Call To Arb Or Some Supplier To Furnish This Shock

[ShottsUZJ100]

Many of you are familiar with my recent fitment of an 80-series OME N74L rear shock. It's an easy install though the N74L shock requires a few pieces of hardware from an OME N101 shock. The original thread is here:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.p...highlight=N74L

LATEST INFORMATION:

I completed a trail run yesterday with an editor from Off-Road Magazine. They did a shoot on my 100 and it'll appear in 2 or 3 issues. (Look for it!)

The trail we drove is one I'm very familiar with. During this run it was quite obvious that the increaed droop of 2.6" made for a DRAMATIC improvement on the run. In fact, wheels RARELY lifted. Obstacles were now completed pretty much identical to my 80-series. Overall stability was greatly improved.

The bottom line is that WE'RE BEING SHORT-CHANGED by the aftermarket. The off-road improvements with these shocks are as substantial as they are on an 80-series. In fact, they may make a bigger difference on a lifted 100. I've found that by keeping the downforce onto the rear wheels the front wheels are stuffed/flexed easier dispite having cranked T-bars. The result, fuller front compression and added rear extension. NO WONDER the huge difference on the trail!

WE NEED A KIT THAT CONTAINS THE OME N74L SHOCK ALONG WITH THE LOWER BUSHING FROM A OME N100 SHOCK. WE THEN NEED THE TOP WASHER AND NUT FROM THE OME N101 SHOCK. I KNOW OME SELLS THE BUSHINGS BY THEMSELVES. GETTING THE WASHER AND NUT SHOULDN'T BE IMPOSSIBLE. LET'S BOMBARD OUR SUPPLIERS HERE IN THE US!

OK, I have zillions of pics. The editor/photographer gave them all to me (1+GB) to view though I cannot post any until the magazine comes out. Meanwhile, I thought of an idea....I'll use old shotts of the 100 and 80 on this trail, then "explain" the difference. Examples coming.....please wait until I post them and then I can answer any questions.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

OK, here's 2 shotts of my Cruisers on a play rock here in AZ. Both pics were taken as "poser" pics. I drove until the truck bacame tippy and started lifting a rear wheel. I stopped and shot the pic.

PIC: Notice the 100 can't get up as high on the rock as the 80.
Yesterday with L-shocks: The 100 climbed the ENTIRE ROCK TO THE TOP (PAST WHERE THE 80 IS IN THE PIC) AND STILL NEVER LIFTED A WHEEL!

 

[stewbo]

Yeah get all this squared away so when i buy my lift kit it will be the max bang for my buck!!!
Couldn't Slee do the mod and sell it as a "Super Deluxe Kit"?

The probably have inventory all of the parts since they have plenty of 80 and 100 gear.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

OK, here's a shott of the 100. In this spot the rear wheel always lifted. Yesterday, it was firmly planted on the ground with plenty of traction.

THESE DIFFERENCES OFFER HUGE GAINS ON THE TRAIL!

Yesterday while dropping (while turning) down ledges my rear wheels stayed planted whereas in the past one would be off making for a tippy situation.

DON'T SETTLE FOR N101 SHOCKS. INSIST TO YOUR DEALER THAT THEY OBTAIN A N74L-100 SHOCK KIT!

I wish I could show you pics from yesterday!

 

[100 TD]

Great mod although IIRC there is a big difference in shaft size in the 74's compared to the 101's, ARB need to bring out a new extended 101 to do the job properly

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

there is a big difference in shaft size in the 74's compared to the 101's, ARB need to bring out a new extended 101 to do the job porperly

What? Do the job properly? Shaft size? The entire operation is on and working superbly.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Here's the last example. It's a video. On the video you'll see me lift the front wheel on this optional line. Now with the rear shock upgrade, the front wheel won't lift, the truck won't rock, it crawls right through effortlessly!

HERE: http://shottscruisers.smugmug.com/gallery/611253/1/47218047/Small

 

[e9999]

take it easy bud, you're gonna have a heart attack with all this excitement..!

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

take it easy bud, you're gonna have a heart attack with all this excitement..!

You read me correctly!

This is a MUST DO! No comparison. Here...compeare 100 shotts: Note the axle droop though also note the pitch of the truck is opposite making the pictures look closer than they are. Not true. The top pic with less flex has the truck leaning the same direction. The bottom with more flex has the truck leaning opposite increasing the droop even more.

 

[Greg B]

Here are the problems I see with getting ARB to offer this setup.

1. N74L's are too long for any springs offered for the 100 (865 or 866).
2. An 863 rear spring can't be used without a rear bumper installed (too tall).
3. Even with an 863, the spring must be retained so it doesn't come out.
4. Even with an 863, rear bump stop extensions must be added to prevent shock failure on the up-stroke.
5. ARB doesn't build suspensions that require additional upgrades. If you can't bolt it on and go, they won't offer it.

So, that leaves independent OME dealers to put these kits together on their own. Which also means these dealers will have to source the additional parts themselves. They will also have to deal with the customers that don't do some of the needed mods and will then have problems with their shocks. Most dealers won't be willing to deal with all of this.

On top of all that, this will only work with certain 100's that have heavy rear bumpers to be able to run 863's in the first place. How many 100 owners are there out there with this set of criteria?

I'm not trying to bring you down or say that you're conclusions aren't awesome. I personally love the idea and plan on adding this once I add a rear bumper in early 06. I'll just use the pieces I need from my N101's and add the retainers and bump stops.

I just don't see a need to go through all the hoops when it can be done like you did with limited additional expense. I don't see a big market for this past a handful of 100 owners looking for the extra travel.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Here are the problems I see with getting ARB to offer this setup.

1. N74L's are too long for any springs offered for the 100 (865 or 866).

Not so...my 863 setup with bumper is no taller than my 100 shock setup before I added the bumper.

2. An 863 rear spring can't be used without a rear bumper installed (too tall).

Without a rear bumper you can use the 865 and a connected spacer.

3. Even with an 863, the spring must be retained so it doesn't come out.

Not so. I've wheeled for years with 863 on the 80 and N74L shocks and my 80 isn't even loaded down. Many run this on 80's. I've never lost a spring. I retained the spring on the 100 as a "just in case" precaution.

4. Even with an 863, rear bump stop extensions must be added to prevent shock failure on the up-stroke.

So what? The same is required on an 80-series. It's never stopped an 80 owner. The L-shocks are the preferred ones. Many places sell bump stop brackets.

5. ARB doesn't build suspensions that require additional upgrades. If you can't bolt it on and go, they won't offer it.

Not so. They sell L-shocks for the 80 but not matching bump stop brackets.

So, that leaves independent OME dealers to put these kits together on their own. Which also means these dealers will have to source the additional parts themselves. They will also have to deal with the customers that don't do some of the needed mods and will then have problems with their shocks. Most dealers won't be willing to deal with all of this.

When demand is there dealers will offer it. It's up to us to demand it. If 100 owners see my 100 in action next to theirs they'll want the shock change the second they have the dough and the parts for it. Nothing I've done to the truck has made more of a difference off road!

On top of all that, this will only work with certain 100's that have heavy rear bumpers to be able to run 863's in the first place. How many 100 owners are there out there with this set of criteria?

No so. Adressed that above.

I'm not trying to bring you down or say that you're conclusions aren't awesome. I personally love the idea and plan on adding this once I add a rear bumper in early 06. I'll just use the pieces I need from my N101's and add the retainers and bump stops.

Right on

I just don't see a need to go through all the hoops when it can be done like you did with limited additional expense. I don't see a big market for this past a handful of 100 owners looking for the extra travel.

You might not now, though the second you see it or drive it in action you'll do ANYTHING to make it happen. It's an EASY fit for a bumpered or non-bumpered 100. IF you opt for spring retention...it cost me $10 plus $10 labor.

 

[SINCITY100]

Damn John...you`ve got an answer for EVERYTHING !!

F.Y.I.. I am already sold on your mod, I think you found a way to help counter
the SLIGHT drawbacks of the IFS.

Keep up the good work !!

Lee

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Damn John...you`ve got an answer for EVERYTHING !!

F.Y.I.. I am already sold on your mod, I think you found a way to help counter
the SLIGHT drawbacks of the IFS.

Keep up the good work !!

Lee

Get this....and I'd luv to compare....in fact, I'm a betting man so I'd luv to test:

I'll bet a OME equipped IFS 100 with L-shocks will RAMP/FLEX the same or BETTER than an 80 with OME an non-L model shocks. (2 to 2.5 lift kit) This would show that it's not just IFS that limits things off road. It shocks too. Why did OME make the L-shocks any how? To improve it off road.

The 80 only has 2.5 inches more front wheel travel. A 100 with N74L has 2.6 inches more extension than an 80 with N74.

Whichever wins.....it's REAL CLOSE!

 

[Greg B]

You might not now, though the second you see it or drive it in action you'll do ANYTHING to make it happen. It's an EASY fit for a bumpered or non-bumpered 100. IF you opt for spring retention...it cost me $10 plus $10 labor.

On your response from 1. and 2.

Not so...my 863 setup with bumper is no taller than my 100 shock setup before I added the bumper.

Without a rear bumper you can use the 865 and a connected spacer.

You still can't get a spring that will go on a stock 100 without using spacers. This will hurt your cause when it comes to OME working out an L-shock for the 100.

On response 3

I retained the spring on the 100 as a "just in case" precaution.

I think Christo clearly pointed out your pics on how the spring was very close to coming out in the first N74L thread.

I'll concede to response 4.

On point 5, I left off another point. You had to extend the brake line brackets too. Between spring spacers, extended bump stops, brake line extensions, spring retainers, etc. these are all things that a company like OME/ARB will look at.

Where I am going with all of this is simple. You have a great idea that gives promising results. For that, I thank you. Like I said, I plan to do this mod myself.

I just don't see what the big deal is with getting the results using the same method you did. If someone wants this set up all they have to do is buy two different shocks to get what they need. You're talking about an extra $150 to get the parts needed.

After all this, if you can get OME to do it, great. It just seems like such a beneficial mod that I wouldn't wait around to do it just because it takes two sets of shocks to get it done.

 

[calamaridog]

John,

How about this?

Doetsch 2.2 smooth body.

Compressed 15.75", Extended 25.75", Travel 10"

Top stem mount...

With or without reservoir...

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

On your response from 1. and 2.

You still can't get a spring that will go on a stock 100 without using spacers. This will hurt your cause when it comes to OME working out an L-shock for the 100.

On response 3

I think Christo clearly pointed out your pics on how the spring was very close to coming out in the first N74L thread.

I'll concede to response 4.

On point 5, I left off another point. You had to extend the brake line brackets too. Between spring spacers, extended bump stops, brake line extensions, spring retainers, etc. these are all things that a company like OME/ARB will look at.

Where I am going with all of this is simple. You have a great idea that gives promising results. For that, I thank you. Like I said, I plan to do this mod myself.

I just don't see what the big deal is with getting the results using the same method you did. If someone wants this set up all they have to do is buy two different shocks to get what they need. You're talking about an extra $150 to get the parts needed.

After all this, if you can get OME to do it, great. It just seems like such a beneficial mod that I wouldn't wait around to do it just because it takes two sets of shocks to get it done.

Greg: I didn't start this thread to debate the merits of the idea. To me, when people are spending thousands to modify their 100's for the trail.....another $150 (or whatever) more to achieve this level of performance is NOTHING in my opinion. It's a no-brainer. Heck. buy both shock sets and swap parts. I'd do it in a heartbeat, though the majority will not. Eventually OME L's were offered for 80's. Well, it's time for OME L's for the 100.

As for the match of the shock to the spring.....so what? Slee suggested a retainer. Good for him, I did it, though there's MANY 80's out there running a 3-inch lift spring and L-shocks and the springs aren't popping out. If one's concerned, add $20 to the shock upgrade and there are no worries. I have the same springs and shocks on the 80 and WILL NOT retain them, despite offering even more lift due to the lack of weight. Heck, I ran the 863/N74L setup without sway bars and they never came out. The deal is that there are zillions of modified suspensions out there that use a retainer so they can achieve the performance.

Will you?

Will you not?

Doesn't matter to me....though you're missing out off-road if you do not. So is the aftermarket.......which is my point of this thread.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

No need to "bombard" the vendors, simply ask them to supply the parts... It should be as simple as that... I will look into the individual parts and see what it entails. I have the part numbers for the N100 Lower Bushing Kit, and the N101 Top Bushing Kit...

As for ARB making this into a "kit"...

You must remember that ARB does NOT offer any "kits" for and Landcruiser, rather they offer them as individual parts that must be packaged together by a vendor. ARB offers 4+" coils for 80/100 series, they offer much longer shocks, in fact they offer alot of stuff if a vendor puts it together. For expample, the coils I use for the front of Heavy Tacoma's, are not even listed as a Tacoma application, just as 863's are not listed as a 100 application.

As Greg noted, this mod is NOT for everyone. I have sold dozens of these 100 Series kits, and I can tell you that most are completely satisfied with their kit as it stands, and the extra droop in the back is NOT something I want to offer to them unless they know the other parts that must be retrofitted acordingly.

Same goes for 80 Series kits, I don't want to sell them on the 4+ inch stuff unless they know what goes along with it...

 

[cruiseroutfit]

PS, any pics of the N101 Top Washer and Nut? The lower bushing should be easy enough to source, but the top nut & washer may only come with a shock. Its been a few weeks since I put a 100 kit on, remind me what the top looks like...

 

[sleeoffroad]

Hey John, cool your jets, Kurt is right on the money. We have been steeling N73 bushing kits for Tacoma stuff and now I have a bunch of shocks without bushings. ARB will make the kit if we buy 100 or so shocks. That is how we got the N73L and N74L initially. Right now I do not see the 100 market for that shock to be that big. The solution exists and those that want to do it can.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

That is how we got the N73L and N74L initially.

Maybe getting this news out there is now we get a NxxxL shock for the 100 series. One has to start somewhere.

As for demand and timing? Think of what's come out for the 100's over the past 2 years. The people are ready and spending money to improve their 100's NOW. Call it a kit or not. It's time for a long-travel shock for the 100-series. It's been tested, it works remarkably well, and it's easy to install.

People lower the bumpstops on the 80's all the time in order to fit L-shocks.

100 owners are lowering bumpstops already when they fit 35's so they don't rub. If ya can lower the stops for 35's you can lower them to add suspension travel. (Unless they're already lowered when the 35's were slapped on )

As for cooling down or relaxing? Sorry, can't...it's not in my makeup. Remember me bugging you to make a 100 rear bumper...2+ years ago? Remember me bugging you to make it aggressive? At first you thought it should be kept a tad larger for looks and fit? The end result was you made it aggressive. You're selling ALL you can make....huh?