OME Suspension System

Fourrunner · 03-08-04, 11:56 PM

Been considering doing a suspension lift and was looking at the OME systems. I would like to get at least a 3-4 inch lift and know that OME only has a 2.5" lift. Can you put on a little longer shackle without damaging the shocks? I was also wondering what the ride difference between OME and systems like Pinnacle, BDS, and others compare. Would I be dissappointed with the ride of the others compared to OME? I would use this for the occasional trail, but mostly for my DD. Any input would be appreciated. Also, if anyone knows where to get the OME systems for cheap, let me know.

Beanie · 03-09-04, 10:37 AM

I love the OME lift, I went with the Med Duty, and used SOR greasable shackles, that along with 33's raised it about 6-7" (everyone tells me it'll soften out and sink a little). I don't think that OME and cheap go together at all, especially since from what i understand prices just went up Feb 1st.
I got my OME stuff from Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters (www.cruiseroutfitters.com), you might want to drop him a line and see what he can do for you.

TOZOVR · 03-09-04, 11:44 AM

July is the time for OME price increases.

VTCruiser · 03-09-04, 01:47 PM

OME? INCREASE?! I think they are expensive to start with....

Garth · 03-09-04, 02:09 PM

Is this for a Cruiser or a 4Runner? Hard to tell by your post. If it is for a Cruiser, check out CCOTs Hell-for-Stout. It is supposed to have been designed specifically for a Cruiser taking ques from all of the good points of the different suspensions that came before it.

lovetoski · 03-09-04, 11:00 PM

I have a MAF "Safari" lift on my 60. It has Canadian springs, and OME shackles, shocks, etc. I shoulda gone with the full OME system. I had to mess around with shims for the front to get good steering. My understanding is that the OME system is fully dialed, no messing around required.

However, in your case, since you want more lift, you may need to make some shim adjustments on the front to get good steering. 2.5" was enough for me to run 33's, which is as big as I wanted for a DD, since I didn't want to make gearing changes.

jl · 03-10-04, 08:55 AM

I purchased the entire OME suspension kit (medium duty). I love it. There was no messing around with the installation. Everything bolted up great. As for taking of the old stock parts, that's a different story.

I've said this before, if you plan on keeping your cruiser for a long time, spend the extra $$$ and do it right, or you'll wish you had, or you'll spend more $$ doing it over again. If your going to dump the rig in a year, go cheap, go big, and drive it into the ground

TOZOVR · 03-10-04, 09:15 AM

[quote author=lovetoski link=board=1;threadid=12798;start=msg118342#msg118 342 date=1078898430]
I have a MAF "Safari" lift on my 60. It has Canadian springs, and OME shackles, shocks, etc. I shoulda gone with the full OME system. I had to mess around with shims for the front to get good steering. My understanding is that the OME system is fully dialed, no messing around required.

However, in your case, since you want more lift, you may need to make some shim adjustments on the front to get good steering. 2.5" was enough for me to run 33's, which is as big as I wanted for a DD, since I didn't want to make gearing changes.

[/quote]

Unless the OME's included Shims already attached to the springs then you must use shims to reset castor (unless you are not running extended shackles...) As an OME dealer, I know the shims are extra....so any kit with extended shackles will require "messing"

Gehn, yeah OME increases prices every July like clockwork.

Mike S · 03-10-04, 09:59 AM

What is the minimum lift over satock that I can get with OME? I am looking for only 1-1/2" to 2". With this height do I have to shim and extend brake lines or sway bar?

Mike S

Cruiserdrew · 03-10-04, 11:22 AM

Mike-OME will be 2.5-3 inches. I did extend my sway bar mounts in the front (easy) and extended brake lines front and rear (also easy). Don't sweat it. I did not shim the front-the steering is a bit light, but not a problem. Good ride. If you come through Sacramento, you can drive my 60 and see what you think. For less lift, you will have to go custom-don't let these guys scare you away from Alcans. Since you want to tow-get heavy duty rears what ever manufacturer you use.

Mike S · 03-10-04, 12:03 PM

[quote author=Cruiserdrew link=board=1;threadid=12798;start=msg118585#msg118 585 date=1078942958]
Mike-OME will be 2.5-3 inches. I did extend my sway bar mounts in the front (easy) and extended brake lines front and rear (also easy). Don't sweat it. I did not shim the front-the steering is a bit light, but not a problem. Good ride. If you come through Sacramento, you can drive my 60 and see what you think. For less lift, you will have to go custom-don't let these guys scare you away from Alcans. Since you want to tow-get heavy duty rears what ever manufacturer you use.
[/quote]

Thanks for the offer, Andrew. I am coming to Sacto area (Dixon) this weekend to make final adjustments to the trailer. Possible we could set a time to get together??

I have not abandoned the idea of the Alcan set up - especially since I could get them to set it up with only moderate lift. I am unlikely to go bigger than the 31" MTRs that I have now any time soon, and the trailer will have the same size tires - on either the rims you gave me, or, if they do not fit, standard cruiser wheels. Still working on this issue.

Mike

TOZOVR · 03-10-04, 01:22 PM

Hey Mike,

We just ordered a set of Alcans for an SOA and were going to have them do a custom set for me, but I actually have a GREAT spring shop a few towns over (Donovan Spring, near Gehn when he's around) and they are re-arching and re-tempering a stock set of 62 springs...going 1" higher with an extra leaf for all the gear we carry. The springs along with a 1.5" Shackle will do the trick until we get a long term plan LOL!!

Check around and see if there are any decent spring shops in the area.

RJ

VTCruiser · 03-10-04, 03:43 PM

[quote author=TOZOVR link=board=1;threadid=12798;start=msg118692#msg118 692 date=1078950168]
Hey Mike,

We just ordered a set of Alcans for an SOA and were going to have them do a custom set for me, but I actually have a GREAT spring shop a few towns over (Donovan Spring, near Gehn when he's around) and they are re-arching and re-tempering a stock set of 62 springs...going 1" higher with an extra leaf for all the gear we carry. The springs along with a 1.5" Shackle will do the trick until we get a long term plan LOL!!

Check around and see if there are any decent spring shops in the area.

RJ
[/quote]

Where's donovan spring located?

- FUJ

Mike S · 03-10-04, 03:44 PM

TOZOVR - that's a good thought. How long would a re-arched set last?? Seems like they would be prone to return to a 'flatter' condition due to material memory.?

Mike

TOZOVR · 03-10-04, 04:00 PM

[quote author=Mike S link=board=1;threadid=12798;start=msg118806#msg118 806 date=1078958666]
TOZOVR - that's a good thought. How long would a re-arched set last?? Seems like they would be prone to return to a 'flatter' condition due to material memory.?

Mike
[/quote]

On the last rigs I went through leaf packs about every 2 years...different brands...I got the last set re-arched and they lasted until I sold the rig. It all comes down to what you start with and what you ask for. If you have very sagged leaves to start with, you may want to have the main leaf replaced and any others that are visibly tweaked.

For what you're looking for (1-2") it's pretty easily accomplished at any good shop. I'm getting an extra leaf put in and not asking for much more height. The ride will be stiffer but I really think the 62 packs are pretty damn beefy (the set I have are not sagged luckily).

Gehn, Donovan is in Londonderry, right off 93, Exit 5 near Poor Peoples Pub.

For me this is more of an experiment to see how the truck deals while I figure out what I want. They charge $4 a leaf for a re-arch/re-temper so, for $100, we're good for now.
RJ

Mike S · 03-10-04, 04:44 PM

RJ - My current springs are not sagging, but I am looking for a little lift for tire clearance and the sliders, and more stiffness in the rear for the tongue weight os the trailer I am getting built. I will check out this idea.

Sounds like I could re-arch and retemper, add new bushings, greasable shackles and pins, and see how it runs without spending a lot of dough.

Then I can spend it on the locker...

thanks.

TOZOVR · 03-10-04, 09:18 PM

Definately worth checking out.

Not for everyone.

We alos have cool poly stripe we stock between the leaves for reduced friction. I'm just hoping for a decent ride with a lil lift. The stock springs were free and the gys at Donovan are cool, so I figure it's worth a saturday of wrenching and a few months slogging around Northern Maine!!

VTCruiser · 03-10-04, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Gehn, Donovan is in Londonderry, right off 93, Exit 5 near Poor Peoples Pub.

Oh ok, thats Londonderry, NH. I'm over in Londonderry, VT. haha
still, thats not too far though....

Fourrunner · 03-10-04, 10:00 PM

Thanks for all the great info. I guess OME sounds like the kit for me. I don't think I want to rearch my suspension. I have an 85 FJ60 that needs some TLC as far as the suspension goes. I want to run at least 33's so I think I will go with the Medium Duty OME setup. Thanks all...more questions to follow.

Clack · 09-20-04, 03:58 PM

Question for people who bought the Medium OME setup. Did you do the Light or Heavy springs in front? From what I understand, there is no medium spring for an FJ setup, only light or heavy, and the super heavy for th diesel cruiser.

I've heard it mentioned that the light front springs wear out pretty quickly. The Mudrak www.mudrak.com guy seems to think the Heavy front, Medium rear setup is the way to go.

Sonic1 · 09-20-04, 05:11 PM

If you contact ARB USA direct they will answer your questions for you. They will want to know what your vehicle is, what you paln on doing with it (aftermarket type stuff that will add weight) etc and then they will give you all the part numbers, quanity of each needed and in what location the springs should go based on the number of the spring.

USA
ARB 4x4 Accessories
20 South Spokane Street
Seattle WA 98134
Tel: (206) 264 1669
Fax: (206) 264 1670
http://www.arbusa.com/

cruiser_guy · 09-20-04, 05:16 PM

My buddy has OME, I've got BDS, his comment was that for the extra $$$ the OME were not worth it. His truck and mine were the same year and set up the same when I did the suspension. Only difference is that his OME's are about 4 years older without greaseable pins or shackles.
I installed greaseable shackles and pins from SOR when I did the install.

cruiseroutfit · 09-20-04, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clack

Question for people who bought the Medium OME setup. Did you do the Light or Heavy springs in front? From what I understand, there is no medium spring for an FJ setup, only light or heavy, and the super heavy for th diesel cruiser. ....

Correct, OME only makes a Stock/Light and a Heavy Load spring for the front of a FJ60/62...

Gas & Diesel Engine:
OME 110 Stock/Light - Made for 0-110 lbs of additional front weight (bullbar, winch, etc)
OME 11 Heavy Load - Made for 100-220lbs of addition front weight (bullbar & winch, etc)

Also, OME CW2 spring caster wedge may be required in some applications to restore positive caster angle.

That being said... Most of the 60 kits I sell are the OME 11 fronts (Heavy Load) and the OME 113 rears (Medium)... Same kit as Beanie runs on his 60

Sonic1 · 09-20-04, 10:10 PM

Cruiseroutfit when are you going to update your website with the Fj60 OME stuff?

cruiseroutfit · 09-21-04, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonic1

Cruiseroutfit when are you going to update your website with the Fj60 OME stuff?

Soooooon

NocalFJ60 · 09-21-04, 05:34 PM

I like the OME springs on my 60. They are still alittle stiff but once I do some wheeling they should loosen up abit. I recently rebuilt both axles and cut strips of plastic to put between all the leafs. I think it was worth it so far. The springs are still stiff but there is noticably more cushion.

Landpimp · 09-22-04, 08:29 AM

there is also a OME111,(extra) heavy load front. To get this spring, you take a OME 11 and add a OME11XL leaf. This is what I run on my fj60, love it. I don't think you can actaully buy the OME111 anymore, you must make them. When I added the OME11XL's it raised the front almost an 1" ride was actaully better then before, but i have a ARB and 10k Warn.

I did not add shims and it handles and rides GREAT!

John

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruiseroutfit

Correct, OME only makes a Stock/Light and a Heavy Load spring for the front of a FJ60/62...

Gas & Diesel Engine:
OME 110 Stock/Light - Made for 0-110 lbs of additional front weight (bullbar, winch, etc)
OME 11 Heavy Load - Made for 100-220lbs of addition front weight (bullbar & winch, etc)

Also, OME CW2 spring caster wedge may be required in some applications to restore positive caster angle.

That being said... Most of the 60 kits I sell are the OME 11 fronts (Heavy Load) and the OME 113 rears (Medium)... Same kit as Beanie runs on his 60

cruiseroutfit · 09-22-04, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Landpimp

there is also a OME111,(extra) heavy load front. To get this spring, you take a OME 11 and add a OME11XL leaf. ...

Yup, good point John, the same is available for the 40 series too... May be a viable option to some of you "heavy 60's"

ILikePie · 09-22-04, 10:40 PM

I've got the HFS from CCOT, pretty good lift. I didn't have to shim or anything, alot cheaper than the OME. I wish it was a bit stiffer, but then again, I have alot of heavy stuff on my truck. Great lift though, awesome quality. Paired it up with OME Greaseable anti-inversion shackles, good ride quality. I might puts ome add-a-leafs in there though to stiffen it up, but I'm sure a stock cruiser would be fine.

devo · 09-22-04, 11:55 PM

Skip the OME. I've gone thru two sets since 1995 on my 60.
Order a custem set from Alcan. Better street ride. Much better off road action and you'll probabley save some $$$ too. There is a big difference!
devo