OME stock height replacem't kit--thoughts?

[rgmax]

I have the "low lift" OME sping/shock setup on mine, mostly because I wanted to make sure it still fit in the garage with my African Outback roofrack and I didn't feel like installing the caster bushings.
The advertised lift is 10mm front, 20mm rear. I ended up with about 30-40mm lift at both ends(even with bumpers and a winch). Maybe my stock springs were sagged. Anyway I'm happy with this setup, its a huge improvement over stock.

 

[elum]

Once I get my FZJ80 home... it just had new front shocks put on so I won't be upgrading them all soon... however! If I find a deal on Bilsteins I migh just get them.. change the rears... nah.. change them all. I plan on doing A LOT of back road trails and not crawling so I want a "good suspension" not necessarily lift... though a lift would help to but nicer rubber under there.. heh heh...

 

[IXXI]

I love this!

Thanks for all the advice-- this is really exactly what I was hoping to hear; many dif't views on the stock height vs slightly-higher-than-stock experience.

At this time, I really doubt I 'need' the lift-- any wheeling is gonna be pretty mellow. If I do get into it more in the future (and I know I will) I can upgrade later.

So I'm leaning toward the tamer OME kit. Again, primarily not for lift but the (hopefully, even slightly) improved overall ride quality. I'm also looking into upgrading brakes...

Great forum; glad I found you all and will be lurking a LOT (I have to dive into the archives so I don't ask too many stoooopid questions!)

Cheers!

 

[e9999]

I don't think there is really much reason *not* to get a moderate (2.5") lift if you are going to replace the springs and shocks anyway.
Except possibly the pain of putting in the caster bushings.
Won't hurt anything much driveability wise, and much more versatile down the road, wheeling wise.

 

[IXXI]

I agree, in my ideal world I'd do the 2.5" lift and be off cruisin down the road for many years to come. The only reason I'm leaning (and I mean just barely) toward the stock height is that most of my onroad driving involves coexisting with my three small girls (all under 5)-- and the big one can just barely haul herself in as it is... Hard to believe I'm thinking this practically!

Hey this a weird feeling--for one of the first times in my life I'm showing some restraint!!!

Thanks guys/gals? for the views.

 

[CharlieS]

My 3 year old daughter can climb into our OME med lifted 80 without any trouble. We still have the side steps though, so that helps. I am planning to make some "step sliders" so she can still have something to climb on (and I can have rocker protection).


Charlie

 

[NorCalDoug]

My 2 1/2 year old can climb into mine -- it's a challenge since I no longer have running boards and the sliders are a little rough on her shins as she climbs up So...although she'd prefer to climb in herself, I lift her into her seat. My 6 year-old (just turned 6 yesterday ) has climbed in with absolutely no problems for the past year.

I have OME heavy springs (2.5" lift) plus ~35" Goodyear MTRs, so it can be a bit of a climb...but they tackle it without complaint.

With running boards, mine would be practically flying into their seats.

 

[e9999]

you do it right, they'll think it's exciting to climb into the truck like a mountaineer..

 

[NorCalDoug]

you do it right, they'll think it's exciting to climb into the truck like a mountaineer..

Like a what?

 

[e9999]

OK, like a Rock Climber then, if you guys don't know what a mountaineer is...

[I'd put in a photo of Doug's rig here for effect, but too tired]

 

[Harridig]

I have the low lift OME's. They are great, I love everything about them.

But everytime I look at my 80 now, the wheel wells get lower and lower for some reason. Then the evil (or good) thoughts come into my mind and I want more lift and larger tires!

Now I have to think of some reason to replace the low lifts with the 2.5" lift. My problem is that in reality the low lift is "enough" for all the wheeling I do for now.

If the only reason for the low lift is your little kids, remember, they are going get larger and will also learn how to climb up as time goes on. By that time though, will start thinking that your wheel wells are getting lower and lower and you are going to wish you went with the larger lift!

Good luck! Either way you will be happier with the new OME's, they are great!

Derek

 

[OZCAL]

I just replaced the original shocks at 190,000 km on the 80 here in OZ. I knew they were old, but had been exercised regularly and weren't that bad. But my wife was noticing a lot of play in the steering wheel and the tires were starting to slump at the shoulder.

I couldn't get the lift authorised, even with banging my head on the upper rear door changing diapers, so went with OEM. New sway bar bushings too. The difference in ride is so good it's like driving a new truck.

I don't know how much more $$ the OME are than the OEM, but I'd wager the increase in comfort/performance is incremental on top of replacing 121,000 mile factory shocks.

Is there a point to this? Maybe just that it's better to save the $$, if OME are much more, for when you do a lift? Considering how little $$ new factory shocks are...

David

 

[fuelgeddes]

Go with the Stock OME but do get the shocks and springs. Its a complete system and you will thank yourself. I see a big plus when I pull my boat ! or completely load up for the weekend.
Plus soon the 285's wont be big enough so think about upgrading to 295's. Then while your at it go ahead and get the steering stabilizer too. Why NOt ? Then your spare tire cant really live under the car with that new longe range fuel tank.....