LOCAL KNOWLEDGE WANTED on 80 Series shocks

[samtoddlee]

Hey fellas I've been running OME all around on my 1996 FJZ80 for about three years so far. Truck is triple locked if that matters. They're all OME Mediums the springs and the shocks. Since I got that setup I've added Nitto Grappler 35s, a rack, ARB front bumper, 4x4 Labs rear bumper with spare carrier and can carrier, fairly light SLEE step sliders. The truck usually has a couple of hundred pounds of stuff in the back. Ride has been getting rougher lately. A buddy of mine really likes Bilsteins. Would that be a good choice, and if so which particular model of Bilsteins would work best based on our local guys who drive their built 80s all over Arizona? thanks in advance.

 

[ARJMN]

I have the 3" OME "J" springs and shocks. My understanding is that these are a "military spec" spring and are the heaviest of the offerings. It rides like a wagon unless I have a full load of gear and fuel. When I am fully loaded for a long trip, it rides quite nice and stay high in the travel with a good stance. I have considered going to something like the Dobinsons or a progressive spring to get the best of both worlds. Maybe some air assist bags might be an option for you?

kind of rambled a bit, hope it helps.

 

[Jgunner]

I am running dobinsons heavies and fox ifp, it rides great, loaded feels better than empty, but i have a full rear bumper with 37 hanging off it, tools, some gear and thats “empty”. Loaded with 800#’s of gear it rides real good. I know its not apples/apples, but the fox shocks ride pretty good. If i had money for it, i would go ome bp51 and get the BEST of all worlds.

 

[peacesells63]

I have 2 80's:

95 with TJM 2.5" front springs and a 1" spacer, J rears. Light bumpers, winch, roof rack, fridge/slide and camp kitchen. Pretty light overall, maybe 2-300lbs in the back when loaded for a week trip- 315/70/17

93 with OME medium kit, 315/75/16, all stock besides that.

I just put Icon 2.0's on the 95, it rides MUCH better than the TJM shocks it had on it before. Way better in rough stuff and at higher speeds. I swapped the rear springs from TJM 2.5" medium progressives to j springs and added the front spacer a few years ago, that really helped the ride when loaded - less body roll and bump stops, and the shocks didn't fade as quickly. The icons were a huge improvement on top of that

The 93 (unloaded) rides about the same as my 95 (unloaded) on road, but not nearly as nice on rough stuff.

I am half thinking about selling my icon 2.0's and buying 2.5's for the 95.

You might benefit from a heavier rear spring as well as new shocks, it made a big difference on my truck when I switched.

 

[samtoddlee]

all excellent info thanks fellas.

 

[bwesty]

Tire rating and air pressure can have as much of an impact on ride as shocks. Ride in a Cruiser with C rated tires then put E rated on that same truck and go for a drive. There's a lot of variables. Something else to consider. Personally, I much prefer C or D rated tires for this very reason.