Gen 3 Montero Front Suspension Assembly Question (OME)

[nnamssorxela]

All,

After much research and failed attempts to track down alternative springs, shocks, and struts for the Montero, I caved and bought the OME lift. To me, the main turn off being that the springs and shocks are stock height, just stiffer so that they do not “sag” as much. Unfortunately, this also reduces the flexibility of the suspension. At any rate, I began installation the other day and was wondering what is appropriate to keep when assembling the front coil/shock combo. To me, it looks like I need to reuse everything but the “helper rubber” (#8).

I chose not to use the helper rubber because it was designed to fit around the “collar” on the OEM style piston rod, and the bigger diameter OME rod did not allow the helper rubber to sit correctly. Obviously, there will be less protection from rocks on the piston rod, but I feel that this is acceptable considering the alternative is the helper rubber traveling up and down on the piston rod, and grinding mud/sand along the shaft (never a good thing in any scenario). I reused #1-7 on the OME shock because I felt it was necessary in order to offer support to the rubber bushings (#4).

Have any of you done this differently? If so, for what reason?

Thanks,
-Alex

 

[kbahus]

I was not aware that OME offered a "stock" height kit, both the medium and heavy kits that are listed in the ARB catalog will lift your truck. Perhaps you are referring to the shock length? I would also use the rubber helper as it is a bump stop. Granted there is a rubber bump stop built into the control arm, but this one can soften things up on a hard hit. I reused all parts when installing my Ironman setup. I suppose if you really wanted to go to Bullhide and see if they can run your truck up the RTI ramp and make sure you are not over-compressing the shock. The good news is that these trucks don't have a ton a flex so you are probably ok!

Have you been up any local trails yet? If I get back there this summer I want to run Crystal Mountain but I know there are a couple spots the Montero will have some issues, my main concern is getting tippy with the limited flex. Kelly Flats might be fun too.

 

[nnamssorxela]

I got the Old Man Emu "medium" duty, but from what I've read and seen with my own eyes, is that the springs and shocks (unsure of struts) are the same length, just beefier so they do not sag as much as OEM. Since the piston rod is much thicker that OEM, it seems that the rubber boot would not sit correctly, and could get stuck partially down the rod. I think I will be assembling the suspension without it, and if I really need it for some reason, I can disassemble and put it back on.

I went out to the Red Feather area last weekend and did a little mild wheeling. Most of Red Feather itself was closed (as was 7 mile) but I managed to find some trails. Looking to do Kelly Flats next time I head out, but I will be avoiding the chutes. In the process of making sliders and finishing the lift, then tires and a rear bumper are coming next with some sway bar disconnects to reduce the amount of 3 wheeling and working my traction control. Do you mean the road to Crystal Mill/Schofield pass? I will not be doing that anytime soon, and it may be impassible after the flooding 2 years ago. From what I've researched, it's one of the most dangerous trails in CO, and while the Montero could potentially do it, I'm not afraid to admit that my skill level is far from there.

Let me know if you head this way, I'll always be willing to wheel.

 

[ManfromSnowyRiver]

I did Schofield a couple year ago in my stock Nissan Titan. Not really that hard, but it bit much for a wide, full size truck. There is a fresh slide that has to be worked on this season though. Mt Blanca, now THATS a dangerous Colorado trail.....

 

[montypower]

All OME suspension will lift your vehicle. You'll easily get 1.5" height gain over stock. Spring length / height has nothing to do with lift / ride height. They are higher spring rate and heavier coil than factory which increases the height. Yes, reuse everything you can from the stock strut assembly. Correct, OME has it's own shaft cover so you don't use that from the factory.

* Make sure to properly torque all bolts!!!! Get torque specs and use torque wrench.

 

[NH Moto Expo]

My 2006 just failed a state inspection because they say it needs a drivers side ball joint. What is weird is that it's not popping or creaking which is what I normally hear on cars needing a ball joint. I'm hearing a whirring noise but they say that is nothing and not to worry about that. To me it sounds like a wheel bearing but I'm just not sure. Any way...I bought an OME lift to go on as long as I'm messing with the suspension I might as well lift it.

Is there anything else I should replace besides the one bad ball joint? Car has 82,000 miles on it in New England so lots of pot holes. It's very solid but I just want to do it once while I'm in there. Any other known failure points? Upper and Lower? or just the upper?

 

[nnamssorxela]

If you're going to be in there and only want to do it once, might as well do all the bushings in the front end. I used to be that way, but now I just replace as needed. It saves money, and I don't mind wrenching.

I do realize that it is a lift, but I'd rather the suspension be just as compliant as oem since I won't be carrying heavy loads that often. OME does not supply a shaft cover for the front. And don't worry, I torque everything to spec. always

 

[montypower]

I'm still running the stock ball joints and control arms. I'm at 105k with many miles off road. If you replace one ball joint, do the other side too. I also replaced both inner and outer tie rods. One side came completely apart (thankfully, in the driveway).

Factory suspension sucks. Way too soft. More body roll in corners. OME with higher spring rate is much firmer, more controlled in corners and overall better riding (more truck like).

You guys will appreciate the improvement.

 

[nnamssorxela]

I'm pretty excited to go test it out, or finally install it for that matter. I was getting that annoying dull spring thud from the front passenger coil due to a completely blown shock. I could feel the wheel bounce when I hit bigger obstacles, so anything will be an improvement. I think the biggest advantage will be the ease that I can slide my crawler under and inspect/grease without getting my fat ******** snagged on the exhaust or gas tank :cow:

Eventually it will be time for a "build" thread I suppose.

 

[kbahus]

Kelly Flats is a difficult rated trail, I would recommemd going with another experienced rig as it is easy to get in a jam especially on Heart Attack Hill. It is a great trail though! Bald Mountain, Crystal, Moody, etc are all a good time really. I would also recommend heading down to Camp ******** and exploring that area. I wish I could report on current openings/closures, the forest service used to have it listed on the net.