OME rear leafs. too stiff???

swerks · 11-06-2007, 03:19 PM

I put a 2 in. OME Dakar rear leaf lift on my 86 4runner. The ride is very stiff. I did allow for break in, its been almost 6 mo. with some pretty rough terrain covered and while the ride is better It's still stiff. Any one remove one of the leafs to try to smooth the ride on a set up like this???? Please any advice or info ?????

This ad is not displayed to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Yotatech!

Djlarroc · 11-06-2007, 03:31 PM

Sorry, I can't offer any help. I'm interested in hearing the replies though. I almost ordered a set on Fri.

Luvmeye22re · 11-06-2007, 03:35 PM

Pull out the very bottom overload, and you could probably stand to pull one of the other leafs out of the back, that's what I did when I ran them. Those leafs are designed for crazy australian people that drive back and forth across the continent doing a hundred miles an hour with enough supplies to live for 10 years (aka, expedition). No offense to anyone from Australia at all, that's just not what most of us buy them for. They really are good springs, they just need to be lightened up a bit if you aren't always carrying a ton of weight in the back.

82yota · 11-06-2007, 03:40 PM

Did you order the heavy duty springs or the regular ones? I have been looking into this and see that there are two options. I've always thought that OME gave one of the best rides but if not then maybe I wont go for them.

swerks · 11-06-2007, 04:51 PM

I bought the regular ones

4Crawler · 11-06-2007, 05:15 PM

Usually you want to leave the bottom overload leaf in the pack. If needed, pull out the next leaf above that for a while. This will let the springs break in faster. IF they start to settle, then you can add that leaf back in.

Luvmeye22re · 11-06-2007, 06:18 PM

I agree with 4Crawler but on the OME springs, at least the ones I had there were basically two overload leafs. One shorter one on the very bottom one and one above it that was as thick as an overload and also served as an anti-wrap leaf (bracket and all). I removed my very bottom one and it helped a bit but removing one leaf from those springs is about perfect. I can't remember which one I removed, but it was one of the shorter ones.

swerks · 11-07-2007, 05:01 PM

can any one be more specific as to which leaf to remove???

Luvmeye22re · 11-07-2007, 05:08 PM

Well, in general the shorter leafs will be what gives you ride height and stiffness, hence the reason why most add-a-leafs are short, arched, and make the ride just piss poor. I wish I could remember more of what my springs looked like, but it's been a while. I would probably remove one of the lower leafs myself and only one. You wan't to make sure that you don't remove too many because your springs will flex great, then bend. Part of the problem is that a stock length Toyota rear spring is just too short to give all that much flex in the rear. You need something long and flat (chevy marlin allpro etc.) to really get it flexing back there. If you post a pic of the springs I will give you my OPINION but it doesn't mean it's the right one to pull. When it comes to pulling/adding leafs to a spring pack, it is pretty much hit and miss and experimentation. If you decide to do that get a pair of center pins just in case yours don't have enough thread on them.

swerks · 11-09-2007, 10:12 AM

so which leaf should I remove.

Luvmeye22re · 11-09-2007, 11:28 AM

Start with that one on the very bottom, you really don't need it and when you flex and get up to that overload, it stops wheel travel dead in it's path. Now as to the other leafs I know one of those leafs has a pair of retaining clamps so don't remove that one. Like I said before the shorter leafs are what give the most stiffness. Just make sure you don't remove too many because they will kink.

desertgoose · 11-09-2007, 11:38 AM

I installed the 2" OME springs front and rear on my '85 runner, they have been on for about a year and the ride keeps getting better.

I suggest you keep them intact, put a good load in the rear and keep flexing/using them as much as possible.

The ride now compared to a year ago is like night and day. I do not use my runner as a daily driver, so almost all miles are on the trail loaded down, perhaps that has accelerated the "wear in" time.

Good luck

swerks · 11-09-2007, 06:32 PM

I will be removing my bottom leaf this weekend I will update on how it goes

Luvmeye22re · 11-09-2007, 06:42 PM

Yeah, I'd start there. They are really good springs and don't need a whole lot of molesting to perform well. They'll never flex like Marlin's etc, but that's because they are just too short. P.S. it'd never hurt to add a buggy spring.....

CoedNaked · 11-10-2007, 01:33 AM

I say just suck it up!

swerks · 11-13-2007, 11:49 AM

I removed a leaf, took it for a test ride, seemed better but one of my heater tubes blew.(coolant everywhere )and I had to limp home. will up date after repairs

swerks · 11-17-2007, 06:24 AM

Ride has improved but still a bit rough, yes I know its a truck.

Bdog · 11-17-2007, 07:04 AM

with the downey 2" was similiar, I had a terribly rough ride. The prob is that they are arched stock length. I pulled the over load (the very bottom fat leaf on yours) and that helped. You may also be really used to the 3rd gen nice as S%$& ride! I came from completly bottomed out stock springs so it was an improvement. Just my .02.

swerks · 11-17-2007, 10:17 AM

Yeah, Its great to be able to move from an 86 to 99 and back. like getting a new car.

bob200587 · 11-17-2007, 10:59 AM

It can't be that bad.....why don't you try putting some junk back there. Get a little weight on the rear.

Did you get new shocks when you put the new springs in?

11-06-2007, 03:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
Djlarroc Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,322	Sorry, I can't offer any help. I'm interested in hearing the replies though. I almost ordered a set on Fri. __________________ '89 4Runner: 22RE 5spd, 4:10s w/202K, 16x8 w/265-75 MT, Diamond headlights, Aisin hubs, Tortis' custom roll on paint job, Home made bikini, 1" Body Lift, 1.25" greasable lift shackles, TG Sliders, 1.5" BJ spacers, Rust is gone! - SOLD! '00 4Runner: Locked F/R - sold!

11-06-2007, 03:35 PM	#3 (permalink)
Luvmeye22re Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Ski town Colorado Posts: 455	Pull out the very bottom overload, and you could probably stand to pull one of the other leafs out of the back, that's what I did when I ran them. Those leafs are designed for crazy australian people that drive back and forth across the continent doing a hundred miles an hour with enough supplies to live for 10 years (aka, expedition). No offense to anyone from Australia at all, that's just not what most of us buy them for. They really are good springs, they just need to be lightened up a bit if you aren't always carrying a ton of weight in the back. __________________ 86 Runner with rebuilt 22re and 5 speed swap

11-06-2007, 04:51 PM	#5 (permalink)
swerks Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Milwaukee WI Posts: 848	I bought the regular ones __________________ 99 SR5 V6 Auto 4WD, deck plate, TRD exhaust, Donahoes/Bilsteins,cornfed spacers, Waag Nerfs, Wet Okole's, Load warrior, Optima red top 86 Turbo SR5 4Runner (work in progress)(Money pit)

11-06-2007, 05:15 PM	#6 (permalink)
4Crawler Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 7,828	Usually you want to leave the bottom overload leaf in the pack. If needed, pull out the next leaf above that for a while. This will let the springs break in faster. IF they start to settle, then you can add that leaf back in. __________________ 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR-5, 22REC engine, dual t-cases, 4.88 gears, dual ARBs, 33x10.50 BFGs or 35x12.50 MTRs r.c.brown@ieee.org TruckEditor@tlca.org Project: 4Crawler 4Crawler OffRoad Gettin'Off 4WD Club

11-06-2007, 06:18 PM	#7 (permalink)
Luvmeye22re Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Ski town Colorado Posts: 455	I agree with 4Crawler but on the OME springs, at least the ones I had there were basically two overload leafs. One shorter one on the very bottom one and one above it that was as thick as an overload and also served as an anti-wrap leaf (bracket and all). I removed my very bottom one and it helped a bit but removing one leaf from those springs is about perfect. I can't remember which one I removed, but it was one of the shorter ones. __________________ 86 Runner with rebuilt 22re and 5 speed swap

11-06-2007, 03:40 PM	#4 (permalink)
82yota Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 301	Did you order the heavy duty springs or the regular ones? I have been looking into this and see that there are two options. I've always thought that OME gave one of the best rides but if not then maybe I wont go for them.

11-07-2007, 05:01 PM	#8 (permalink)
swerks Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Milwaukee WI Posts: 848	can any one be more specific as to which leaf to remove??? __________________ 99 SR5 V6 Auto 4WD, deck plate, TRD exhaust, Donahoes/Bilsteins,cornfed spacers, Waag Nerfs, Wet Okole's, Load warrior, Optima red top 86 Turbo SR5 4Runner (work in progress)(Money pit)

11-07-2007, 05:08 PM	#9 (permalink)
Luvmeye22re Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Ski town Colorado Posts: 455	Well, in general the shorter leafs will be what gives you ride height and stiffness, hence the reason why most add-a-leafs are short, arched, and make the ride just piss poor. I wish I could remember more of what my springs looked like, but it's been a while. I would probably remove one of the lower leafs myself and only one. You wan't to make sure that you don't remove too many because your springs will flex great, then bend. Part of the problem is that a stock length Toyota rear spring is just too short to give all that much flex in the rear. You need something long and flat (chevy marlin allpro etc.) to really get it flexing back there. If you post a pic of the springs I will give you my OPINION but it doesn't mean it's the right one to pull. When it comes to pulling/adding leafs to a spring pack, it is pretty much hit and miss and experimentation. If you decide to do that get a pair of center pins just in case yours don't have enough thread on them. __________________ 86 Runner with rebuilt 22re and 5 speed swap

11-09-2007, 10:12 AM	#10 (permalink)
swerks Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Milwaukee WI Posts: 848	so which leaf should I remove. __________________ 99 SR5 V6 Auto 4WD, deck plate, TRD exhaust, Donahoes/Bilsteins,cornfed spacers, Waag Nerfs, Wet Okole's, Load warrior, Optima red top 86 Turbo SR5 4Runner (work in progress)(Money pit)

11-09-2007, 11:28 AM	#11 (permalink)
Luvmeye22re Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Ski town Colorado Posts: 455	Start with that one on the very bottom, you really don't need it and when you flex and get up to that overload, it stops wheel travel dead in it's path. Now as to the other leafs I know one of those leafs has a pair of retaining clamps so don't remove that one. Like I said before the shorter leafs are what give the most stiffness. Just make sure you don't remove too many because they will kink. __________________ 86 Runner with rebuilt 22re and 5 speed swap

11-09-2007, 11:38 AM	#12 (permalink)
desertgoose Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 19	I installed the 2" OME springs front and rear on my '85 runner, they have been on for about a year and the ride keeps getting better. I suggest you keep them intact, put a good load in the rear and keep flexing/using them as much as possible. The ride now compared to a year ago is like night and day. I do not use my runner as a daily driver, so almost all miles are on the trail loaded down, perhaps that has accelerated the "wear in" time. Good luck

11-09-2007, 06:32 PM	#13 (permalink)
swerks Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Milwaukee WI Posts: 848	I will be removing my bottom leaf this weekend I will update on how it goes __________________ 99 SR5 V6 Auto 4WD, deck plate, TRD exhaust, Donahoes/Bilsteins,cornfed spacers, Waag Nerfs, Wet Okole's, Load warrior, Optima red top 86 Turbo SR5 4Runner (work in progress)(Money pit)

11-09-2007, 06:42 PM	#14 (permalink)
Luvmeye22re Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Ski town Colorado Posts: 455	Yeah, I'd start there. They are really good springs and don't need a whole lot of molesting to perform well. They'll never flex like Marlin's etc, but that's because they are just too short. P.S. it'd never hurt to add a buggy spring..... __________________ 86 Runner with rebuilt 22re and 5 speed swap Last edited by Luvmeye22re; 11-09-2007 at 06:47 PM.

11-10-2007, 01:33 AM	#15 (permalink)
CoedNaked Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 1,473	I say just suck it up! __________________ 1993 Xtra Cab Pickup \| 4x4 \| 3.0 - V6 \| R150F \| Silver-Grey \| Amsoil 10w30 synthetic oil \| Amsoil Synthetic Drivetrain fluids\| Borla Cat-back Exhaust \| OME HD Leaf Springs \| Bilstein HD Shocks \| Downey Idler Arm Brace \| Grey Husky Liners \| SR5 Bucket Seat Swap \| Color matched Canopy \| Yakima racks \| Line-X OTR \| Michelin LTX A/T 31 x 10.5 x 15 \| 323,600 KM's (202,250 miles) \| Made in Japan - Vin starts with "J"\| Fish on

11-13-2007, 11:49 AM	#16 (permalink)
swerks Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Milwaukee WI Posts: 848	I removed a leaf, took it for a test ride, seemed better but one of my heater tubes blew.(coolant everywhere )and I had to limp home. will up date after repairs __________________ 99 SR5 V6 Auto 4WD, deck plate, TRD exhaust, Donahoes/Bilsteins,cornfed spacers, Waag Nerfs, Wet Okole's, Load warrior, Optima red top 86 Turbo SR5 4Runner (work in progress)(Money pit)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
2wd rear - too stiff	Travisfab	86-95 Trucks & 4Runners	6	11-30-2007 09:26 AM
Stock shocks with 2" OME/Downey Leafs	Moxdawg	86-95 Trucks & 4Runners	1	08-04-2007 10:08 PM
Rear leafs	ttr125mar	95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners	1	07-04-2005 04:00 PM
How stiff are daystar rear-add-leafs?	baileymoto	Offroad Tech	2	05-05-2005 08:52 AM
OME or Bils Shocks? Downey or OME Rear Coils?	hill	Offroad Tech	9	04-09-2005 07:44 AM

11-17-2007, 06:24 AM	#17 (permalink)
swerks Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Milwaukee WI Posts: 848	Ride has improved but still a bit rough, yes I know its a truck. __________________ 99 SR5 V6 Auto 4WD, deck plate, TRD exhaust, Donahoes/Bilsteins,cornfed spacers, Waag Nerfs, Wet Okole's, Load warrior, Optima red top 86 Turbo SR5 4Runner (work in progress)(Money pit)

11-17-2007, 07:04 AM	#18 (permalink)
Bdog Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: RVA Posts: 75	My experience... with the downey 2" was similiar, I had a terribly rough ride. The prob is that they are arched stock length. I pulled the over load (the very bottom fat leaf on yours) and that helped. You may also be really used to the 3rd gen nice as S%$& ride! I came from completly bottomed out stock springs so it was an improvement. Just my .02. __________________ '04 Tacoma SR5, Extra-cab, 4WD, 2.7L, 5-speed, 265/75-16 Revos, 5100s all around and a Deaver AAL in the rear, matching silver jeraco truck cap, Turn signal relocation, valance clearancing, and 2 Hella 500s.

11-17-2007, 10:17 AM	#19 (permalink)
swerks Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Milwaukee WI Posts: 848	Yeah, Its great to be able to move from an 86 to 99 and back. like getting a new car. __________________ 99 SR5 V6 Auto 4WD, deck plate, TRD exhaust, Donahoes/Bilsteins,cornfed spacers, Waag Nerfs, Wet Okole's, Load warrior, Optima red top 86 Turbo SR5 4Runner (work in progress)(Money pit)

11-17-2007, 10:59 AM	#20 (permalink)
bob200587 Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 2,853	It can't be that bad.....why don't you try putting some junk back there. Get a little weight on the rear. Did you get new shocks when you put the new springs in? __________________ 87 4runner 4x4 SR5 22RE ARB Bull Bar, 31X10.50 Mastercraft M/T's, Stock 4.10 Gears, Flowmaster Muffler, LCE Header AISIN Manual Hubs, Marlin Crawler Sliders 190XXX miles