Sagging rear Downey Rear Leaf Springs

Bear80 · 06-20-2005, 08:11 PM

So I'm going to put on the Downey 3" 1st gen. ifs lift. I got the axles in and already dislike them. Maybe the rancho arms will change my mind. Anyway to the point, I have 2" Downey rear leafs and after 3 years sag to the point where I had to add 1-1/2" longer shackles. Should I spend the money to buy new 3" Downey springs or for $70 have them re-arched up 3"? Then there is the option to get the NWOR rear springs off the truck that I got the lift from (yunk yard). What's a fair price for used NWOR rear springs, that is if I chose that option. Thanks for the input.

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deathrunner · 06-21-2005, 09:58 AM

I've always been curious about t6he Downey IFS lift. You have to do an in depth review. What don't you like about the axles?

I have the Downey 3" springs and they sagged to about 2", supposedly this is because runners are heavier. I was supposed to put a leaf from the stock pack into the pack, but my stock pack was long gone. Anyway I would expect 2.5" lift out of the 3" springs on a pickup, just an estimate. I also recommend doing what I did. I replaced the stock overload with downey's prerunner add-a-leaf. It is much more progressive than that fat metal plank. It doesn't bottom out so hard anymore and flexes pretty well.

I hear that rearching springs doesn't last very long, but I could be wrong.

Regardless, I want more details on that front lift.

Bear80 · 06-21-2005, 11:17 AM

Well first off, the sprial tech outter boots that came with the axels sucks balls. The boots have no ribs, so they just slip off even when you clamp them down. Does that make sense? The stock boots have ribs or a grove at each end on the inside. So I have stock outter boots and they seem to be fine. The biggest problem with the axles is they begin to vibrate BAD at speeds nearing 40. I know Downey calls to keep the hubs un locked at highway speeds, but come on only go 35 miles per hour with the hubs locked.

I'll finish the lift in a few weeks, and I'll have a whole write up with pics.

Back to the rear springs. So I know NWOR sucks but should I try the rear springs, say if I can get them for $90. I figured even if I re-arch the springs they'll sag again and probably faster.

jimbo74 · 06-21-2005, 11:56 AM

http://protrux.net/outfitter/catalog...products_id=52

a bit expensive but will get rid of the pesky add a leaf syndrome and help out in articulation, instead of add a leafs or a full new leaf pack....

deathrunner · 06-21-2005, 11:06 PM

Yeah, I've heard great things about that pack. Keep in mind, it will probably pull your springs back to life and then some....so prepare for some lift. I think the price isn't that bad considering what you get. Deaver makes some great springs.

Good call Jim, forgot about that option.

06-21-2005, 09:58 AM	#2 (permalink)
deathrunner Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 2,971	I've always been curious about t6he Downey IFS lift. You have to do an in depth review. What don't you like about the axles? I have the Downey 3" springs and they sagged to about 2", supposedly this is because runners are heavier. I was supposed to put a leaf from the stock pack into the pack, but my stock pack was long gone. Anyway I would expect 2.5" lift out of the 3" springs on a pickup, just an estimate. I also recommend doing what I did. I replaced the stock overload with downey's prerunner add-a-leaf. It is much more progressive than that fat metal plank. It doesn't bottom out so hard anymore and flexes pretty well. I hear that rearching springs doesn't last very long, but I could be wrong. Regardless, I want more details on that front lift. __________________ IFS IS FOR LOSERS Decroded Piece of Crap

06-21-2005, 11:17 AM	#3 (permalink)
Bear80 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Antonio TX Posts: 364	Well first off, the sprial tech outter boots that came with the axels sucks balls. The boots have no ribs, so they just slip off even when you clamp them down. Does that make sense? The stock boots have ribs or a grove at each end on the inside. So I have stock outter boots and they seem to be fine. The biggest problem with the axles is they begin to vibrate BAD at speeds nearing 40. I know Downey calls to keep the hubs un locked at highway speeds, but come on only go 35 miles per hour with the hubs locked. I'll finish the lift in a few weeks, and I'll have a whole write up with pics. Back to the rear springs. So I know NWOR sucks but should I try the rear springs, say if I can get them for $90. I figured even if I re-arch the springs they'll sag again and probably faster. __________________ 1986 Truck - Monster IFS 1997 FZJ80 - Locked, Lifted, Ready Range Rover Recovery Vehicle

06-21-2005, 11:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
deathrunner Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 2,971	Yeah, I've heard great things about that pack. Keep in mind, it will probably pull your springs back to life and then some....so prepare for some lift. I think the price isn't that bad considering what you get. Deaver makes some great springs. Good call Jim, forgot about that option. __________________ IFS IS FOR LOSERS Decroded Piece of Crap

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06-21-2005, 11:56 AM	#4 (permalink)
jimbo74 Banned Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Nor*Cal Posts: 6,582	http://protrux.net/outfitter/catalog...products_id=52 a bit expensive but will get rid of the pesky add a leaf syndrome and help out in articulation, instead of add a leafs or a full new leaf pack....