OME vs Ironman vs HFS vs...

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Fj moneypit

Fj moneypit

Cubic Zirconia Member
10 Year
Joined
May 11, 2013
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So I've been looking at OME suspension kits but am open to others. Which would be the best bang for the buck? Which has better ride quality or all they all essentially the same? What are the positives and negatives? What are your experiences? Any info would be great.
 
Not to be rude, but that's an extremely broad and subjective question...

And about as ubiquitous as "Will 33's rub on a stock suspension?"

You're asking someone to basically craft a comprehensive review of multiple systems to do all your groundwork and research for you?

My advice?

 
^^^Tad harsh?

FWIW OME have reportedly had fitment issues lately. Dont have any first hand experienc, just remember seeing a few threads pop up about it.

I hear great things about the Ironman. Heck they are all probably made in china... take your pick.
 
Yeah, in retrospect...too harsh. The question frustrates me because their are basically 100X as many opinions as there are offerings...and people tend to defend what they have.

I will say this...

While searching, make sure the info you are reading is current. If memory serves, when OME went to all DAKAR springs, some issues arose regarding fitment and metallurgy...and they have always seemed a bit short in overall length...generating nasty vertical shackle angles that don't correct until the springs have settled.
 
Trapper50cal said:
Yeah, in retrospect...too harsh. The question frustrates me because their are basically 100X as many opinions as there are offerings...and people tend to defend what they have.

I will say this...

While searching, make sure the info you are reading is current. If memory serves, when OME went to all DAKAR springs, some issues arose regarding fitment and metallurgy...and they have always seemed a bit short in overall length...generating nasty vertical shackle angles that don't correct until the springs have settled.
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Don't worry I have thick skin and wasn't offended. I have searched many threads over tires, lifts etc. and they all have good info. I did leave it kinda broad to see what peoples experiences are with all types. Frankly the main reason I posted this is just what you said...the switch to DAKAR springs from what I've read have been problematic. But is this a few isolated instances or are many people seeing this. So I really wonder if some of the other options out there would be better or is OME the best way to go.
 
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Fj moneypit said:
Don't worry I have thick skin and wasn't offended. I have searched many threads over tires, lifts etc. and they all have good info. I did leave it kinda broad to see what peoples experiences are with all types. Frankly the main reason I posted this is just what you said...the switch to DAKAR springs from what I've read have been problematic. But is this a few isolated instances or are many people seeing this. So I really wonder if some of the other options out there would be better or is OME the best way to go.
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Yeah, I can't speak to the voracity of that claim now, though...they may have it ironed out. A supremely honest and knowledgable source for finding the skinny on OME right now would be kurt at cruiser outfitters. I seem to remember him chiming in on a couple threads RE: OME leaf springs and add-a-leafs and problems that arose...
 
I agree that you should call Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters. I have heard new OME kits not fitting quite right or their trucks sitting a little funny after installation. But I have never heard someone gripe about their OME suspension in the long run after everything has settled in.
 
dbleon said:
For close to $2k I'd expect the OME kit to have a superb fit/finish right out of the box.
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leaf springs work a little differently than door knobs.
 
Trapper50cal said:
I get the feeling that Kurt would be honest about what issues were surfacing with OME lifts regardless of what he sells or doesn't sell.
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I appreciate the confidence and you are correct, we are not going to recommend something we wouldn't install/run personally if we know there is an issue. There are products out there from vendors we do deal with that we won't sell. We don't use our customers as Guinea pigs and we surely didn't develop our application guide by looking at the next gents truck ;)

Leaf springs are a bit tougher to set up correctly than a coil setup and for whatever reason, 60's are the hardest of them all. We've attributed this to damaged frames, distorted spring and shackle hangers as well as existing lean issues. That said, we do our best everytime to discuss your needs and choose a suspension that will best suit you. Now leaf springs do have to settle and it is logistically impossible to pre-settle springs. If they were 2.5" the day you put them on "out of the box" then they wouldn't be there in a year when they have settled under load. Then again they don't cost $2k either so we are good there ;)
 
You might as well quote me in your response then....

I understand the need for springs to "settle"., but are there not other "out of the box" fitment parameters??

Retail $1953, "sale" $1625.50 plus shipping - more or less $2k --- semantics

Blaming an unorthodox or "bent" cruiser is one way to address the apparent issues... :meh:

Not meaning to pick a fight, I know you are the supposed GOD around here, just expressing my opinions, however idiotic they may be.

Hope business is good :beer:
 
Too many parameters to actually address. What are you hauling, roofrack, sliders, bumpers, camping equipment, etc, etc. You have to tell someone what the truck is used for before a suspension can be "set up" for a particular truck.
 
As a side note. I got a BDS 2.5 inch lift and some extended shackles for my truck, the rear rides nice the front shackles are almost straight up and down, nice bouncy ride. with the ARB and winch, 2nd batt. lots of "stuff", and 12k miles of driving was hoping it would "settle". Not yet, but used to it and like the fact it keeps me on my toes.
 
PresaMax said:
Anyone ever use custom spec'd Deaver springs? I had them on my K5 Blazer and they were great.
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If you know the finished weight of your truck a custom spring would work great. For most they are looking for a lift and some articulation on a truck without any weight placed on the truck, or some weight. The OME kits do have different springs to address the added weight. But when done who knows.
 
dbleon said:
...Retail $1953, "sale" $1625.50 plus shipping - more or less $2k --- semantics
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OK, I'll trade you $1625.50 of my dollars for $2000 of yours, as many times as you would like. Paypal OK? :D

dbleon said:
...Blaming an unorthodox or "bent" cruiser is one way to address the apparent issues... :meh:
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Ah, but your assuming each and every 60 install has problems which is far from the case. Perhaps 1 in 10 (likely less) needs some trim after the fact and it is generally minor. My point was simply that we have found that often extreme issues are result of outside factors.

dbleon said:
...Not meaning to pick a fight, I know you are the supposed GOD around here, just expressing my opinions, however idiotic they may be.

Hope business is good :beer:
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All is well, not looking to be a God or otherwise, just the people you call when you need parts. :beer: We are Cruiserheads that want to sell parts to Cruiserheads. I've traveled around the globe on OME leaf-springs, I stand by them. Can there and have there been issues? Absolutely and we are up front about those here on Mud and when discussing suspensions with our customers. We simply do our best to remedy any situations that do arise.
 
tag3 said:
As a side note. I got a BDS 2.5 inch lift and some extended shackles for my truck, the rear rides nice the front shackles are almost straight up and down, nice bouncy ride. with the ARB and winch, 2nd batt. lots of "stuff", and 12k miles of driving was hoping it would "settle". Not yet, but used to it and like the fact it keeps me on my toes.
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I have BDS with OME shackles on one 60. The springs have been on for at least 10 years and > 150k miles. The ride is still harsh. A load in the rear will smooth it some but at the cost of a bit of squash to the springs. Some day I'll dump the BDS and go OME on this Cruiser.
 
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