FJ60 Suspension

[Fourrunner]

Have been thinking about putting on a new suspension system for my 85 FJ60. I have narrowed it down to either BDS or OME. Obviously, OME is considerably more expensive, but is it all that much better and is the ride and flex that much better? Any input would be appreciated. I know most of you are thinking...Go SOA, but I am not up for that now and doubt I will ever be.

 

[southerncruiser62]

one thing i believe i have heard is that OME carries a lifetime warranty, something to consider, but having not owned one myself i have only heard people say it is a toss up, some say they ride rough, others say they wouldn't use anything else.

 

[jl]

I puchased the OME and I really like it. It did cost more, but I'm not planning on getting rid of my rig anytime soon. So the extra cost was worth it to me . Anyway, it all bolted on great, and the ride is fantastic.

My original leaf springs were broken, and I knew they wouldn't hold the weight of a long range tank...

 

[Blue60]

Very happy with the BDS 2.5" lift set I put on my 86 FJ60....I've had them on for about a year and half. They ride nice with or without a load, the kit includes the steering extension, you won't need the extended rear brake lines, but would recommend greaseable pins and shackles. Overall you'll save at least 30%-40% versus OME. I have an ARB with 10K Warn on the front end, and the Kaymar with swing-aways on the rear. Hopefully, the springs will not lose much arch over the next decade, but, who knows? Caveat...my FJ60 is simply a DD, light offroad with camping gear type vehicle...no real "serious" offroading stuff.

On my FJ40 project, I'm in the same boat you are...haven't decided....

Cheers,

Dave

 

[Mike S]

[quote author=jl link=board=1;threadid=13426;start=msg124285#msg124285 date=1079792889]
I puchased the OME and I really like it. It did cost more, but I'm not planning on getting rid of my rig anytime soon. So the extra cost was worth it to me . Anyway, it all bolted on great, and the ride is fantastic.

My original leaf springs were broken, and I knew they wouldn't hold the weight of a long range tank...
[/quote]

Tell us what you are running - FJ40? 60? 80?

What tires are you running?

What kinds fo loads are you running, typically?

What OME set up do you have, specifically? Greasable pins? Standard length shackles?

Thanks

 

[reece]

just put the 2.5" bds on my '81 fj60. i'm very happy with it. added greasable shackles, pins, ext. s/s brake lines, etc. a vast improvement, except now i want bigger tires! but, if i'd have had the money, i'd have gone with OME for sure.

 

[devo]

I'm on my second set of OME. The first complete system I purchased in 1994 and it was superior to stock and worked well in all situations. In 2000 the first set was worn out so I got second, just like the first and it is not very good. Harsh ride, poor articulation. So after 20k I've sold the system and got a custom built from Alcan.
So I think maybe OME quality has gone down while the price has gone up and would suggest other systems than OME. BDS has a good rep.
devo

 

[Mike S]

Devo - So how is the Alcan gear working out?

 

[crawlin60]

On my 60 I've got 4" Alcans with MAF 4+ 1.5" longer shackles, OME greasable pins, all SUA and run 35" MT/Rs. I love the ride of the Alcans, very nice and soft (as good as leaves are likely to get, anyway...compared to an 80 series coils they're still not in the same league). I've been with my 60 to the Rubicon 2x, to Moab about a dozen separate trips (it's close by ) and have added a 150 liter Long Range tank last year, and carry lotsa kids when wheeling. I would seem like a walking Alcan commercial, except that on the 'con last fall I broke the driver's front mainleaf, and the sag made it annoying to do the optional stuff (Little sluice, etc.). I called Alcan and they will replace the broken leaf, but not free since it's been more than a year since I got them. I am now doing the SOA in the garage, and am using some flat springs I had from before. The Alcans will get sent to them and reworked to be flatter, and then I'll put them back on.

 

[brian]

[quote author=devo link=board=1;threadid=13426;start=msg124426#msg124426 date=1079829060]
I'm on my second set of OME. The first complete system I purchased in 1994 and it was superior to stock and worked well in all situations. In 2000 the first set was worn out so I got second, just like the first and it is not very good. Harsh ride, poor articulation. devo
[/quote]

please tell us how you wore out a whole set of springs in 6yrs.
you must have been really beating that horse