Hello, new to the forum, my question is thus, I want to replace my suspension on my 99 tacoma xtracab. I was looking at OME coils, struts, shocks, leaf springs, etc. I am looking for no more than 2" of lift but want as much payload capacity as I can get so the back end doesn't sag and the ride is stable under load. My future plans for the vehicle are a Leer or ARE shell with roof rack, dual batteries up front, and possibly an ARB bull Bar with winch. Has anyone out there had experience with OME suspension? After shopping around I like OME prices. Oh, one last thing if I went with the 882 front struts would I need a diff drop?
OME suspension?
- Thread starter colotaco
- Start date
Nullifier
Expedition Leader
you will not need a diff drop. if you truck is a 3.4 some will say that the 882 coil will not hold up with a bullbar and winch. My 4cyl model however has had no issue with the front suspension sagging.
The OME is good stuff You will not get the performance or wieght carrying capacity up front like with a donahoe or camburg coilover but it is a good solid suspension.
The rear leaf pack is really nice. for load handling I doubt you will be disapointed.
I doubt you could get a full suspension set up as good for the money. I think I paid abotu 1 thousand for my full set up. I do recomend the trim packers on the drivers side coilover. I used 2 on that side.
The OME is good stuff You will not get the performance or wieght carrying capacity up front like with a donahoe or camburg coilover but it is a good solid suspension.
The rear leaf pack is really nice. for load handling I doubt you will be disapointed.
I doubt you could get a full suspension set up as good for the money. I think I paid abotu 1 thousand for my full set up. I do recomend the trim packers on the drivers side coilover. I used 2 on that side.
Dave Bennett
Adventurist
Welcome to ExPo!
OME has a very good reputation, and lots of folks here run OME components.
IMO, anything made by them is very high quality
.02
OME has a very good reputation, and lots of folks here run OME components.
IMO, anything made by them is very high quality
.02
Clutch
<---Pass
Almost my exact set up. I choose Camberg front coils, over the OME, because the adjustabilty. It sure helped when I added the ARB bumper, because the front sagged down about and inch after install, just cranked the preload back up, only a 3/4 turn on the compression ring made up the difference. I run 32/11.5 tires on a 15" rim.
I have $1500 in my setup: Camberg fronts, OME rear/Bilstein 5100...works good enough for me.
I did do I diff drop, may not needed it, but, it will save your CV boots...cheap insurance, doesn't take very long to do either.
I am very happy with my OME rears, just a bit too stiff when unloaded, works great when fully loaded, though.
You can see the diff drop in this shot. All they are steel spacers....simple/easy.
With the ARB
I have $1500 in my setup: Camberg fronts, OME rear/Bilstein 5100...works good enough for me.
I did do I diff drop, may not needed it, but, it will save your CV boots...cheap insurance, doesn't take very long to do either.
I am very happy with my OME rears, just a bit too stiff when unloaded, works great when fully loaded, though.
You can see the diff drop in this shot. All they are steel spacers....simple/easy.
With the ARB
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Kermit,
Your setup is what the picture in my head looks like. Can you give me more details on what you put on. I.E. the leaf spring model from OME , the size front shocks and coils... With the exception of the wildernest camper, I am just putting a shell on mine. Thanks. BTW, what kind of mileage do you get now?
Your setup is what the picture in my head looks like. Can you give me more details on what you put on. I.E. the leaf spring model from OME , the size front shocks and coils... With the exception of the wildernest camper, I am just putting a shell on mine. Thanks. BTW, what kind of mileage do you get now?
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Clutch
<---Pass
I have the OME Dakars. The Cambergs are cranked to have 2.5" over stock lift. I think I am running the 600 (650lbs?) pound springs, it has been a while, I'll look tomorrow.
Fully loaded I get an average of 17.8 mpg, 91 octane. That is all gear, plus pulling a trailer with two dirtbikes on it. I drive top speed of 65. Saves gas, saves wheel bearings on the trailer.
Around town is 20mpg. I'm switching back to an All Terrian tire, mileage may go up a tad.
I have a regular shell for it to, the Wildernest fell into my lap.
It only took me 4-5 hours to install the suspension myself. It is fairly straight forward. I don't have any power tools I.E. air compressor....it could be faster with some air tools.
I guess I do have a shot of the rear suspension...(didn't think I did)...funny I never took pictures of my truck, until I found this website...
Fully loaded I get an average of 17.8 mpg, 91 octane. That is all gear, plus pulling a trailer with two dirtbikes on it. I drive top speed of 65. Saves gas, saves wheel bearings on the trailer.
Around town is 20mpg. I'm switching back to an All Terrian tire, mileage may go up a tad.
I have a regular shell for it to, the Wildernest fell into my lap.
It only took me 4-5 hours to install the suspension myself. It is fairly straight forward. I don't have any power tools I.E. air compressor....it could be faster with some air tools.
I guess I do have a shot of the rear suspension...(didn't think I did)...funny I never took pictures of my truck, until I found this website...
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cruiseroutfit
Well-known member
There is only one leaf spring model from ARB, the CS046R, in some cases, you can pull a leaf out of the spring in order to "lighten" things up a bit. I've only found this necissary on a couple of builds, and they had zero accessories.
Other than that, I run the exact setup you are describing, I ran it on my 96' Taco, and again on my 04' Taco. There are "better" setups out there (ie. true coil-overs) but its all relative to the amount of $$ you have to spend.
Other than that, I run the exact setup you are describing, I ran it on my 96' Taco, and again on my 04' Taco. There are "better" setups out there (ie. true coil-overs) but its all relative to the amount of $$ you have to spend.
calamaridog
Expedition Leader
OME springs are good. The shocks are not as good.
If I was looking to do a value minded set-up, I would run OME springs and Bilstein 5100 shocks like these:
http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/9504tacoadjbils.htm
It appears the Bilstein shocks are less money than the OME shocks now. If that is the case, there is absolutely no reason to pay more for OME shocks.
If I was looking to do a value minded set-up, I would run OME springs and Bilstein 5100 shocks like these:
http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/9504tacoadjbils.htm
It appears the Bilstein shocks are less money than the OME shocks now. If that is the case, there is absolutely no reason to pay more for OME shocks.
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Redline
Likes to Drive and Ride
I think you may have just answered a question I was formulating calamaridog...
I like my OME springs front and rear, they are supporting the weight I have very nicely. Don't think I want to change to coil-overs in front (yet?). Those struts will fit inside the OME coils just like the OME struts? I assume they will handle some faster dirt/washboard and not fade as fast as the OMEs might?
I like my OME springs front and rear, they are supporting the weight I have very nicely. Don't think I want to change to coil-overs in front (yet?). Those struts will fit inside the OME coils just like the OME struts? I assume they will handle some faster dirt/washboard and not fade as fast as the OMEs might?
calamaridog said:
Clutch
<---Pass
Colotaco:
I can see why guys remove a leaf to soften the ride. The rears are quite stiff without a load. Even with my 350lbs?) Wildernest, I still carry 20 gallons of water to make the ride smooth for daily use.
When the truck is fully loaded with camping and dirt bike gear, the ride is superb. It is the main reason I bought them in the first place.
So what ever decision you make, it will be far better than stock. The OME rear springs will center the axle in the wheelwell, too.
As with the Cambergs, I may install heavier springs if a winch ever finds it's way on that ARB, heavier spring would mean, I can run less preload, will give a smoother ride.
I can see why guys remove a leaf to soften the ride. The rears are quite stiff without a load. Even with my 350lbs?) Wildernest, I still carry 20 gallons of water to make the ride smooth for daily use.
When the truck is fully loaded with camping and dirt bike gear, the ride is superb. It is the main reason I bought them in the first place.
So what ever decision you make, it will be far better than stock. The OME rear springs will center the axle in the wheelwell, too.
As with the Cambergs, I may install heavier springs if a winch ever finds it's way on that ARB, heavier spring would mean, I can run less preload, will give a smoother ride.
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calamaridog
Expedition Leader
I ran the 5100's in the rear of my Tacoma with KING coilovers in front. It was a good set up. I believe they will outperform the OME's and I have no doubt they will last longer based on having owned both brands.
I'm currently running OME shocks on my LC and would switch tomorrow if they had a bolt in 5100 shock available.
Just my personal experience/opinion.
I'm currently running OME shocks on my LC and would switch tomorrow if they had a bolt in 5100 shock available.
Just my personal experience/opinion.
Clutch
<---Pass
Camberg, King, Donahue, Fox, etc...style coil overs are quite a bit more stout than a regular strut style.
They will run cooler oil temps too, becuase of the volume of oil they hold, plus the shock body threads act as cooloing fins to a degree. Cooler working temps, means better control.
Like anything else, it is all how much money you want to throw at....if money was no object...I would have a full on Trophy Truck.
Aren't they a thing of beauty...almost a shame to throw them under a truck, and get 'em dirty.
They will run cooler oil temps too, becuase of the volume of oil they hold, plus the shock body threads act as cooloing fins to a degree. Cooler working temps, means better control.
Like anything else, it is all how much money you want to throw at....if money was no object...I would have a full on Trophy Truck.
Aren't they a thing of beauty...almost a shame to throw them under a truck, and get 'em dirty.
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Bergger
Explorer
I have an 03 Tacoma and run a full OME set up in the rear (springs, shocks, shackels) and really like it. It holds weight very well and gives you a good 3" of lift. Install was very easy. In the front I too decided to go with an adjustable coil over. I run SAW 2.0 with 675 lbs spring rate. They were a little stiff at first but once broken in are very nice.
I want to thank everyone who responded to my post. I initially emailed Chris Marzonie because I was in analysis paralysis and trying to work within a tight budget. He gave me great advice and then directed me to this site. WOW, you all exceeded my expectations, once again thanks for the great tips, pictures,and personal experiences. I am going to go with the OME springs, bilstein 5100's and either the Camberg or OME fronts. Will post pics when complete.
DenCo40
Adventurer
I have OME 882's. I have at least 3.5 inches of lift on my DC and WITH an ARB/winch. It still rides like a cadilac. For the rear I have alcan leafs which raised it 3.5 inches to level it out. I did however install a diff drop kit. I had one on my 02 2.7 taco too. I know from experience it will help with the wearing of the front end parts.