Suspension Kit Options '91 HZJ73

[dosequisrex]

Good morning all,

I have a '91 HZJ73 and recently one of the rear (original?) leaf springs broke. Regardless of how or why, I'm not exploring my options and am looking for some guidance/opinions for replacing some/all of the suspension.

Being a 73, it has leaf springs all around. Please let me know if these full replacement options seem correct or totally out to lunch. I plan to do the work myself to get it all installed as I have access to a shop (VA/USA). I'm also considering just redoing components on the rear but again, I assume if you want it done "right," do the entire thing.

Consideration:
It has OME Shock absorbers on it already (no idea which or hold old as they came with the car)
I do not have a bull bar/winch, but would like the option for future, also I do not rock crawl/offroad (currently) and mostly its a road car.

Option 1: Old Man Emu
Price: ~$2000 from Cruiser Outfitters
Ride: stiffer of all 3, great for offroad and loaded.

Option 2: Terrain Tamer (Parabolic)
Price: ~$2700 from Evergreen Offroad (Valley Hybrids was also recommended but couldn't find a price)
Ride: smoother than OME, can take the weight of bull bar/etc.

Option 3: Dobinsons IMS
Price: ~$2800 from their site, I still need to understand all of the parts required as their site has many options for the "kit"
Ride: best of all 3 (from reading around the forums only), price reflects stock weight.

I know this can be subjective and all of these options incur a cost that will put me back on other work but at this point I need to just commit and get her up and running.
I referenced these great posts to help in this as well:

Review - Terrain Tamer Parabolic Leaf Spring Review

So a few weeks ago I was discussing some of the new things happening with @orangefj45 and him launching a US branch of Terrain Tamer. He went on to tell me he was stocked up with Parabolic kits and asked if I would give a lot a chance for my next customer build. I told him I would do him one...

forum.ih8mud.com

HZJ73 ARB Springs

Hi - apart from picking up the phone and calling somehwere in Aus (which I will do if needed - suggestion on ARB dealer there?), I am really hoping someone in North America has ordered a ARB OME Dakar suspension kit for a 1992 HZJ73 with the 1HZ and has part #'s to share. Are late 1980's...

forum.ih8mud.com

Terrain Tamer Lift - Install by Valley Hybrids

Just got back from a road trip to Stockton to see Georg @orangefj45 and his crew at Valley Hybrids! I have been wanting a modest spring under lift for my cruiser for a while. After discussing options with Georg I decided to pull the trigger on a Terrain Tamer lift kit. There's not a ton of...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[AussieHJCruza]

Parabolics every day, hit up @orangefj45 and his crew for a quote.

 

[Tennessee Jed]

I had a medium OME suspension in my 73 and it was great. I'll be getting one for the troopy in a year or so. I like the cost, simplicity and track record of OME - I'm not particularly interested in fancier options. If this is going to matter a lot to you, you should probably try to ride in some differently suspended vehicles.

The medium suspension is designed to take full GVM including bumpers, tire carriers, etc. That plus some camping gear and food do not necessitate a heavy lift.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

We would love to help @ Cruiser Outfitters. We stock the full lineup from OME and Dobinsons as well as maaaaaaany other install parts, caster shims, extended brake lines and shackle, etc.

My personal 7x preference, OME springs (load appropriate) and Dobinsons IMS shocks.

 

[Felde]

I have OME in my BJ73 and like the ride. Also articulation is good for a leafsprung vehicle.
Consider the lift that comes with it, though.
2° caster correction make a difference and provide nice steering. Greaesable shackles and original OME bushings.
Do a proper calculation of your weights front and rear for what you plan to be normal, permanent (!) load. Many vehicles actually have too heavy springs, making the ride hard. A suspension is supposed to sink in a bit when loaded.
Good Luck Ralf