New Rear Leafs Installed

BLKNBLU · 01-04-2005, 07:06 AM

After much procrastinating about what springs to get for my runner's rear end sag, I finally went with Downey. The decision was based on price. $186.50 for a pair of 3" lift leaf springs vs. $200-211 per spring for OME. I also added some Rancho 5000 series shocks @ $45 ea. So for about $275 the rear end is all set to go for a while. I'm happy with the results. It certainly looks better and in the limited amount of time I've had to drive with the new setup it seems to feel better. Time will tell if they settle some and I have yet to wheel with them but it all looks good so far. It appears I realized nearly 3 inches of lift with these. It doesn't look that way from the side but the tape measure at the rear bumper doesn't lie. And standing at the back window, it seems WAY up there.
Some pics:
before

after

before

after

before

after

The last 2 pics show the tape open to the same measurement for reference. Wheeee! Time to go modify the sig.

Mike

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88-4RUNA · 01-04-2005, 07:45 PM

nice work. I think im just gonna go with the aal method. btw , what rear bumper is that?

GodwinAustin · 01-04-2005, 08:33 PM

looks good - nice truck man - sweet color....same as scofos I think.

SoCal4Running · 01-04-2005, 08:58 PM

Same reason I got the Downeys also; cant beat the price.

Yea what kinda bumper is that?

BLKNBLU · 01-04-2005, 09:06 PM

Thanks guys. The more I drive it, the more I like it. Saw a near stock 1st gen at the store tonight and couldn't resist parking next to it and checking out the difference. Wish I'd had the camera!

The bumper is a custom from Steve Schaeffer and Sonoran Steel. Only one in the world like it so far (that I'm aware of). It was kind of a PITA for Steve and I don't think he has made any others yet. It weighs in at about 135#, part of the reason I went to 3" springs instead of 2". Here's a better shot of it.

smiljko · 01-05-2005, 12:00 PM

I guess I'll have to change the rear springs because the sag is realy getting on my nerves.
Is it necessary to change the height of the front end because of a 3'' lift in the rear.

Btw. very nice truck-very similar to mine except your paint is in much better shape than mine and I have those ugly stripes

.
And yes what kind of roof rack is that and how is it mounted

BLKNBLU · 01-05-2005, 12:37 PM

Smiljko, I didn't do anything yet with the front and it looks fine. I might need to adjust the headlights a bit, but I plan to wait as I expect the springs to settle a bit. Time will tell. Also as I mentioned above, I went with the 3" over the 2" due to my 135pound/61kg bumper. Perhaps 2" lift will be adequate for you unless you have similarly heavy gear installed or haul heavy cargo alot. Maybe SoCal4Running will chime in as his sig indicates 2" springs. My plan is to install 1 1/2 " ball joint spacers up front but then to crank the torsion bars back down to stock height to gain a softer ride and better articulation on the trail. I'll play around with that though and maybe leave 1/2" of lift. Just have to evaluate that at the time. I'm afraid I can't tell you anything about the roof rack as it came with the truck already installed. It is attached right through the roof somehow. It has never leaked and I haven't taken down the head liner to check it out. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Mike

smiljko · 01-05-2005, 01:00 PM

So you cranked the torsion bars-is that a must

?
Thanks

BLKNBLU · 01-05-2005, 04:05 PM

No. The Tbars are at stock now. When I put in the ball joint spacers and gain lift from the spacers, I will then drop the Tbars BELOW stock setting thereby returning the front end to stock height but improving articulation.

SoCal4Running · 01-05-2005, 04:09 PM

Ok heres some pics

This is before with stock saggy springs

And this is after with 2" Downey springs.

I still want to get some extended shackles for the rear because I want is just alittle bit higher. Have my eye on the greasable ones.

SoCal4Running · 01-05-2005, 09:53 PM

B ump

Ilovemountains · 01-06-2005, 08:20 AM

If you want a set of shacles for a sweet price contact John Nord at nordjn@msn.com he will hook you up with what ever size you want for $32.95 plus shipping!!!!. Here is a link to his site http://southwest4x4.net/index.cgi?Me...ExpandedDepts= take a look at the shackles here as this is what they will come to you like http://southwest4x4.net/index.cgi?Pa...ExpandedDepts= you wont find a better deal! Matt

yotatruck88 · 01-06-2005, 02:53 PM

how's the flex with downey springs?

BLKNBLU · 01-06-2005, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yotatruck88

how's the flex with downey springs?

Haven't abused mine yet. I will update down the road when I can.

SoCal4Running · 01-06-2005, 03:23 PM

Mine flex pretty decent; as much as the stock ones ever did anyway. The 2" Downey springs arent heavly arched at all. The only thing that really holds these trucks back is the IFS and the lack of a locker in mine

smiljko · 01-07-2005, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLKNBLU

No. The Tbars are at stock now. When I put in the ball joint spacers and gain lift from the spacers, I will then drop the Tbars BELOW stock setting thereby returning the front end to stock height but improving articulation.

Now I get it :pat:
Thanks for the info!

Ilovemountains · 01-07-2005, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yotatruck88

how's the flex with downey springs?

My Downeys were STIFF when I got them. I hauled a load of crushed gravel for a sidewalk I was working on at my house a month later and they broke right in! They flex quite well, I dont run a front sway bar and have ball joint spacers with my T-bars cranked back some from stock and it twists up nicely. The next time I go wheeling Im taking my camera with me! I ordered a set of these shackels in 1 1/4" over stock length just to add a little more to the rear just because I think it looks like it could use it!

89-4run · 01-08-2005, 09:57 AM

I'm thinking of purchasing some for my 89 runner. Currently my springs are flat, but I have 2" shackles that void the sag. Does it ride better with the new leaf springs?

bryan · 01-08-2005, 11:14 AM

Lets make sure I am following. If I go with the Downey 3" rear springs and 1.5" BJ spacers my 4Runner will be level, fit 33's, and still have a close to stock ride? Did you have to extend your brake lines? What about the parking brake vlave on the rear axle. Thanks Bryan

bike4miles · 01-08-2005, 12:08 PM

Nice work. I was sooo glad when I finally lifted my saging rear end. Now that your rear bumper is up you should paint that ugly rear axle. I did mine with very minimal prep work and a rattle can and it really looks nice from behind:

Ilovemountains · 01-08-2005, 02:36 PM

My truck rides good, I have Rancho RS9000 9 ways so I can dial them in or out depending on what Im doing! My rear brake lines were fine, the valve on the back is called a proportioning valve, Im not 100% sure 4-runners use them, 1st gens might. When you get a load in the back and the rear sags it basically makes your rear brakes run with more pressure than normal, or makes them work better! The Downeys come with a bracket that you bolt to your rear axle then bolt the proportioning valve arm to it so the rear brakes work properly. Once my springs broke in they ride pretty good but they do need some time to sag in. They also come with new bushings, you will still need to pick up 4 more poly bushings if you want to for where the shackles bolt to the frame. NOW, with Ball Joint spacers installed the Tbars wound down you dont really gain any hight, just more movment. I had my T bars would up for a while and it looked good but rode like dog-, way to bouncy and no travel! I cranked them back down a few turns under stock and it looks and rides GREAT, much more flex than before. My front shocks are not long enough though, I had to make some custom poly bushings to extend them down 3/4", bu that was my fault for buying the wrong damn size, and using them instead of just sending them back.!!

SoCal4Running · 01-08-2005, 02:45 PM

Yea the 1 gen 4runner have the Load Sensing Proportioning Valve for the rear brakes. I have seen on another site where you just cut the rod off acouple of inches out from the valve and use a turn-buckle to self adjust the brake pressure YOU want to go to the back tires.

How do you like the RS9000's??? Thinking about getting them also.

BLKNBLU · 01-09-2005, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryan

Lets make sure I am following. If I go with the Downey 3" rear springs and 1.5" BJ spacers my 4Runner will be level, fit 33's, and still have a close to stock ride? Did you have to extend your brake lines? What about the parking brake vlave on the rear axle. Thanks Bryan

I just want to reiterate that I only went with the 3" because of my 135# bumper. I reused the stock shackles cuz I didn't know if I would want extended until I saw the finished product. Now I'm happy the way it is and will probably just replace with a stock length greasable when it's convenient. Sounds like SoCal would like a bit more than the 2" gave him though... so I guess make your best decision based on that. I guess I should also mention that I have the 1" RB BL on in regards to fitting 33's. I don't know that it's necessary but just to keep in mind when looking at the clearance with 31's in my pics.

ETN4runner · 02-05-2005, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ilovemountains

If you want a set of shacles for a sweet price contact John Nord at nordjn@msn.com he will hook you up with what ever size you want for $32.95 plus shipping!!!!. Here is a link to his site http://southwest4x4.net/index.cgi?Me...ExpandedDepts= take a look at the shackles here as this is what they will come to you like http://southwest4x4.net/index.cgi?Pa...ExpandedDepts= you wont find a better deal! Matt

I emailed him a couple of days ago and haven't got any reply from him. Do you have some of his shackles? Got any pics except for the ones on his website?

01-04-2005, 08:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
GodwinAustin Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Eagle County Colorado Posts: 1,149	looks good - nice truck man - sweet color....same as scofos I think. __________________ -Jon Red 88 4runner - 5Spd - 22re

01-04-2005, 08:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
SoCal4Running Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Oceanside, CA. Posts: 786	Same reason I got the Downeys also; cant beat the price. Yea what kinda bumper is that? __________________ '86 4runner 22RE, 5-speed, LC Street EFI head w/ cam, LC Pistons, ARP Head Studs, Downey header, Dynomax 2 1/4" full exhaust, VDO water temp guage, 01-03 Tacoma cd\tape radio with 10" Bazzoka, Downey 2" rear springs, GDI radiator, Torus fan DONE!!!! '68 Ford Mustang Fastback Daily driver with a built 289 and a streetfighter trans.(Retired) 98 Subaru Outback-Took over daily driving duties MicroMatic.com Waco93.com

01-04-2005, 09:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
BLKNBLU Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Gilbert, Arizona Posts: 1,666	Thanks guys. The more I drive it, the more I like it. Saw a near stock 1st gen at the store tonight and couldn't resist parking next to it and checking out the difference. Wish I'd had the camera! The bumper is a custom from Steve Schaeffer and Sonoran Steel. Only one in the world like it so far (that I'm aware of). It was kind of a PITA for Steve and I don't think he has made any others yet. It weighs in at about 135#, part of the reason I went to 3" springs instead of 2". Here's a better shot of it. __________________ 86 4Runner, custom Sonoran Steel rear bumper, 4Crawler 1" body lift, rock sliders from Richard Stubbs, rear Lockright, SAS w/ARB My build thread. http://www.yotatech.com/f66/blknblu-s-sac-155872/

01-05-2005, 12:00 PM	#6 (permalink)
smiljko Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Croatia Posts: 156	I guess I'll have to change the rear springs because the sag is realy getting on my nerves. Is it necessary to change the height of the front end because of a 3'' lift in the rear. Btw. very nice truck-very similar to mine except your paint is in much better shape than mine and I have those ugly stripes . And yes what kind of roof rack is that and how is it mounted __________________ 89 4runner SR5 22RE BIFUEL-LPG conversion, BFG M/T OME lift

01-05-2005, 12:37 PM	#7 (permalink)
BLKNBLU Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Gilbert, Arizona Posts: 1,666	Smiljko, I didn't do anything yet with the front and it looks fine. I might need to adjust the headlights a bit, but I plan to wait as I expect the springs to settle a bit. Time will tell. Also as I mentioned above, I went with the 3" over the 2" due to my 135pound/61kg bumper. Perhaps 2" lift will be adequate for you unless you have similarly heavy gear installed or haul heavy cargo alot. Maybe SoCal4Running will chime in as his sig indicates 2" springs. My plan is to install 1 1/2 " ball joint spacers up front but then to crank the torsion bars back down to stock height to gain a softer ride and better articulation on the trail. I'll play around with that though and maybe leave 1/2" of lift. Just have to evaluate that at the time. I'm afraid I can't tell you anything about the roof rack as it came with the truck already installed. It is attached right through the roof somehow. It has never leaked and I haven't taken down the head liner to check it out. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Mike __________________ 86 4Runner, custom Sonoran Steel rear bumper, 4Crawler 1" body lift, rock sliders from Richard Stubbs, rear Lockright, SAS w/ARB My build thread. http://www.yotatech.com/f66/blknblu-s-sac-155872/

01-04-2005, 07:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
88-4RUNA Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 48	nice work. I think im just gonna go with the aal method. btw , what rear bumper is that?

01-05-2005, 01:00 PM	#8 (permalink)
smiljko Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Croatia Posts: 156	So you cranked the torsion bars-is that a must ? Thanks __________________ 89 4runner SR5 22RE BIFUEL-LPG conversion, BFG M/T OME lift

01-05-2005, 04:05 PM	#9 (permalink)
BLKNBLU Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Gilbert, Arizona Posts: 1,666	No. The Tbars are at stock now. When I put in the ball joint spacers and gain lift from the spacers, I will then drop the Tbars BELOW stock setting thereby returning the front end to stock height but improving articulation. __________________ 86 4Runner, custom Sonoran Steel rear bumper, 4Crawler 1" body lift, rock sliders from Richard Stubbs, rear Lockright, SAS w/ARB My build thread. http://www.yotatech.com/f66/blknblu-s-sac-155872/

01-05-2005, 04:09 PM	#10 (permalink)
SoCal4Running Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Oceanside, CA. Posts: 786	Ok heres some pics This is before with stock saggy springs And this is after with 2" Downey springs. I still want to get some extended shackles for the rear because I want is just alittle bit higher. Have my eye on the greasable ones. __________________ '86 4runner 22RE, 5-speed, LC Street EFI head w/ cam, LC Pistons, ARP Head Studs, Downey header, Dynomax 2 1/4" full exhaust, VDO water temp guage, 01-03 Tacoma cd\tape radio with 10" Bazzoka, Downey 2" rear springs, GDI radiator, Torus fan DONE!!!! '68 Ford Mustang Fastback Daily driver with a built 289 and a streetfighter trans.(Retired) 98 Subaru Outback-Took over daily driving duties MicroMatic.com Waco93.com

01-05-2005, 09:53 PM	#11 (permalink)
SoCal4Running Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Oceanside, CA. Posts: 786	B ump __________________ '86 4runner 22RE, 5-speed, LC Street EFI head w/ cam, LC Pistons, ARP Head Studs, Downey header, Dynomax 2 1/4" full exhaust, VDO water temp guage, 01-03 Tacoma cd\tape radio with 10" Bazzoka, Downey 2" rear springs, GDI radiator, Torus fan DONE!!!! '68 Ford Mustang Fastback Daily driver with a built 289 and a streetfighter trans.(Retired) 98 Subaru Outback-Took over daily driving duties MicroMatic.com Waco93.com

01-06-2005, 08:20 AM	#12 (permalink)
Ilovemountains Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Shepherdstown WV 25443 Posts: 711	If you want a set of shacles for a sweet price contact John Nord at nordjn@msn.com he will hook you up with what ever size you want for $32.95 plus shipping!!!!. Here is a link to his site http://southwest4x4.net/index.cgi?Me...ExpandedDepts= take a look at the shackles here as this is what they will come to you like http://southwest4x4.net/index.cgi?Pa...ExpandedDepts= you wont find a better deal! Matt __________________ 88 3.0 XCab, K&N fipk, Borla cat-back,Magna Flow Cat, Downey frame brace, Downey 2" rear springs, BJ spacers, Aisin manual hubs,B&G Fiberglass bed, extended diff. breathers, Bilstein HD shocks, Rancho RS5000 stabilizer, Brembos & TRD Pads, Revos, Hella 500s, 4 runner bucket seats and console ETC ETC...

01-06-2005, 02:53 PM	#13 (permalink)
yotatruck88 Banned Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: columbus, ga Posts: 56	how's the flex with downey springs?

01-06-2005, 03:23 PM	#15 (permalink)
SoCal4Running Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Oceanside, CA. Posts: 786	Mine flex pretty decent; as much as the stock ones ever did anyway. The 2" Downey springs arent heavly arched at all. The only thing that really holds these trucks back is the IFS and the lack of a locker in mine __________________ '86 4runner 22RE, 5-speed, LC Street EFI head w/ cam, LC Pistons, ARP Head Studs, Downey header, Dynomax 2 1/4" full exhaust, VDO water temp guage, 01-03 Tacoma cd\tape radio with 10" Bazzoka, Downey 2" rear springs, GDI radiator, Torus fan DONE!!!! '68 Ford Mustang Fastback Daily driver with a built 289 and a streetfighter trans.(Retired) 98 Subaru Outback-Took over daily driving duties MicroMatic.com Waco93.com

01-08-2005, 09:57 AM	#18 (permalink)
89-4run Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Littleton, CO Posts: 509	I'm thinking of purchasing some for my 89 runner. Currently my springs are flat, but I have 2" shackles that void the sag. Does it ride better with the new leaf springs? __________________ 2002 Sport Edition 4Runner - Goodyear MTR 265/75/16 - ToyTec Coilovers - OME 906/N86C - Ashtray Mod!

01-08-2005, 11:14 AM	#19 (permalink)
bryan Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Rio Rancho N.M. Posts: 103	Lets make sure I am following. If I go with the Downey 3" rear springs and 1.5" BJ spacers my 4Runner will be level, fit 33's, and still have a close to stock ride? Did you have to extend your brake lines? What about the parking brake vlave on the rear axle. Thanks Bryan

01-08-2005, 12:08 PM	#20 (permalink)
bike4miles Contributing Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,402	Nice work. I was sooo glad when I finally lifted my saging rear end. Now that your rear bumper is up you should paint that ugly rear axle. I did mine with very minimal prep work and a rattle can and it really looks nice from behind: __________________ --Miles Sold '91 4runner, 22re, 5 spd manual, 180,000 miles, cone filter, Downey 1.5"HD coils, SkyJacker Nitrogens, Magnaflow Exhaust, Stull grill, Clears all around. Check out my sound proofing project and other mods: My 4runner page My 2006 Camry page I'm a Myspace Addict!

01-08-2005, 02:36 PM	#21 (permalink)
Ilovemountains Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Shepherdstown WV 25443 Posts: 711	Yeah it rides good My truck rides good, I have Rancho RS9000 9 ways so I can dial them in or out depending on what Im doing! My rear brake lines were fine, the valve on the back is called a proportioning valve, Im not 100% sure 4-runners use them, 1st gens might. When you get a load in the back and the rear sags it basically makes your rear brakes run with more pressure than normal, or makes them work better! The Downeys come with a bracket that you bolt to your rear axle then bolt the proportioning valve arm to it so the rear brakes work properly. Once my springs broke in they ride pretty good but they do need some time to sag in. They also come with new bushings, you will still need to pick up 4 more poly bushings if you want to for where the shackles bolt to the frame. NOW, with Ball Joint spacers installed the Tbars wound down you dont really gain any hight, just more movment. I had my T bars would up for a while and it looked good but rode like dog-, way to bouncy and no travel! I cranked them back down a few turns under stock and it looks and rides GREAT, much more flex than before. My front shocks are not long enough though, I had to make some custom poly bushings to extend them down 3/4", bu that was my fault for buying the wrong damn size, and using them instead of just sending them back.!! __________________ 88 3.0 XCab, K&N fipk, Borla cat-back,Magna Flow Cat, Downey frame brace, Downey 2" rear springs, BJ spacers, Aisin manual hubs,B&G Fiberglass bed, extended diff. breathers, Bilstein HD shocks, Rancho RS5000 stabilizer, Brembos & TRD Pads, Revos, Hella 500s, 4 runner bucket seats and console ETC ETC...

01-08-2005, 02:45 PM	#22 (permalink)
SoCal4Running Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Oceanside, CA. Posts: 786	Yea the 1 gen 4runner have the Load Sensing Proportioning Valve for the rear brakes. I have seen on another site where you just cut the rod off acouple of inches out from the valve and use a turn-buckle to self adjust the brake pressure YOU want to go to the back tires. How do you like the RS9000's??? Thinking about getting them also. __________________ '86 4runner 22RE, 5-speed, LC Street EFI head w/ cam, LC Pistons, ARP Head Studs, Downey header, Dynomax 2 1/4" full exhaust, VDO water temp guage, 01-03 Tacoma cd\tape radio with 10" Bazzoka, Downey 2" rear springs, GDI radiator, Torus fan DONE!!!! '68 Ford Mustang Fastback Daily driver with a built 289 and a streetfighter trans.(Retired) 98 Subaru Outback-Took over daily driving duties MicroMatic.com Waco93.com

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