Testing OME Shocks / OME vs Bilstein 5100

[Joe Link]

I bought my FZJ80 with 224,xxx miles and I have no idea when the OME lift kit was installed. I've never driven an FZJ80 with fresh shocks, so I'm not sure if they need to be replaced, but it's highly likely they have 100k+ on them. How can I test them?

If they need to be replaced, I'll likely replace them with Bilstein 5100's, which I've had good luck with. Anyone have any reasons for sticking with OME?

 

[concretejungle]

I stuck with OME because: they fit, they have a reputation of lasting and most lift kits are designed around them. So, that's my 2cents and why when i just upgraded my lift from a OME 2.5 that i ran for almost 10 years, to a slee 4 inch lift i used OME sport shocks.

 

[kbahus]

Bilstein doesn't offer a drop in 5100 for the 80 series. You will have to get adapters which will reduce travel creating some issues with a shorter lift.

I would go with OME's because they do fit and are a proven no questions asked replacement for what you have. Newer options that are relatively untested here on the board are Icon stage 1 shocks as well as Fox IPF shocks that are both drop in replacements. If you want to spend the big bucks then there is Slee, King, Radflo, Icon, etc.

 

[warezdog]

I would have went OME with my OME springs, 850/863, but bought Rancho XL9000's because of the coupon stacking at AA and was able to do all four corners with them for sub $275 delivered. I know many members hating Rancho's but almost three years now and I'm still happy with them, 2 years with stock springs at 160K and now 180K with new springs in the last couple weeks and they were still looking/feeling good.

 

[cruiserruf]

i was thinking of trying part# 24-186681 on all corners. already have eye adapters so won't be any extra for me
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XQJHLO/?tag=ihco-20

 

[Joe Link]

So is there a way to test the OME shocks?

 

[PDoyle]

I'm on my second set of OME's after installing an OME 2 1/2 kit in around 2005. They last around 50k miles like any other shock. They match your kit.

 

[Funner]

So is there a way to test the OME shocks?

Not with typical garage wrenches and screwdrivers. Do you have one of these

 

[Funner]

okay, just kidding.
looking at your sig line, you are carrying a lot of weight. I would think a bad shock or shocks would be pretty easy to spot. Tire wear even?

 

[warezdog]

I'm on my second set of OME's after installing an OME 2 1/2 kit in around 2005. They last around 50k miles like any other shock. They match your kit.

I had put on some Rancho 9000xls before my ome 850/863 coils and still have them and still love them. Using AA codes they were just over $55 each shipped which at the time was about my only option cash wise.

It's not hard to tell if a shock is bad, the truck will "lumber" when cornering and you can feel it, you can always drop the bottom end of the shock which is pretty simple and see if has any oomph left too just by using a bit of muscle, you shouldn't be able to ram it home easy and it should extend slow and evenly after compressed.

I used to be a Bil fan but I think they're not up to the task of taking on the lumbers of a 3 ton pig, but that's just my personal opinion and it means absolutely nothing to anyone but me. I may go OME next time around or 2 stage if I have some extra cash