3rd gen rear lift springs... on road comfort ???
04-17-2006, 10:27 AM
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3rd gen rear lift springs... on road comfort ???
As I am now planning the lift on my 98, I want to get some feedback on rear lift springs. I had the Downey 3.5" (2.5" actual lift) rear springs with Bilstein rear shocks and found it a bit firm for day to day on road use. It may be a killer set up with better valved shocks.
I plan on using OME n86 in back whatever combination I go with.
So, my options are Downey, OME or spacers on stock springs.
I am not really considering the LC coils and shocks at this time as I really do not think I need that much lift.
Many thanks in advance
David
I plan on using OME n86 in back whatever combination I go with.
So, my options are Downey, OME or spacers on stock springs.
I am not really considering the LC coils and shocks at this time as I really do not think I need that much lift.
Many thanks in advance
David
04-17-2006, 10:38 AM
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I got a full 3"+ of lift from my 891's. Of course, they settled to a steady 2.5" after a year or so. IMO, they're a bit stiff but are great for carrying a heavy load or towing.
Bamachem tried them out, but quickly went back to his Downey's for a better ride.
I bet you'll like them with the OME shock.
Bamachem tried them out, but quickly went back to his Downey's for a better ride.
I bet you'll like them with the OME shock.
04-17-2006, 10:39 AM
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I have the Downey 3.5" - 2.5" actually springs and OME N86 shock and I love it. It's definitely firm and I use mine as a daily driver and I cover about 200+ miles a week. I don't mind it.
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04-17-2006, 10:47 AM
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Originally Posted by FilthyRich
OME--ride well on-raod and flex well too 
you might want to take MAtt up on his offer. His truck is awesome
you might want to take MAtt up on his offer. His truck is awesome
04-17-2006, 11:27 AM
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Originally Posted by bamachem
Downey or re-use the stock springs, but add some spacers for height and some air bags for adjustable ride stiffness.
Do you just sit around and create really good responses and store them for when you need them
That is a great idea. Best of all worlds.
Does seem to me that this 98 Ltd is waaay softer and less controlled than my 99 Sport 'Highlander"
David
04-17-2006, 11:54 AM
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891's ride more stable at lower speeds than the spacers I had. The extra height though gives me more tippiness than before at higher speeds. BTW, I have Bilstein HD's in the rear.
History: My rear w/ a Revtek spacer sat about 1 1/2" lower than the front. I wanted a slight rake and the 891's made up the 1 1/2" difference perfectly. It also looks to have a very slight rake even though front and rear are even. The only thing that I've noticed is less stability on turns in the road on the highway. It could be that I have tires w/ less tread on the front but I think it's the extra height.
History: My rear w/ a Revtek spacer sat about 1 1/2" lower than the front. I wanted a slight rake and the 891's made up the 1 1/2" difference perfectly. It also looks to have a very slight rake even though front and rear are even. The only thing that I've noticed is less stability on turns in the road on the highway. It could be that I have tires w/ less tread on the front but I think it's the extra height.
04-17-2006, 05:13 PM
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Originally Posted by ebelen1
891's ride more stable at lower speeds than the spacers I had. The extra height though gives me more tippiness than before at higher speeds. BTW, I have Bilstein HD's in the rear.
History: My rear w/ a Revtek spacer sat about 1 1/2" lower than the front. I wanted a slight rake and the 891's made up the 1 1/2" difference perfectly. It also looks to have a very slight rake even though front and rear are even. The only thing that I've noticed is less stability on turns in the road on the highway. It could be that I have tires w/ less tread on the front but I think it's the extra height.
History: My rear w/ a Revtek spacer sat about 1 1/2" lower than the front. I wanted a slight rake and the 891's made up the 1 1/2" difference perfectly. It also looks to have a very slight rake even though front and rear are even. The only thing that I've noticed is less stability on turns in the road on the highway. It could be that I have tires w/ less tread on the front but I think it's the extra height.
Almost any lift will feel a bit more tippy on highway turns unless you are using a stiff shock like a bilstein, but the performance may not be idea for offroad so pick your poison. Good way to get around this would be to use heavier sway bars such as those made by Addco.
Last edited by MTL_4runner; 04-17-2006 at 05:36 PM.
04-17-2006, 05:27 PM
#14
Originally Posted by nrgetic99
Andy,
Do you just sit around and create really good responses and store them for when you need them
That is a great idea. Best of all worlds.
Does seem to me that this 98 Ltd is waaay softer and less controlled than my 99 Sport 'Highlander"
David
Do you just sit around and create really good responses and store them for when you need them
That is a great idea. Best of all worlds.
Does seem to me that this 98 Ltd is waaay softer and less controlled than my 99 Sport 'Highlander"
David
... yeah, i've been waiting WEEKS to use that one! 
it might be that the shocks are weaker or shot, maybe the 98 doesn't have the conical bumpstops... could be lots of things that are different... does the 98 have the conical bumpstops? if not, go to the dealer and get the recall done.
Last edited by bamachem; 04-17-2006 at 05:28 PM.
04-17-2006, 06:16 PM
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Originally Posted by MTL_4runner
I agree and I prefer my OMEs over any stock springs because the stock ones are just too soft IMHO unless you always are going to drive it around with the rear unloaded and forget about towing (airbags will help but will also need constant adjustment depending on the load). If you want alot of lift (3"+ range) and a plush ride then use the OEM Cruiser coils like many are using now with the OEM lift (not to be confused with OME). I debated many different combinations, but I just couldn't beat the OME lift in the 1.5" to 2" lift range (and I am very happy with how it looks/performs).
Almost any lift will feel a bit more tippy on highway turns unless you are using a stiff shock like a bilstein, but the performance may not be idea for offroad so pick your poison. Good way to get around this would be to use heavier sway bars such as those made by Addco.
Almost any lift will feel a bit more tippy on highway turns unless you are using a stiff shock like a bilstein, but the performance may not be idea for offroad so pick your poison. Good way to get around this would be to use heavier sway bars such as those made by Addco.
With my SC'd 99, just running a front Addco made a huge difference. I was at about 2" front (SAW's ) and 2.5" rear.(Downey '3.5') I did not go with an Addco rear sway bar as with the extra torque from the SC, you risk picking up a rear wheels and spinning off all the power with no LSD in back.
Anyway, it worked great and felt more stable than an unlifted truck to me.
David
04-17-2006, 07:20 PM
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I have the Downey setup with Rancho adjustables in the rear... LOVE it! The Ranchos are currently set at 6 and they ride great. I just ordered new bumpstops from Sonoran Steel today and will install those as soon as they come in.
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