From OME 2.5" to OEM + Spacers - best solution for DD?

[dak244]

I purchased a 03 LX 470 a couple months back to be my DD. One of the items pointed out when I had my mechanic take a look at it was the leaking shocks and likely issues with the AHC system, so I went into knowing I would need to do something about the suspension/shocks/tires.

In light of this, I recently had AHC system removed and the OME 2.5" set up (860 Springs) put on the LX (without sufficient research, apparently) with 275/70/18 KO2s. While I think overall the OME is a decent system if you're loading up with bumpers, racks, drawers, etc., my plan was to always keep it pretty stock - removed 3rd row, maybe add sliders. The ride is way to stiff for me as a DD, I feel every bump and crack in the road, wife and kids hate riding in the car.

So, after doing quite a bit of research on here for different shock options to may it more manageable, ultimately I think OEM is the way to go on a light rig. As such, I wanted to get opinions and thoughts from all of the experts here, who have already helped me so much, as to whether the following is a good way (and cost-reasonable) way to proceed:

• Remove OME 860 springs and Nitro shocks
• Replace with Toyota OEM springs and shocks (roughly $300 total)
• Leave OME torsion bars in place (not sure there is a reason to replace these?)
• Maybe add 30mm spacers to the springs so the 275/70s have a bit more room (not totally necessary from what I understand, but since I have the tires and TBs in, thought it made sense)

I appreciate any additional insight and thoughts. My goal is to get back to a stock, comfy ride with as little additional investment as I can.

Thanks.

 

[Captramrod01]

Pretty sure 860s aren't much stiffer than OEM springs, they mainly just give you some height. The ome shocks are what's killing you. Cheapest fix would be to go grab some OEM shocks (40 bucks each). Not sure if they can do a 2.5" lift though so you may want to go with a set of 865 springs in the rear and drop the front an inch or so to match.

 

[Pahizzl]

My priorities are very similar to yours...I'm only looking for a mild lift coupled with a comfortable ride (no additional weight being added). My AHC is just about done on mine so I picked up some 865 springs and OEM shocks. I was also looking at getting the OEM springs at one point, but I instead picked up the 865 springs (1.5" lift) knowing spring rate will be slightly stiffer at 220 lbs vs OEM 170 lbs. The 865 springs were also only $167/pair shipped vs. OEM $360/pair.

The OEM shocks as a set have ended up requiring a little more expense than expected. The shocks themselves are dirt cheap, but you'll need to get the shock retainers which go for around $150 total for all 4 corners (though you may be able to reuse your OME ones). Now I see why people usually cough up the extra $100+ for the Bilsteins (come with all retainers) vice going OEM.

From what I've gathered, you can definitely keep the OME torsion bars in place, but they do have a higher rate than stock. I haven't been able to locate the percentage of additional load they provide. Ideally, you'd probably want to match your all-stock setup with the stock torsion bars.

 

[dak244]

Pretty sure 860s aren't much stiffer than OEM springs, they mainly just give you some height. The ome shocks are what's killing you. Cheapest fix would be to go grab some OEM shocks (40 bucks each). Not sure if they can do a 2.5" lift though so you may want to go with a set of 865 springs in the rear and drop the front an inch or so to match.

Thanks @Captramrod01 -- that's probably a better solution assuming the stock shocks can handle the 1.5" (although if I put spacers that 1.18" which I can't anticipate would make a world of difference). I had gotten some bad info when I bought my kit that the 865s were only for LCs from 98-00, but that wouldn't make sense as I can't imagine there are any differences that would impact the coil spring?

Anyone have experience running the stock shocks on a the 865 springs or/vs. stock springs with spacers? Any reason to go one way versus another? Also, just to confirm leaving the OME TBs in there should have minimal impact on the ride, right? They are a bit thicker but not enough to make a difference?

 

[dak244]

My priorities are very similar to yours...I'm only looking for a mild lift coupled with a comfortable ride (no additional weight being added). My AHC is just about done on mine so I picked up some 865 springs and OEM shocks. I was also looking at getting the OEM springs at one point, but I instead picked up the 865 springs (1.5" lift) knowing spring rate will be slightly stiffer at 220 lbs vs OEM 170 lbs. The 865 springs were also only $167/pair shipped vs. OEM $360/pair.

The OEM shocks as a set have ended up requiring a little more expense than expected. The shocks themselves are dirt cheap, but you'll need to get the shock retainers which go for around $150 total for all 4 corners (though you may be able to reuse your OME ones). Now I see why people usually cough up the extra $100+ for the Bilsteins (come with all retainers) vice going OEM.

From what I've gathered, you can definitely keep the OME torsion bars in place, but they do have a higher rate than stock. I haven't been able to locate the percentage of additional load they provide. Ideally, you'd probably want to match your all-stock setup with the stock torsion bars.

Thanks for the feedback @Pahizzl. Going with the 865s instead of the OEM springs is not a bad idea, especially if I'm going to put spacers in there anyway. Though, as you point out they will be stiffer and if I'm looking to go back to a truly OEM setup (with a modest lift) then OEM springs may be the way to go.

Also, do you have a part number for the retainers? From what it looks like Toyota part 48531-69835 comes with the full hardware package, but maybe I am missing something?

 

[Captramrod01]

I as well as several other people have been running stock shocks with 865 springs. Most of us running this combo are running stock tbars that are cranked up a bit rather than ome heavy duty bars though. This combo has been perfect for us but as I add armor I'm sure I'll have to make changes. I strongly recommend giving the 865s and oem shocks a try first before going the spacer route.

RE: 48531-69835. Most diagrams will show all the retainers, bushings and hardware coming with it. The vendor I ordered from initially just sent the shocks, which from what I gather is what their system shows to send. They ended up honoring what the diagram showed and sent the retainers and bushings as well. Just looking briefly it looks like some sites are showing a newer diagram where the hardware is not included.

 

[dak244]

I as well as several other people have been running stock shocks with 865 springs. Most of us running this combo are running stock tbars that are cranked up a bit rather than ome heavy duty bars though. This combo has been perfect for us but as I add armor I'm sure I'll have to make changes. I strongly recommend giving the 865s and oem shocks a try first before going the spacer route.

RE: 48531-69835. Most diagrams will show all the retainers, bushings and hardware coming with it. The vendor I ordered from initially just sent the shocks, which from what I gather is what their system shows to send. They ended up honoring what the diagram showed and sent the retainers and bushings as well. Just looking briefly it looks like some sites are showing a newer diagram where the hardware is not included.

Thanks @Captramrod01 -- I'm going to go that route first as you suggested. The vendor who I bought my kit from has the 865s as well so they be willing to honor a swap out (for a nominal fee). I may call my local Toyota dealership to confirm on the shocks. I assume the T-bars aren't going to make much of a difference with the overall ride, if anything make it easier to crank the front.

One other question, I noted in another (older) thread here Replace AHC with Coil that there was a full list of other stuff needed such as coil spacers, insulators, sway bar bushings, cushions, etc. I assume I don't need that, right? Just 4 shocks, some 865s and I'm ready to roll...

 

[reznunt]

Pretty sure 860s aren't much stiffer than OEM springs, they mainly just give you some height. The ome shocks are what's killing you. Cheapest fix would be to go grab some OEM shocks (40 bucks each). Not sure if they can do a 2.5" lift though so you may want to go with a set of 865 springs in the rear and drop the front an inch or so to match.

I agree... swap out the shocks for OEM and your back will thank you. OEM shocks do work fine with 860's and cranked stock torsion bars. I had that set up... rides like a caddy. I do have a fully loaded drawer system though. For no load I'd go with 865's.

 

[dak244]

I agree... swap out the shocks for OEM and your back will thank you. OEM shocks do work fine with 860's and cranked stock torsion bars. I had that set up... rides like a caddy. I do have a fully loaded drawer system though. For no load I'd go with 865's.

Thanks, good to know! I'll probably start with the 865s and OEM shocks since I'm running pretty light

 

[M4Wheeler]

I've got stock shocks, cranked factory TBs, 30mm spacers and 295/75R16 KO2s, no armor or third seat. It's a nice ride, basically no different than factory. I am in Denver, you're more than welcome to go for a ride/drive in mine if you want to see what you would end up similar to.

 

[dak244]

I've got stock shocks, cranked factory TBs, 30mm spacers and 295/75R16 KO2s, no armor or third seat. It's a nice ride, basically no different than factory. I am in Denver, you're more than welcome to go for a ride/drive in mine if you want to see what you would end up similar to.

Thanks @M4Wheeler, I may have to take you up on that! I really want to keep a similar setup to what I have, I love the tires and look, just want to enjoy the ride!

Anyone using the OME (or other after market, stiffer) T-bars?

 

[M4Wheeler]

Thanks @M4Wheeler, I may have to take you up on that! I really want to keep a similar setup to what I have, I love the tires and look, just want to enjoy the ride!

Anyone using the OME (or other after market, stiffer) T-bars?



View attachment 1419413

That's very similar to how my LC looks, maybe a little bit higher in the rear than I am. If you end up going back to factory LC parts, hit up Slee for take-offs. I swapped my girlfriend's LX over from AHC, springs and TBs from Slee were cheap. Let me know on the drive, I'm in NW Denver and have a fairly flexible schedule.

 

[Pahizzl]

Thanks for the feedback @Pahizzl. Going with the 865s instead of the OEM springs is not a bad idea, especially if I'm going to put spacers in there anyway. Though, as you point out they will be stiffer and if I'm looking to go back to a truly OEM setup (with a modest lift) then OEM springs may be the way to go.

Also, do you have a part number for the retainers? From what it looks like Toyota part 48531-69835 comes with the full hardware package, but maybe I am missing something?

I am actually inquiring about this with one of the OEM parts providers (exact # of each retainer required). I should have an answer soon. Like others, I was also thrown off when the parts diagram showed the whole shock, retainers, and bushing package as one. All I received were the shocks and bushings.

I just looked up the 8260s. The spring rates are identical to 8265s (220 lbs), but just higher lift.

 

[Pahizzl]

Here are the OEM shock retainer part numbers and required quantities courtesy of Kyle at Toyota South Atlanta Parts:

‪90948-02182‬ RETAINER, CUSHION 2

‪90948-02176‬ RETAINER, CUSHION 2

‪90948-02174‬ RETAINER, CUSHION 4

‪90948-02184‬ RETAINER, CUSHION 2

‪90948-02173‬ RETAINER, CUSHION 4

‪90948-02170‬ RETAINER, CUSHION 2

 

[maxse01]

Just to throw in some additional feedback, I put on the 2.5 inch OME setup on my rig with no armor and it was like having concrete in the shocks. My wife hated it (kids are too young for feedback). Since I added the ARB front bumper, metal tech sliders, slee skid plate, bio rear bumper and swing out with a 33" BFG KO and a hi lift jack (about 500lbs). When I'm alone it's not horrible, but it's best when I have 3-4 more passengers. After 2 years and 20,000 miles I've found these are happiest with about 1,000lbs of load on them. Then the truck rides perfect. So I would definitely not recommend these for someone keeping the truck stock.

 

[dak244]

Just to throw in some additional feedback, I put on the 2.5 inch OME setup on my rig with no armor and it was like having concrete in the shocks. My wife hated it (kids are too young for feedback). Since I added the ARB front bumper, metal tech sliders, slee skid plate, bio rear bumper and swing out with a 33" BFG KO and a hi lift jack (about 500lbs). When I'm alone it's not horrible, but it's best when I have 3-4 more passengers. After 2 years and 20,000 miles I've found these are happiest with about 1,000lbs of load on them. Then the truck rides perfect. So I would definitely not recommend these for someone keeping the truck stock.

Thanks @maxse01 -- guess I should have done more research on this before going that route. Unfortunately, the LX is going to see 95% pavement as my DD and really don't have the budget (or need at this point) for the additional armor.

I guess it's 865 spring and OEM shocks for me...

 

[h2opl20]

Thanks @maxse01 -- guess I should have done more research on this before going that route. Unfortunately, the LX is going to see 95% pavement as my DD and really don't have the budget (or need at this point) for the additional armor.

I guess it's 860 spring and OEM shocks for me...

Sorry just want to get a little clarification since I'm in a similar situation. The 2860 and 2865 are pretty much the same spring load (220lbs) but the 2860 will give additional lift? Or is it the 2865 with the additional lift? I was looking at the ARB website and they both say 1 1/3-3 inches of lift.

Thanks for the clarification .

 

[dak244]

Sorry just want to get a little clarification since I'm in a similar situation. The 2860 and 2865 are pretty much the same spring load (220lbs) but the 2860 will give additional lift? Or is it the 2865 with the additional lift? I was looking at the ARB website and they both say 1 1/3-3 inches of lift.

Thanks for the clarification .

Sorry, that was my fault -- mistyped it. I will be going from the 860s (480/490mm free length) to the 865s (460mm free length)

So yes, the 860s give you the additional lift (what I currently have on) over the 865s. I may have a pair of 860s for sale pretty soon

 

[h2opl20]

Thanks for the clarification. I'm actually trying to achieve the same goal as you with no lift. Thanks though.

 

[dak244]

I don't mean to revive this thread (and keep beating this extremely dead horse) -- but I am about to pull the trigger on some new springs and shocks and need some final confirmation (affirmation) from the experts here.

- My goal is to improve ride quality as the LX is my DD and sees 90-95% pavement

- Currently have the OME 2.5" lift (860 springs and Nitro shocks -- AHC removed)

- My plan is to sub in the OME 865 springs (1.5" lift) and go back to the OEM Toyota shocks (again, ACH removed).


Questions/confirmation I need is:

- With the 865 spring will the OEM shocks still be pretty comfy. Understand it wont be full stock-life feel given the length, but will it provide a decent improvement?

- Is it worth going back to OEM springs all together, or does the spring not provide enough of the difference in the ride quality to justify the extra cost ($150 for the 865 vs. $300 for the OEM springs)

- Will I be OK leaving in the OME t-bars and are they making much of a difference in ride quality?

- Is there anything else I should consider doing that would make a notable/meaningful change in ride quality? i.e. get ride of the Load E KO2s


THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR INFORMATION AND HELP THUS FAR!