OME Nitrocharger vs. OEM Considerations

[jhgnag]

Hello,

I have a 2008 LC with 235K miles. I need to replace the shocks and given the mileage think I should consider the springs as well. I've been in contact with Slee and considering having them install the 2.5" OME Nitrocharger kit (struts/shocks/springs/UCA). I've also priced out replacing with all OEM. The OME is slightly cheaper. If I went with the OME, I'd go up a little on tire size.

This is mostly a daily driver, but does get used a bit in the mountains, mostly fishing or hunting, but some exploring. I also have a 15 year old daughter who will start driving any day now and want to be sure I don't make this "undriveable" for her.

Will the OME make the vehicle more difficult to drive and/or less pleasant on road? Would certainly welcome any other advice or suggestions you may have.

Thank you.

 

[TLC2013]

I went with the tough dog 45mm adjustable suspension when I did my lift. Runs between $1,500-2,000 for whole package. Each shock has 8 or 9 easy to access adjustment dials (like a scope turret) so you can tune the softness or firm up the ride. It's a great midlevel option without going full bore into rebuildable reservoir shocks/suspension.

 

[Heckraiser]

OME will ride a little stiffer than stock and the added height will of course make the truck a little more top heavy (i.e. rollover prone in evasive maneuvers). It will also be harder to maintain a stock-like alignment (caster angle) and the rear end will experience more wiggle over bumps in the road without a panhard bracket lift. All of these things are relatively minor, but the stock suspension will not have any of these problems. For your usage and with the kiddo taking the wheel soon, I would lean towards keeping it stock. You can slightly upsize the tires on stock suspension if you wish.

 

[Sandroad]

OME will ride a little stiffer than stock and the added height will of course make the truck a little more top heavy (i.e. rollover prone in evasive maneuvers). It will also be harder to maintain a stock-like alignment (caster angle) and the rear end will experience more wiggle over bumps in the road without a panhard bracket lift. All of these things are relatively minor, but the stock suspension will not have any of these problems. For your usage and with the kiddo taking the wheel soon, I would lean towards keeping it stock. You can slightly upsize the tires on stock suspension if you wish.

This ^^^^^^^

 

[Madtiger]

Hello,

I have a 2008 LC with 235K miles. I need to replace the shocks and given the mileage think I should consider the springs as well. I've been in contact with Slee and considering having them install the 2.5" OME Nitrocharger kit (struts/shocks/springs/UCA). I've also priced out replacing with all OEM. The OME is slightly cheaper. If I went with the OME, I'd go up a little on tire size.

This is mostly a daily driver, but does get used a bit in the mountains, mostly fishing or hunting, but some exploring. I also have a 15 year old daughter who will start driving any day now and want to be sure I don't make this "undriveable" for her.

Will the OME make the vehicle more difficult to drive and/or less pleasant on road? Would certainly welcome any other advice or suggestions you may have.

Thank you.

So your 2008 with 235k moles are still on the original from factory shocks and springs???

 

[jhgnag]

So your 2008 with 235k moles are still on the original from factory shocks and springs???

Yes, I bought it 5 years ago with 150K. I have all the repair records, so fairly certain I should do springs at the same time.

I‘m shocked to find out the dealership puts a margin on top of MSRP. $3800 for parts, labor and tax. I tried two others and they all seem to end up just about the same.

The Toyota shop,(non-dealership) I usually have it serviced won’t touch the suspension because of the KDSS. They said they need a special tool.

 

[jhgnag]

OME will ride a little stiffer than stock and the added height will of course make the truck a little more top heavy (i.e. rollover prone in evasive maneuvers). It will also be harder to maintain a stock-like alignment (caster angle) and the rear end will experience more wiggle over bumps in the road without a panhard bracket lift. All of these things are relatively minor, but the stock suspension will not have any of these problems. For your usage and with the kiddo taking the wheel soon, I would lean towards keeping it stock. You can slightly upsize the tires on stock suspension if you wish.

As much as I’d like to go OME, I think you are right considering the new driver. Thanks.

 

[lx200inAR]

As much as I’d like to go OME, I think you are right considering the new driver. Thanks.

I feel like there are multiple classifieds here with people pretty much giving away there mostly "as new" spring/shock takeoffs from 200series builds from new. Also, i'm pretty sure you only need a special tool if you plan to depressurize the KDSS, which I don't think it remotely required. I'd find a different indy shop to do your suspension work. You are in CO, there's got to be a million places that will do that.

 

[RTaylor]

285s or 275s will work great on either suspension choice. The type of tire you choose will impact your ride quality too (load rating).

Consider this:
-Front Toyota springs, spacer and struts
-Rear OME 2720 springs and shocks

Also, your new driver will learn the vehicle regardless of what is used to be.

Good work Dad. Lucky kiddo!