Hi everyone, I am new to the site and just purchased my first 4Runner. It's an 88 SR5 with the 3.0 and 5 speed. I would like to keep it as close to stock as possible. The rear is sagging which I know is common with this vintage so I am looking into installing a set of Downey 2" leaf springs to try to level it back out. Has anyone done this? Do the 2" springs normally raise the rear too much? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Moxdawg

 

well i don't have downey leaf springs but i do have the downy hd coils. they said they've got a 1.5" lift but i think it looks stock. Maybe a tad bit higher but it still looks stock. i'd assume that the leaf's would be the same way.

 

I now your a newb, so first advice, don't take this the wrong way. We don't say T4R around here. It's all good though, just wanted to warn ya before you get "blind-sided".

Next, I don't have experience with the Downey springs your talkin' about. But, unless your fine with cranking your torsion bars all the way, 2" is way too much. What they mean is 2" above stock spring ride height, or approx.

 

I have read that the Downey leaf springs will settle down to around 1.5" over stock height. I really think the trucks/4runners look good with a little rack to them. I have seen many with 1-2" rear lift over stock and doen't look to bad. If you think it's to much ... simply crank your t-bars up about .5-1" over stock and call it a day.

 

See the thread at https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116/ome-vs-downey-vs-alcan-rear-leaf-springs-90376/ for spring options and experiences.
HTH

 

Thanks for the tips and information. I tried to search the site before posting but got overwhelmed by all of the different lift information. I am leaning toward the Downey 2" but hope they don't settle too much too fast.

86Original - That link really helped.

MudHippy - Thanks for the heads up. The last thing I want to do is get off on the wrong foot.

Moxdawg

 

Get the 3" Downey springs and they will be very close to stock with a little rake. I have them on my 86, they will sag down and level out.

 

I agree with getting the 3" downeys. I have the 2" and just ordered 1" lift shackles because I want just another inch of clearance.

I also have a toolbox and drawtight hitch on the rear that makes it sag a bit.

 

Sounds like the 3" will do the trick. I measured from the ground to the bottom of my stock bumper and it was right at 18". I then measured from the ground to the wheel well on both the front and back and there was almost exactly 3" in difference for whatever that is worth. Will the Downey springs actually raise my 4Runner 3" above stock or 3" higher than it sits now?

Moxdawg

 

The rear wheel wells go lower than the fronts when the vehicle is level. It's on the order of 2" lower in the rear when level, so don't go off the well to rim measurements. You're better off to use the lines in the body that run from the front to the rear to determine if your rig is level. The well-to-rim measurements only help when comparing sides, not front to back. In the thread linked above, it appears that the Downeys settle (sag?) much faster than the Alcan or OME springs. At this point, for me, it's down to the Alcan & the OME springs. HTH.