Another OME Install

[mxvet354]

I had pieced together a 2.5" OME heavy front and medium rear set of springs and shocks. I planned to start the install Saturday morning but got home a little early and thought I would at least get the front springs/shocks out. That way I would be forced to complete what I had started. To make a long story short, I was putting my tools up at 9:45 Friday night, DONE!!

I still have to do my bushings next weekend but I could not beleive how easy everything came apart and went back together. I started at 4:45 and at 9:45 I was done (and that was with my wife "helping" me!!) No air tools, just basic hand tools. No stripped or rounded off bolts and they all looked brand new when they came out. I was expecting much worse.

Wish I would have done this a long time ago, the ride is 100% better. Bumpers are next and I hope to start fabrication on them within a week or so. I also "de-blinged" the gold emblems while I was at it.

I ended up with 3.10" of lift in the front and 3.25" in the rear. I know it will settle some but was happy with the outcome. I know bumpers, etc will take a lot of that away but I am going to try and stay light on bumpers, winches, etc for that reason. I basically have zero "stinkbug" with this setup, maybe it will develop over time but was happy I did not immediately have to look at front spacers.

[Cruzer_89]

Darn good looking rig... What are the springs model number front and rear?

850/863?

[pint]

Nice work & great looking rig! I love that color on an 80.

[mxvet354]

Yep Cruzer - 850/863.

Was really happy with the stance and lack of the "stinkbug".

Now to get rid of those running boards...............

Curt

[PDoyle]

That would never happen to me. I would get to the last bolt and not be able to get the thing off!

[jfz80]

Looks good man..... congrats on knocking it out after work, now you got to enjoy your sat w/ a "new" ride. Some light tube bumpers/bumperettes and that ought to be one streetable trail machine. Check out LandSpeeders bumperettes (which might be for sale) for some ideas. Despite the overvhelming poll results to go black on the bumpers....i went gray to match the moonglow and love it. Looks like someones been experimenting on that bumper cap already


edit: what color did you use on those emblems....that looks hot!!! always liked the black pearl emblems

[mxvet354]

Oh trust me, I kept waiting for something to strip, round off, catch on fire, explode or something. I was literally holding my breath until the last bolt was torqued. Even then I figured a jack stand would collapse or something

I am lucky enough to have welders, a Bridgeprt mill, and other metal working tools so the front bumper is next on the list. As much as I love the ARB and Shortbus bumpers I want something different. I will probably go synthetic on the winch cable as well. This will not be a full time rock/mud/trail Crusier and must function well enough to drive to the trails and then drive home with the family. Weight will be second to protection and I do realize those two normally do not play well together so we will see what happens

I used flat black on the emblems and then misted the Duplicolor that I had left over from painting the new/old '94 grill I put in while the black was still wet. I can get the exact number for the Duplicolor if you need it.

Curt

[nicholas]

Looks good. I'm putting some mediums on this Friday hopefully if they arrive by then. I'm worried about bolts stripping/breaking as well. The front of my LX is pretty rust free, but the rear is kind of scary. My swaybar kind of looks like it was recovered from the titanic after being under the ocean for 80 yrs. I have been using PB Blaster on the bolts/nuts in preparation, so I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Did your 80 spend it's life in a rust/salt free environment or were the planets perfectly aligned for this job? Did you do any prep work beforehand like a week worth of penetrating oil on all the nuts/bolts?

I have those same tires so it's cool to see what I have to look forward to.

[woodsman 44]

Curt very nice! How does it ride with those springs...smoother or stiffer?...than stock
want to do this soon...Scott

[mxvet354]

Nicolas - It has always been a TN truck, I am the third owner as the first owner sold it to his daughter. We do use salt here on the rare occasion when it snows but I figure she just did not get out in it much. I did use PB blaster for 2 days before the install. I think I just got lucky, I would like to say it was good planning, skill, etc but that was just be stoopid It is a true rust free truck though, I know I am lucky for that.

woodsman - I drove to Nashville last night to meet up with some friends and that is about 90 miles one way all interstate. It rides 100% better in town over the bumps, potholes, etc. It does need the bushings installed as it will wander a little on the interstate. It's not bad by any means but I could tell a difference for sure. The ride to me is not really stiffer but definately firm and it just "feels" better, less body roll and rides more like a truck should ride.

Besides looking better IMO, I seriously wish I would have replaced the springs/shocks earlier. It is that noticeable, I think you will be pleased. It is a pleasure to drive this thing with the new set-up.

Curt

[woodsman 44]

Thanks curt, you just sold me on that lift.. (bank of slee) will get another deposit soon..LOL
Scott