84-85 Trucks & 4Runners 2nd gen pickups and 1st gen 4Runners with solid front axles

Question about Downey 3" Lift Springs

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Old Nov 19, 2009 | 07:04 AM
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85toyman's Avatar
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From: Centeral Willamette Valley Oregon
Question about Downey 3" Lift Springs

Hey guys I found a set of almost new, as in only been sitting on a build truck. They only have about 1000 miles on them before the build and its been all highway miles. The guy is selling Fronts and rear springs for $150. He said that they still have the downey name on them and are in nice shape. I was hesitant at first about used suspension usually somebody elses junk, but I am thinking about getting them, new springs all the way around for about 1/3 of new pricing. Does anybody here run them, and are you all happy with them or not. Do they have a sagging problem over time compared to other brands. I have heard mixed reports from others about the performance of Downey springs. I was looking at marlin and trail gear but don't want to relocate a bunch of stuff, I do mild off roading but nothing serious. Do these things have any flex or are they pretty stiff?
Thanks for the advice
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Old Nov 19, 2009 | 07:35 AM
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From: Enterprise, AL
My experience with downey rear springs: I put the 3" on the rear of my 4rnr ran them for almost 18 monthes had to pull and add leafs from my stock pack like 3-4 times to maintain lift. But I got complements about flex. Probably would have kept them but was making other modifications and needed to set the rear suspension up and nail it down. So finally relocated front and rear hangers.
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Old Nov 19, 2009 | 07:56 AM
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I run them and like them. Like muddpigg said, you probably will need to beef up the rear spring pack if its going on a 4Runner. No problem with the fronts. If they are infact new, take them. It's a great deal. They do flex nicely and have teflon pads between each spring. On the rear you will have to use one or two of your original leaves. The springs originally came with brake line relocator brackets and extended sway bar end links in case you plan on keeping your sway bar attached. So you might see if the guy still has these and is willing to throw them in too.
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Old Nov 19, 2009 | 08:18 AM
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From: Centeral Willamette Valley Oregon
Ok, thanks
I have an 85 extra cab that they will be going on. His is an 85 extra as well. Nice to know about the adding of leafs from original pack. I thinks me is going to have new springs. I took the sway bar off about a month ago to see how much more flex I could gain. Other than a little more sway on corners ( just slow down a little when on pavement) I don't think I will put it back on. Any opinion about it?
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Old Nov 19, 2009 | 08:23 AM
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I have 3 of them sitting around somewhere. Don't use them either.
You may not need to beef up the rear pack too much it you usually drive your pickup empty. The 4Runners have weight of the heavy top to deal with.
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Old Nov 19, 2009 | 08:25 AM
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From: Enterprise, AL
Can't beat the price. If you want any advice on how I did mine, when the time comes PM me. A good read prior to adding lift is on 4crawlers site driveline 101.
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Old Nov 20, 2009 | 07:35 PM
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Ok, so I bought the springs. They were in descent shape. Not brand new looking but I think they will work. They came as springs only but i got the guy to take a little less for them. I can't wait to put them on. I need to buy some new bushing for them before they do go on and some shocks so I hope that I can have them on soon just need more money to finsh buying the other stuff.
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