Old Man Emu springs

[BC Explorer]

Hey everyone

Well I think I'm going with more lift and have decided on OME springs with the heavy duty rate to handle carrying loads.
Has any one used these and what should I expect.

Christopher

 

[Root Moose]

I used OME on my old LWB SJ-413. I forget the specifics but used the "heavy" packs both front and rear. The Suzuki was SOA as well. Rode like a dream, well enough you'd be hard pressed to tell it was leaves versus coils.

I've heard people complain about them sagging with lots of articulation (rock crawlers) but for a expo/cruising rig I think you'd get some good longevity out of them.

I had mine for ~3 years and never noticed any difference in ride height once they settled. I was heavy too with a ARB bumper and winch, custom rear bumper, lots of gear typically.

Would I buy again? I'm not sure. For a YJ I'd take a real hard look at the TNT long arm w/ coil setup before getting too far into it. I may end up with a YJ eventually and that is one of the setups I'd consider in lieu of a SOA. It's been a long time since I've investigated these platforms so I'd look at other leaf vendors too.

Just some ramblings.

HTH

 

[BC Explorer]

Good info

I do lots of expo driving and not much or any rock crawling.
I did all that with the Cherokee and trucks don't last all that long unless there purpose built.
I have heard about the sagging also and was told to use the heavy duties in the front as well as the rear.
I've check other vendors and the OME turned out to be the best price @ $323 for light/heavy setup or $371 for heavy/heavy.
OME also has a good reputation and I've had Pro-comp's in my Cherokee and destroyed them.

If I go this root I will be removig my lift shackles and going back stock shackles. The springs net 2.5" of lift and I only wanted max 3.5" of lift and all ready have a 1" body lift.

The other option is to get new factory springs and for the rear get the 6 spring pack heavy duties and leave in my lift shackles.

Decisions, Decisions.......

Thanks

 

[BIGdaddy]

hey, i really like your jeep by the way...

you'll be fine with OME...they are very nice springs especially for the jeep line. ditch the shackles you won't need 'em, and if there's an option on spring rate, go with the heaviest possible. you can adjust your ride with good shocks (if they aren't included)

i've got a total thread hijack for you. Do you prefer the cans on your rear over a spare? will you keep it that way if you re-design?

 

[BC Explorer]

hey, i really like your jeep by the way...

you'll be fine with OME...the are very nice springs especially for the jeep line. ditch the shackles you won't need 'em, and if there's an option on spring rate, go with the heaviest possible. you can adjust your ride with good shocks (if they aren't included)

i've got a total thread hijack for you. Do you prefer the cans on your rear over a spare? will you keep it that way if you re-design?

The price doesn't include the shocks.
The OME shocks seem really over priced so I think I will stick to using Pro-Comp shocks which have a good warranty.

As for the re-design I might put in provision for a spare but, would prefer fule over a flat. MTR's can take a lot and this my 3rd set of them and still haven't one punture. A body even ran with 2 lbs and still had no problems.
We also usually run in groups and mostly on the same size tires so if things got really bad we always have a tire.

I have what I believe are some neat ideas that will make the rack very versatile for carrying equipment or fuel or even both.
I'll keep every posted on the rack re-design.

 

[sdjeep]

To me Pro comp shocks are WAY stiff for a small Wrangler. Just changing those out on my old 89 Wrangler made it ride better. I believe the same part #'s for the rear pro comp lift lenght shock is the same as some fullsize trucks.
The OME shocks are pricey, but they are valved for the lighter vehicle.

Just my .02

 

[BC Explorer]

I noticed that about the Pro-Comps.

 

[cnskate]

I assume you're talking leafs in the back? I'm a little disappointed with OME HD leafs on my XJ. It doesn't take much weight for them to sag. I assumed they were designed for Aussie outback expedition weights, but if I put a RTT, fridge, recovery equipment, and food and water for a few weeks in the truck then these leafs would be down to stock height for sure. I came close to that amount of sag on my last real big trip. Maybe I expect too much from them?