Who's springs, OME, Downey, PP??

[Bear80]

Ok, seems like everyone here runs OME springs and all love them. Has anyone tired the Downey springs?? and how do they compair to OME. Downey sells a weld in relocation bracket for the lower arms, don't like that idea. OME bushings, I like that idea.

The Downey springs cost alittle more but come with a longer steel braided rear brake line, I've never heard of this from OME. Also heard that you cannot use packers on the Downey springs, is that true?? How level do Downey springs set, I don't really like the extreme rake on the 80's with OME springs and I won't have anything heavy in the rear of my wagon.

Also my cruiser is mostly on the street and for looks right now, since I have my mini truck to wheel. I have also been considering Performance Products springs. They are progressive rate, but only list a 1" lift. Fine with me since I still need to fit in the garage which is really close as it is right now on 305's. I've heard guys that use Performance Products coils on the 4runners and get 2" of lift when they are listed at 1". Is this true for PP springs for the 80?

And one more thing, my 80 came with Edlebrock shocks and I'm going to keep them since they can take up to a 3" lift. Any comments on these shocks vs OME??

 

[sjcruiser]

OME861/862 lowlift springs seem suitable for your need; no other modifications needed. No experience with the Edlebrock shocks but have only heard good things about them.

 

[ryanjl]

The only two springs I would recommend are OME's and Slee Off Road. I've never ridden in a vehicle with Slee springs, but based on their customer service and knowledge, I would imagine they are the real deal.

Since space is an issue for you, I would only recommend the OME low lift springs.

 

[cruiserdan]

I ran a set of Downeys for several years. I switched to OME last year and I prefer them over the Downey springs. I did not use the rear hose that came with the springs. It was not DOT approved so I passed on it. The times that I have visited with Downey's people on the phone have left me feeling "wanting" for lack of a better term. They seemed a bit high on themselves and did not like to answer some questions. Possibly because they couldn't answer them.




That reminds me, I hope I don't sound like them...

 

[Hltoppr]

Just go with the OME. Great quality and service life. I'm really satisfied with mine.

-H-

 

[lovetoski]

[QUOTEThat reminds me, I hope I don't sound like them...[/QUOTE]

No worries Dan - you don't sound like anybody else!

 

[cary]

The times that I have visited with Downey's people on the phone have left me feeling "wanting" for lack of a better term. They seemed a bit high on themselves and did not like to answer some questions. Possibly because they couldn't answer them.

Dan is being nice about it. I called downey to inquire about their springs, they were stuck up pricks, who knew nothing about their product. I asked what the rates were, they said they didn't know, I should just trust them. I do remember some guys complaining on the old 80scool that they were to soft and caused handling problems. Also they cost more.

Go with the OME low lift springs. I use them with Bilsteins and they lifted the truck about 1" and improved the handling dramatically. I ran the bilsteins initially with the stock springs and then with the OME and the OME firmed up the rear rate nicely, no more bottoming with 3 people in the back.

 

[Bear80]

I totally overlooked the OME low lifts, probably my best bet right now.

I guess I haven't called Downey as much with questions. Every time I have ordered parts for my truck I've been very happy with there help, but maybe that's because I was ordering.....I don't think I've ever just called them for more info, I might try and ask about their coils and see what they have to say.

 

[thelal]

IF u're looking at Aussie springs there are other makers: Dobinson, Kings, Lovells.
Check out 80scool_aus or new lcool_aus and u'll see plenty of real life experience and usage.
Not sure if birfield.com has a searchable index for Aussie stuff.

I run 2nd hand Lovells (med duty) are are now over 5+ yrs old and have sagged (lost 1"+) but overall happy with them. Will need to change at some time in future. They have a thicker diameter on the coil than OME (but doesn't mean much if they've sagged!)