Yes, another suspension (which should I buy) thread. OME vs. Radflo

[MScruiser]

I am racking my brain about which direction I should go with lifting my 2011 200.

Just to give a brief description of what I am going for:

I want to get at least 2" of lift, mainly because I would like to run larger tires, and I like the overall look of a lifted 200; it really gives it a more edgy and aggressive stance, and takes it from a soccer-mom-mall-cruiser (99% of 200s in my area are driven by hot little North Jackson moms) to an off-road beast.
I am driving on roads and highways 99% of the time, but I really want more capability when I actually do get to make it off road and out in the woods (hunting, and a few annual crawls); plus I just want to make my truck more unique. I am eventually planning on an ARB front bumper (when funds allow), and of course a winch and sliders. With all of the extra weight I plan on putting on the front end, I am going to have to upgrade my suspension anyways, so a lift is a must.

Anyways,
I have seen many of the great threads comparing high-end suspension set-ups (King, Radflo, ICON, etc.); they have been very insightful and helpful. I have even personally IM'd a few members asking for their personal opinions of the various setups (thanks BillFish!). I really like the looks and the reviews I am seeing of the Radflos especially.
I had originally planned on the tried and trusted OME 2" lift (per Slees suggestions), but I am seeing very little feedback on the kit, and the feedback I am seeing has me wondering if the OME (at least on the 200) is really up to the challenge. I have been reading that it is a little stiff, and given my driving characteristics, that may pose a problem.

I am not sure what I am even trying to ask, but I think my general question is, is the OME right for me, or should I spend over 2x as much for a higher-end system? I have not seen a single comparison between OME and ANY high-end system, so I am left wondering what direction I should take. Another part of me thinks that "Hey, if I am driving an $80,000 truck, shouldn't I buy the best lift possible?" Another part wonders if there is a bias to the higher-end stuff, as being a forum of 200 owners, most people here have money and therefore will generally buy higher-end kits anyway--is this causing the OME to unfairly get only so-so reviews?

Obviously, I want the Radflos, as they are superior in almost every category, but the penny-pincher in me would be perfectly fine with the OME (which is a great product, BTW, and not cheap either). I like the idea that the Radflos are adjustable (it would be nice to be able to really fine tune), and I do not like that the OME is not. I like that the Radflos are serviceable, and I do not like that the OME is not. Are these valid concerns, or am I overthinking this? Can anyone comment on their personal experiences with the two? I certainly do not want to make the wrong choice, and waste time, effort, and money. Your help is appreciated.

 

[pdxlc200]

I've owned both. The OME's ride like crap in my opinion. Check out either the Koni kit or the Radflo suspension. No need for the external reservoirs unless you want to be able to fine tune the suspension. Definitely get upper control arms when you get the lift. Trust me on this. Slee sells some nice ones or you can go with Total Chaos which require a bit more maintenance.

 

[Atwalz]

I know you are looking at OME and Radlfo. I thought I throw this into mix. Fox got few options depending on what you want. check it out.

http://www.ridefox.com/filter.php?m...sition=Front&m=truck&t=shocks&ref=shockfinder

 

[sleeoffroad]

I want to get at least 2" of lift, mainly because I would like to run larger tires, and I like the overall look of a lifted 200; it really gives it a more edgy and aggressive stance, and takes it from a soccer-mom-mall-cruiser (99% of 200s in my area are driven by hot little North Jackson moms) to an off-road beast.
I am driving on roads and highways 99% of the time, but I really want more capability when I actually do get to make it off road and out in the woods (hunting, and a few annual crawls); plus I just want to make my truck more unique. I am eventually planning on an ARB front bumper (when funds allow), and of course a winch and sliders. With all of the extra weight I plan on putting on the front end, I am going to have to upgrade my suspension anyways, so a lift is a must.

OK, firstly, ride is very subjective so it is difficult to get an internet idea of how it rides, or for that matter even give one. We install a ton of suspensions and have a good idea on how it rides.

So here goes, firstly you have to configure the suspension for the weight on the truck currently and not what you plan to do. A lot of people think Heavy Duty means better parts. It does not. It is just springs that are configured for heavier trucks. Mostly the spring are what holds up the truck and does not really set the "ride". That is mostly in the shock choice.

The new Nitrocharger shocks from OME is a little firmer than the old ones. However they do perform better on heavier trucks. I have a 200 with OME on it and never thought they are too firm. The truck handles well on and off-road and is controller when 4 wheeling. That said, with OME you do feel more road feel and mostly expansion joints etc. My suspicion is that if people feel expansion joints when driving, that is when they say the ride sucks.

Shocks can be valved to not have that, but sometimes that is at the expense of another handling characteristic. Typically the higher end shocks are valved that way. That said, people have to remember than any of the higher end shocks, being ours, Icon, Radflo etc etc comes with it's own set of maintenance issues. You are buying performance, not necessarily more years of leak free guarantees etc. They would have to be rebuilt at some point, have exposed shafts that can pit etc etc. I would suggest anyone that buys higher end shocks to make sure they understand what they buy and what the guarantee is. OME leaks in 3 years, they replace them free of charge. Check with the high end shocks and see if that is the case. Normally not.

Anyways,
I have seen many of the great threads comparing high-end suspension set-ups (King, Radflo, ICON, etc.); they have been very insightful and helpful. I have even personally IM'd a few members asking for their personal opinions of the various setups (thanks BillFish!). I really like the looks and the reviews I am seeing of the Radflos especially.

The best would be if you could drive in different vehicles and see what you like. Our experience is than no two people feel the same way about vehicle drivability.

I had originally planned on the tried and trusted OME 2" lift (per Slees suggestions), but I am seeing very little feedback on the kit, and the feedback I am seeing has me wondering if the OME (at least on the 200) is really up to the challenge. I have been reading that it is a little stiff, and given my driving characteristics, that may pose a problem.

I always ask people to define "FIRM"

I am not sure what I am even trying to ask, but I think my general question is, is the OME right for me, or should I spend over 2x as much for a higher-end system? I have not seen a single comparison between OME and ANY high-end system, so I am left wondering what direction I should take. Another part of me thinks that "Hey, if I am driving an $80,000 truck, shouldn't I buy the best lift possible?" Another part wonders if there is a bias to the higher-end stuff, as being a forum of 200 owners, most people here have money and therefore will generally buy higher-end kits anyway--is this causing the OME to unfairly get only so-so reviews?

Make sure you understand what the higher price is buying you.

Obviously, I want the Radflos, as they are superior in almost every category, but the penny-pincher in me would be perfectly fine with the OME (which is a great product, BTW, and not cheap either). I like the idea that the Radflos are adjustable (it would be nice to be able to really fine tune), and I do not like that the OME is not.

Icon is as well. You have to make sure to compare the adjustability and what it actually adjusts. In most cases it restricts the flow to the reservoir. The only truly adjustable shocks is a bypass shock.

I like that the Radflos are serviceable, and I do not like that the OME is not. Are these valid concerns, or am I overthinking this?

Yes serviceable but at a cost. The rebuilt cost on any remote reservoir shocks is probably the same as a new OME shock.

Can anyone comment on their personal experiences with the two? I certainly do not want to make the wrong choice, and waste time, effort, and money. Your help is appreciated.

If you driving is going to make use of the higher performance shock, then yes go for it. But understand what you buy. There are certainly cases where we feel OME is too firm as well but those are mostly limited to the lighter trucks like FJ's, Tacoma's and 4Runners.

A good shock does wonders for the truck, but they are race car parts, make race car sound and need race car maintenance. No matter the brand. If you want more info on this search some of Spressomon's threads on the 100 series section.

 

[Desert Nomad]

If possible the best thing would be to hitch a ride in a 200 with one of those suspension setups and see how it feels. I've had the ome's on my 200 for over a year and have worked them hard. They are firm but i personally don't mind that as well as it helps stop the excessive body roll around corners and I've had a dd with a much much more stiffer suspension. The only issue I had was the shocks feeling a bit soft and spongy after extended desert trips (+45'c). It has happened less than 5 times and couldn't confirm what exactly happens but when the cruiser is that heated the engine and transmisson usually get sloppy. ARB told me to book in an appointment and have the techs have a look and test drive and if anything feels off they'd replace the shocks. A friend of mine didn't like the feel of the ome's and is planning a king setup within the next few weeks once he has it on we can do a comparison and maybe some video footage of how they handle side by side offroad.

 

[r3run33]

thanks Slee and Desert Nomad for your input; Now OME is Old Man Emu; yes?? is so what exact shock is it?

 

[Desert Nomad]

thanks Slee and Desert Nomad for your input; Now OME is Old Man Emu; yes?? is so what exact shock is it?

Yes, old man emu.
I'm running the nitrocharger "sport" shocks which are meant to be stiffer and more heavy duty than the regular nitrochargers. I have videos on youtube of the front and rear suspension getting worked offroad. Haha have no idea if it has any technical merits or if it shows anything but it was fun to do

 

[Billfish]

Andrew, I see that ARB have just arrived in the modern world and have released a Coilover system. No idea on pricing.

 

[MScruiser]

Thanks Billfish. Probably $$$$. They look real good though.

I called Radflo yesterday and had a very insightful conversation with Glenn. He was very helpful and really set me on the right course. I'll most likely upgrade my front suspension with the basic 2.5" with 600# springs, and some light racing UCAs.

 

[kreiten]

Andrew, I see that ARB have just arrived in the modern world and have released a Coilover system. No idea on pricing.

I'm in, any idea on price, I saw they will be available in the States next year...

 

[arich]

My 2011 has Koni 90 Raids and my friends has Radflos in his 2008. Very different beasts. Come drive them if you're anywhere near NYC.

 

[Billfish]

Andrew, be careful going with the 600s springs especially if considering a steel bar. I have spoken with a few guys who reckon 600s were just too soft and spongy for the 200. I followed Glens suggestion and went with 16 inch/700s and they are smooth as silk even without a steel bar on the front. Just a thought.

 

[MScruiser]

Really?

I was under the impression that the 700s would be much too stiff for a stock bumper. You are saying that you are running 700s on a stock front end and like the ride?

 

[pdxlc200]

Get the 700's trust me on this. My 600's are sitting in my garage gathering dust. = D

 

[Billfish]

Yes. Still haven't got my bar yet and ride is fabulous. Stock springs in rear with bags and raflo shocks. I suppose its possible that as mine is a diesel the weight difference may be a factor but I doubt it.

 

[MScruiser]

Well. that settles it then. Good to know. Thank you, guys.

The new ARB shocks look promising, but based off of what bjowett is saying, I think they may be more money than I really want to spend on shocks. As far as I know, I am still set on the Radflos.

I called MetalTech and the rep told me that their Radflos come with springs, though I was under the impression that you had to buy springs separately. There was also no option for a 600 or 700 lb spring. Hmm. Makes me wonder if the guy was wrong, or maybe they are only offered with the 600lb springs. Anyone know?

Where is the cheapest place to buy Radflos right now? MetalTech has a 5% off coupon with free shipping. So 2 front coil-overs (with springs, supposedly) and 2 rear struts for $1660.60 shipped.

I thought about getting just the 2.5" front and rears, and keeping the stock springs while adjusting the fronts to the lowest setting to give me a stock ride height (so I don't mave to worry about upgrading the UCAs). Then, later on, buying OME rear springs, Light Racing UCAs, and a diff lowering kit after the lift. Would that work? Does that sound like an OK plan?

 

[pdxlc200]

Talk to Mark @ MetalTech. I bought my Radflo's from them and had them install them as I watched. They shipped with 14 inch - 600 pounds springs and were too soft. I then bought the 700 pound springs through MetalTech and had them swapped out. Just make sure to be direct with them on what you want.

Make sure you get the extended length shocks with 16 inch springs. Good luck.

The first pic is the stock spring that came with my Radflos. The 2nd pick is the box that compares the length of the 14 vs 16 springs. The last two are self explanatory. = D

 

[Billfish]

Coilovers are called coilovers because they are a coil mounted over a shock. Thats the point. Otherwise you need to buy springs and shocks separately (like OME etc) but then you lose the ability to change preload and height.

A few parting thoughts:

• Do talk with Radflo direct. Get them to give you the spec then place that specific order directly with Metaltech.
• Buy 2.5s. - 2.0 are for FJs and Forerunners (and Lexus owners) Those new ARBs are 2.0 (but do have remote reservoirs which helps) so don't wait for them.
• Buy 14 inch springs if you want no lift. Otherwise get 16s and dial them down to lowest setting. This will still give you 1 & 1/2" but may just allow you to keep factory UCAs.
• Buy 600 lb/ft rated springs only if you never intend mounting a bar or towing - much but be prepared to wallow like a stock ride. Otherwise harden up and get 700s. Ride is still very plush IMO.

Good luck mate.


A link to some installed pics: http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Kiwibillfish/library/Radflo Suspension?sort=3&page=1


Bill

 

[codyaustin5]

Andrew - You probably posted somewhere else but why did you choose Ironman over Radflo? Seems you were high on them in this thread... I am assuming you are happy with the Ironman just like @kreiten.

What is the middle ground between say OME Nitro and OME BP-51? Sounds like price wise OME Nitro and Ironman are priced close but then we jump to ICON, BP-51 and Kings... Just trying to get all my facts before making a decision. Where of Foxes fall?

 

[MScruiser]

I heard bad things about FOX from guys in my local TLC chapter. I also heard tons of negative reviews about OME. I talked to LT at MetalTech, and he had lots of great things to say about the Ironman FCPs. They had a lot more to offer than the OMEs and based on the reviews i had seen from australia, it seemed like a winning combination. I decided against Radflo, simply because I didn't want to have to deal with servicing the components periodically. They (Radflo) are otherwise what I would have most likely went with.


I actually did order a set of Kings first, but decided on the IMs instead.

It wasn't about money. I don't have an endless supply of cash, but I certainly could have comfortably spent much more. In the end, I went with Ironman because of what they had to offer and the fact that I wouldn't have to "fool" with them often.