OME 2.5" install questions...

[DanS HJ-45]

So Dad got an OME 2.5" suspension for his 1979 FJ-40. Kind of want to install it today if at all possible (I'll be out of town for about two weeks after this).

First off, I'm really impressed with the quality of the stuff that came.

But, we somehow got shorted on the front shackles (the OMEGS8). ARB is out of them completely, and they won't be in until later in the month. I called ARB and they didn't know offhand, so I figured I'd ask here: Can we install the lift using the factory shackles, and swap the new ones in when they get here? Specifically, are the OME bushings and the OEM spring pins the same diameter (15mm I think)?

The next question is: were there supposed to be instructions with the OME kit? I'm sure it's nothing special, but does it matter which spring goes on which side? I know the long end goes toward the shackle on both the front and rear, and I know which are the front and which are the rear, but does it matter which spring goes on which side? I've read that the OME stuff (coming from Australia) is marked for RHD vehicles and thus has to be switched for our LHD vehicle, but that was for something other than a -40 (which may or may not make a difference).

Am I crazy to try to do this today (it's not a HUGE deal if it has to sit on jackstands for two weeks, but not desireable either), or should I just wait until the GS8 shackles arrive for us?

Dan

 

[CruisinMT]

it shouldn't be a problem to install the lift with the factory shackles then swap them out with the new ones. Keep the stock ones on and when you get both sets of extended shackles swap em out. I wouldn't see this as a problem as long as your shackle bolts are in decent shape.

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

Yes, go ahead and use the stock front shackles with the OME springs and bushes - it will be fine.

Can you install the whole suspension in one day? Maybe . . . . .

First question, has the original suspension parts been removed yet? If yes, then you might be able to finish the job in one day. If no, I highly doubt it (removing old oarts can be a major time-killer.)

Good luck!

Alan

 

[DanS HJ-45]

Thanks guys! Mud rules. We're going to give it a shot, it's rust free and everything has been hit with Kroil for the past couple of weeks.

Dan

 

[PHAEDRUS]

As said before, yes,
As far as sides, set teh fronts side by side, One will likely be a little taller than the other, The taller one goes on the long side. They are not marked, but it should be pretty clear once you lay them out. This is not my idea, I had the same question and this is what Kurt from cruiseroutfitters told me to do.
Dave

 

[DanS HJ-45]

I just got off the phone with Buddy at ARB. He said that they used to make OME springs side dependant, but that the new ones are not. I'll probably see if there is any difference between the two, but they've got the same part number.

Time to put on my dirty clothes and play!

Dan

 

[DanS HJ-45]

quick update. I'm waiting for Dad to be done with the powdercoating the rear U-bolt plates. Otherwise the rear is done. Took 45 minutes to get it disassembled.

Gotta run, maybe 15 minutes now before the back is down on the ground.

Dan

 

[71-CRUISER]

OME FJ60 rear springs are side specific but fj40 springs can go on either side.

 

[brooklyn]

Ride Quality

Hey don't forget to let us know how it rides when you done.

 

[DanS HJ-45]

It rides really, really well.

(pics to follow--soon as Colbert is done).

Dan

 

[KY Longhunter]

How can you tell the rear springs from the front. I bought the same springs and have different #s painted on top. ???

 

[DanS HJ-45]

The shipping order had them listed as to which was which, but the CS001R was for the rear, CS002F was for the front. Maybe check out MAF's website to see what part numbers they list for front and back, or call ARB. They were super helpful talking with me about this whole process.

OK, three before pics.

Dan

 

[tlc4x]

Did you put shorter bolts for the hanger pins? When I first did the install I tried to reuse the stock bolts and they hit the spring. You need to install shorter ones and they don't come with the kit.

As for which go in front? The springs are different lengths for front and back. They only go one way... and the "+" goes towards teh center of hte truck.

 

[DanS HJ-45]

Didn't take too many pictures during the process this afternoon.

But I did measure from the bottom of each wheel to the fender on all four tires before and after the lift. You can see the drawing I made in one of the pics below (why isn't my paperclip working?). As you can see, it nearly evened out the cruiser lean (within 1/2" on both sides now), and ended up raising the vehicle by around 1.5" total. Now, the front shackle is still the old one, but the OME shackle that will go on there isn't much longer at all, if any than that.

I think that the cruiser may have, at some point in the past had some sort of mild lift put on it, because all 4 shocks and the steering stabilizer were from Kye (Gas a-just shocks???), and it really, really came apart easily.

I'll post pics of it outside tomorrow when there's better light hopefully, and maybe some pics to see if anyone can ID the springs that were on there. Either way, it now rides MUCH better--much less harsh, and I'm sure has much better articulation. Doesn't buck near as much (if any now) going over bumps, no crazy steering issues, etc.... I'm impressed enough that there's virtually no way I won't be putting the OME 2.5" setup under my HJ-45 later this year...

Next up Dad's got to get some new tires for the stock steelies I painted grey for him... That will add up to some lift too, plus look better than the 80's-tacular chrome guys on there now, especially since they've got some lame passenger car lookin' tires.

Also--no I didn't get new shorter bolts. Amazingly, they don't seem to hit. I can slip a piece of paper between the bolts and the spring eyes. There's not much space, but it appears that they clear. Appears enough that I just reinstalled them with a close eye. I might have to get some shorter bolts just in case...

Dan

 

[bull]

Nice 40!!

now we need more pics of that uber bad ass power wagon..

 

[PHAEDRUS]

I used the same bolts with about 1/4 inch of the bolt ground of. Couple of seconds on the bench grinder and no more hit, Specifically look at the front spring rear mount.
Dave

 

[DanS HJ-45]

Bull: WHICH Power Wagon do you want to see more of? There are two in that picture you know! Don't make one of them feel left out!

Well it's got a little more than 50 miles on it now with the new suspension (had to go visit CDan for an OEM floor mat, and to go tire shopping--looks like BFG A/T 33x9.50). LOVE the ride. Really handles better than it did before, the steering is a bit more stable, and it definitely doesn't buck or hit the bumps quite as hard.

But even after 50 miles of bouncing and whatnot, the bolts on the pins still aren't hitting the springs--BARELY. No paint rubbed off or anything. I'll keep an eye on them though.

Dan

 

[bull]

Congrats on the lift!

I'm partial to orange

 

[KY Longhunter]

See below , what does the + and 0 stand for (see pic below):

 

[eleblanc]

They are quality control marks, ignore them..

+ is over tolerance, 0 is right on, - is under.