4th Gen 4runner Downey Suspension Lift
#81
Really the only option you have with the Xres is the spacers. You need to retain the stock shock and actually if Daystar does the 50-50 split spacer your final assembly will be the same length as the Downey coil over Lance has.
Years ago I started with a spacer lift, then I ran Coil Overs for a year and a half, now I have once again returned to spacers up front with the stock Toyota coils. I can got more articulation out of spacrs and the stock springs.
Years ago I started with a spacer lift, then I ran Coil Overs for a year and a half, now I have once again returned to spacers up front with the stock Toyota coils. I can got more articulation out of spacrs and the stock springs.
#82
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Sedona, AZ
I'm gonna give'm a try and see what happens. As it stands now, I could never run down the hill to your neck of the woods via backroads with out banging rocks the whole way.
I saw one of your pictures of you in the Land Cruiser crossing the Verde. One of my favorite drives is from Camp Verde down river to Cave Creek. The way the new 4runners sit now, I'd get hung up there much less at Sheep's Bridge or Childs Crossing.
Thanks for the info.
I saw one of your pictures of you in the Land Cruiser crossing the Verde. One of my favorite drives is from Camp Verde down river to Cave Creek. The way the new 4runners sit now, I'd get hung up there much less at Sheep's Bridge or Childs Crossing.
Thanks for the info.
#83
Originally posted by SEDONAZ
Where have you been the last couple of months when the rest of us, (those so fortunate to have the XREAS curse) have been struggling with what to do? It sounds like you are sure a spacer-based lift will work no problem. Why the concern from everyone else?
Are there other options for us with this "closed system" suspension? Can we combine the spacers, Daystar or RevTek, with the Downey coils for the rear as did Lance? I checked your web-sites out too, do you have other options?
Adam
Where have you been the last couple of months when the rest of us, (those so fortunate to have the XREAS curse) have been struggling with what to do? It sounds like you are sure a spacer-based lift will work no problem. Why the concern from everyone else?
Are there other options for us with this "closed system" suspension? Can we combine the spacers, Daystar or RevTek, with the Downey coils for the rear as did Lance? I checked your web-sites out too, do you have other options?
Adam
The spacer lift works w/ the XREAS ( which I am pretty confident ). The biggest problem is the front shock assembly where the pressurized lines are located. The spacer requires you to remove the shock and coil to install it (just easier when it's not sitting in the front suspension housing), so trying to install the spacer while the shock is still in it's place will prove to be difficult. It is not impossible by any standard but it will take alot of patience and alot of knowledge to be able to install the spacer w/o damaging the pressurized lines. Therefore the fronts are a pain in the rear to do.
The rear is easy. All you have to do is disconnec the bottom and install the spacer. the xreas line has more give and take in the rear so the install should be relatively easy.
Combining the rear coils that I have and the spacer won't be a good idea as your stock shock travel is too limited. You can have one or the other but not both. If you want both, you're going have to get longer shocks. Also I'm getting both because I'll be adding a steel bumper in the back which will definitely weigh down so I'll need to lift the rear up again to compensate the weight.
Since you have the closed system, you really can't do much. The spacer lift is the best bet. You can only lift soo much b4 you limit your shock travel.
Hope this all makes sense
#84
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Sedona, AZ
Lance,
10-4.
Speaking of new bumpers, any word on your bumper project?
I saw those new ones from Safari Guards(?) or something, on the Global Extreme 4runner. They looked a little light to me and definitely over priced.
10-4.
Speaking of new bumpers, any word on your bumper project?
I saw those new ones from Safari Guards(?) or something, on the Global Extreme 4runner. They looked a little light to me and definitely over priced.
#85
I'll be dropping off the truck on next wed. At that point Jason will work on the front and rear. I've given him lots of time to work on it so hopefully I"ll have some awesome pictures to show ya guys soon
#86
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Sedona, AZ
Sounds great.
The last round of pics you left looked sweet. The 4runner looks better and better! Good luck with the bumber addition.
I also just heard from 02Runner and he should have his pics up in the next day. He got his lift up and working on his XREAS too.
The last round of pics you left looked sweet. The 4runner looks better and better! Good luck with the bumber addition.
I also just heard from 02Runner and he should have his pics up in the next day. He got his lift up and working on his XREAS too.
#87
Originally posted by SEDONAZ
I saw one of your pictures of you in the Land Cruiser crossing the Verde. One of my favorite drives is from Camp Verde down river to Cave Creek. The way the new 4runners sit now, I'd get hung up there much less at Sheep's Bridge or Childs Crossing.
I saw one of your pictures of you in the Land Cruiser crossing the Verde. One of my favorite drives is from Camp Verde down river to Cave Creek. The way the new 4runners sit now, I'd get hung up there much less at Sheep's Bridge or Childs Crossing.
#88
I was thinking, if they had some makeshift temporary limit strap so that you could not accidentally yank the XREAS line off the shock, that might make things easier.
I guess all the troubles with XREAS was that it was just a big unknown and sounded difficult.
Now it sounds like things might work out!
I guess all the troubles with XREAS was that it was just a big unknown and sounded difficult.
Now it sounds like things might work out!
#89
Holy Crap Batman,
Your truck looks awesome Lance. That is the best body color and wheel combo I've seen.
Nice work. I am anxious to see Jason's work on the bumper(s).
As far as the XREAS, the Rev-Tek works just fine. I haven't had a problem yet (knock on wood).
First Toy: I think the idea of using a limiting strap to keep the XREAS line attached when trying to lift it would hamper your efforts. You need absolutely 100% of the wiggle space you can get to remove the strut with the XREAS in place. Just have to be gentle on the line itself.
While on jackstands and once all of the other BS is out of the way and disconnected you can stand or use a pry bar to press the out edge of the control arms down. This will give you enough space to slide the lower portion out and thus the top without breaking your line. Same idea is used on the back too.
Mine next to a non-lifted Runner

Doug M.
Your truck looks awesome Lance. That is the best body color and wheel combo I've seen.
Nice work. I am anxious to see Jason's work on the bumper(s).As far as the XREAS, the Rev-Tek works just fine. I haven't had a problem yet (knock on wood).
First Toy: I think the idea of using a limiting strap to keep the XREAS line attached when trying to lift it would hamper your efforts. You need absolutely 100% of the wiggle space you can get to remove the strut with the XREAS in place. Just have to be gentle on the line itself.
While on jackstands and once all of the other BS is out of the way and disconnected you can stand or use a pry bar to press the out edge of the control arms down. This will give you enough space to slide the lower portion out and thus the top without breaking your line. Same idea is used on the back too.
Mine next to a non-lifted Runner
Doug M.
#91
Doug!
I envy your white w/ the black shoes!!! Damn you!!!!
Looks very very very clean
I"m glad the RevTek's worked. You can definitely tell the difference comparing the two 4runners too! Sweet
Btw, final measurements from bottom to fender?
I envy your white w/ the black shoes!!! Damn you!!!!
Looks very very very clean
I"m glad the RevTek's worked. You can definitely tell the difference comparing the two 4runners too! SweetBtw, final measurements from bottom to fender?
#94
anybody bought a downey lift?
so there have been no posts here for a couple months, at the risk of beating a dead forum...
has anyone bought a production version of the downey lift? i will be giving them a ring tomorrow -- finally got the money together to buy one. also, has anyone done the install themselves?
lance- where are those pics of that snazzy new bumper you promised the thread? also, awesome trail shot coming over that stone ridge!
has anyone bought a production version of the downey lift? i will be giving them a ring tomorrow -- finally got the money together to buy one. also, has anyone done the install themselves?
lance- where are those pics of that snazzy new bumper you promised the thread? also, awesome trail shot coming over that stone ridge!
#96
called downey today to get an update on their 4th gen lift, and here is what i found out:
basically, what lance has posted about what the kit contains is still true but w/updates. this is what they are going to be putting in the front kit:
-coilovers
-bilstein shocks
and as per lance (w/a slight modification), the rear will contain:
- coilovers
- 12" Stainless Steel Brake Lines (two - for each wheel)
- 4" Extension plate for the ABS Brake Lines.
the shocks (according to the tech probably Doetsch Tech) for the rear kit will be extra
the kits should be available in about three weeks -- they are waiting on bilstein to complete their order. we are getting closer...
basically, what lance has posted about what the kit contains is still true but w/updates. this is what they are going to be putting in the front kit:
-coilovers
-bilstein shocks
and as per lance (w/a slight modification), the rear will contain:
- coilovers
- 12" Stainless Steel Brake Lines (two - for each wheel)
- 4" Extension plate for the ABS Brake Lines.
the shocks (according to the tech probably Doetsch Tech) for the rear kit will be extra
the kits should be available in about three weeks -- they are waiting on bilstein to complete their order. we are getting closer...
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