I just put ironman t-bars in along with a steel bumper and a M12000 warn winch. I love the way it holds together and the ride is much better than the OME i had on my other truck. I plan on hitting the trail next week...i'll report back in.
IronMan suspension VS. Old Man Emu?
- Thread starter sardi55
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Here's an example of where a softer (smaller) Tbar pays off. The PS compresses well and the DS stays on the ground. Put a stiffer Tbar on and that PS wheel doesn't stuff as far so then the DS wheel comes off the ground.
Wish the factory Tbars could handle our modified weight. They move easily throughout the travel.
Here's an example of where a softer (smaller) Tbar pays off. The PS compresses well and the DS stays on the ground. Put a stiffer Tbar on and that PS wheel doesn't stuff as far so then the DS wheel comes off the ground.
Wish the factory Tbars could handle our modified weight. They move easily throughout the travel.
Just cuze you say it doesnt mean it's true.....i want to see that same shot with a truck running IM t-bars....
true comparison.
I think if a fully loaded 100 is flexing like in shotts photo, it will compress with any setup... The driver rear must come up and over that mound, putting most of the weight on the passenger front... you saying it wouldn't compress fully even with a truck as heavy as yours?
exactly.....
Anthony.L
Looking for the end of the road...
My logic tells me the following.
Stock vehicle weight (i.e. 5000lbs) with OEM T-bars vs. Stock vehicle weight (i.e. 5000lbs) with IronMan T-bars
Results = Stock vehicle's front end will flex and articulate much easier than the vehicle with IronMan t-bars.
Stock vehicle weight (i.e. 5000lbs) with OEM T-bars vs. aftermarket vehicle weight (i.e. 8000lbs) with IronMan T-bars
Results = Stock vehicle's front end will flex and articulate the exact same as the vehicle with IronMan t-bars.
In my mind, the larger diameter T-Bars do not overall flex less than stock diameter bars. The larger diameter bars just require more weight behind them to achieve the same overall flex as OEM bars.
This concept is no different than when you buy OME 865 vs 866 rear springs for your 100. It all depends on how much weight you will be carrying, the travel or lift does not change between the two springs.
Stock vehicle weight (i.e. 5000lbs) with OEM T-bars vs. Stock vehicle weight (i.e. 5000lbs) with IronMan T-bars
Results = Stock vehicle's front end will flex and articulate much easier than the vehicle with IronMan t-bars.
Stock vehicle weight (i.e. 5000lbs) with OEM T-bars vs. aftermarket vehicle weight (i.e. 8000lbs) with IronMan T-bars
Results = Stock vehicle's front end will flex and articulate the exact same as the vehicle with IronMan t-bars.
In my mind, the larger diameter T-Bars do not overall flex less than stock diameter bars. The larger diameter bars just require more weight behind them to achieve the same overall flex as OEM bars.
This concept is no different than when you buy OME 865 vs 866 rear springs for your 100. It all depends on how much weight you will be carrying, the travel or lift does not change between the two springs.
your logic is correct. However shotts seems to be stuck on this theory that anything larger in diameter than his SAW or the OME setup, itll be like riding in a dump truck, and it will be so stiff you will get wheel lift going over a speed bump...
Anthony.L
Looking for the end of the road...
Thanks
I think shotts is correct in the sense if you put IronMan t-bars on a stock weight vehicle it will probably ride like sh!t. However if you put IronMan on a appropriately aftermarket weight vehicle then the ride will be similar if not better then stock.
Suspension is all about application, what is the goal and configuration of your vehicle, select accordingly.
That's why I haven't thrown down the money for the OME or IronMan tbars yet. I like the ride, and it is pretty balance offroad. I just wish I had something in the rear, those 866's don't like to compress with no weight back there, throw a Slee or ARB Rear and you have a totally different story. Like you said earlier, about the weight
i had my Ironman t-bars in before i put the bumper and winch on. It rode fine, but it felt much better when i had the extra weight on it.....
although i did lose a bit of weight taking my engine cover off....
Exactly...to compress (cycle the suspension) the same you need a balance between weight and rate. If the weight stays the same and you put on a stiffer spring/Tbar then ease of compression suffers. If you put on a weaker spring then it cycles easier.
Of course you need overall balanace...rate vs weight. I think my SAW Tbars are too stiff for an ARB+winch+lights. I'd bet my bars that the OME's would work/cycle better.
that makes no sense. your OEM bars were meant for a stock weight truck not supporting 800+ extra lbs
Please re-read. I said I'd prefer OME, not OEM. I think the OME would match the rate better than my SAW bars for this weight vehicle on the trail.
ahh, i see now.
OEM
OME
The abbreviations couldn't be more confusing!
Then there's SAW....wasn't that a movie?
OME
The abbreviations couldn't be more confusing!
Then there's SAW....wasn't that a movie?
OEM
OME
The abbreviations couldn't be more confusing!
Then there's SAW....wasn't that a movie?
still think you're a bit wrong though.....i'll let you know after i get me truck on the trail.
OEM
OME
The abbreviations couldn't be more confusing!
Then there's SAW....wasn't that a movie?
Sway-AWay?
JigSAW?
Squad Automatic Weapon?
...Sorry, I have nothing to contribute today...
Ya, please report back for us. I'll bet the Ironman's are better on-road. Maybe even better on dirt. Will not flex/compress as easily though on actual trails.
I experience this same deal only magnified on my LX450. I have a Slee 6" constant-heavy lift on a vehicle with just sliders and mini lightweight bumpers. Don't ask why.
Thank god though on that rig that I have so much droop. The compression is not good because I'm stock-ish weight and the springs are so stiff. I'm actually 7+" lift. Having the droop on the 80 makes up for that stiiff rate cuz the axles drop. A Hundy doesn't work this way.
I experience this same deal only magnified on my LX450. I have a Slee 6" constant-heavy lift on a vehicle with just sliders and mini lightweight bumpers. Don't ask why.
Thank god though on that rig that I have so much droop. The compression is not good because I'm stock-ish weight and the springs are so stiff. I'm actually 7+" lift. Having the droop on the 80 makes up for that stiiff rate cuz the axles drop. A Hundy doesn't work this way.
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Neither do I. I've just been typing.
re_guderian
SILVER Star
So what are the actual spring rates for OEM, OME, SAW, and IM t-bars? Diameter is only part of the equation, metalurgy and mfg process play roles too. The key number is the spring rate, not the diameter...
