DPG OME Deluxe vs Ultimate for XJ

[Purzell]

I am about to pull the trigger on my Old Man Emu suspension upgrade from DPG Offroad.
I think I'll likely end up with the 2" OME Ultimate XJ kit for my 1997 Cherokee SE but I just wanted to do a quick check to see if anyone can comment on the Ultimate vs. the Deluxe kits.
Also whether the $40 more for the OME Nitro Sport Shock is worth the money?
I don't plan to run a tire larger than 30x9.5, and I don't anticipate that changing, on this vehicle. I have read on some forums that some of the parts that come with the Ultimate kit aren't necessary (trackbar and bumpstops) but I don't like to do anything halfway. I want to do this once and right.
Any comments? Thanks as usual.

 

[Stumpalump]

Don't put a penny into short arms. You gain all the plushness on the front end with long arms. I like Clayton because they are indestructable. Use Deaver 4" leaf with JKS shackles on the rear and Deaver coils on the front. You can remove a leaf or cut the coils to lower it. This is the only way you will be stiff enough to hual camp gear and stiff enough to remove the sway bars safely. Bilstein is the only shock you need to consider and since you have been working with Dirk then get his great skid plates. The transfer plate bolts right onto the Clayton crossmember with a little trimming and tapping a few bolt holes. Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee when you are done while out performing any kit you can buy. If you go with the OME rear springs then have dirk send you two additional leafs to add to your leaf packs. I bought and use those rear springs and run a total of 7 leafs because they are way too soft.

 

[ExpoMike]

If he is only looking to run 30-31" tire, long arms are a big waste of money and way overkill for an ~2-3" lift. Heck, most companies don't recommend their long arm kits for anything under 4".

To the OP, shock choice would be 1st, Bilstein, 2nd OME. I run Bilstein's in everything but I have also never heard any complants with OME shocks. As between the two kits, I would go with the Ultimate since things like rear spring bushings need to be installed in OME springs so you will be buying those. You'll want new U-joints too. A adjustable track bar is a major benefit to center the axle and allow more flex. Gives you everything in one package.

I have been on my lift (which I pieced together) which is 3" and have been very, very happy with ride, flex and all. Unless you plan 33" tires or bigger, the short arm works more than fine. I have many 1000-1500+ mile trips on mine and wouldn't change things.

 

[troy]

I essentially run the deluxe kit without the JKS disconnects. I've had discos on my last couple jeeps and just did not use them enought to warrant them. Just a personal preference.

I do run the OME nitros. I like the ride, but also agree that Bilsteins would be another fine option.

I chose to forgo the adjustable trackbar, and found on my Jeep the front end only moved 1/4".

Tip: make sure you get rubber busings for the rear OME springs. Polyurethane will add harshness and may squeak.

If I were to do it over again, I would still forgo the trackbar and discos and instead spend the money on an SYE. I shimimed the t-case with some washers and grade 8 hardware, but an SYE would have been a bettter solution.

 

[Purzell]

Thanks all for your input. I ended up getting everything from Sierra Expeditions with the nitro shocks, minus the quicker discos and bumpstops. I'm sure I'll be very happy!

 

[ExpoMike]

Great, make sure you post up some pics when you install it.