Who here runs OME shocks and what do you think of them. My first lift for the jeep came with Doestech shocks. They were extremely stiff and I've already managed to kill one and possibly a second. It's time for new shocks that won't beat the living crap out of me on corrugated roads and can stand up to the punishment. I was thinking about OME's, but with summer rolling around the thought of a set of coilovers or some nice bilsteins are starting to get me thinking.
Shocks
- Thread starter CLynn85
- Start date
cshontz
Supporting Sponsor
I've been running OME shocks for a while, and I strongly recommend them over other similarly classed shocks. They soak up the terrain extremely well. Unfortunately, I can't get too technical for you, but they're undeniably the best shocks I've ever run, and I will continue to use them.
I was following a Grand Cherokee this past weekend running Bilstein 5150 shocks, and they also look like they respond to the terrain very well.
I was following a Grand Cherokee this past weekend running Bilstein 5150 shocks, and they also look like they respond to the terrain very well.
calamaridog
Expedition Leader
I would recommend Bilsteins over OME any day, but my experience with OME is they are better than Ranchos. Hope that helps:elkgrin:
Check out +D's mod thread. He is running 5150's on his Grand Cherokee.
Check out +D's mod thread. He is running 5150's on his Grand Cherokee.
gjackson
FRGS
I have never used OME shocks, but have travelled with people who do. They seem to take abuse really well and stand up to harsh terrain, esp corrugations. Have heard of some people blowing them prematurely. That was on an Africa trip, and may have been a quality issue. Person it happened to is an excellent and careful driver, so I don't think bad driving was the cause.
I would say they are the top of the line for non-racing derived shocks. The only way you can go better is to go with the likes of bilstein, fox or racerunner. And cost goes up significantly then as well.
cheers
I would say they are the top of the line for non-racing derived shocks. The only way you can go better is to go with the likes of bilstein, fox or racerunner. And cost goes up significantly then as well.
cheers
goodtimes
Expedition Poseur
Carl, how much lift is on your tj? Once you get over about 2 - 3" of lift, and you stay with "short" control arms, you start transferring alot of energy from the terrain into your frame, rather than up through your springs and shocks. No shock in the world will fix this, it is a byproduct (one of many) of poor suspension geometry on a linked suspension. Some will help, but the root cause is still there.....so this may be a partial cause of you getting beat up by rough roads.
I do agree that the DT's that so many places are pushing off on people are crap. Last time in Baja, I bent the rod on one and sheared the bar pin on another one....They were replaced with Rancho RSX's (and the bar pins eliminated...and the lower end of the shock moved outboard a few inches to hide them behind the rear lower control arms). I am fairly happy with so far (only have them on the rear), but there really is a difference when you get out of the $50 - $75 shocks and into the $140, rebuildable, custom valved shocks out there (like FOX, SAW, etc)---but again, these will not stop the energy transfer through the control arm to the frame if the suspension geometry is not right...they will just control the tires up/down movement better.
I do agree that the DT's that so many places are pushing off on people are crap. Last time in Baja, I bent the rod on one and sheared the bar pin on another one....They were replaced with Rancho RSX's (and the bar pins eliminated...and the lower end of the shock moved outboard a few inches to hide them behind the rear lower control arms). I am fairly happy with so far (only have them on the rear), but there really is a difference when you get out of the $50 - $75 shocks and into the $140, rebuildable, custom valved shocks out there (like FOX, SAW, etc)---but again, these will not stop the energy transfer through the control arm to the frame if the suspension geometry is not right...they will just control the tires up/down movement better.
calamaridog
Expedition Leader
I think it is important to note that Bilstein makes very "high end" rebuildable (race quality) shocks as well as the HD, 5100, and 5150 style non-rebuildable shocks.
I've had great luck with both the HD line and the 5100 line of shocks on multiple vehicle types.
I've had great luck with both the HD line and the 5100 line of shocks on multiple vehicle types.
I'm only running 3" springs up front and 2" spacers in the back. And that probably won't change for a while. I'm not going to go and undo all of DCX's hard work just to run 33's and empty my wallet. I'm satisfied with height/tires, just need to get it riding a little smoother. That and working on cargo options...
goodtimes
Expedition Poseur
At 3" of lift, you are really pushing the limits of the OE control arm length while maintaining a decent ride over rough roads. I'm only at 3.5 inches, and strongly considering going to longer arms to reduce the angle relative to the frame/ground to smooth out the ride.
+ d
Adventurer
As mentioned I've been running the bilstein 5150's...They've been really great for me. I guess our rigs are like comparing apples to pears, or maybe tangerines to oranges though! I am at 2.5" on my solid axle wj and when i bump up past 3" to new 4" springs longer (adjustable) control arms will be mandatory as well.
If you check out my thread you'll see that one of the reasons I went with the 5150 (vs the 5100's) was because of stem conversion kit, saves some shock travel, it might be worth looking into for you, because I think the TJ has the same stem/barpin setup as the WJ.
If you check out my thread you'll see that one of the reasons I went with the 5150 (vs the 5100's) was because of stem conversion kit, saves some shock travel, it might be worth looking into for you, because I think the TJ has the same stem/barpin setup as the WJ.
S
Scenic WonderRunner
Guest
When I first bought my truck....it had "saggy butt syndrome"...! in typical Toyota fashion for the era!
Since I didn't know any better....I did some study....I then went with the first great deal I found....
I decided on the Pro Comp ES9000 ........
= "Then there is the ES9000, with twin tube, “VSV” nitrogen gas charge technology."
I picked up 5 shocks (w/front steering stabilizer) for only $131.....at 4WheelParts.
I've been extremely happy with them!
Since I didn't know any better....I did some study....I then went with the first great deal I found....
I decided on the Pro Comp ES9000 ........
= "Then there is the ES9000, with twin tube, “VSV” nitrogen gas charge technology."
I picked up 5 shocks (w/front steering stabilizer) for only $131.....at 4WheelParts.
I've been extremely happy with them!
Last edited by a moderator:
ok so OME are good but...
(oh by the way sorry for butting in) but I just went to 4 wheel parts bought some Procomp shocks (which I heard are the exact same shock as Rancho) and I am not pleased with them they are not direct fit and the read will not even come close to fitting on my 98 Trooper does anyone know if OME would be a direct fit on my truck? or any other good shocks for a stock height trooper? and to help you out I dont recomend the Rancho5000's or ProComp3000's if that helps any...
(oh by the way sorry for butting in) but I just went to 4 wheel parts bought some Procomp shocks (which I heard are the exact same shock as Rancho) and I am not pleased with them they are not direct fit and the read will not even come close to fitting on my 98 Trooper does anyone know if OME would be a direct fit on my truck? or any other good shocks for a stock height trooper? and to help you out I dont recomend the Rancho5000's or ProComp3000's if that helps any...
Mike S
Sponsor - AutoHomeUSA
OME Shocks
I ran OME shocks (and complete suspension) on my FJ60 and really like what they did for the ride and handling. They are especially good on rutted roads at medium speed. They performed very well.
I am also running OME suspension and shocks on my FZJ80 - heavy springs and shocks matched to the lift. This truck has great steering response and road feel. I have not tested the articulation on any extreme conditions, but so far I am happy with this set-up as well.
M
I ran OME shocks (and complete suspension) on my FJ60 and really like what they did for the ride and handling. They are especially good on rutted roads at medium speed. They performed very well.
I am also running OME suspension and shocks on my FZJ80 - heavy springs and shocks matched to the lift. This truck has great steering response and road feel. I have not tested the articulation on any extreme conditions, but so far I am happy with this set-up as well.
M
articulate
Expedition Leader
I have the OME shocks on my TJ. From the OE, they were a step in the right direction. The simple answer is that you'll be pleased with the improvement in ride. No worries.CLynn85 said:
However, goodtimes has a strong point about the control arms. Switching to a long arm suspension would help even more. In some respect, a TJ is going to be plain hell in comparison to longer wheelbase vehicles. I understand that switching to a long arm kit is most likely out of the question for you; but I'll tell you that you'll be happier with the OME shocks over what you have now.
Others mentioned the Bilstein, and for some reason these are not as popular on TJs (that's a generalized statement that I can only support with what i've -gasp!- read on the internet). I wish I would have tried these as well just so I'd know. I'd bet you'd be happy with the proper Bilstein as well, though.
Avoid the DTs at all costs. Brutal brutal brutal. I hope it helps.
Mark