Topic: Downey 51 inch rear springs

[KDXSR5]

I searched on here and did not find much. I am looking at the downey 51 inch leaf springs for the rear of my truck ( 48279-51A Package A entry level kit $285.00 found here: http://www.downeyoff-road.com/SuspensionComponents/1979-85.html ).

1979-1988 LONG TRAVEL REAR SPRING ASSEMBLIES
  
  Longer leaf springs provide dramatic ride improvement and increase suspension travel. Downey has later model rear spring assemblies that are 51” long, provide 2½” of lift, and can be installed on 79-97 4WD Pickups and 4 Runners (when using Downey’s new weld-on spring hangers) to replace existing 43” long springs. Front hangers will reposition approximately 2” forward and rear hangers will reposition approximately 4½” rearward. The long travel rear spring kit is available in two packages:
  
 Package A includes 51" Springs, Spring Hanger kit.

 48279-51A Package A entry level kit $285.00

Has anyone used these? I think that they will provide adequate lift to match my custom front packs I made plus hopefully flex well. I found stuff on here about the stock length Downey springs, but nothing for the 51 inch ones. Opinions? Thanks in advance.

[DeMented Toys]

I have Downey rar springs on my truck, they are stock length.  They are definately heavd duty, very stiff and ride like crap.  I think the 51" would be a little more flexy simply because they are longer. 

Why not go with 63" chevy springs?  They will be cheaper and have been proven to work very well on toyotas.  I have them on the back of my wheeling truck and they flex very well.  They also ride better the stock toyota leaf springs.  I think you will regret gong with a 51" Downey rear spring especially when you could have gone with the chevy 63". 

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

Well I am just looking at the options. I am not sure if I really want to run junkyard springs. What kind of lift did you get out of the 63s and what hangers did you use for them? Thanks. The issue here is it is winter and I don't feel like going to a yard and dragging the torch/generator/air compresser through the yard to find a truck and then get the springs off however I can.

[86bobbedtoy]

most of the time the chevys are really easy to pull
I pulled 3 pairs last sat and only took 10 minutes for each pair.
Where are I will sell you a pair for 50 thats what I pay.

[94MtnYote]

Well I am just looking at the options. I am not sure if I really want to run junkyard springs. What kind of lift did you get out of the 63s and what hangers did you use for them? Thanks. The issue here is it is winter and I don't feel like going to a yard and dragging the torch/generator/air compresser through the yard to find a truck and then get the springs off however I can.

 It may be cold but it's not winter yet!! lol

[DeMented Toys]

They can give you 3+ inches of lift depending on how long of shackle you use,  I used chevy drop shackles connected to my stock toyota shackles...

I don't see how "junkyard springs" are any different than the springs you run on your truck everyday, unless they are bent or damaged from being wrecked or something...    

Just do it.  Do it.   

The info is in my build thread here: http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=39009.0

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

I don't see how "junkyard springs" are any different than the springs you run on your truck everyday, unless they are bent or damaged from being wrecked or something...    

The springs on my truck are beyond shot. I have some coil springs in there currently as a temporary solution to hold up the back of the truck. I have some junkyard springs I cut down and used in the front of my truck, and I am just unsure whether I want to go that route again.


Meh I will look into it later. Right now I just want info on the Downey springs. I really only need 2 or so inches of lift. Anyone use them?

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

It may be cold but it's not winter yet!! lol

I beg to differ lol. I really don't feel like going to a junkyard to pull springs in this.

[86bobbedtoy]

Snow, Im jelous.
hel! we have only had rail lke twice here.

[RN37DD]

i was thinking on using the 3 inch lift downey's 51's. I've got some stock 51's off a newer toy but I'd have to weld to use them. i installed them with the stock hangers and a 5.5 inch rear shackle and it seemed to lift the truck about 2 inch's but the rear shackle hit the frame when i jumped on it. so I'm back to my 2inch lift 47 or 48 nwor springs with one leaf removed. i'd like to hear more about the downey 51's too.

[82toycrawler]

You might want to call Downey and see if these are NHK springs or Trail Gear springs.  I run 3" Downey rears up front in my truck and they work great.  These are Japanese made NHK springs.

If you look on Trail-gears site, Downey is a dealer for them and much of their stuff is on Downeys site.  Not to bad mouth anybody's product but to me it helps to know what you are purchasing.

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

You might want to call Downey and see if these are NHK springs or Trail Gear springs.  I run 3" Downey rears up front in my truck and they work great.  These are Japanese made NHK springs.

If you look on Trail-gears site, Downey is a dealer for them and much of their stuff is on Downeys site.  Not to bad mouth anybody's product but to me it helps to know what you are purchasing.

I went on TG and as far as I can tell they do not offer a 51 inch spring.

[NorCalToy]

I went on TG and as far as I can tell they do not offer a 51 inch spring.

what length are there rear springs then? ~56"?

[KDXSR5 [OP]]

what length are there rear springs then? ~56"?

Go look for yourself lol

[NorCalToy]

Go look for yourself lol

i wanted to know fro the expansion of the thread

ill edit this post with what i find out

indeed 56s.

[RN37DD]

before I'd buy any springs from anyone I'd give them a call with a bunch of questions about there springs. where there made and how many leaf they have would be for sure. also are they the same as the stock 89 and up rear Toyota springs, except for the lift being more.