Help with OME lift selection

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

After going back and forth on it, I've decided to go with the OME lift for my 88 Pickup. I'm mostly using it for daily driving, with some mild off road use once or twice a month. My main concern is on-road handling/comfort. Since some of these parts are shared between the pickup and 4runner, I'm worried it may be a bit stiff and I don't want that. I'm getting ready to place the order, would like some input on which parts to get. At this point, money isn't the deciding factor so I will get whatever will yield the best performance.

1. Should I opt for the N98/N94 Nitrocharger's or the 60072/60062 Nitrocharger Sports? Most of my research shows the sports are a better shock, but I'm concerned because I also read they are a bit stiffer.
2. Should I replace the torsion bars? I have no plans to add weight to the front, so feel they may not be needed. On the other hand, the stock torsion bars have over 230k miles, so I feel like it's probably best to replace them. If I skip the torsion bars, I'll likely get ball joint spacers to level it out with the rear.
3. Is there any benefit or issues related to removing the front swaybar? I need to either remove it or replace the bushings. I know on the 4th gen 4runner's, most folks just remove it with the OME lifts.
4. Are there any good install write-ups? I think it's mostly straightforward, but this will be my first time working on a torsion/leaf suspension so just looking for some pointers.

I've had a couple threads here regarding suspension options and you guys have been a big help. I'd appreciate any input to help finalize my setup, and can't wait to get it on. Thanks!

 

[Chuckles89]

Our '89 had OME Dakar leaves in the back and sway-away torsion bars in the front with bilsteins all around. The OME shocks are probably have a better ride than the bilsteins did. After driving my new truck without a sway bar and with it re-attached, I would strongly recommend not taking it off.

Good luck :thumb:

 

[RAD4Runner]

Howdy!
I still have my Old Man Emu 60072 used for 2 years for sale on craigslist here
Will let it go to fellow forum members for $90 plus shipping.
Cheers!

 

[KidVermicious]

I'm running N98s in front and N94s in the rear, and it's definitely not a Cadillac, but not horrible by any means. It definitely rides like a truck on the road, but I'm ok with that because it's a truck . They're tuned for offroad though, and that's where they shine - the truck positively glides over rough roads, you'll love it. That's with leaves on all four corners, your IFS will ride better of course.

If your front isn't sagging irreparably, don't bother with new torsion bars. New torsion bars will not provide lift, that's a common misconception and it's wrong. The only way to lift via the torsion bars is to crank them, increasing the preload. Cranking them will stiffen the ride whether they're stock or 26mm. The only time a thicker torsion bar will help is if you have so much weight in front (or your stock bars are so worn out) that you can't crank them any higher. Ball joint spacers will give you the suspension lift you want to level with the back, and they'll do it without making the ride worse the way a cranked torsion bar will.

Swaybar is your call. I've pulled it on all my 4Runners and preferred it that way, others don't. Pull it, drive it for a couple weeks, if you don't like it put it back. The benefit is the front will flex better, the drawback is you'll get a little more body roll in the corners.

There's lots of good writeups for the ball joint spacers, 4Crawlers' is the best. I don't know of any good writeups for the rear, but it's easy stuff with no pitfalls. I will say have a sawzall or angle grinder ready because the spring pins at the front of your leaves will likely be seized to the bushings. You're almost certainly going to have to cut them off. Get greasable shackles for the rear and use lots of antiseize in the front and you shouldn't have that problem next time.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

All great info, thanks!

I'm not expecting a Cadillac, but I am hoping it rides smoother/better than it does currently. Right now it just feels sloppy, for lack of a better word. I need something to absorb bumps better and be more controlled.

Right now I know the stock torsions give plenty of height, but not sure if/how much they've been cranked before I got it.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Bump, any thoughts on the Nitrocharger vs Nitrocharger Sports? That's the main thing I'm undecided on at the moment. Torsions can easily be added later, so no issue skipping those for now.

 

[HiLuxer]

I say if you're going to use it mainly on the road and for around town driving, the N98/94 would be the better option. The Sports would be more suitable for off roading.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Just a quick update. I want to say thank you to all of you who've helped in this thread and others (especially [MENTION=49649]KidVermicious[/MENTION]).

I ended up going a slightly different route, but very happy with how it turned out. I went with the Nitrocharger Sports. They are definitely firm, but man do they soak up the bumps better than the worn out Monroe's they replaced. Since I already have a 1" body lift and don't plan to run anything bigger than 31's, I decided against the OME rear leaves. I don't need the added height they would have provided. I went with an AAL from Toytec in an attempt to restore factory height and ditch the coils (ZUK mod). It brought the rear up level with the front, and rides better than before. Going this route, I didn't touch the front torsion bars and don't need the ball joint spacers. To gain a little flex, I did add low profile bump stops (every little bit helps).

I drive less than 50 miles per week, so it'll take a while to get things settled in. I'm sure it'll lighten up a bit once I get more miles on it. Again, thanks for all the help and feedback!