough compression available to handle this fine.

WHERE an ISSUE will arise.......
If the vehicle is lifted like this and the SLS needs to be recalibrated (using the factory method) then calibration blocks need to be fitted between the bump stop and axle.
The 50mm lift kit then requires an extra 50mm spacer on the calibration block or ride height will be incorrect.
Therefore its easier for a home 'mechanic' to make up the desired calibration blocks from hardwood, polyurethane, steel etc.... to factory length + the spacer kit height in use.

I do not recommend the fitting of bump stop extensions with the SLS kit in 95% of installations as your overall articulation improvement is negated.

Hope this sheds some light on the subject...

Ps> I should have some kits available soon for a VERY special AULRO price (read far cheaper than the others out there)... But due to OneSteel commitments have been severly time restricted and havent completed the maching quite yet.

G'day Tombie,

Thanks for the explanation.... a few things make far more sense now...

I'll keep an eye out for the upcoming kits.

For those that can't wait, it would be interesting to know who's not to buy..... don't like people that clone (or was that steal ) others designs and work....

Cheers,
Mark

a very comprehensive answer thanks tombie