OME springs with auto parts store (napa) shocks

[hillbillyjake]

has anyone ran something other than OME or bilstein shocks with the old man emu 883 or similiar coils? it may just be me, but it seems hard to justify the cost of the OME or bilstein shocks when napa shocks are so much cheaper. the truck will be a daily driver/work truck. it has an arb on the front with the possibilty of a winch in the future. if i go with the napa shocks, would it be a case of you get what you pay for or sufficient for my application? truck is a 02 d-cab and i'm goin gto run 255/85 bighorns. thanks

 

[montypower]

It would ride extremely poorly. The shock valving needs to be correct for the spring and weight... Heck, even the OME Nitro Sport shocks could use more rebound dampening. I can't imagine it with some NAPA specials. Save money somewhere else.

 

[hillbillyjake]

what about the bilsteins on the lowest settings? sre there any other options that may be more affordable? i don't want to waste money, either way.

 

[montypower]

I've only run Bilstein on one rig. They were alright. OME are arguably the best value. Performance, cost and durability. My trucks see plenty of trail and rough roads... I've blown through cheap shocks in less than 6 months... I guess it depends on how you use them.

 

[hillbillyjake]

i've ggot bilsteins on my tahoe right now and there not bad. they just didn't seem to live up to the hype. i guess that might have swayed my opinion on high end shocks. if the expensive aren't going to be much better than the cheap ones to justify teh price, i'm going the cheap route.

 

[deadbeat son]

what about the bilsteins on the lowest settings? sre there any other options that may be more affordable? i don't want to waste money, either way.

i've ggot bilsteins on my tahoe right now and there not bad. they just didn't seem to live up to the hype. i guess that might have swayed my opinion on high end shocks. if the expensive aren't going to be much better than the cheap ones to justify teh price, i'm going the cheap route.

When I spoke with Bilstein tech service on the phone, they didn't recommend running their shocks with anything other than the stock springs. They felt the would be underdamped for an aftermarket stiffer spring.

Another thing to think about with the Napa shocks is the length. If you lift the rear of the truck, they won't likely work and will definitely be the limiting factor in travel. They're not available for lifted applications are they?

 

[hillbillyjake]

i don't think that the auto parts store shocks are available in extended lengths. is there any offering from any of teh other suspension manufacturers that offer a decent shock for the lifted tacoma? do skyjacker, pro comp, rough country, trailmaster or any of the other companies offer an affordable shock that will work with the ome springs?

 

[montypower]

i don't think that the auto parts store shocks are available in extended lengths. is there any offering from any of teh other suspension manufacturers that offer a decent shock for the lifted tacoma? do skyjacker, pro comp, rough country, trailmaster or any of the other companies offer an affordable shock that will work with the ome springs?

What is "affordable"? I thought the Nitro Charger was inexpensive at $100/ea. Is saving $200 worth sacrificing performance and longevity? I often tell people this... "Spending less often costs more"

 

[TangoBlue]

You get what you pay for. The reason they're less expensive has to do with the quality of component pieces and the composition of materials.

Look at this way... there are cubic zirconiums and diamonds; at face value they each look the same, may be similarly sized and of the same cut, and in the same setting. The prices are waay different though. Now, try to give the CZ to your significant other for an engagement ring. The quality of the ride won't be the same...

From another perspective have you considered looking for a used OME suspension for your truck? You can often find these for sale as owners will upgrade to other systems. I sold my OME to another Tacoma owner who, 3 years later, is still enjoying and at a quarter of the original price.

Did I mention "you get what you pay for," and "spend your money wisely once?"

 

[hillbillyjake]

what kind of longevity can i expect out of the ome shocks that normally come with there kits? i guess my biased opinion is based mainly on my bilsteins on my tahoe puking oil out of the rear shocks after about 2 years of highway driving. not knocking bilstein, just my personal experiences. i don't want to spend good money on a product that won't meet myt expectations. iguess thats my major issue. i may be comparing apples to oranges with the ome/bilstein shocks, but i always assumed them to be on the same level quality wise.

 

[TangoBlue]

You be the judge. My old OME set-up is 6 years old; 3 for me and 3 for the new owner. Some offroad and highway. Places like Rausch Creek, Moab, Golden Mountain, the Cove, Windrock... still working great.

Even some of the worst roads in the US... like in West Virginia.

 

[Ramjet]

I have over 50k on my OME set up and still going strong.

 

[hornytoad]

My experience with bilstiens is with cars and not 4wd trucks but 2 years-30k miles was normal. My Dad and I got pretty good at doing a shock swap on all the family's cars in an afternoon.

Remember that all shocks are wear items and that they will need to be replaced or rebuilt every few years (depending on use). I'm putting bilstien 5100's on my stock sprung Taco and will see how long they last (one or two years?)

FYI some of the 4wheel shops will have a rebate or sale price for these shocks and you can pick up a set for 3 bills or so.

 

[hillbillyjake]

if you guys are getting 5 or 6 years and 50k i may just pony up for the good stuff. i was just really dissapointed when the billies starting letting go so early. from that experience i just assumed a shock was a shock. buying the name. i'll give the ome shocks a little more consideration.

its hard to take jabs from our neighbors to the east, tango. but when your right, your right. you got me on that one