I was at Les schwab today was wondering if anybody had checked out their leaf springs made by some company here in oregon call benz springs.

 

I wonder if the Emu Dakar springs (CS009R/010R) change the equation. It appears that they are about 60% of the OME18/181 springs, I.e.http://www.4by4connection.com/ifsrearleafs.html has them for $93 ea, instead of the ~$180 that the OME18/181 springs ran.

Maybe Strap can update us on what the TRDParts4u.com price is now on the Dakars. That would certain rule out the Downeys, if the OME's are about the same price.

Edit: Looks like TRDParts4u.com needs to update their site. Package price is $998.43

Slee has the same package for $845

While 4x4Connection has the parts you can put into a package for a total of $768, including shipping.

 

Our site has been updated. If you can buy them for the price they are advertising I would do it.

 

Hey Phil,

You guys updated your page & your prices. You now have the best price for the 86-95 pickup kit!! Do you also have a 4Runner kit with the CS009 Dakar spring? What's the difference between the CS019 (pickup??) & the CS009?

Thanks again!

 

I do have the OME medium duty for my 88 4r. They are stiff even with about 4000 miles on them and with weight in the rear. I have seen some improvements since I got them though. OME's suggestions was take a leaf out but i havent gotten there yet. Hopefully that will help whenever I get to it. The nice thing was they are a direct bolt in as well as the downey springs. All the others, all-pro, trailgear etc., you had to relocate the hanger. Oh and these are the Dakar series springs also.

 

I had the NWORs in my '91 and they rode like a brick. Have the Rancho 2.5" in my '94 and they are smoother than stock.

 

Put my OME cs009r's on Saturday, so far ride is better than my oe/shackle lift/AAL set up at the same ride height, flex pretty well to for out of the box. I got them from Phil & Jacque at trdparts4u

 

I haven't heard anything bad about the OME ... I'm silling going to say that those are your best bet.

 

Mike, do you mind if I ask what you paid for the springs?

Thanks
Robb

 

When I purchased 4 inch Downeys they completely bought the farm after one trip over Fins and things in Moab. I then drove to Grand Juction and purchased some 4 inch Alcans. Alcan by far are better then Downeys. Just my opinion.
I am now running Trail Gears 5 inch leafs front and rear, have no idea how they are going to work as I just kinda finished my SAS on my 87.
JMach1

 

sent you a pm

 

Hey there guys, for those of you who got the 3" Downey's or 3" OME's did you also get longer shackles and shocks...just seems like some of you are slapping them on...true? Thanks in advance.

 

Jmach, I like your sig, kinda reminds me of

"Paramedics save patients, Basics save paramedics..."

Cheers

Dave

 

Well I've ordered the Alcan's. Stopped by on my way back from Green River a week ago. Should be getting them in a couple of weeks. They'll be fully progressive w/o overloads.

Now, to decide which rear shocks to use... Bilstein or OME?

 

well I sold my '88 long bed and I have an '01 Nissan Xterra that i am putting all my focus and cash into. I have Alcan springs for the X and I love them. Have not noticed them sag yet. i paid about $240 per spring for them...worth every penny IMO

 

Ended up buying Alcan springs and putting them on in May 2008. Took a trip to Lake Powell and loaded the cargo area to the ceiling, 1/2 of the back seat and three adults. Smoothest highway ride this vehicle has ever had!

I've taken it up on Storm Mountain, and the ride is definitely better than the saggy stock springs. I've combined the springs with OME N94 & N98 shocks for longer travel. Ride is definitely more controlled.

 

Do they still cost around $400-$500 a pair or was that price only for the long travel springs? They have always seemed pricey but I never asked them about stock length springs either. I know they were a little slow on production for a while as well, how long did it take you to get them in your hands after ordering them?

 

They were $510 including shipping for the pair. Took about 3 weeks to get them after ordering.

 

I wouldnt recommend using OME shocks with a different brand of spring. They might be ok, but im not sure about it as they make really soft shocks to compensate for their stiff springs. Bilstiens are generally more diverse and are significantly stiffer. Just depends on the ride you are going for really. I have OME springs and shocks in the rear of my 4runner (coils though) and the ride is excellent. Just need to level the front a bit now though.

 

My old NWOR springs have been repaired three times. Twice on the passenger's side and once on the driver's side. The broken leaf on the driver's side punched a hole in the shock when it deviated sideways. The passenger's side now saggs 1" lower than the driver's side (because the spring shop that repaired them did a crappy job) but still,

"The bitterness of low quality remains long after the bitterness of being lied to."

Anyhoo, I'm leaning towards the OME 1.5" replacement springs and I'm willing to fork over the dough if they don't ride like a frickin' cement truck, creak and bang or start snapping leaves left and right.

I don't trust spring shops in my area because the ones I've contacted have a don't-waste-my-time attitude. I'd rather just do the work myself.