I noticed that my 3" Downey rear lift springs, didn't quite give me 3" (or hardly any for that matter).... I let it ride for a while, and they seemed to sag even more... I wondered what was up, so I called Downey...

Apparently thier 3" lift springs don't quite work like they're supposed to on the 4Runners. They have worked through the problem and are shipping me a replacement leaf to change out the 3rd leaf in my packs.

SO: If you have 3" lift springs on the rear of a 1st gen 4Runner, check your height, and sound in, you may need to get the replacement.

Downey has had this problem with other 4Runner owners, have found a solution and are working very hard to make it right! I would still recommend them, but if you're buying new 3" springs from them, make sure you tell them its for a 4Runner, they'll take care of ya.

 

I wonder if they will help with my pack on my Runner.

The height isn't bad, it actually works well with my front, but I wouldn't mind a little lift. I should call.

 

Call and talk to Mike, hes the guy who knows whats goin on.

 

This is great info. Thanks. I'm still happy with where mine are but I'll be sure to keep an eye on them.

Mike

 

Well, it sounds like they may have gotten a few bad batches, because not everyone experiences this problem...... They are currently working with thier supplier to fix the root of the problem (says Mike)

Mine have only been on since Oct, so it was a quick thing. I'd say if yours look good, and are still holding up, then you'll be fine. Mine didn't really lift it hardly any from the get go, then started dropping afterwards... But they're fixing the problem, so I'm a happy camper!

I can tell you that your measurement from the top of the springs to the bottom of the frame rail just rearward of the bumpstop should be around 9.5 to 10.5" give or take. Stock 4Runners avg around 8.25 to 8.75 from measurements taken on 3 4Runners, an 88 with 60k, an 85 with 115k, and an 86 with 215k.

 

I removed a skyjacker 4 inch lift spring pack and replaced it with these downey packs. the truck dropped about 2 inches. The springs have leveled out alittle more over time. I noticed when I flex out my rear, the compressed side will actually arch backwards. Maybe all springs do this, but I never had that much compression with the 4" pack.

My springs still have an arch, but they constantly rest on downey's prerunner add a leaf which I use in place of the stock overload.

I woudl be interested in a fix, which might add lift, but I don't think I'd be interested if it was at the cost of ride stiffness.

 

Hey mike, maybe that answer's the shock fitment problem!

 

drunner, Mike said the ride stiffness won't change... they are havin us replace one of the spring leaves in the current pak with a better one. I just got tired of rear sag, so I called.... mine arch slightly up under flex as well, and i don't know either if they should.... my guess would be no, thats the job of the shackle.

 

bump for more

 

Got my replacements, need to put them on. Also did some cross checking, the replacement spring is an add-a-leaf for a T100...

 

Just wanted to update and warn everyone.... I had the "fix" on for all last week, no problems... then I took it offroading this weekend.... my springs are all kinds of bent. Do NOT put thier "fix" spring on, I can almost guarantee it will wreck your whole spring pack. I'm getting with Downey this morning to find a new solution to the problem.

 

Just wanted to sound off:

I got my downey +3" leafs for my 88 4runner 2 weeks ago and I'm very happy with them. I think they might be this updated design because I got all 3"s of lift from mine. I also want to note that the trucks handling improved dramaticly even with increase in height from the stock springs. They seem stiffer but are more responsive offroad. Highly recomended

 

You could be right... I've heard of several people that have had no problems whatsoever.... But the batch I got, people have had problems with, just seems like its that one batch.

 

mine hold there arch fine. They just didn't give 3 inches of lift.

to recap I ame running the 3" pack without adding in the stock leave that is recommended. I also replaced the stock overload with Downey's prerunner add aleaf

It is supposed to be more progressive this way. It probably is, but I am just picky, so it's time for 62's

 

Could any of you guys that are running the Downey springs take a measurement for me? Grab a tape and measure the distance between the top of the springs and the bottom of the frame, rearward of the bumpstop on the frame..

Mine is P: 8.625" D: 8.75" before fix
~9.25" - 9.50" after the fix

Im just trying to get a comparison so I can see how mine stacked up against everyone elses.... Thanks!

 

The latest is I put another set on my truck, brand new, and they have lost thier lift again..... May be the weight I carry in my truck.... How much weight does everyone carry in their 4Runners

 

Mine was empty. I can't take measurements for you as I have now switched out my rear pack.

 

What did you switch to? 63"s?

 

I am running a set of Deaver springs designed for the tundra. They are a 10 pack and similar in length to the 62's but are not arched as much so I can run them over axle.

 

I bought the same springs for my 85 runner back in 1998. At that time the INSTRUCTIONS stated for 4runners to take the small leaf from the stock pack and ad to the Downey pack. This gave me 3.5" of lift which then dropped to 3" and stayed for many years of hard use. Sounds like this guy Mike might be new and not know what he is talking about. The Downey 3" springs lift the trucks 3" by themselves and lift the 4runners 3" w/ the help of a stock "add-a-leaf". I don't know if they dropped that from their instructions or you guys maybe didn't read the instructions.