How to Install Rear Spring Lift Spacers on a 2013-2019 Kia Soul
This installation was performed on a 2017 Kia Soul (PS) using our lift kit designed for 2013–2019 Kia Soul models. This guide shows the rear suspension installation procedure for this lift kit configuration, including removal of the rear coil spring, installation of the upper polyurethane spring spacer, and installation of the supplied rear shock absorber extender.
Installing rear spring lift spacers is a practical way to increase rear ground clearance on the Kia Soul. Because the rear coil spring and shock absorber are installed separately, the rear spring can be unloaded by safely lowering the rear axle beam after the shock absorber is disconnected.
If you are installing this kit, see the Kia Soul 2013–2019 Lift Kit . You can also browse our complete collection of Kia lift kits .
Key Installation Facts
| Compatible lift kit | Kia Soul 2013–2019 |
|---|---|
| Installation shown on | 2017 Kia Soul (PS) |
| Rear spacer location | Above the rear coil spring |
| Factory upper rubber isolator | Removed and replaced by the polyurethane spacer |
| Factory lower rubber spring seat | Remains installed |
| Spring compressors | Normally not required when the axle beam is safely lowered enough to unload the spring |
| Shock absorber extender | Installed at the rear shock mounting point |
Tools You Will Need
Before starting the installation, prepare the following tools:
- Floor jack
- Two jack stands
- Wheel chocks
- Socket and wrench set
- Breaker bar
- Torque wrench
- Penetrating oil if suspension bolts are corroded
Spring compressors are normally not required because the rear coil spring becomes unloaded when the axle beam is lowered sufficiently.
Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle
Park the Kia Soul on a flat and solid surface.
Place the transmission in Park, or in gear if the vehicle has a manual transmission. Apply the parking brake and place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels.
Before lifting the vehicle, slightly loosen the rear wheel nuts.
Raise the rear of the vehicle and securely support the vehicle body with jack stands.
Remove the rear wheel on the side where you are beginning the spacer installation.
Step 2: Support the Rear Axle Beam
Position a floor jack underneath the rear axle beam close to the lower spring seat.
Raise the jack only enough to support the weight of the suspension. Do not lift the vehicle away from the jack stands.
The purpose of the floor jack is to support the axle beam and control its downward movement after the rear shock absorber is disconnected.
The rear suspension consists of several main components:
- Body-mounted upper spring seat
- Rear coil spring
- Factory lower rubber spring seat
- Rear axle / torsion beam
- Separate rear shock absorber
Because the rear coil spring and shock absorber are separate, the shock absorber limits how far the rear axle beam can move downward.
Step 3: Remove the Lower Shock Absorber Bolt
Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt where the shock absorber attaches to the rear axle beam.
You normally do not need to remove the upper shock absorber mounting point for this procedure.
With the rear axle beam supported by the floor jack, remove the lower shock absorber mounting bolt.
Once the bolt has been removed, carefully move the lower end of the shock absorber away from its mounting position.
Step 4: Slowly Lower the Rear Axle Beam
Carefully and slowly lower the floor jack supporting the rear axle beam.
As the beam moves downward, the rear coil spring will gradually become unloaded.
While lowering the beam, continuously monitor:
- Brake hose
- ABS sensor wiring
- Parking brake cable
If the spring remains compressed when one side of the suspension reaches its safe downward travel, support the axle beam appropriately. Depending on the suspension position, it may be necessary to disconnect the lower shock absorber mounting point on the opposite side as well.
Step 5: Remove the Rear Coil Spring
Once the rear spring is completely unloaded, carefully remove it from between the vehicle body and the rear axle beam.
Before removing the spring completely, note the position of the bottom end of the coil.
The end of the lowest coil must sit correctly against the molded locating stop in the factory lower rubber spring seat when the suspension is reassembled.
Step 6: Remove the Factory Upper Rubber Spring Isolator
At the top of the rear coil spring mounting position, you will find the factory upper rubber spring isolator.
For the Kia Soul 2013–2019 lift kit shown in this guide, the factory upper rubber isolator must be removed because the polyurethane lift spacer is installed in its place.
After installation, the rear spring arrangement becomes:
Step 7: Install the Rear Spring Lift Spacer
Clean the upper rear spring mounting surface before installing the spacer.
Remove dirt, rust flakes, stones, or other debris that could prevent the spacer from sitting flat against the mounting surface.
Install the polyurethane lift spacer into the upper spring mounting position.
Make sure that:
- The spacer is centered
- The spacer sits completely against the vehicle body
- The spring locating surface faces the coil spring
- The spacer cannot move sideways
Reinstall the rear coil spring.
Make sure the upper part of the spring sits correctly inside the new polyurethane spacer.
At the bottom, position the spring in the original lower rubber seat and make sure the end of the final coil rests against the molded locating stop.
Step 8: Raise the Rear Axle Beam
Slowly raise the rear axle beam using the floor jack.
Watch the spring and spacer carefully while the suspension compresses.
Check that:
- The upper spacer remains centered
- The rear spring stays correctly positioned inside the spacer
- The lower spring seat remains correctly positioned
- The end of the lower coil remains against its locating stop
Continue raising the rear axle beam until the shock absorber mounting area can be reconnected using the supplied extender.
Step 9: Install the Rear Shock Absorber Extender
The lift kit for Kia Soul 2013–2019 shown in this guide also includes a rear shock absorber extender.
Increasing the spring height changes the normal working position of the rear suspension. Without an appropriate extender, the factory shock absorber may limit downward suspension travel after the suspension has been lifted.
The extender relocates the shock absorber mounting position and helps maintain a more suitable shock absorber working range.
Fit the Shock Absorber Extender
Install the extender at the rear shock absorber mounting location according to the design of the supplied kit.
The extender should sit firmly against the factory mounting point.
Use the bolts, nuts, washers, and other hardware supplied with the kit where specified by the manufacturer.
After installing the extender, attach the lower end of the rear shock absorber to the new mounting position.
Before final tightening, make sure there is no interference between the extender, rear axle beam, shock absorber, brake components, or other suspension parts.
Step 10: Tighten the Suspension Hardware
Tighten the rear shock absorber and extender mounting hardware securely.
Whenever available, use the factory Kia torque specification for the original suspension hardware and the torque specification supplied by the lift kit manufacturer for the extender hardware.
If your lift kit includes a specific torque specification for the extender mounting bolts, follow the kit manufacturer's specification.
Step 11: Reinstall the Rear Wheel
Install the rear wheel and hand-tighten the wheel nuts.
Lower the vehicle until the tire contacts the ground.
Tighten the wheel nuts evenly in a cross pattern using a torque wrench and the vehicle manufacturer's specified wheel nut torque.
Repeat the same installation procedure on the opposite side of the vehicle.
Final Inspection After Installing the Kia Soul Lift Kit
After both rear spring spacers and shock absorber extenders have been installed, carefully inspect the suspension before driving the vehicle.
- Both rear coil springs are correctly seated at the top and bottom
- Both polyurethane lift spacers are fully seated
- Neither spacer has shifted sideways
- The lower ends of the coil springs are positioned against their locating stops
- The rear shock absorber extenders are securely installed
- The shock absorbers move without interference
Next, safely raise the vehicle body enough to allow the rear suspension to reach full droop.
At full suspension droop, inspect:
- Brake hoses
- ABS sensor wiring
- Parking brake cables
- Shock absorber travel
- Rear coil spring position
- Lift spacer position
What to Check After Installation
Once the vehicle is back on the ground, check the rear ride height on both sides.
Drive the vehicle carefully for a short distance and listen for unusual suspension noises, including:
- Knocking
- Clunking
- Spring movement
- Squeaking
- Contact between suspension components
After approximately 50–100 km (30–60 miles), inspect the installation again and check the accessible spacer and extender mounting hardware for proper tightness.
Important Safety Notes
Installing suspension lift spacers changes the vehicle's ride height and suspension operating geometry. The effect becomes more significant as suspension lift height increases.
- Never install a spacer that does not correctly locate the coil spring.
- Never remove the lower spring seat unless the spacer manufacturer specifically requires it.
- Never allow brake hoses, ABS wiring, or parking brake cables to become stretched.
- Always check the rear suspension at full droop after installation.
- Use appropriate suspension-grade mounting hardware.
- Verify applicable torque specifications before final tightening.
If the vehicle is raised significantly, additional suspension modifications may be required to maintain safe shock absorber travel and appropriate brake hose length.
Kia Soul Rear Lift Spacer Installation Layout
The factory upper rubber spring isolator is removed and replaced by the polyurethane lift spacer. The factory lower rubber spring seat remains installed.
The supplied rear shock absorber extender is installed at the shock mounting position to compensate for the additional suspension height and help maintain a suitable shock absorber working range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the rear lift spacer installed on a Kia Soul?
On the lift kit shown in this guide, the polyurethane spacer is installed at the upper rear spring mounting position, above the rear coil spring.
Do I remove the factory upper rubber spring isolator?
Yes. For this Kia Soul lift kit configuration, the factory upper rubber isolator is removed and the polyurethane lift spacer is installed in its place.
Does the factory lower rubber spring seat remain installed?
Yes. The factory lower rubber spring seat remains installed. The lower end of the coil spring should be positioned correctly against the molded locating stop in the lower seat.
Do I need spring compressors to install the rear Kia Soul spacers?
Spring compressors are normally not required for this rear suspension configuration because the coil spring becomes unloaded when the rear axle beam is safely lowered far enough.
Why does the Kia Soul lift kit include rear shock absorber extenders?
Raising the rear suspension changes the shock absorber's working position. The supplied extender relocates the shock mounting point to help maintain a more suitable working range after the suspension height has been increased.
What should I inspect after installing the rear lift kit?
Check spring seating, spacer position, shock extender mounting, shock absorber travel, brake hose tension, ABS wiring, and parking brake cables. Inspect the installation again after approximately 50–100 km (30–60 miles).
About This Installation Guide
```This guide documents installation using an actual 2017 Kia Soul (PS) and the Kia Soul 2013–2019 lift kit available from Leveling-Liftkit.com.
Vehicle condition, suspension configuration, previous repairs, and supplied hardware may affect the installation procedure. If you are unsure about any stage of the installation, have the suspension inspected by a qualified automotive technician.
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