Rear lift: OME or Deaver?

[Jean]

First, a little about me and my 4Runner:
Me: Very cautious, I offroad in order to "get somewhere", will take bypasses if available, but frequently find myself doing some small rock crawling.
My 4Runner: 2004 SR5, V6; Demello sliders; Bud Built front skid (woohoo... just ordered it) Dueler A/T Revos LT 265/75R 16. My 4Runner serves primarily as my everyday vehicle.

I drove up Goler Wash and over Mengel Pass, in both directions, in Death Valley a few weekends ago and cringed everytime I hit bottom... which was quite a bit coming up the east side of Mengel. So, I decided it's time for a little lift. For the front, I've decided on Donahoe coilovers and will have them adjusted for only a 1.5" lift. I have no desire to go much higher. The only reason Im lifting, is to avoid under belly damage. I may go up to a 17 tire, but no bigger... so I don't want my tires to look like tonka toys on a big lift!

The options that my entrusted SoCal toyota offroad shop suggests for the rear are either OME or Deaver coils (shocks & coils?). I've read through this site and others to try to gather some knowledge, but just don't know:
1) If Im lifting only 1.5" in the front, how much lift should I go in the rear?

2) What are the advantages/disadvantages of the two products

3) Is there anything else I should know about the influence either product will have on any other aspect of driving (offroad or street) or vehicle stability?

I am mechanically challenged, and don't understand a lot about all the different products, so be gentle, please.

 

[fourwd1]

Go with the OME springs and shocks all around.
It'll ride and handle better than new.

 

[MAC4Runner]

Everything you ever wanted to know about lifting the rear of the 4th gen. 4Runner: Rear Lift

Enjoy -

 

[dsams]

i would go with the DR rear set up (they now have shocks and coils that are rated at '2 inches of lift) since you already have the DR coilovers and just raise the front another .5 inches.

i feel it is nice to have a complete system on your suspension. i used to have the DR fronts and the OME rears. my DR complete set-up rides much better both on and off-road.

dan

 

[Jean]

Everything you ever wanted to know about lifting the rear of the 4th gen. 4Runner: Rear Lift
Enjoy -

That's a great link... thanx. It's been slow reading for me cuz I don't understand anything about shocks and coils, but it has been very educational.

I also appreciate the suggestion to go with DR all around. Hmmmm... decisions, decisions.

 

[teotwaki]

I think that you should get the DR rear shocks with Deaver coils. Having similar valving front and rear is important.

I recall reading that shops such as Demello sell the two together.

 

[Jean]

I think that you should get the DR rear shocks with Deaver coils. Having similar valving front and rear is important.

I've read the suspension threads at the suggested link, spoke with someone at DR last week, and am thinking along this very line. My desire to not lift very high seems to be an interesting influencing factor. The DR rear coils have a minimum lift of 2", which would mean I'd have to lift the front 2.5" and I really don't think I want to go that high. Remember, Im not gonna get tires much bigger than my 265/75R/16s. From what I can tell, it seems that Deaver is the good choice for a custom coil for just a 1" rear lift.

Can someone explain what "valving" is, and why having similar "valving" F/R is important?

Thanx!

 

[teotwaki]

I've read the suspension threads at the suggested link, spoke with someone at DR last week, and am thinking along this very line. My desire to not lift very high seems to be an interesting influencing factor. The DR rear coils have a minimum lift of 2", which would mean I'd have to lift the front 2.5" and I really don't think I want to go that high. Remember, Im not gonna get tires much bigger than my 265/75R/16s. From what I can tell, it seems that Deaver is the good choice for a custom coil for just a 1" rear lift.

Can someone explain what "valving" is, and why having similar "valving" F/R is important?

Thanx!

I have 265/75/R16s and they look fine with lift.

The valving controls how quickly the shock's fluid flows for both compression and rebound. Some are fully adjustable and some are set during the manufacturing process.

 

[Jean]

I have 265/75/R16s and they look fine with lift.

Nice photo - your tires look great with that lift; thanx. How much lift do you have F/R?

 

[teotwaki]

Nice photo - your tires look great with that lift; thanx. How much lift do you have F/R?

A good way to measure is from the ground up to the top opening of the fenderwell. It then includes tires size, weight in the vehicle and so on.

I think mine is at 36.5" at the front and 37" at the rear. Use a good ruler and post your current measurements

 

[Jean]

Currently, my front measures 33.5" and rear measures 36".

Today I ordered my Donahoe front coilovers and rear shocks, and Deaver rear coils. Thanx Teowaki and everyone who contributed to this thread. Ive learned a lot!

 

[Chalk Outline]

Jean - It sounds like we're looking to do the same things. I did not want a lot of lift but did want good off-road performance, including for Goler Wash. I put on the DR front coil overs and rear shocks but have kept the stock rear springs for now. The coilovers, even with zero lift dialed in, picked up the front of my V6 about 1.5"+ making the front and rear just about level. More ground clearence in the front but IMHO it still looks good.
I do have a question for you, what were the features of the Deaver rear springs your shop recommended? I see you're going with the DR rear coils, but I'm thinking of ordering custom rear Deavers maybe 1/2" to 1" taller than stock and about 20% stiffer just to have less than the 2" lift in the back. BTW - you will really like the DRs in front. No more bottoming out and they ride fine+ on the street.
Last question, how was the geologist's cabin in Stripped Butte Valley?

 

[Jean]

I do have a question for you, what were the features of the Deaver rear springs your shop recommended? I see you're going with the DR rear coils, but I'm thinking of ordering custom rear Deavers maybe 1/2" to 1" taller than stock and about 20% stiffer just to have less than the 2" lift in the back.

Actually, in the rear Im getting DR shocks and Deaver coils. Because Im lifting only 1" in the rear, I have to get a custom coil. The DR coil is 2". Im not sure what the OME is, but it is more than 1". In reading the various threads, I didn't really come across any hoopla over any other manufacturer of custom coils, so Deaver got my business.
Later down the line, when Im comfortable with the lift, I can have the DR front coilovers adjusted up, and then I can get another set of rear springs, at which time I can get a non-custom spring and would probably go with DR, just to keep it "all in the family"

Originally posted by Chalk Outline BTW - you will really like the DRs in front. No more bottoming out and they ride fine+ on the street..

Im really glad to hear that!

Originally posted by Chalk Outline Last question, how was the geologist's cabin in Stripped Butte Valley?

We did a fly-by of Russel's and stopped at Stella's for a bit. Some others in the group spent the night at the Geologists and had a fab time. From their photo's it looks in great shape, very clean. Im going back in April and hope to overnight it at one of the three.

 

[Chalk Outline]

"Because Im lifting only 1" in the rear, I have to get a custom coil. The DR coil is 2". Im not sure what the OME is, but it is more than 1".

Glad to hear I'm not the only one who doesn't want to go sky high. Do you know how much stiffer than stock your going to go with the Deavers? I called Donahoe and they recommended 20% to 30%.

Custom Deavers @ 1"/20% over stock is the setup I'm thinking about, although I'm going to run the Donahoe rear shocks with the stock springs for now. Please post your impressions when your done, I'll be very interested in how you this works out for you.

BTW - from what I've read the OME is a 2.5" to 3" lift all the way around. Too much for me as I want to stay with a 265/75/16 tire.

The Geo House in one of my favorite places in DV, glad to hear its still in good shape.

 

[Jean]

"Do you know how much stiffer than stock your going to go with the Deavers? I called Donahoe and they recommended 20% to 30%.

As typical for me, I stuck with the Goldilocks theory and went for 30% over stock. Not too soft, not to rigid, just right!

I know my ride will be stiffer around town, but Im hoping it'll keep my rear off the rocks and ground.

 

[Colemanfu]

As the proper red neck that I am I run the OME 3in spring and kept my coil spacer. Just to give it that south of the border look.

 

[Tucson T4R]

As the proper red neck that I am I run the OME 3in spring and kept my coil spacer. Just to give it that south of the border look.

I also run the OME rear coils and added Airlift assist bags inside them. I talked with Airlift and they sent me bags that were 3" taller but the same diameter as stock. I cut off the upper rubber bumper cone at the first segment. This gives the bag a full size circle to rest on at the top.

Used it pulling my offroad trailer last weekend and it worked great.

With the bumper cone not cut down, aren't you concerned about the small contact area at the top of the air bag possibly causing a rupture under pressure?:awais:

 

[Jean]

Finally got the new suspension/lift installed.

Components:
DR front 0-3" coilovers (P/N 5-8630)
DR rear shocks (P/N 7505)
Deaver rear spring, 1" lift, 30% stiffer than stock

Remember I wanted only a 1.5" lift in the front. The COs come preset at 2" and I was told they were turned "2" on the driver side and "3" on the passenger side. According to DR, 8 turns = 1 inch... so, I'll be going back to the shop to get the fronts lowered some more because I really do not want to be 4" higher than I was previously (stock).

DR did say that even if the COs are set at "O", I'd probably be higher than stock, especially given the V6 engine.

Although it will be awhile before I can get out on the dirt, the ride around town is fab - hardly notice thing. Going over bumps is certainly a lot smoother.

Edit: not sure why the image isn't showing up????

 

[Tucson T4R]

Looks great! :biggrin2: Your really going to enjoy them when you get off road.