OME 2890 on 1997 4runner 4x4

[nissanh]

Demonstration purposes only:
The decision to go with 2890 was tough. I went through so many forums, pictures as OME has 3 different springs and rates (Listed below) and selecting the best to keep my ride high 2 inch lifted while ride is comfortable as my 4runner is stock with no extra weight in the back. TIM, your videos of various lifts made me to decide what is best for me! Thank you!

Attached are the pictures of my 3rd gen 1997 4runner SR5 4x4. I had 99-tall springs (came for 99 4runner) with 2added inch spacer on top. The springs maintained the lifted ride height (1.5-2 inch gap between the bump stop and rear axle) but the spring was tired with any road bump or driving over a small ditch designed to drain water across a road made the bump stops to strike the axle giving very unpleasant ride!

I removed both the 99-tall springs and the added 2-inch spacer and installed OME 2890 spring with the bump stop. Now, I have about 4-4.5 inch gap between the bump stop and the axle and the ride is excellent.

TIP: When removing the springs, FIRST loosen (DON'T remove) all nuts/bolts on all 5 control arms, remove the sway bar links, clean the threads with a wire brush before the removal to save the threads on the link), brake hose and park brake mount. I have done this many times, and you will not need a jack to force the axle away from the body. I did not even remove rear tires for this job.. I also used a strut spring compressor to compress the new 2890 springs. Took about 3 hours for all. Once the springs are installed, put the weight on wheels, bump the car a few times and tighten two LOWER control arms 19 mm 107 ft-lb, and both the upper and pan-hard bar 17 mm to 64 ft-lb. Install the link ends too! Test drive!

OME springs:
1) 2890: Left side:440 mm tall, right side: 430 mm: Spring rate 190 lbf per inch (firm) Reports 2- 3 inch of lift
2) 2891: Left side:425 mm tall, right side: 415 mm: Spring rate 210 lbf per inch (stiff) Reports 1-2 inch of lift
3) 2906: Left side:390 mm tall, right side: 380 mm: Spring rate 220 lbf per inch (V.stiff) Reports 1-2 inch of lift

First 3 pictures are LEFT
4th Pic is the RIGHT

 

[Sparky 97Runner]

Nice work Nissanh! Do you by chance have the measurement from bottom fender to center of axle with your OME 2890?

 

[nissanh]

Just get to measure it.. keep in mind, mine got SR5 flares:
Center of the wheel to bottom of the SR5 flare: near 23.5 inches or 60.5 cm

 

[phattyduck]

Now, I have about 4-4.5 inch gap between the bump stop and the axle and the ride is excellent.

That cone bump stop is pretty soft and won't cause hard bottoming - you were hitting the hard frame mounted bump-stops if things were harsh... Been there, done that - it isn't fun. I have Durobumps on there now and it is MUCH better, even with hard water-bar impacts, etc. A lift with appropriate spring rates also helps a bunch, as you have experienced.

Glad you noted loosening the link pivot bolts - this should be done anytime ride height messed with. This is both for ease of install and longevity of the bushings.

-Charlie