Will I be ok with a OME Heavy without bumpers, skids, rails, winch?

[enterconnect]

Will I be ok with a OME Heavy without bumpers, skids, rock rails, and winch? I may purchase them in the future but not anytime soon. Will the ride really suffer with a Heavy and no mods on a FZJ80? Thanks in advance for your input! I found this write up on Slee.

From the Slee Off Road Web Site on the Heavy Kit:
This is the kit that we install for trucks that have a replacement front bumper, winch and rear bumper installed. The spring rates can support 110-250lb additional up front weight and 440lb additional weight in the rear. With the additional weight, the total list will be between 2" and 2.5". If extra carrying capacity is required in the rear, the springs can be replaced with Extra Heavy rear springs that can accommodate up to 880 lb additional weight.
The steering damper assist with kick-back in off-road situations, especially with running over-size tires. The caster kit returns the truck's steering geometry to stock.
It should be noted that if the Heavy Load suspension is used in an application where there are no additional weight on the truck, it could lead to a harsh ride as well as vibrations and handling anomalies.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Yes, the new springs are stiffer

 

[enterconnect]

They will just be stiffer than? I'm wary about the vibrations and rough ride.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

They will just be stiffer than? I'm wary about the vibrations and rough ride.

If vibrations and a rough ride are of concern then leave it stock and you will have no worries. If you go with OME heavies you will have a stiffer ride guaranteed and have a 75+% chance of having some vibration. When it comes to modifications everything comes with a price.

 

[enterconnect]

With either a Med or Heavy I'll have some of the same concerns so I might as well stay the Heavies I ordered.

Thanks landcruiserphil for all the info!!

 

[Tools R Us]

All of the std OME coils (med, heavy and J's) have the same spring rate and will ride about the same with the same load. The OME "kits" are designed for a big load in the rear, most Americans don't run that way, so end up with more lift in the rear. To solve this "problem" don't buy a "kit", pick the springs and shocks for how the rig will be used.

IMHO the best "bang for the buck" is heavy springs in the rear, J springs in the front, L shocks all around with 315 tires. This nets ~3.5" of level lift that flexes well and is very effective for AZ trails without going into the tons of mods needed land. You rode in mine, this setup will ride very similar without being as tall.

That said, I recommend holding off on the purchase. Come to the meet on the 16th, talk to and beg rides from others who wheel and preferably go on a trail ride, watch how different setups work, ride in a few, then make your decision. A bunch of us (me included) bought the "'80's forum recommended" setup, quickly saw how others rigs worked, sold and upgraded. Buying stuff twice sucks!

Coil specs;
Cruiser Outfitters

 

[Tools R Us]

With either a Med or Heavy I'll have some of the same concerns so I might as well stay the Heavies I ordered.

Thanks landcruiserphil for all the info!!

If you ordered and can change, at least swap the rear shocks for L's.

 

[enterconnect]

If you ordered and can change, at least swap the rear shocks for L's.

They were ordered on Sunday but I can still make the change. So with the Heavy, the rear will sit a little higher than the front?What is the model number for the rear L shocks?

This is what I ordered.

OME850 FRONT 80 SERIES HEAVY DUTY COIL SPRING
OME863 REAR 80 SERIES HEAVY DUTY COIL SPRING
N73 80 SERIES FRONT SHOCK
N74E 80 SERIES REAR SHOCK
OMECA77B 80 SERIES CASTER KIT
OMESD24 STEERING DAMPER LC 60/70/75/80

 

[medtro]

All of the std OME coils (med, heavy and J's) have the same spring rate and will ride about the same with the same load.

OME 860 Medium Rear & OME 863 Heavy Rear have different spring rate.

 

[medtro]

So with the Heavy, the rear will sit a little higher than the front?

Yes.

What is the model number for the rear L shocks?

N74L

 

[enterconnect]

Awesome. Thank you.

 

[enterconnect]

All of the std OME coils (med, heavy and J's) have the same spring rate and will ride about the same with the same load. The OME "kits" are designed for a big load in the rear, most Americans don't run that way, so end up with more lift in the rear. To solve this "problem" don't buy a "kit", pick the springs and shocks for how the rig will be used.

IMHO the best "bang for the buck" is heavy springs in the rear, J springs in the front, L shocks all around with 315 tires. This nets ~3.5" of level lift that flexes well and is very effective for AZ trails without going into the tons of mods needed land. You rode in mine, this setup will ride very similar without being as tall.

That said, I recommend holding off on the purchase. Come to the meet on the 16th, talk to and beg rides from others who wheel and preferably go on a trail ride, watch how different setups work, ride in a few, then make your decision. A bunch of us (me included) bought the "'80's forum recommended" setup, quickly saw how others rigs worked, sold and upgraded. Buying stuff twice sucks!

Coil specs;
Cruiser Outfitters

Order has been cancelled. When I pick up the 80 today I'll talk to you more about lifts and what not. thanks again for all your help Kevin.