Wow, what a difference new springs make!

[TigerPaw]

Thanks to Lokey Trucks (Outsidr on the forum) I now have new Old Man Emu leaf springs on the rear of my 4Runner. It rides so awesome now. I had no idea I could hit a speedbump without suffering a severe concussion. Thanks again everybody at Lokey, especially Harry, who handled my order, and whoever the tech(s) were that put them on. Great job! I'm still smiling. :jump:


The old springs were toast. I'm pretty sure they were the originals. When I was headed to work this morning and had to go over the speedbumps I finally realized that the bumpstops and the springs are NOT supposed to slam together like they're trying to split atoms or something. I actually took the speedbumps comfortably at about 25 mph instead of the usual 5. Didn't get the typical spine-shattering jarring that I had before, either.

Now (top) and then (bottom) pics:

 

[Grim Reaper]

Yota sag sucks!

I added a leaf in my pack then added a Coil helper spring from a TJ WHAT A DIFFERENCE!

Looking at the picture you were riding on the bumps stops just like my 86 was.

 

[TigerPaw]

Yota sag sucks!

I added a leaf in my pack then added a Coil helper spring from a TJ WHAT A DIFFERENCE!

Looking at the picture you were riding on the bumps stops just like my 86 was.

Yes it does! I've been living with it for almost 4 years. I was definitely on the bump stops. No doubt about it. Every time I hit a bump it felt like a grenade going off under the seat. I think I actually saw my tailbone shoot past the back of my eyes once.

 

[kcowyo]

What a noticeable visual difference. Did you get new shocks too or just the springs?

I've got a set of OME's speced for my '87, for the same reasons you've mentioned. Glad to read a first hand account.

Any plans for bj spacers or new t-bars in the front?

 

[4Rescue]

Congrats on the new springs mate, I know they're one of the best things I did for my Runer.

Cheers

Dave

 

[TigerPaw]

What a noticeable visual difference. Did you get new shocks too or just the springs?

I've got a set of OME's speced for my '87, for the same reasons you've mentioned. Glad to read a first hand account.

Any plans for bj spacers or new t-bars in the front?

I'd already bought and installed the rear OME shocks a year or so before the springs. I hadn't planned on so much time elapsing before ordering/installing the springs, but we all know how money flows. I'd like to get the OME shocks for the front, too, but that will have to wait a couple of months as I have some other work to do on the Runner first.

Not sure if I want to go with the spacers or T-bars yet. I'm going to ask around and check the pros and cons for my application/utilization.

 

[corax]

Did you get the "firm" or "soft" rear springs? I'm looking to get a set of OME springs before summer, but I'm not sure which I want to go with.

 

[TigerPaw]

I got the medium duty springs. They give a lift of 2 1/4" instead of 2 1/2", I believe. I can post the part number when I get home and look at the receipt. I don't do alot of towing, other than a small trailer and my T3-C, with my 4Runner since it's a 4-banger. I also don't have any heavy set-ups or add-ons in the cargo space to justify using the heavy-duty springs. I was told the medium-duty would be just fine for me and give me a better ride because of this. It really depends on what you plan on using your vehicle for as to which set you should go with.