tpd143

Hello everyone,
I apologize if this question has been asked and answered, but I couldn't find enough info that specifically addressed my situation. I have an '84 SR5 x-cab that I would like to install a mild lift on. It's in outstanding condition with 120K miles on it. It's a weekend rig for skiing and light off-road use. It has a fiberglass shell and an extra 11 gal fuel tank.

What do you all think of ProComp's four spring system? I've read some good things about OME, but I found the above mentioned system that comes with shocks, extended brake lines and adjustable drag link for $560. I don't see myself running tires any larger than 31" because at this point I don't want to bust open the diffs for a gear change. What do you all think? Thanks in advance.

shaw_j

I have been considering swapping my Rancho lift for a ProComp, so I am interested in this as well!

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

Don't need that much lift to run 31s. Should be good with 1"-2" of lift for that size tire.

tpd143

Yeah, I know I could get by with less, but I was thinking new springs all around might improve the ride some.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

For sure new springs (to replace the sagging stockers) will help the ride. The OME 2" springs with their matching gas shocks is a pretty decent setup. This '85 has 31s and the 2" OMEs:


Generally, the higher lift spring you put on (assuming stock length) the stiffer the spring generally will be.

tpd143

Thanks 4Crawler, that would work just fine for me. I had pretty much decided on the OME set up when I came across the ProComp system and it was significantly less expensive. Was everything included in the OME system you mentioned? Thanks again.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

I think the guy that owns that 4Runner did the OME springs and gas shocks. I think you can get whatever combination of parts you want. With less lift you generally need to replace fewer parts. The other off-the-shelf springs that are supposed to be somewhat decent at the Superlift Soft-Ride springs. Don't have any personal experience with any of those brands (Procomp, OME or Superlift).

Oatmeal

I have a friend that put the Pro Comp springs on his and they are very stiff.....not very comfortable at all. Check out Downey, I ran their springs for a long time before running my curent set up. People give them a bad rap but, most of the time, they're just repeating what "they've heard". For the money, they're a steal and they ride and flex real well. I did, however, add a leaf from my original rear pack to the Downey pack and didn't have any problem with the sagging some people claim. I put over 100,000 miles on those springs and now they're on my buddy's '82 wheeling the trails in Georgia!-------Hans

shaw_j

Do you need to weld new hangers for the Downey springs? I thought they were longer than stock.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

No, the Downey springs should be stock length, just like the other off-the-shelf springs.

WaterVsAnchor

Hey, I'm new to this forum and this is actually my first post! Hooray!

Anywho, I have an 85' Toyota 4Runner and I am running the exact kit that you're asking about. I ordered the kit and a friend of mine, my brother and I did the install ourselves. As another poster said, the ProComp springs are a bit stiff so if you're not going to be doing any rock trails and such, you might be better off with springs that offer a smoother ride. The extended brake lines are steel coated, and are long enough to accomodate more than a 4" lift. The shocks that ProComp puts in the kit are not the greatest, and they actually gave me the wrong pair for the rear - twice. So I ended up putting Ranchos on instead. I've had the lift on for about 3 years now, and it hasn't sagged much. Just about the usual settling in. With a 4" lift, 31" tires might look a little small. I'm running 32s, and could run 35s with a little fender trimming.

I don't have any pictures to show as I am at work, but I can post one sometime later if you'd like. I'm currently doing some interior cosmetic work and some exterior work as well on the body.

shaw_j

I would like to keep my truck at the same height it is, but I would like to ditch the blocks in the rear, and the front rides like a brick. Really I am just looking into ditching my Rancho lift, and do not have welding skills of ANY sort, so Marlin, Trail Gear, etc. are completely out of the question.

I know a lot of people beak on bolt-on suspension kits on this site, but really it is my only option.

Basically I would like to just switch the leaf springs up front and the blocks in the rear out for some other springs.

EWAYota

*HIJACK ON*

Shaw, got any more pics of that 81? Looks sharp!

*HIJACK OFF*

shaw_j

None of it in action..... unfortunately a sweet undercoat covered up quite an unfortunate frame situation...

But nothing that money can't fix!

Oatmeal

Wow, Downey is finally starting to catch up to the rest of the Toyota offroad world......they've come a long ways: http://www.downeyoff-road.com/Suspen...s/1979-85.html ----------Hans

deserttoy84

Ill tell you from first hand experience. the downey springs are horrible. the pro comp springs are awful as well and there only 3 leaf not 4, BUT I cant complain too much about the pro comp springs since i paid like 90 shipped for the pair with bushings from 4 wheel parts and they do a good job clearing my 33x12.5. I would buy the OME there a progressive leaf pack and will ride a lot better.31's can clear stock so whatever spring you get you should not have a problem.

Oatmeal

What was so "horrible" about them? I ran them for several years and over several western Sierra rock trails when my truck was in a milder state of build (running small 32" MTRs). Sure, they don't compare to Deavers, M/C, All Pro or......but, for the money, they're some of the better riding and performing "off the rack" springs and are very well made-------------Hans

84RNR

tpd143, sounds like you have a nice truck that you really like. If it were me I'd spend the extra bucks and put on the OME lift. It's plenty of lift for your expected tire height. I've had them on two of my trucks and have nothing bad to say. You can go with a kit that is "good for the money" but you have to decide how much to compromise and how much you want to spend. I agree with whoever said 4" of lift and 31" tires would look funny. Just my $.02

85TurboRunner

I've had the 4" P-Comp lift for close to 5 yrs, it starts out stiff as hell and after about 4 years (at least my experience) it gets livable. I'm sure the more you wheel it the faster it breaks in. Anyway if you only want 31" tires it will look pretty goofy. I was running 33's when I got the lift on and they looked tiny.

deserttoy84

The downey springs were just way too stiff and they started to sag prematurely.