I want to start by saying that this product is still in the early testing stages (154,000 miles across 5 test vehicles over the past 11 months as of 10/24/24). It should only be used if you have passenger-side axle contact after installing your lift and are 100% determined to alleviate it, or if you're using a combination of front lift spacers and front lift springs and want to restore some of the factory geometry and are concerned about the axle contact. Not all Prius experience this contact, so be absolutely sure yours does before even considering going down this route.
With thousands of lift kits sold over the past several years and millions of miles of testing, we’ve seen ZERO issues arise from the few cases of passenger-side axle contact when the wheels are off the ground. For this reason, we are VERY HESITANT to try and "fix a problem" that hasn’t caused any actual issues, as we fear creating a real problem where one never actually existed.
Yes, some Prii do experience passenger-side axle contact after being lifted. In fact, one of our company’s GEN 3 Prii has had this issue for the past 235k miles of serious off road abuse with ZERO problems resulting from it. When the wheels are on the ground and under normal driving conditions no contact occurs and there is a substantial gap between all parts. Fortunately, for those who do experience axle contact it only occurs when the wheels are off the ground, at full droop (i.e., when jumping your car, going over large speed bumps at high speed, extreme suspension articulation, or during vehicle maintenance when the car is on jack stands).
Another good thing is that the axle is a solid piece of hardened, round steel without any sharp edges to catch on. Additionally, with only a 1.5" lift, the axle just barely touches the subframe, enough to rub the paint off but not cause damage.
NOTE: If you install a lift spacer larger than 1.5", the force of contact increases DRAMATICALLY. These spacers are only designed to work with a lift spacer height of 1.5" or less. For lift spacers taller than 1.5", a larger spacer and replacement of the factory subframe bolts with longer ones are necessary to avoid compromising safety.
About the spacers themselves:
The concept was originally developed nearly two decades ago by a company called Spoon Sports, aimed at the lowered suspension demographic to improve handling by better centering the subframe. While the product received mixed reviews, the concept was sound. (You can watch a video to learn more about that concept HERE.) By applying this same concept and increasing the thickness of the spacers, you in turn lower the subframe which allows for more CV axle clearance, and can help reduce some of the additional stress put on suspension, steering, and drivetrain components often associated with lifting a vehicle.
We don't plan to run these spacers on any of our shop vehicles, except for two test vehicles, to see if any problems arise. But, if you're one of the very few individuals concerned about passenger-side axle contact, this is a viable solution. It not only works but is in stock, installs in less than 30 minutes, doesn't cost an arm and a leg, and utilizes all your factory hardware.
The kit includes (4) subframe spacers, which is everything you need to successfully lower your subframe and eliminate passenger CV axle contact when lifted.