I'd like to do my own install of the Downey lift shackles I bought. I've read instructions (http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/shackle/) but have a question about adjusting the brake proportioning valve. The author of that page says you need to raise it the same amount as the lift gets you. Now since I am expecting less then 2" of lift, and since I expect that this will not actually lift me past stock height, do I still have to do this?

I am only expecting this to return me to stock height, to "correct" 18 years worth of sag. So shouldn't the brake proportioning valve be all set, and if anything, back to where it belongs?

Also, will I need any special tools to change bushings? I don't have new ones, but if they look shot, I'll wait and get some polys and do it all at once.

Thanks.

 

I know that when us 2nd Gen guys put new coils in to rememdy the rear-end sag that we have with the original coils, we still adjust the brake proportioning valve with the included bracket from Downey. So, my hunch is yes, you would still need to move yours too. However, I am wrong (only very occasionally )

If it helps, I don't think that the Downey's actually lifted me 2" over stock. Maybe 2" from the way my truck sat when I installed them, or maybe something like 1" over stock. Just to give you an idea.

 

My problem is that I have no way of knowing what the stock height was. I really am not looking for any extra lift past stock since my wife already thinks it's too hard to get into.

My goal with this rig is not to go bigger or higher, but to go tougher, more durable, and better protected.

The guy at Downey's said I should get about an inch and a half of lift. I would guess that the droop is about that amount. So, in theory, the brake prop. valve should be returned to stock position.

 

Hey there Sporin.
When i lifted my '88 with the add-a-leaf i gained 3" on one side and 2.75" on the other. I did not adjust my brake proportioning valve. Like you said, i didn't know what my stock height was.

When i finished you could really tell that the rear was much taller than the front. Now that they have settled i'm even front and back.
I think if you stay under 3" of lift you should be fine.