GX OME Owners: Do it Again?

[GJMacK3]

Hi @little_joe, I finally got back in 4X4 after been out since 2008. Got rid of my 100 series with OME because am tired of the nose dive and body roll.

Back in 05 GX because KDSS and wanted to try bypass shocks technology. After driving the GX for awhile I am actually not that disappointed with the stock suspension. Goal before buying is to get BP-51.

Anybody tried Dobinsons IFP? They are about $400 less than MMR remote Reservoir. I don't really need the extra cooling capacity of the remote reservoir.

@gjmack3 do you have to modify anything to use 2010÷ FJ BP-51? ARB make specific 120 series kit but I am having trouble finding it in USA.

I was able to install the suspension as outlined in the instructions using the supplied fitment kits. The only modification is that I had to remove the rear shock guards.

 

[Arailt]

While true, OME is designed for fully laden 4x4's traversing tough terrain (not rock crawling, think Australia). Their spring rates are absurdly high.

I installed OME on a Discovery, 94 XCab 4WD pickup, and my 80, and in all cases the ride sucked. Sold the Disco, replaced OME leafs on the pickup, and went with a progressive coil on the 80 to solve the problem.

I am not saying their suspensions are bad, they are not. But a "stock height" OME spring for the 80, for example, is like 66% higher spring rate than stock, new springs. If you need that much load-carrying every day, they are fine...

I'm pretty sure factory springs are mid-upper 500lbs. OME's 884, 885, and 887 are 590lb, and on the low end of most aftermarket coil options for the GX. The "heavy" 886 springs are 660lb and would definitely ride rough without 200+ pounds of bumper/winch. Eibach (Toytec) springs are ~620lb, and most of the fully adjustables are 600-700lb.

The OME Dakar leaf springs are VERY stiff if you leave all the leafs in and are designed to hold a constant load.

I ran 884s on my Tacoma and I thought they were great. Definitely more firm than factory, but nowhere near stiff. I never cared for the mushy soft ride of the factory springs though. Too much brake dive and body roll.

 

[GXO]

I am installing a slinky progressive LT rear in May. 600-1000 progressives. They will be beefy, but the aux tank needs it (and I have the 9.5" diamond rear axle to handle it).

 

[nakman]

My only regret was not going with heavy springs in the front. I have 20k+ miles on my OME setup. I went heavy in the rear, and light in the front. Wish I would have gone heavy up front. I will likely be swapping springs next year, and maybe replace the shocks too while I am at it.

I use my rig for light to medium offroad use, and when loaded with gear, the heavy in the rear is fantastic. Empty, its a bit bouncy. I knew that when I went that direction though, and can easily live with it.

The reason I wish I had gone heavy up front is for the weight of a bumper, winch, and more height. As my springs have settled, I am rubbing ever so slightly again.

same here. I knew at the time we got the OME kit I'd be doing it again when I took this rig over, and now that time has come. Already put in a second absurdly heavy battery, hoping to do a bumper later this spring. It's already feeling low in front..

OTOH, I like the heavy springs in back. My drawers are heavy, as is the fridge, so I probably have 2-300 extra pounds back there every day, then double that when I'm actually doing something.. starting with the 100# lab/Shepherd companion.

 

[GonzoShinyPants]

I am installing a slinky progressive LT rear in May. 600-1000 progressives. They will be beefy, but the aux tank needs it (and I have the 9.5" diamond rear axle to handle it).

How much does your truck weigh now and did you get the aux tank put in then?

 

[GXO]

My truck weighs a lot. I have 200# ARB drawers full of stuff, a fridge, slide, armor, swing out, 35" spare on the back. Big front bumper, 12k winch, dual batteries, etc. I am running 700# icons up front and the slinky will go in the back. They were designed to my truck so I know they will work with an aux tank mounted, both full (+30 gal = +250#) and empty (+50#). I am running about 650-700# over stock and also tow a trailer.