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If you’ve modified your vehicle with a lift kit or are considering it, chances are you’ve come across ball joint spacers as a potential solution for suspension issues. At first glance, they sound like an affordable, quick fix to common lifting challenges like improving angles or clearing struts, particularly for those who can't budget for a fully engineered 6-inch lift kit. But what if we told you that these spacers could be the worst decision for your vehicle’s suspension?
For off-road enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, or beginners dabbling with suspension modifications, ball joint spacers might seem harmless, but using them can lead to serious problems—both for your truck and your wallet. Whether you’re chasing that aggressive lifted look or striving for better off-road performance, understanding why ball joint spacers are a bad idea is critical.
This article isn’t here to sugarcoat things. We're here to walk you through the dangers, issues, and real-world consequences of using ball joint spacers.
- The Problem With Lift Kits and Ball Joint Spacers
Most people turn to ball joint spacers as a “solution” to specific suspension issues. Before we explain why this is a poor choice, let's examine the most common reasons people feel they need them.
Reasons People Use Ball Joint Spacers
- Upper Control Arms Hitting the Struts or Springs
When people lift their vehicles too high, the upper control arms (UCA) may hit the strut assembly. To address this, they often assume adding a ball joint spacer will increase separation and prevent interference.
- Ball Joints Are at Aggressive Angles
Lifting a vehicle creates sharper angles for the UCAs and ball joints. Extreme angles cause stress and wear out parts sooner than intended. Ball joint spacers are marketed as a way to ease these angles.
- Lack of Camber Adjustment
Improper camber is a common issue after lifting a vehicle. Ball joint spacers are often suggested to correct camber.
The Reality
While these reasons might seem valid, ball joint spacers don’t address the root problems with your suspension setup. Instead, they cause more harm than good, often amplifying existing issues and introducing new hazards.
- The Engineering Flaws of Ball Joint Spacers
The harsh reality is that manufacturers never designed your suspension system—or the upper control arms—to accommodate ball joint spacers. Adding them creates a host of engineering problems that can severely compromise safety and performance.
Increased Leverage and Stress
The ball joint spacer offsets the ball joint from its original mounting position on the upper control arm. Doing so creates a lever effect—also known as mechanical leverage—which amplifies the forces acting on the ball joint mounting plate. Unfortunately, this additional force can easily bend or break the mounting plate, especially when the vehicle is under stress, such as off-road driving or sudden braking.
Example
Imagine your suspension under the strain of a rocky trail. The added leverage from the spacer turns small impacts into major forces on the ball joint mount and UCA. This is why we’ve seen cases where UCAs bend or break outright.
Compromised Upper Control Arm Geometry
Adding spacers alters the geometry of your UCAs. Most UCAs are designed to complement a specific lift kit or factory suspension. By throwing spacers into the mix, the alignment angles and structural rigidity of the control arm are undermined, leading to premature failure.
JBA Offroad makes it clear in the warranty terms that adding ball joint spacers to their UCAs will void your warranty altogether. Their engineers specifically design arms to work with certain lifts—any modification, such as ball joint spacers, distorts that engineering and puts your suspension at risk.
- Why Your Lift Size or Kit Design Matters
Your Lift is Too Big for Your Vehicle
One glaring reason people end up using spacers is because their lift kit is simply too large for their vehicle’s design. While a massive lift might look cool, going beyond your vehicle’s recommended height can introduce countless headaches—not to mention safety concerns. Ball joint spacers are often a stopgap solution to make an oversized lift function, but the underlying issue remains unresolved.
Poorly Designed Lift Kits
All lift kits are not created equal. Inferior or poorly engineered kits often fail to address suspension geometry adequately, leaving you scrambling for band-aid fixes like ball joint spacers. Here’s the truth: if your lift kit isn’t designed correctly, spacers won’t save it. Instead, they’ll worsen the situation.
Stacking Multiple Lift Kits
Stacking lift kits is one of the biggest no-nos in the off-road suspension world. If you’ve combined multiple kits to achieve extra height, chances are your suspension system is already under significant strain. Adding ball joint spacers into the mix only compounds the problem, increasing the likelihood of failure.
Lifting an IFS vehicle over 3.5 inches will damage the CV joints, tie rod ends, and steering rack.
- The Risks and Real-World Consequences
Upper Control Arm Failure
As mentioned earlier, UCAs can bend, crack, or fail entirely due to the increased forces from spacers. Once this happens, your vehicle becomes unsafe and requires costly repairs.
Voided Warranties
Many manufacturers, including industry leaders like JBA Offroad, explicitly state that modifying UCAs with ball joint spacers will void your warranty. If damage occurs, you’re on the hook for expensive replacements.
Suspension Collapse
In extreme cases, the mechanical stress caused by spacers can lead to suspension collapse. Imagine cruising down the highway when your suspension gives out—this isn’t just inconvenient; it’s downright dangerous.
Compromised Vehicle Safety with upper control arms flexing because of ball joint spacers
- Braking becomes less predictable.
- Handling suffers, especially during high-speed maneuvers or off-road challenges.
- Tire Wear and Alignment Issues.
Financial Costs
What might seem like a cheap solution initially can quickly escalate into thousands of dollars in repairs, from replacing UCAs to fixing alignment problems and suspension damage.
- Safer Alternatives
If you’re dealing with suspension issues, resist the temptation to use ball joint spacers. Instead, explore safer, more effective alternatives.
Invest in a Proper Lift Kit
Save up for a fully engineered lift kit that’s tailored to your vehicle’s make and model. It’ll save you money and headaches down the line.
Upgrade Your Upper Control Arms
Consider using UCAs designed for your specific lift. High-quality products, like those from JBA Offroad, are engineered to handle the stresses of a lifted suspension.
Adjust Your Setup
If your current setup is causing issues, it might be time to downsize your lift or remove one of the stacked kits. While it may not be as flashy, it’s a much safer and more reliable solution.
Consult an Expert
Reach out to a suspension professional to assess your setup. Their expertise can help you identify and fix issues without resorting to risky shortcuts.
- The Role of Community and Education
If you’re new to the off-road or modification scene, it’s easy to fall into the trap of quick fixes, especially with all the DIY tutorials on social media. Joining communities, forums, or local off-road clubs can provide you with guidance, support, and firsthand experiences from seasoned enthusiasts. Education is your best tool to ensure safe, effective, and long-lasting modifications.
- Final Thoughts
Ball joint spacers might seem like an easy hack, but their downsides far outweigh the benefits. From increased stress on suspension components to voided warranties and safety risks, they’re not worth the gamble.
If your lift kit is causing issues, take a step back and consider the root problem. Whether it’s an oversized lift, a poorly designed kit, or stacked lifts, the solution lies in addressing these issues—not masking them with ball joint spacers.
Invest in quality components for safer, longer-lasting results, and always consult experts when in doubt. Remember, your safety (and your truck) is worth it.
Looking for top-tier suspension products? Explore JBA Offroad's lineup—engineered to handle your off-road adventures without compromising safety.
