Comparison on Radflo 2.5 vs OME BP-51
- Thread starter PCH4R
- Start date
T4Ranger
New member
It took longer than expected, but it's in! The reservoir brackets were a PITA and it was the first time I attempted to put the KDSS back together... that was definitely the worst part and most time consuming...
T4Ranger - Did you have to adjust the top hat of the coilover? I think out of the box it came ready for extra weight on the front for a bull bar bumper. Just wondering what to expect as far as increased lift up front. I do not have any extra weight on the front of my 4Runner.
Cheers
T4Ranger
New member
I do not have any additional weight upfront either. I did not adjust the top collar. Installed as they came right out of the box. Again, I'm going to wait another week or two and remeasure all 4 corners.
calcrc
New member
Hi man what movie is that again on the gif ?
Thanks for the feedback!!! Do you think it added approx 2" - 2.5" of lift in the front?
Wondering if it is close to level with the height of the rear in stock form.
MAST4R
New member
Not that my opinion is terribly well-informed but I have been looking at everything lately...
--The Radflo 2.5IFP front and rear are not expensive and are the bargain true performance setup.
--They will out-perform the BP 51 at speed, by a lot as they have much bigger pistons.
--The Radflo can be ordered special-valved for the customer at no charge. No one else seems to do that (King?, haven't checked King).
--The bypasses are supposed to optimize the ride for all sorts of conditions and this is a huge plus vs pretty much anyone else--except Radflo who offer personalized valving at no charge.
--Radflo uses Eibach springs, so no ARB advantage there that I can see either.
--Radflo are easy to service and parts are readily available. Doubt the same is true of ARB.
--ARB forces a higher lift that not everyone wants (well, I don't!).
--Radflo has a much higher performance ceiling yet does not burden the customer with reservoirs that can be a pain to locate and keep rattle free.
--Radflo's rear springs are optional, one can buy whatever springs one wants.
--The full price of a personalized Radflo 2.5 IFP is 1,700-1,750. Just the front ARB coilovers are like 1,500+.
At least on paper the value of the BP51 escapes me but again, I have no experience so this is all armchair talk. I may be missing something.
My point is that the Radflo is a tremendous value. Especially here, in the Southwest where Radflo is kinda local. Whether one can use it to potential is another question.
As for servicing, the BP51 may promise longevity but what's the availability (and also price) of their rebuild kits? How many people can lend a hand if something happens while in the middle of nowhere?
I have been thinking Australian monotubes for months but the more I learn the more appealing the domestic (indeed quite local) options become. Or Billstein 6112 with something other than 5160 in the rear. Either way, there is no putting a performance (Radflo)/adventure (BP51) setup on and forgetting about it like it is Dobinsons Twin Tubes, 5100s, or Eibachs.
My 2c.
With the coming release of the BP51s, I'm wondering if they may sway me from my plans of purchasing the radflo's.
Here's my attempt at comparisons and unanswered Questions. Please affirm, contradict, or fill-in-the-blanks
Both:
- are expensive
- are specifically valved for the 4Runner
- large enough to house internal bypass systems (as opposed to none/external)
- have external reservoirs (optional on radflo)
- have the rear shocks that with adjustable/tune-able dampening (optional on radflo)
- provide extra length for further suspension articulation
Radflo:
- is 2.5 inch diameter
- are rebuild-able
- use 3rd party coil-over springs (can be tailored from 600 to 700lbs)
- have 20%+ over stock stronger rear springs
BP51
- is 2 inch diameter
- use arb's own springs
- robust materials/plating for corrosion
Unknowns:
- if the 2 vs 2.5 diameter is the overall determination of "what makes" the deal.
- what spring packages / tailor made for ARB may outweigh the diameter. Ie, they are overall better tuned/tailored as a whole.
- if the ARBs are rebuildable
- if either would have contact issues with Total Chaos or Camburg Arms
ARB has huge brand/backing, but Radflo is no slouch either! Both should provide great customer support and long term support.
--The Radflo 2.5IFP front and rear are not expensive and are the bargain true performance setup.
--They will out-perform the BP 51 at speed, by a lot as they have much bigger pistons.
--The Radflo can be ordered special-valved for the customer at no charge. No one else seems to do that (King?, haven't checked King).
--The bypasses are supposed to optimize the ride for all sorts of conditions and this is a huge plus vs pretty much anyone else--except Radflo who offer personalized valving at no charge.
--Radflo uses Eibach springs, so no ARB advantage there that I can see either.
--Radflo are easy to service and parts are readily available. Doubt the same is true of ARB.
--ARB forces a higher lift that not everyone wants (well, I don't!).
--Radflo has a much higher performance ceiling yet does not burden the customer with reservoirs that can be a pain to locate and keep rattle free.
--Radflo's rear springs are optional, one can buy whatever springs one wants.
--The full price of a personalized Radflo 2.5 IFP is 1,700-1,750. Just the front ARB coilovers are like 1,500+.
At least on paper the value of the BP51 escapes me but again, I have no experience so this is all armchair talk. I may be missing something.
My point is that the Radflo is a tremendous value. Especially here, in the Southwest where Radflo is kinda local. Whether one can use it to potential is another question.
As for servicing, the BP51 may promise longevity but what's the availability (and also price) of their rebuild kits? How many people can lend a hand if something happens while in the middle of nowhere?
I have been thinking Australian monotubes for months but the more I learn the more appealing the domestic (indeed quite local) options become. Or Billstein 6112 with something other than 5160 in the rear. Either way, there is no putting a performance (Radflo)/adventure (BP51) setup on and forgetting about it like it is Dobinsons Twin Tubes, 5100s, or Eibachs.
My 2c.
Last edited:
Similar threads
