Suspension upgrade time - help me decide...
- Thread starter alpinecowboy
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- Thread starter
- #22
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I keep leaning towards the OME setup but then get a little shy of it everytime I hear about "sagging to one side" etc... Too bad our only option is Dakar and that there are no more OME's out of Australia.
Coils is my first choice if money weren't an issue - but if money weren't an issue I'd probably be posting a poll on a forum for the fabulously wealthy along the lines of "what should I add to my private island: (a) a helipad (b) another yacht (c) a private aquarium"
Given the reality that money is an issue I'll probably end up going the OME route, but not being satisfied with it... so it goes.
As to just buying an 80 as it'd be cheaper and easier than the coil setup - yeah, you are right - I'm just not an 80 guy. I've always had 60 series wagons and loved them for better or worse... besides, half the fun of owning a Cruiser is toying with it....
Drew - thanks for the feedback on the SOA setup since you've run both that and the OME - I've never seen one in person but they do just look incredibly massive... If you are a full size human, I'm sure it's no big deal, but I top out at 5'6" so I don't want to have to rappel out of my truck each morning. That said, aesthetically I think the SOA rigs look the best... all the geometry seems "right" when you look at one - good approach/departure angles and 35's really suit the wagons.
Keep the feedback coming.
Coils is my first choice if money weren't an issue - but if money weren't an issue I'd probably be posting a poll on a forum for the fabulously wealthy along the lines of "what should I add to my private island: (a) a helipad (b) another yacht (c) a private aquarium"
Given the reality that money is an issue I'll probably end up going the OME route, but not being satisfied with it... so it goes.
As to just buying an 80 as it'd be cheaper and easier than the coil setup - yeah, you are right - I'm just not an 80 guy. I've always had 60 series wagons and loved them for better or worse... besides, half the fun of owning a Cruiser is toying with it....
Drew - thanks for the feedback on the SOA setup since you've run both that and the OME - I've never seen one in person but they do just look incredibly massive... If you are a full size human, I'm sure it's no big deal, but I top out at 5'6" so I don't want to have to rappel out of my truck each morning. That said, aesthetically I think the SOA rigs look the best... all the geometry seems "right" when you look at one - good approach/departure angles and 35's really suit the wagons.
Keep the feedback coming.
- Thread starter
- #23
Yes, HFS wasn't an option for me. From what I can tell the HFS suspension seems very rugged but it was a little too stiff for my needs.
If you plan to run a spring lift, then I recommend you buy used springs. They will be already broken in ( comfortable ) and significantly cheaper. Throw in new bushings and a set of greasable shackles, you've got a 2" lift for under $1k.
Start calculating everything that goes into a linked suspension and then add your time.
It really is not far off.
Of course you can do it cheaper... But we are talking about having a shop do the work.
Too funny.. I too have thought about that..
Yah know there is also Alcans springs... Dynosoar in here runs them.
Im jealous of his set up cause it sits level and it is 1.5 or 2" higher than my set up and its level...
I too agree that SOA really compliments these here rigs so damn well.....
I too second the buying used springs... save your hard earned $$ (or upgrade something else) and have just about the same results...
Good luck....
- Thread starter
- #27
Used springs or custom Alcans is definitely an option. Used OME's would be good if they were in solid shape - especially to get the droop, sag and break in out of the way.
I have thought about Alcans a fair bit since Kling-on suggested them to me. The prospect of getting to tweak the springs to meet my personal needs is very appealing - as is the quality.
I have thought about Alcans a fair bit since Kling-on suggested them to me. The prospect of getting to tweak the springs to meet my personal needs is very appealing - as is the quality.
ntsqd
technerd
One note about buying OME's. Make sure that you get the OME bushings and not something else. There is a difference. I've yet to find out how their physical difference translates into ride quality, but I can tell you that there is a difference. Now back out to the garage so that I can find out.....
I think Proffits does SOA for a little under 2k for the work then what ever high steer and axle rebuild parts you need. That would be about 2500 and would be cool. I have everything to do mine this weekend and it ended up being around 800 and I haven't bought shocks yet. Mine is lifted 4 inches right now with 2 inch body 1 inch shackle and a add a leaf with 35s and I'm 6'1 1/2 and its starting to get to be a pain getting in already. With the spring over I'm taking off the body and shackle lift but its still going to be a pain to get in and out. I think a good compromise would be the OME with the shackle reversal I think that will clear 35s. If not just add a small body lift 1-2 inches which would net you 5-6 total lift and your good to go.
I took my saggin, droopin stock 60 & did the OME 4" with shackle reversal...Bought the full meal deal with EVERYTHING needed to do the job new for 1400.00 delivered. I love it! I got great flex...more droop, still stuffs good, I run 35s & they only rub on full stuff while turning & it's not even very much rub.
This is my daily driver & the ride is great...X2 on the OME bushings!!..Also X2 on the random pop noise every now & then...but that's no biggie, aint hurtin anything, just a noise.
I did the work myself, so I don't know how much it will add to pay someone...Also, as I mentioned, my rig was a saggin wagon & this kit actually brought it up almost a full 6" , then add in the jump from 31s to 35s & I got almost 8" of total height...now that it has settled & all, I still have almost 6 1/2" over the old droopy stock suspension & tires....OME is the way for me!
This is my daily driver & the ride is great...X2 on the OME bushings!!..Also X2 on the random pop noise every now & then...but that's no biggie, aint hurtin anything, just a noise.
I did the work myself, so I don't know how much it will add to pay someone...Also, as I mentioned, my rig was a saggin wagon & this kit actually brought it up almost a full 6" , then add in the jump from 31s to 35s & I got almost 8" of total height...now that it has settled & all, I still have almost 6 1/2" over the old droopy stock suspension & tires....OME is the way for me!
Forgot to mention...my rig does not have the dreaded OME lean...Make sure you put the correct rear spring on the correct side...in my kit, the springs were marked left & right in the rear.
kling-on
Kool Arrow
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its aCruiser thing on the lean
and that why I havnt done my SOA yet either .... but I buyin parts to do it
DD/Trail rig= OME ... Trail rig/DD= SOA
- Thread starter
- #33
DD/Trail is definitely my reality. Still kicking around getting the full suspension update/upgrade kit except for the OME leafs and subbing in Alcans... waiting to hear back... that may be the best all the way around for me...
- Thread starter
- #34
Kling-on - did you recommend that Alcans when we spoke last? You mentioned two spring suppliers and said that you were getting some customs made up for you.
kling-on
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I still want to have em make stock hgt spring with added wgh for my SOA ... but its only money and I keep braken the truggy
Deaver Suspension
Alcan Spring - Manufactures Fine Custom Leaf Springs
OME plus SR.
Cruiserdrew
On the way there
I don't agree. Nothing wrong with shackle reversal, I did this on my 40, just no reason to do it.
One of my favorite links: Explanation re: Factory Shackle Location - Land Cruiser Tech from IH8MUD.com
Yeppers..
I read all the debates, back and forth, and am generally one to go with the default "Toyota engineers knew exactly what they were doing." I suggested a SR because it sounded like he wanted additional lift...is all.
