Alternatives to Downey Coils?
#21
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I think (correct me if I'm wrong everyone) that the PP springs are the only progressive rate springs available for the 2nd Gen Runner. Progressive springs are supposed to be more supple at slow speed and firmer for big bumps. You can ID these by the widely spaced coils at one end. Like this:
#23
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Well, I held out for the Downey 1 1/2" HD coils. I put them on today along with my rear Edelbrock Performer shocks. It measured 12" from the top of the rim to the bottom of the fender before installation. Afterwards it measured 14" for a total of 2" of lift.
The front was at 14" to start with. It looks pretty level, so I probably won't adjust the torsion bars.
It took me and a friend about 3 hours to complete. We could have been done sooner, but had trouble with one of the brake line fittings. It was pretty tight and I missed it when I sprayed PB Blaster on everything. I gave it a shot and used a 10mm lineman's (?) wrench to loosen it. We tried a 10mm open end wrench but rounded off the corners on the fitting. The right tool for the job saved the day again...
Here's the results. It's subtle but you can definitely see a difference. I'm happy with the way it turned out.
The front was at 14" to start with. It looks pretty level, so I probably won't adjust the torsion bars.
It took me and a friend about 3 hours to complete. We could have been done sooner, but had trouble with one of the brake line fittings. It was pretty tight and I missed it when I sprayed PB Blaster on everything. I gave it a shot and used a 10mm lineman's (?) wrench to loosen it. We tried a 10mm open end wrench but rounded off the corners on the fitting. The right tool for the job saved the day again...
Here's the results. It's subtle but you can definitely see a difference. I'm happy with the way it turned out.
Last edited by jimrockford; 05-23-2003 at 06:09 PM.
#24
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Crank the torsion bars to 14.5
I know you like the huge change from the ass-low ride but I wouldn't call that level. BTW - there is almost no sag with the HD springs fully loaded down with passengers and gear so crank em up!
I know you like the huge change from the ass-low ride but I wouldn't call that level. BTW - there is almost no sag with the HD springs fully loaded down with passengers and gear so crank em up!
#25
Right on!
Looks good.
Nothing like the cure of the sags.
Those wheels you have I just sold a set of those with tires last week.
They were my winter set.
http://www.pnw4runners.com/tando/sliderz11.jpg
I might go with a smaller size for winter next time to see if the mileage picks up.
Looks good.
Nothing like the cure of the sags.
Those wheels you have I just sold a set of those with tires last week.
They were my winter set.
http://www.pnw4runners.com/tando/sliderz11.jpg
I might go with a smaller size for winter next time to see if the mileage picks up.
#26
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I bought over $1000 worth of stuff from NWOR, and was pleased with the service, and the headers are holding up really nice. They were able to get them across the country to me in a couple days.
#27
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Victor - Maybe I will crank them a little. You're right, it does look a little high, doesn't it? I'm just worn out today. I skipped breakfast and lunch to get everything done. I had the shakes by the time I got home. I just ate and feel much better.
My gas tank is almost empty. You don't think a full tank will drop it down at all? I did notice that when I jumped on the bumper it didn't flex nearly as much as it did before the coils.
My gas tank is almost empty. You don't think a full tank will drop it down at all? I did notice that when I jumped on the bumper it didn't flex nearly as much as it did before the coils.
Last edited by jimrockford; 05-23-2003 at 06:25 PM.
#28
Kevin, I have over 200 lb of gear in the back at all times, and there is no sag.
http://www.pnw4runners.com/cargobox/box7.jpg
The HD coils live up to their name.
http://www.pnw4runners.com/cargobox/box7.jpg
The HD coils live up to their name.
#29
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Shoot the torsion bar bolts with some sort of bolt loosening oil - not the heads ont he bottom but the threaded area above the frame. I did mine and had no problems turning them to adjust.
Lift whichever end you are adjusting with a jack so that the tire is off the ground and go 5-10 complete revolutions at a time. Drive it around the block to settle the bar and then measure to see how much more you need to do. You'll need an alignment afterward but I drove mine for about a month to make sure that it was completely settled and where I wanted it.
Lift whichever end you are adjusting with a jack so that the tire is off the ground and go 5-10 complete revolutions at a time. Drive it around the block to settle the bar and then measure to see how much more you need to do. You'll need an alignment afterward but I drove mine for about a month to make sure that it was completely settled and where I wanted it.
#30
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i just recently found this board, and have a set of Downey HD springs for sale. comes with instructions and brackets/ brake lines. too bad i didn't find this earlier!! i'll post in the classifieds.
#31
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SAG
I drove over to Tacoma to pick up my youngest daughter from PLU. When we loaded her stuff into the 4Runner and my utility trailer I had ..... sag - big time. As I pulled into the parking area in front of the garage my wife said "you better get that fixed"
Gota love that woman
Now I need to tell her I bought and am waiting for company to leave to install my SMT-5...
Gota love that woman
Now I need to tell her I bought and am waiting for company to leave to install my SMT-5...
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