OME Standard Nitrocharger Sport vs BP-51 Setup

[Lroy]

So I pulled the trigger on a 2015 LC, and now it's time to decide on lift/suspension options. I've been trying to research the differences/advantages/disadvantages between the standard OME light duty lift with Nitrocharger Sport shocks, versus the BP-51 route. Most posts that I can find are a couple years old and were made in the midst of design changes (e.g. BP-51 clunking issue).
Can anybody comment on the ride quality of the standard OME 2" lift for typical everyday driving? How does it compare to the stock ride and handling? My setup would be to level the truck and use the light duty coils (stock bumpers) with aftermarket 18 inch wheels and BFG AT KO's. The vehicle will be on pavement 98 percent of the time (for now) so on-road manners is much more important than dialing in compression and rebound for washboard roads.
I have a hard time justifying roughly double the price for features that I won't use. Don't get me wrong, ride quality sounds amazing, but I've gotta think ARB wouldn't sell a "standard" setup unless it was a good product.

 

[Markuson]

So I pulled the trigger on a 2015 LC, and now it's time to decide on lift/suspension options. I've been trying to research the differences/advantages/disadvantages between the standard OME light duty lift with Nitrocharger Sport shocks, versus the BP-51 route. Most posts that I can find are a couple years old and were made in the midst of design changes (e.g. BP-51 clunking issue).
Can anybody comment on the ride quality of the standard OME 2" lift for typical everyday driving? How does it compare to the stock ride and handling? My setup would be to level the truck and use the light duty coils (stock bumpers) with aftermarket 18 inch wheels and BFG AT KO's. The vehicle will be on pavement 98 percent of the time (for now) so on-road manners is much more important than dialing in compression and rebound for washboard roads.
I have a hard time justifying roughly double the price for features that I won't use. Don't get me wrong, ride quality sounds amazing, but I've gotta think ARB wouldn't sell a "standard" setup unless it was a good product.

I had standard OME on my 100 series and was happy. But the 100 had torsion bars in front rather than coil overs like the 200. Was a huge improvement over stock. Less nose-dive on braking...less body roll. You control the weight handling, lift & stiffness with spring selection on those, rather than preloads on front coilovers on the BPs.

What you cannot do on the standard OME is make adjustments to compression and rebound rates...and there’s no bypass to help handle the big high speed hits. But I have never heard of anyone unhappy with standard OME except the rare driver who like a floaty ride and maybe found them stiffer than they preferred.

Another reasonably priced option might be tough dog. They seem to be improving of late—or at least that’s the impression I get from others. Maybe talk to @kreiten who Wheels a lot and never seems to have a gripe about his TDS...

 

[cboyd]

Following. Same exact year, same exact questions!

 

[Scylth]

I’ve got BP-51s, but a) they were within my budget with a little help from OK4WD, and b) I’ve heard good things about Nitrochargers. I bet either way go you’ll be happy. I’ve heard that BP-51s need a rebuild every 50k miles or so, and that’s probably more intensive than swapping out Nitrochargers.

One thing to consider is who will be doing the suspension work for you. I hadn’t completely figured that out, and so I had to reach out for further for help than I had anticipated. I’m think in CA you have more options.

 

[timjax]

Following. Just to add some other options to the discussion, here’s the other “basic” and affordable lift setups (non-coilover) besides OME Nitrochargers to also compare:
Ironman (top spec is Foamcell Pro)
Tough Dog (top is 53mm Ralph)
Dobinsons

 

[mcgaskins]

I have a hard time justifying roughly double the price for features that I won't use.

I feel like you already answered your question with that statement... is the BP51 significantly better than standard? Definitely. Is it worth the additional cost which is likely more than double? That’s for you to decide but it sounds like the answer is no.

 

[Capital E]

I just added the standard OME set-up and couldn't be happier. I was super tempted by the adjustability of the BP-51's or Tough Dog but know myself well enough to realize once they are dialed in the chances of me actually adjusting them in the field is slim to none. I think it all depends on your intended use. The standard OME are a huge improvement over stock and are sufficient for 99% of us.

 

[JohnJB]

If you want to further muddy the waters with a "basic" spring/shock option, you can also run King Springs/KONI Raid 90 shocks. Up front I have the progressive springs which I think likely helps retain a little more stock feel with regards to comfort.

50MM EXTREME KIT WITH KONI SHOCK ABSORBERS | Suspension Mega Store

Unfortunately I can't compare to anything other than BP51s, but I will say I'm extremely happy with the ride quality for daily duty for a basic setup. BP51s are definitely a step up in terms of overall feel... yea, super technical measurement.

I'll also add that it looks like the folks who have recently gotten the Tough Dog lift, get slightly more height out of it than my truck's particular setup. I'm not quite 2" lifted.

 

[Itsky]

Suspension is a tough choice as there are many good options across the value and performance spectrum.

For the past twelve years I’ve had a 2006 4runner. The first 5 years were in ome springs and nitrochargers. The last seven years were on icon extended travel coil overs, total chaos ucas and rear piggyback shocks 2.5. (I know BP-51 is different animal than my icon setup was, internal bypass and more adjustability). I was content with both setups, I really enjoyed both.

With my (new to me) 2013, budget was not my main concern. I chose ome and nitrocharges and spc ucas. I intend to own this land cruiser for along time, and I think the OME suspension will give me what I need. It’s in my garage, I need to install it. I don’t think you can go wrong.

 

[goodwill]

So I pulled the trigger on a 2015 LC, and now it's time to decide on lift/suspension options. I've been trying to research the differences/advantages/disadvantages between the standard OME light duty lift with Nitrocharger Sport shocks, versus the BP-51 route. Most posts that I can find are a couple years old and were made in the midst of design changes (e.g. BP-51 clunking issue).
Can anybody comment on the ride quality of the standard OME 2" lift for typical everyday driving? How does it compare to the stock ride and handling? My setup would be to level the truck and use the light duty coils (stock bumpers) with aftermarket 18 inch wheels and BFG AT KO's. The vehicle will be on pavement 98 percent of the time (for now) so on-road manners is much more important than dialing in compression and rebound for washboard roads.
I have a hard time justifying roughly double the price for features that I won't use. Don't get me wrong, ride quality sounds amazing, but I've gotta think ARB wouldn't sell a "standard" setup unless it was a good product.

ah mate, i've owned the nitrochargers prior to swapping them out with BP-51
and where i work is situated in a country side where mostly are industrial roads, you could feel most of the potholes and stuff, but once u swap all four with them BPs, u dun wanna ever go back again! the comfy cushion-like ride is defo what im after, so far a happy customer!

 

[Reckless]

I recommend coil overs as they make the suspension feel new even after putting tons of miles. At least that is what I read here. I have put 30-40k miles on mine and they still feel like new.

 

[Crab Sack]

I was in the same boat you were but decided to purchase the Light OME standard lift. The ride is definitely more stiff but not in a bad way. The 200 went from marshmallow to BMW type of ride. No more brake dive and bottoming out with a car full of people or gear. I went with a larger tire and 17” rim and I find that running between 38-40 psi gives me the best ride. I bumped tire pressure up to 46 and made it on the harsher side. I would look at the Tough Dog lift as well if you want an easily adjustable suspension. You can click the link in my profile for my build and specs I got from my lift. If I were to do it over, I would build it the same way, except maybe with the Tough Dog rear shocks to firm it up when towing.

 

[Lroy]

Love the look of your 200 Crab Sack! I've looked at your thread a few times.

After seeing all the options now I wonder about just doing spacer(s) and 17" wheels with as big a tire that I can go with without significant rubbing. If I went this route I'd be inclined to find 17" Rock Warriors or possibly Evo Corse DakarZeros with BFG KO's as big as I can fit. Seen a couple people with similar setups on ih8mud and they look pretty awesome.

 

[ckkone]

The vehicle will be on pavement 98 percent of the time (for now) so on-road manners is much more important than dialing in compression and rebound for washboard roads.

Standard OME lift is all you need, however OME is not the only option for coil lifts. Also check out:

Tough Dog 200 Series Lift Kit

Tough Dog 2" front and 1" rear lift for 200 Series Toyota Land Cruiser Choose from: Assembled front 41mm or 45mm adjustable foam cell struts Rear shocks 41mm or 45mm adjustable foam cell Coil springs in 0-660# or 660-1100# load ranges

www.trail-tailor.com

200 Series Archives - Dobinsons Direct

 

[2008Cruiser]

The BP 51 is such a better (in my opinion) ride than the standard OME Nitrocharger Sport shocks. Way more plush, the ride is ideal. No nose dive, no body roll, and its ability to soak up the big hits and all the crappy potholes and pavement in the city are a huge plus. I guess you really notice it off road the most because it just works, but driving with them is an absolute pleasure. No squeaks, no rattles, no clunks, it is awesome. Buy once cry once! Also, ARB has an absolutely fantastic customer service so I am sticking with them for lots of my needs as they have gone out of their way to back their products.

 

[tbisaacs]

The BP 51 is such a better (in my opinion) ride than the standard OME Nitrocharger Sport shocks. Way more plush, the ride is ideal. No nose dive, no body roll, and its ability to soak up the big hits and all the crappy potholes and pavement in the city are a huge plus. I guess you really notice it off road the most because it just works, but driving with them is an absolute pleasure. No squeaks, no rattles, no clunks, it is awesome. Buy once cry once! Also, ARB has an absolutely fantastic customer service so I am sticking with them for lots of my needs as they have gone out of their way to back their products.

I thought you were just describing AHC for second. I KID I KID!

 

[Scylth]

Love the look of your 200 Crab Sack! I've looked at your thread a few times.

After seeing all the options now I wonder about just doing spacer(s) and 17" wheels with as big a tire that I can go with without significant rubbing. If I went this route I'd be inclined to find 17" Rock Warriors or possibly Evo Corse DakarZeros with BFG KO's as big as I can fit. Seen a couple people with similar setups on ih8mud and they look pretty awesome.

I ended up with Evo Corse Dakar’s in anthracite with 285/75/17 KO2s against black paint, and think they look great. I did end up with BP-51s (with SPC UCAs) because of all the feedback and telephone discussions I had with people who owned them, and it essentially came down to “buy once, cry once”. From a wheels/suspension point of view, last thing I think it needs are wheel spacers to get the aspect “look” just right.

 

[Lroy]

@Scylth, do you have a couple side profile pictures of your LC you can post? I’d love to see your setup!

 

[LCMemphis]

So, are there any other coilover shock set ups, front and rear, that don't cost as much as BP51 and get closed to a similar ride? All I've seen are Dobinsons and Tough Dog and don't know how they compare with BP51s. I'll do some more searches....

 

[ckkone]

Dobinson MRR, King, Radflo, Fox and ICON all make adjustable coilovers for the LC200 some cost more and some cost less.