Downey shock question.

[Gumby]

I called Downey and talked to a really nice gentleman who seemed VERY familier with their product, unlike some other folks I have talked to there. I need a clutch specifically for their bellhousing adapter and a cable locker for my 80. The electric is FUBARed.

The cable locker is on back order. They have to machine the aluminum blocks and he didn't know when the maching was scheduled. 1-2 weeks maybe. OK. If I had a choice, I certainly wouldn't order from them anyway, but i don't. They make it and nobody else does, to my knowledge. I have never been happy with their products and i'm pretty pissed about the $275 clutch I have to order for this bellhousing.

I asked the dude about why they didn't have a listing for the Bilstien shocks they carry for lifted 80s. They have a custom lift kit, but no shocks. I like Bilsteins. I like that they are cheaper than OME, but I can't get a part number for a two inch longer shock valved similar to the 80. The guys states that the mounting points and the pivot points do not change when you lift an 80 so the stock length is all you need. He says that the bumpstops stay the same and the maximum droop is the same, so stock shocks are fine.

This is as counter-intuitive as anything I have heard yet. Does not seem to make any sense. Not to mention that OME provides a longer shock for increase wheel travel. Does anyone have empirical evidence that you can get better droop and articulation from longer shocks or does this guy know more than I'm giving him credit for?

 

[Tools R Us]

Stock travel shocks will greatly reduce your down travel/flex when lifted. I had OME L shocks with the 2.5" lift and it made a big difference, mainly in the rear.

 

[Gumby]

Made up my mind to support Slee regardless. Called up, ordered some OMEs right up and had a very good conversation with Ben. Called Downey back and cancelled the cable locker. I will try the three relay method of running the rear actuator as the actuator is still good, the ECU is all messed up.

Slee Off-Road has some quality customer service.

Christo - how about some three relay kits or a cable locker from Slee Off Road?

In the mean time, I'm looking for a wiring diagram to run the factory switch without the factory ECU. Anyone got a lead

 

[landtoy80]

If you go with the Downey cable locker, this is what you NEED to do.
1)The steel shaft (the one that the cable goes to) will need to be replaced with one made from SS.
The one I got from Downey had stared to rust even before I got it in the mail.
I had a guy make one for me.

2) You will need a CV axle boot over the locker as dirt and crap will build up on the shaft and cable and seize it. ( I think the cable is the part that I had a problem with) I filled the boot with grease. No porblems now.

My deal still is out there, I will swap my Landtoy improved Downey cable locker for a working diff actuator.
Just send my the acturator and I will send you the Downey.

The only reason I want to swap is my wife drives the 80 and she hits her knee on the cable handle on the dash. She drives with the seat up all the way.
I have the seat all the way back and don't have a problem with it.

 

[landtoy80]

I know as soon as I trade off the cable locker, the wife will want the 62 and I will be stuck driving the 80 and I will wish I had the cable locker......