After much procrastinating about what springs to get for my runner's rear end sag, I finally went with Downey. The decision was based on price. $186.50 for a pair of 3" lift leaf springs vs. $200-211 per spring for OME. I also added some Rancho 5000 series shocks @ $45 ea. So for about $275 the rear end is all set to go for a while. I'm happy with the results. It certainly looks better and in the limited amount of time I've had to drive with the new setup it seems to feel better. Time will tell if they settle some and I have yet to wheel with them but it all looks good so far. It appears I realized nearly 3 inches of lift with these. It doesn't look that way from the side but the tape measure at the rear bumper doesn't lie. And standing at the back window, it seems WAY up there.
Some pics:
before

after

before

after

before

after

The last 2 pics show the tape open to the same measurement for reference. Wheeee! Time to go modify the sig.

Mike

 

nice work. I think im just gonna go with the aal method. btw , what rear bumper is that?

 

looks good - nice truck man - sweet color....same as scofos I think.

 

Same reason I got the Downeys also; cant beat the price.

Yea what kinda bumper is that?

 

Thanks guys. The more I drive it, the more I like it. Saw a near stock 1st gen at the store tonight and couldn't resist parking next to it and checking out the difference. Wish I'd had the camera!

The bumper is a custom from Steve Schaeffer and Sonoran Steel. Only one in the world like it so far (that I'm aware of). It was kind of a PITA for Steve and I don't think he has made any others yet. It weighs in at about 135#, part of the reason I went to 3" springs instead of 2". Here's a better shot of it.

 

I guess I'll have to change the rear springs because the sag is realy getting on my nerves.
Is it necessary to change the height of the front end because of a 3'' lift in the rear.

Btw. very nice truck-very similar to mine except your paint is in much better shape than mine and I have those ugly stripes .
And yes what kind of roof rack is that and how is it mounted

 

Smiljko, I didn't do anything yet with the front and it looks fine. I might need to adjust the headlights a bit, but I plan to wait as I expect the springs to settle a bit. Time will tell. Also as I mentioned above, I went with the 3" over the 2" due to my 135pound/61kg bumper. Perhaps 2" lift will be adequate for you unless you have similarly heavy gear installed or haul heavy cargo alot. Maybe SoCal4Running will chime in as his sig indicates 2" springs. My plan is to install 1 1/2 " ball joint spacers up front but then to crank the torsion bars back down to stock height to gain a softer ride and better articulation on the trail. I'll play around with that though and maybe leave 1/2" of lift. Just have to evaluate that at the time. I'm afraid I can't tell you anything about the roof rack as it came with the truck already installed. It is attached right through the roof somehow. It has never leaked and I haven't taken down the head liner to check it out. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Mike

 

So you cranked the torsion bars-is that a must ?
Thanks

 

No. The Tbars are at stock now. When I put in the ball joint spacers and gain lift from the spacers, I will then drop the Tbars BELOW stock setting thereby returning the front end to stock height but improving articulation.

 

Ok heres some pics

This is before with stock saggy springs


And this is after with 2" Downey springs.


I still want to get some extended shackles for the rear because I want is just alittle bit higher. Have my eye on the greasable ones.

 

B ump

 

If you want a set of shacles for a sweet price contact John Nord at nordjn@msn.com he will hook you up with what ever size you want for $32.95 plus shipping!!!!. Here is a link to his site http://southwest4x4.net/index.cgi?Me...ExpandedDepts= take a look at the shackles here as this is what they will come to you like http://southwest4x4.net/index.cgi?Pa...ExpandedDepts= you wont find a better deal! Matt

 

how's the flex with downey springs?

 

Haven't abused mine yet. I will update down the road when I can.

 

Mine flex pretty decent; as much as the stock ones ever did anyway. The 2" Downey springs arent heavly arched at all. The only thing that really holds these trucks back is the IFS and the lack of a locker in mine

 

Now I get it :pat:
Thanks for the info!

 

My Downeys were STIFF when I got them. I hauled a load of crushed gravel for a sidewalk I was working on at my house a month later and they broke right in! They flex quite well, I dont run a front sway bar and have ball joint spacers with my T-bars cranked back some from stock and it twists up nicely. The next time I go wheeling Im taking my camera with me! I ordered a set of these shackels in 1 1/4" over stock length just to add a little more to the rear just because I think it looks like it could use it!

 

I'm thinking of purchasing some for my 89 runner. Currently my springs are flat, but I have 2" shackles that void the sag. Does it ride better with the new leaf springs?

 

Lets make sure I am following. If I go with the Downey 3" rear springs and 1.5" BJ spacers my 4Runner will be level, fit 33's, and still have a close to stock ride? Did you have to extend your brake lines? What about the parking brake vlave on the rear axle. Thanks Bryan

 

Nice work. I was sooo glad when I finally lifted my saging rear end. Now that your rear bumper is up you should paint that ugly rear axle. I did mine with very minimal prep work and a rattle can and it really looks nice from behind: