We've covered how to choose the polyurethane spacers, as well as the springs and dampers needed to increase the ride height. In this article we will talk about two important points regarding the increase in clearance - the possibility of self-installation of spacers, springs and shock absorbers, as well as the need to repair the suspension before increasing the clearance.

Do I need to repair the suspension before increasing ground clearance

Many workshops that increase ride height offer their customers complete suspension repairs. The cost of such repairs is comparable to all the costs of increasing ground clearance, so not everyone agrees to such an offer, perceiving it as an attempt to impose an unnecessary service. But is she really not needed? To answer this question, you need to understand what happens to the suspension after the ride height is increased. Usually, the clearance is increased to drive on bad roads without damage. Indeed, in terms of comfort, the Volkswagen Passat is noticeably superior to such cars as the UAZ or Niva, although it is inferior to them in cross-country ability. When a car with a suspension tuned for good roads is driven off-road or bumpy roads, the suspension is subjected to very heavy loads. When driving on a good road, the amplitude of the vertical movement of the unsprung mass is small, because small irregularities in asphalt or concrete cannot create a sufficiently powerful impulse. Because of this, the load on the shock absorbers and suspension silent blocks is minimal.

When the car moves off-road, the situation changes dramatically. On off-road or bumpy roads, the amplitude of movement of the unresolved mass is ten times greater. After all, it is one thing to successfully resist the inertia of an unsprung mass, and quite another thing to push the road. Due to the large height difference on the road and the associated large travel of the unsprung mass relative to the body, the pressure on the silent blocks increases sharply. After all, the suspension is a triangle with two static vertices that cannot change their position. The first peak is the junction of the body and the support bearing or spring, and the second peak is the silent blocks connecting the suspension arms to the body. The suspension of the Volkswagen Passat is tuned for good roads, so it is quite stiff. On the track, this is an undoubted advantage, because it improves the handling and stability of the car. But off-road, this turns into a huge minus, because a too stiff suspension does not have enough travel to effectively dampen the huge vertical amplitude of wheel motion. Consequently, the energy that could not be stretched in time with the help of the spring will shock the silent blocks. This explains the short service life of the suspension of foreign cars on Russian roads.

The increase in ground clearance often instills in the owners of foreign cars unfounded confidence in the high all-terrain qualities of their car. And they sweep along broken sections of the road like Russian Volga, Ladas or Muscovites. But the suspension of domestic cars is much better adapted for our roads, therefore, the load on the silent blocks there is much less due to the lower stiffness of the springs and shock absorbers. Therefore, even small, barely noticeable damage to the silent blocks during fast driving on bumpy roads can quickly turn into full-fledged breaks. Moreover, the rupture of an entire silent block occurs several times slower than at least slightly damaged. All this allows us to conclude that repairing the suspension before increasing the clearance is not a whim of the car service workers and not a desire to impose an unnecessary service, but a very necessary event that will seriously extend the service life of the silent blocks. Broken silent blocks mean a decrease in handling, loss of stability in corners, accelerated tire wear and other unpleasant manifestations.

Is it possible to increase the clearance yourself

Despite the fact that the cost of installing spacers or a package of bad roads in a workshop is not high, many Volkswagen Passat owners are wondering if it is possible to do this work yourself? Theoretically, there is nothing complicated in this work, and a description of the process can be found both on the website and in other sources. If you can repair the suspension yourself and have all the tools you need, then you can easily cope with the installation of new springs and shock absorbers or spacers. If you do not possess such skills, then there is a high probability that you will make a mistake that will negatively affect some of the characteristics of the car. In one of the following articles, we will tell you about such errors and give recommendations on how to avoid them.

Ground clearance Volkswagen Passat or clearancelike for any other passenger car is an important factor on our roads. It is the condition of the road surface or its complete absence that makes Russian motorists interested in the clearance of the Volkswagen Passat and the possibility of increasing the ground clearance using spacers.

To begin with, it's worth honestly saying that real ground clearance Volkswagen Passat may seriously differ from that declared by the manufacturer. The whole secret is in the method of measurement and the location of the ride height measurement. Therefore, you can find out the real state of affairs only by yourself armed with a tape measure or a ruler. Official ground clearance of the Volkswagen Passat different generations differ significantly.

• Ground clearance Volkswagen Passat B8 from 2014 onwards - 160 mm (in the EU 145 mm)
• Clearance Volkswagen Passat B7 from 2010 onwards - 155 mm (in the EU 135 mm)
• Ground clearance Volkswagen Passat B6 since 2005 - 163 mm (in the EU 139 mm)

On some modifications (depending on the type of body / power unit / transmission), the clearance may differ.

Some manufacturers go for the trick and declare the size of the ground clearance in an "empty" car, but in real life we \u200b\u200bhave a full trunk of all sorts of things, passengers and the driver. That is, in a loaded car, the clearance will be completely different. Another factor that few people have in mind is the age of the car and the wear and tear of the springs, their “subsidence” from old age. The issue is resolved by installing new springs or buying spacers under sagging springs Volkswagen Passat... The spacers allow you to compensate for the spring settling and add a couple of centimeters of ground clearance. Sometimes even a centimeter in the parking lot at the curb plays an important role.

But do not get carried away with the "lift" of the Volkswagen Passat's ground clearance, because the spacers to increase the clearance are focused only on springs. If you do not pay attention to the shock absorbers, the travel of which is often very limited, then self-modernization of the suspension can lead to loss of control and damage to the shock absorbers. In terms of cross-country ability, high ground clearance in our harsh conditions is good, but at high speeds on the track and in corners, there is a serious buildup and additional body roll.

A detailed video of installing spacers to increase ground clearance for the Volkswagen Passat.

Any car manufacturer, when designing a suspension and choosing a clearance value, is looking for a middle ground between handling and cross-country ability. Perhaps the easiest, safest and most unpretentious way to increase clearance is to install wheels with “high” tires. Changing wheels makes it easy to increase the ground clearance by another centimeter.

Do not forget that a serious change in ground clearance can damage the CV joints of the Volkswagen Passat. After all, "grenades" will have to work from a slightly different angle. But this only applies to the front axle. Moreover, a serious change in ground clearance can lead to uneven rubber wear.

The fifth generation Volkswagen Passat with the factory designation B5 was released in 1996, with its appearance the car opened a new milestone in the history of the model - it became much more technologically advanced and in its status came close to cars of higher classes. In 1997, the "Passats" with all drive wheels appeared, and in 2000 the car underwent a planned modernization, as a result of which it received the B5.5 (or B5 +) index.

The "fifth Volkswagen Passat" marked the transition to a new design style for the brand, which was shown on the Concept One. The car can be described as follows - a large representative of the D-class, which has a somewhat contradictory appearance. "Passat" has a low and streamlined silhouette, in which the "front" part and stern are crowned with optics of modest size, which makes it look somewhat uncharacteristic.

This "German" was offered in two body modifications - sedan and station wagon (Variant). In length, the car is 4669-4704 mm long, its width does not exceed 1740 mm, and its height is 1460-1499 mm. The distance between the axles is unchanged in all cases - 2703 mm, but the ground clearance varies from 110 to 124 mm.

The interior of the Volkswagen Passat B5 is monumental and "thoroughbred" in appearance. The instrument panel is represented by two large dials, between which the information display of the trip computer is located. The steering wheel is endowed with a 3-spoke design with a large brand emblem, and the massive center console has sheltered the climate control unit, radio and auxiliary buttons.

The interior of the German D-model is finished with high-quality materials, namely, pleasant and soft plastics, decorative wood-like inlays and good-quality leather in which the seats are dressed.

The front of the "fifth" VW Passat has wide seats with an optimal profile and a decent range of adjustments that will be comfortable for riders of any body type. The back sofa with soft filling provides ample space for three passengers on all fronts.

The luggage compartment of the three-volume "Passat B5" is designed to carry 475 liters of luggage, with the back of the second row of seats folded down - 745 liters. The “hold” capacity of the cargo-passenger model is 495 liters, and its maximum capacity is fixed at 1200 liters.

Specifications. Under the hood of the fifth generation Volkswagen Passat, one of six gasoline engines can be found.
The range of "fours" consists of atmospheric and turbocharged engines with a volume of 1.6-2.0 liters, which generate from 101 to 150 horsepower and from 140 to 220 Nm of torque. A V-shaped five-cylinder 2.3-liter unit was also offered for the car, the potential of which has 150 "horses" and 205 Nm of maximum torque. The 2.8-liter V6 is assigned to the role of "top-end", developing at peak 193 power forces and 290 Nm of torque.
The four-cylinder diesel turbo engine with a volume of 1.9 liters, depending on the level of boost, produces 90-115 horsepower and 210-285 Newton meters. There was also a 2.5-liter V-shaped "six" with a capacity of 150 "mares" and 310 Nm of torque.
Engines were combined with a 5 or 6-speed manual gearbox and a 5-speed automatic gearbox, by default the car was equipped with a front-wheel drive transmission, 4Motion all-wheel drive technology was optionally available. Depending on the modification, up to the first 100 km / h "Passat" of the fifth generation rushes in 7.6-15 seconds, and the possible speed is fixed at 177-238 km / h.

The Volkswagen Passat B5 is based on the PL45 bogie with a longitudinal power unit. The front suspension is a double wishbone design, the rear suspension is a semi-independent design with a torsion beam on front-wheel drive cars and an independent multi-link with all-wheel drive. The steering system has a built-in power steering, and the brake package consists of all-disc brakes (front - with ventilation).

The owners describe it as a nice car with a spacious interior and a reliable design, the maintenance of which costs an adequate amount. In addition, VW Passat B5 has a huge "hold" for luggage, acceptable fuel consumption, high-quality sound insulation and good finishing materials.
The overall picture is spoiled by the suspension, which is rigid for Russian roads, "capricious" electronics, and a modest clearance to the roadway.

Prices. In the secondary market of Russia "Passat" of the fifth generation in 2015 can be found at prices ranging from 180,000 to 300,000 rubles.

"Passat" of the fifth generation (index 3В2, 3В3; in common parlance B5) debuted in August 1996 in the sedan body, or Limousine - according to the corporate classification. In 1997, a station wagon (Variant) and an all-wheel drive modification were presented in Geneva. Subsequently, almost every year, buyers were offered a new engine, and at the end of 2000 the model was retouched. It is the updated B5 (B5 + or B5.5) that rule the show in our secondary market, since the current customs rules make the import of pre-styling cars unprofitable.

During the restyling, the front part was especially badly hit: new bumper, radiator grill, fenders, optics. Chrome was used in the bodywork; almost all body elements were finalized, with the exception of the roof and doors. Mechanical units, at first glance, did not undergo any special changes, but, as representatives of Volkswagen stated, 2315 (!) New parts appeared in the car. At the same time, the track was expanded by 17 mm, the front part was lengthened by 15, and the rear overhang by 13 mm. There are much less innovations in the interior: they moved the parking brake lever closer to the driver, thereby freeing up space for two cup holders, replaced the reclining armrest between the front seats with a stationary box, and surrounded the scales on the dashboard with silver.

"Passat" of the fifth generation was produced until the appearance of a successor under the B6 index, presented in 2005 at the Geneva Motor Show.

Almost all cars are assembled in Germany and Slovakia. Where exactly, it is easy to determine by the 11th character of the VIN-code: E - Emden, D - Bratislava, P - Zwickau / Moselle, 8 - Dresden). The B5 model was also produced in China, but these machines were intended exclusively for the domestic market.

Let us also mention the famous three letters ZZZ, which have already become the talk of the town. Many people believe that their presence in the identification number means that the body is completely galvanized. In fact, they just filled in the empty positions of the 17-digit VIN. However, it was the B5 that really became the first Volkswagen to have a fully galvanized body, which allowed the manufacturer to declare a 12-year guarantee against perforating corrosion.

CORNUCOPIA

The offered choice of engines will satisfy even the most sophisticated customer - there are several dozen modifications. Cars with both gasoline and diesel engines were officially supplied to Russia. Among the former are in-line 4-cylinder 1.8 L turbocharged (150 hp) and naturally aspirated 2.0 L (115 hp), as well as VR5 2.3 L (170 hp) and V6 2.8 L (190 HP). In 2001, the exotic W8 4.0 L (275 hp) was added to them. Diesel units are represented by a "four" 1.9 l TDI (depending on the modification 101 or 130 hp) and a V-shaped "six" 2.5 l TDI (150, 163 or 180 hp). European buyers were also offered a 1.6-liter 102 hp, but it turned out to be frankly weak for such a car.

The most powerful versions of the W8 have 4Motion permanent all-wheel drive (Haldex clutch with electronic control unit). All four leading ones can also have modifications with a 2.8-liter gasoline engine or diesel 1.9 liters (only 130 hp) or 2.5 liters. In 2004, this list was joined by cars with a 1.8-liter turbo engine, which were sold only in the American market.

The engines were aggregated with a 5- or 6-speed manual gearbox or with a 4- or 5-speed automatic transmission. The latter have the Tiptronic prefix in the name and can be switched manually. For each engine variant, the company offered its own set of transmissions; We will not list everything, we will only note that only the weakest engines worked in tandem with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and, on the contrary, the most powerful ones with a 6-speed manual transmission.

The list of standard equipment of the basic "trade winds" in the initial Basis configuration, which is usually trumped by the brand's dealers, is very, very extensive (see our help). Comfortline adds to the basic version a velor interior, rear power windows, lumbar support for the front seats, a center armrest with a storage compartment between the front seats, a chrome frame for the side windows. Trendline sports seats, leather sports steering wheel and gear and parking brake levers, aluminum interior trim. Highline features chrome-plated bumpers and moldings, aluminum or wood interior trim, heated front seats, leather and Alcantara upholstery, outside temperature indicator, heated windscreen washer nozzles, etc.

The trade winds with the W8 engine are almost identical to the Highline. Externally, they can be identified by the W8 4Motion nameplates, 17-inch light-alloy wheels and four chrome-plated exhaust pipes. The list of optional equipment to choose from takes more than one page.

The European modifications are practically no different from the Russian ones, but the “Nashenskie” ones have one indisputable advantage - the so-called Russian package, which includes stiffer springs and shock absorbers, a clearance increased by 30 mm and adaptation for 92nd gasoline. But you should not neglect additional crankcase protection, since a standard plastic one will save only from dirt.

POWER IS NOT A FAILURE

In the American market, restyled trade winds began to be sold in 2001, also with two body types (sedan and station wagon). Initially, local buyers were offered only two gasoline engines: 1.8 liters (170 hp) and a V-shaped 2.8-liter "six" (190 hp). In 2002, a 4.0 L W8 (270 hp) was added to them. Cars with engines of 1.8 and 2.8 liters could have both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive transmissions (although cars with a less powerful engine received four-wheel drive only in 2004), and the most powerful version of the W8 could only have all-wheel drive. The choice of gearboxes was somewhat poorer than in Europe: 5- or 6-speed mechanics plus a 5-speed automatic.

All-wheel drive versions with 2.8-liter engines were equipped exclusively with automatic transmissions. The rest of the engine and gearbox combinations depended on the model year, but a trend can be traced. So, in the first years of production, almost all cars in the base were equipped with mechanical transmissions and an automatic transmission was offered only as an option for them, while in the last year of production (2005), automatic transmission was installed on all cars, except for the weakest one. Apparently, the German engineers did not manage to convince the Americans to change gears manually.

With the start of sales, only two levels of equipment were offered on this market: GLS and GLX. The first, cheaper, is in many ways similar to the base level for Europe and Russia, and the more sophisticated GLX could already boast of a leather interior, wood trim, sunroof, radio control on the steering wheel, etc. All this was available for GLS, but as options. But heated front seats, electric driver's seat (with memory) to eight positions, climate control (Climatronic), music amplifier, leather steering wheel, rear curtains, etc. remained the prerogative of the GLX version only. A six-disc CD changer and a rain sensor were offered as options. The stabilization system could be additionally ordered for all modifications.

In 2002, they added a complete set of W8, equipped with an engine with the same index. Its distinctive features are 17-inch wheels, a forked exhaust system, ventilated discs in a circle, an 80-liter tank, a stabilization system as standard, as well as some decorative elements. In 2003, Volkswagen offered, in addition to the rest, the cheapest configuration - GL: only velor interior, no sunroof (in other versions, it was included in the basic equipment), most options were unavailable. And in 2005, buyers again, as in the first year of sales, could only choose between GLS and GLX.

In general, the local cars traditionally differ from their European counterparts in optics (a different standard and, moreover, the turn signals are not in the center of the headlight, but closer to the wings), the algorithm of its operation, bumpers (stamping for square numbers and additional side lights), digitization of the dashboard and step of the radio receiver (does not catch radio stations whose frequency ends in even numbers). Most of the spare parts are the same as European counterparts.

FULL SET

"Passats" have been immensely loved by Russians since the 90s, so there is plenty to choose from in the secondary market. Here are the cars that were once officially sold from us, delivered from Europe - mainly from Germany - and brought from the United States. All have their pros and cons. The former have a more transparent pedigree, but they drove along our roads and on our gasoline; the technical condition of the “Europeans” is, as a rule, somewhat better, but many copies passed through the hands of Lithuanian craftsmen; the "Americans" have an attractive price, but they usually feel worse.

The lion's share of cars is with 1.8 liter gasoline turbo engines or 1.9 liter diesel engines. "Tradewinds" with large engines are initially more expensive, and customs clearance is much more expensive.

OUR REFERENCE

The basic basic equipment includes: front airbags, seat belts with pretensioners, disc brakes in a circle, immobilizer, central locking with remote control, power steering, two-way adjustable steering column, ISOFIX child seat mountings, electric drive and heated outside mirrors, front power windows, manual driver's seat height adjustment, 40:60 folding rear seat backrest, body-colored mirrors and bumpers, heat-insulating glass, chrome-plated radiator grille surround, roof antenna, plastic crankcase, fog lights, rear window wiper and washer ( station wagon), full-size spare wheel, etc.

The equipment depended on the installed engine. For example, 2.0 l and 1.9 TDI (100 hp) were equipped with ABS only; 1.8T, VR5 and all-wheel drive modifications additionally equipped with electronic differential lock (EDL), V6 and 1.9 TDI (130 hp) in addition to the above - traction control system (ASR), well, V6 TDI and V6 TDI 4Motion - also electronic stability control (ESP), including "brake assist". Only cars with V6 TDI had air conditioning in this version.

The editors would like to thank the Volkswagen Passat B5 Fan Club (www.passat-b5.ru) for their help in organizing the filming.

Ground clearance, or clearance, is an extremely important value when driving off-road. If the car moves exclusively in urban conditions and on paved motorways, then the lower the ground clearance, the better stability and handling will be. Therefore, some passenger car models are tuned in order to make the ground clearance equal to 130 mm. But what is good for asphalt is completely unsuitable for driving on rough terrain. In such cases, extreme people tend to increase the ground clearance by using various inserts.

Ground clearance "Volkswagen Passat"

The modern passenger car Volkswagen Passat belongs to the business class models in terms of comfort. The car received its name in honor of the winds revered by sailors - trade winds, which, due to the constancy of direction and strength, made it possible to pave routes over long distances. Since 1973, 8 generations of the legendary car have been produced. Initially, the cars of the Volkswagen concern have a large margin of safety for all components and assemblies, which makes it possible to make trips to the country, out-of-town picnics, as well as on tourist trips.

Everything would be fine, but one problem interferes - a small ground clearance, which varies from 102 to 175 mm for different Passat versions. This is easy to explain, because the German concern focuses on European roads with excellent road surfaces. In Russia, on the asphalt roads, you can find potholes of great depth, a wheel hitting which leads to serious expenses for suspension repair. In winter, snow drifts are observed even on federal highways, which are difficult to overcome with low ground clearance. In addition, this clearance is clearly not enough when parking, since our curbs have a high height due to the constant increase in the thickness of the asphalt. Therefore, the car clings to them with shock absorbers, engine protection or other low points on the chassis.

It should be remembered that the laden car becomes 20–30 mm lower, therefore the ground clearance of the VW Passat with the full weight becomes very small. It is worth thinking about installing a special insert under the shock absorber, which will make the car taller. On the latest VW models, this problem was solved by the use of special electronically controlled shock absorbers that change the suspension stiffness by changing the working length of the rod.

Ground clearance for Volkswagen B3-B8 and SS models

For each new generation VW Passat, the ground clearance changed in different directions. This is due to changes in tire size, chassis design and other reasons.

Table: ground clearance and suspension characteristics of VW Passat models of different generations

Video: what is clearance

How to increase the clearance "Volkswagen Passat" with your own hands

To ensure a safe ride in VW Passat with increased ground clearance, it is necessary to choose the right body lifting parts. They can be:

• factory polyurethane spacers;
• package for bad roads;
• springs and shock absorbers with special characteristics.

The most popular option for increasing ground clearance by 20–40 mm is the option of installing special inserts between the body and the support bearing on the front and rear suspensions. The material of the spacers is of great importance. Practice has shown that the most effective are elastic polyurethane inserts, which are several times more durable than cheap rubber ones. Some owners grind metal counterparts, but they increase the load on the suspension parts by 2–4 times, thereby reducing the service life of the silent blocks and shock absorbers.

The most effective devices for increasing the clearance of the Volkswagen Passat are polyurethane inserts between the body and the support bearing

The VAG concern itself has developed a package for bad roads especially for Russia, but it is quite expensive (about 50 thousand rubles). When using it, the ground clearance increases by only 1–1.5 cm, which is clearly not enough in our conditions. Owners of Volkswagen cars are advised to buy this package by car services, which they turn to to increase ground clearance, and by official dealers.

All the latest Volkswagen models use adjustable springs and shock absorbers. It is problematic to independently make the front suspension adjustable because of the need to make serious changes to the software of the on-board computer ("brains" of the car).

Diy step-by-step instructions for increasing the clearance VW Passat

We will raise the Passat body by installing polyurethane spacers between the support bearing of the front pillar and the car body.

Tools and materials

To do this job we need a certain set of tools.

1. Spark plug wrench 21 mm.
2. A set of spanners.
3. Set of heads.
4. 7 Allen key.
5. Adjustable wrench.
6. A hammer.
7. Semi-kuvalda.
8. Hydraulic jack.
9. Chisel.
10. Ties for compressing springs.
11. Wooden coasters (blocks, blocks, board trimmings).
12. Aerosol WD-40 (universal tool for loosening stuck nuts).
13. Set of polyurethane spacers with six elongated bolts.

Installing a spacer under the rear shock absorbers

This is the safest, easiest and most effective way to increase ground clearance when the rear struts are working normally. Since the German concern categorically does not recommend changing the working length of the shock absorber rod, you need to raise the attachment point of its lower part. For this, special brackets with bolts are sold, but you can make them yourself.

The work is done in this order.

Table: dimensions of a homemade stand

Installation of spacers under the front shock absorbers

Changing the attachment points of the front shock absorbers is associated with the removal of the front struts and directly affects the camber and toe-in of the front wheels, the change in the angle of rotation of the universal joint of the angular speeds and other important characteristics of the car. It is recommended to carry out this work independently only by drivers with extensive experience in plumbing work. If you do not have the necessary qualifications, it is better to contact a specialist in a car service.

Video: Passat B5 installation of spacers

Polyurethane spacers have excellent qualities. It is easy to buy them on automotive Internet resources. They not only increase the clearance of the VW Passat for driving on difficult Russian roads, but also dampen the vibration of the body. The polyurethane compound is not afraid of corrosion, anti-icing sand-salt mixtures.

When choosing parts to increase ground clearance, be sure to pay attention to the make, model, body type and year of manufacture of the Volkswagen Passat. Each generation of this car needs its own spacer dimensions, because the thrust bearings and spring seats are individual. This is due to the fact that the dimensions and characteristics of springs, shock absorbers, silent blocks and other products are calculated depending on the gross vehicle weight, and it is not the same for different generations.

What do the spacers change?

When driving on uneven roads, suspension assemblies, including shock absorbers and silent blocks, are exposed to shocks, vibrations and other types of loads. Such an impact reduces the service life of these parts, their condition becomes worse. Over time, the suspension begins to react inadequately to the unevenness of the road - the wheels come off the ground, and the car seems to hang in the air. If you start to brake at this time, then only those tires that are firmly pressed to the ground will effectively affect the speed reduction. Uneven braking contributes to skidding. The increased ground clearance shifts the center of gravity upward, which increases the likelihood of the vehicle overturning when skidding. The same situation occurs when turning. Therefore, the material from which the spacers are made is very important. Too soft rubber or hard metal during extreme driving can lead to dire consequences.

Video: polyurethane suspension reviews, differences with rubber

In countries with good road surfaces, car manufacturers tend to reduce the ride height so that the car handles better and is safer when cornering. In Russia, roads are considered one of the main troubles in our country, so the increased ground clearance is relevant, popular and often used. When deciding to change the ground clearance, you need to remember the cost of the issue. Incorrectly sized spacers can shorten the life of expensive front and rear suspension parts, resulting in unnecessary costs. The best option is to install spacers when replacing the front and rear struts with new parts.