gen 3 montero OME Struts and Springs with stock springs. Will this work?

[jasonsuperb]

I've read that 285/75/16 tires clear perfectly on a stock mitsubishi montero 3rd gen so I ordered a set up of those in KO2s. I am looking to replace the factory shocks and everyone seems to like OME, my question is can I use OME shocks and struts with the stock springs (N109s front and N110 rear)? I don't want to lift it at this point if it is not necessary, and I figure I can always add the lift springs later if I want to.

 

[Sabre]

The use of the OME springs is very popular, but there's nothing magical about their shocks. Many folks are very happy with some very affordable KYBs and Monroes, even when changing springs. There's plenty of info online about this.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

You can, but they are valved for the OME springs for better ride and load capacity. Not only that, why do the work twice??

 

[jasonsuperb]

Is there a consensus on what the best shock is for a stock application? Don't mind paying a bit more for quality.

 

[grandpa]

I used the KYB gas-a-just shocks with the stock springs and the ride is slightly firmer.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Is there a consensus on what the best shock is for a stock application? Don't mind paying a bit more for quality.

kyb is popular and you can buy all 4 for the price of two OME shocks.

 

[jasonsuperb]

Can anyone say for sure if by using the full OME Setup (shocks and springs) you get the extra amount of lift in suspension travel, or does it just remain the same amount of suspension travel but lifted up? So for instance if the stock set up had 8" of suspension travel and the OME is a 1.5" lift, do you then end up with 9.5" of suspension travel?

 

[Schitzangiggles]

The suspension travel is going to be limited by the bumpstops, control/a - arms before it is the shocks and springs. If you gain 2 inches in height, you are going to lose down travel unless you toss in some longer control arms.


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[jasonsuperb]

Got this relatively non answer from the general manager of ARB USA.

"Thanks for your email. For IFS vehicles, 99% of the time, we can't increase the front wheel travel due to the other components reaching their limits. In this case, our front lift height is just lift height, along with better handling and ride control. Generally in the rear, the wheel travel will extend when available. Our shocks at full extension are 581mm long, but unfortunately I don't have the length of the stock shocks available to compare.

I don't believe there are any plans for a BP51 for that vehicle. There will only be limited vehicles those new shocks will be made for, and in some cases, they physically can't fit, as the body size of all of them are the same."

I was surprised to get a "Generally" answer about a suspension system that is said to be designed for specific applications.

If the suspension travel remains the same but is lifted 2" and stock travel is 8", and we assume at stock height the suspension has 4" of compression and 4" of droop, after the 2" lift now it has 6" of compression and 2" of droop, does not sound ideal to me.

Or am I off base here?

@schitzangiggles mentions longer control arms, does anyone know if these are available?

 

[Sabre]

...If the suspension travel remains the same but is lifted 2" and stock travel is 8", and we assume at stock height the suspension has 4" of compression and 4" of droop, after the 2" lift now it has 6" of compression and 2" of droop, does not sound ideal to me.

Or am I off base here?

@schitzangiggles mentions longer control arms, does anyone know if these are available?

Realistic lift gained from the OME springs is approximately 1.5 inches. Some claim more, but once they settle that's a real-world result. You pick up a bit of ground clearance and, as the ARB guy and many, many owners report, significant improvements in handling. Your assumptions about compression vs droop are not correct; lengthening the spring does not necessarily result in more compression, though it does result in more potential compression. As for any small changes in droop, it's simply not a big deal on this vehicle. The Montero, like any independent suspension truck, has quite limited articulation. Of course, the Montero is also famous for not needing all that flex, for being extremely competent as it rolled off the production line. If you're even thinking about longer control arms, you're in the wrong vehicle. Owners love their Monteros for their capability, comfort, reliability, ruggedness...not for the vast aftermarket support (which doesn't exist). Even if you could locate such parts, you could not find any that are as reliable as the OEM components.

The Monty is not a crawler. It shows its strength when tasked with what it was designed and built for.