As I am now planning the lift on my 98, I want to get some feedback on rear lift springs. I had the Downey 3.5" (2.5" actual lift) rear springs with Bilstein rear shocks and found it a bit firm for day to day on road use. It may be a killer set up with better valved shocks.

I plan on using OME n86 in back whatever combination I go with.

So, my options are Downey, OME or spacers on stock springs.

I am not really considering the LC coils and shocks at this time as I really do not think I need that much lift.

Many thanks in advance

David

 

i love the 891s on mine.

 

Rear lift was a real 2.5 " ???

Thanks

David

 

I got a full 3"+ of lift from my 891's. Of course, they settled to a steady 2.5" after a year or so. IMO, they're a bit stiff but are great for carrying a heavy load or towing.

Bamachem tried them out, but quickly went back to his Downey's for a better ride.

I bet you'll like them with the OME shock.

 

I have the Downey 3.5" - 2.5" actually springs and OME N86 shock and I love it. It's definitely firm and I use mine as a daily driver and I cover about 200+ miles a week. I don't mind it.

 

i am a little over the 2.5", but as stated, they will end up being right there.

 

david

I am running the tundra set up minus the spacer up front

The omes gave me around 2.5

You can drive my junk if you'd like. let me know whenever.

 

OME--ride well on-raod and flex well too

you might want to take MAtt up on his offer. His truck is awesome

 

just gotta mind the squeeking. My dash loves to rattle!!!!

 

Downey or re-use the stock springs, but add some spacers for height and some air bags for adjustable ride stiffness.

 

Andy,

Do you just sit around and create really good responses and store them for when you need them

That is a great idea. Best of all worlds.

Does seem to me that this 98 Ltd is waaay softer and less controlled than my 99 Sport 'Highlander"

David

 

891's ride more stable at lower speeds than the spacers I had. The extra height though gives me more tippiness than before at higher speeds. BTW, I have Bilstein HD's in the rear.

History: My rear w/ a Revtek spacer sat about 1 1/2" lower than the front. I wanted a slight rake and the 891's made up the 1 1/2" difference perfectly. It also looks to have a very slight rake even though front and rear are even. The only thing that I've noticed is less stability on turns in the road on the highway. It could be that I have tires w/ less tread on the front but I think it's the extra height.

 

I agree and I prefer my OMEs over any stock springs because the stock ones are just too soft IMHO unless you always are going to drive it around with the rear unloaded and forget about towing (airbags will help but will also need constant adjustment depending on the load). If you want alot of lift (3"+ range) and a plush ride then use the OEM Cruiser coils like many are using now with the OEM lift (not to be confused with OME). I debated many different combinations, but I just couldn't beat the OME lift in the 1.5" to 2" lift range (and I am very happy with how it looks/performs).

Almost any lift will feel a bit more tippy on highway turns unless you are using a stiff shock like a bilstein, but the performance may not be idea for offroad so pick your poison. Good way to get around this would be to use heavier sway bars such as those made by Addco.

 

... yeah, i've been waiting WEEKS to use that one!


it might be that the shocks are weaker or shot, maybe the 98 doesn't have the conical bumpstops... could be lots of things that are different... does the 98 have the conical bumpstops? if not, go to the dealer and get the recall done.

 

Funny you should mention Addco.

With my SC'd 99, just running a front Addco made a huge difference. I was at about 2" front (SAW's ) and 2.5" rear.(Downey '3.5') I did not go with an Addco rear sway bar as with the extra torque from the SC, you risk picking up a rear wheels and spinning off all the power with no LSD in back.

Anyway, it worked great and felt more stable than an unlifted truck to me.

David

 

I have the Downey setup with Rancho adjustables in the rear... LOVE it! The Ranchos are currently set at 6 and they ride great. I just ordered new bumpstops from Sonoran Steel today and will install those as soon as they come in.