Gen 3 OME Coil Questions

[MedicineMan]

I know I should search for the answer but after lots of reading this doesn't seem to be clear:

I want to run OME coils but I am going with KYB Gas-A-Just shocks to save a little $$.

I like the ~2" lift that HD coils provide, but it may be a while before a bull bar makes it onto the front of my monty. Will the ride be too harsh w/ HD coils? Will Medium Duty coils still give ~2" of lift?

I tow a pop up all over the place during the summer and I think it weights 1500-2000 lbs. HD coils in the rear make sense. Anyone have experience combining OME w/ KYB Gas-A-Just? I've combined Rancho w/ OME in the past with decent results, and seems like KYB gets great reviews here. Thoughts?

PS - I have a 2001 Gen 3 monty XLS. Signature updated soon....

 

[off-roader]

I like the KYB's and have had them on several gen I's. My gen II with 300K miles still has the factory adjustable shocks (also made by KYB btw) although admittedly theyre finally on their last leg.

I'm not sure how well they work on gen III's like yours but if I were to bet, I'd say they'll be fine.

Unfortunately I can't answer your questions about the ARB springs. Perhaps ARB can give more insight if nobody here can confirm? If ARB USA can't give you a quick answer, also try ARB australia and ask about them on the 2000 Pajero (mention which engine you have). Note, use the word Petrol instead of gasoline when corresponding with them as that's what it's called down under.

HTH.

 

[Inyo_man]

The HD coils for the NM are a constant load spring. It takes about +/- 200 lbs. to smooth out the ride of the HD coils.
That can come in the form of all the steel you hang on your rig. Without some weight it's a bit stiff. With a fully laden rig for an overland trip, they ride like a dream. That's why I ran with them...No sagging rear end.

The Med. duty coils are a variable rate spring, but are prone to sagging when fully laden for extended travel.
I'm fairly sure the Med. and HD coils give the same net lift.

Good Luck

 

[MedicineMan]

Thanks for the replies. I took your advice Off-roader and emailed ARB australia. My questions and their response below. Its always good to hear it from the horses mouth:

Dear ARB, I have a question regarding OME coils for my petrol NM 2000 Pajero (2001 Montero XLS). Can you tell me if heavy duty coils are appropriate for the front if there is no bullbar or winch? If the ride is too harsh then will a medium duty coil provide the same amount of lift? And may medium duty coils be used in the front with heavy duty coils in the rear? We caravan with a 2000lb trailer during the summer so I am looking for the right coil to handle that added weight in the rear. I look forward to your response.

Andrew,

Thank you for your interest in OME. We don't use the term “Heavy duty” here as it can cause confusion when discussing the proper springs for a particular vehicle configuration. Technically, all of our suspension components can be considered heavy duty replacements for the OE equipment. We use the spring rates to define what is required. The front springs for the 2000 + Montero come in two different part numbers; 2914 and 2915 for up to 110 lbs. and 112 to 220 lbs. added accessory weight respectively. Both have the same spring rate at 650 lbf/in with the latter coil made 15 mm taller to get the same lift (Approx. 1.4” over OE) with more weight. We do not recommend using a heavier rated coil than recommended for the weight that is on the vehicle. Using too heavy of a rate (or a coil that is too tall) can cause a harsh ride, but the main concern is over extension of the shocks/struts combined with extreme operation angle geometry for the other components of the suspension which can cause premature wear and failure. Stay with the lighter rate if you have no accessory weight up front. In the rear, medium coils are fine unless you have 220 lb. + added weight all of the time. I hope this helps. Have a nice day!

Regards,

Duffy Biggs


Purchasing Manager (Assisting with Customer Service.)

ARB USA

720 SW 34th Street

Renton, WA 98057

P: 425-264-1391

F: 425-264-1392

Duffyb@arbusa.com

http://www.arbusa.com

 

[off-roader]

Nice! ARB is one of the few companies whom I consider to have really top tier customer support. Here in the US, they've gone above and beyond in supporting their products. I my case, I've had to work with them on a few occassions...

First time, was when I bought one of their fridges. The entire process was absolutely drama free. I had a trip planned so they immediately drop shipped a new one to me 2nd day & including a return shipping label (economy) so I could simply put mine into the box they shipped the new one to me in and send it back to them.

Second time I called them because their recovery bag developed a tear in one of the compartments where I keep my winch Pulley. No questions asked, they simply shipped me a new one. Didn't have to return mine.

Third time was when an overzealous friend broke open my ARB fridge latch trying to open the fridge. I had a new latch from ARB within a couple of days. Again no questions asked.

Great company, great products, and even better customer service and support!