Maintenance interval for OW lift kit?

RyanC

RyanC

New member
So I called Safari Ltd in Grand Junction regarding the install of the Overland Warehouse kit on my 2010 TE and the guy there spent the better part of the call trying to talk me out of it. His claims were that in his experience he's seen that the shocks tend to leak and that they will need to be removed/rebuilt every 12-18 months. In addition he felt that the performance in the winter would be 'harsh' due to the cold temps and the oil.

Of course his recommendation on a better solution was one that they sell - the OME kit (a good solution even so). For the most part it sounds like he was trying to push me towards products he can resell and profit from but I have heard good recommendations on the shop so wanted to get some additional opinions.

Those of you with the OW kit - what is your experience/perspective on his comments above? I'm not sure that the kit for the 5th gen has been out long enough to experience leakage or need maintenance so I am assuming that he was referring to kits for previous generations?

And in particular his comment regarding the cold weather impacting performance - why would it affect the OW setup vs any other? None of this is my area of expertise but it doesn't seem to quite add up.

Thanks!
 
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I have had a few issues with my OW 2.5 kit. I had a front shock leak and the powder coating on the spring of my other front coil start to chip off.

However I can say that OW's customer service has been absolutely awesome. They promptly replaced my coil-over both times. They are definitely committed to taking care of their customers.

I doubt that my issues are typical of Radflo suspension components. Would be interested in finding though if anyone else has any issues with their OW setup?

Edit: BTW, I haven't noticed any ride difference between cold and hot weather driving.
 
ask Bulldog

Call OW and discuss, it depends on where you live, where and how you use your vehicle. All shocks wear, some can be rebuilt, that's not a bad thing.
 
RyanC said:
So I called Safari Ltd in Grand Junction regarding the install of the Overland Warehouse kit on my 2010 TE and the guy there spent the better part of the call trying to talk me out of it. His claims were that in his experience he's seen that the shocks tend to leak and that they will need to be removed/rebuilt every 12-18 months. In addition he felt that the performance in the winter would be 'harsh' due to the cold temps and the oil.
Click to expand...
If OW had that kind of performance, they couldn't stay in business... period. Furthermore, OW will send out swaps to you before you send in units that need to be rebuilt, when that service is eventually required. The only reason I haven't spent the money on the 2.5 OW is because my wife will be the sole driver in the future and she likes the current height for entry and exit. Otherwise I would not hesitate to get a custom OW set-up.
Of course his recommendation on a better solution was one that they sell - the OME kit (a good solution even so). For the most part it sounds like he was trying to push me towards products he can resell and profit from but I have heard good recommendations on the shop so wanted to get some additional opinions.

Those of you with the OW kit - what is your experience/perspective on his comments above? I'm not sure that the kit for the 5th gen has been out long enough to experience leakage or need maintenance so I am assuming that he was referring to kits for previous generations?

And in particular his comment regarding the cold weather impacting performance - why would it affect the OW setup vs any other? None of this is my area of expertise but it doesn't seem to quite add up.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I think you understand that he's trying to sell you something else and ripping the competition to do so. I think the same thing and I'd be less likely to buy from someone like that. I'd suggest you talk the guys at OW and hear what they have to say.
 
RyanC said:
So I called Safari Ltd in Grand Junction regarding the install of the Overland Warehouse kit on my 2010 TE and the guy there spent the better part of the call trying to talk me out of it.
Click to expand...

I wonder how many OW kits this guy has installed and how many times he observed this specifically with OW? I would think Andries and Mark are your best source of information regarding maintenance intervals for their products. I know the shop was highly recommended by others and I'm sure they will do a great install, but stick with OW.

SeattleMike said:
If OW had that kind of performance, they couldn't stay in business... period. Furthermore, OW will send out swaps to you before you send in units that need to be rebuilt, when that service is eventually required.

I think you understand that he's trying to sell you something else and ripping the competition to do so. I think the same thing and I'd be less likely to buy from someone like that. I'd suggest you talk the guys at OW and hear what they have to say.
Click to expand...

Spot on Mike. I bought the 2.0 kit and in fact today receive my UCAs and rear coils (other parts already arrived). I followed with interest the recent thread Ryan started about Colorado 4WD shops. I spoke with four or five shops, not a single one of them had worked on a KDSS Trail and only one of them had lifted a 5th generation 4Runner. I have decided to do my install with the help of a friend who has the proper tools. One of the shops tried to steer me towards Toytec instead of OW. Of course they want to sell the parts too, but even though he had never heard of OW he was convinced the Toytec was superior.

Also a great point about OW shipping replacement parts before they get the others back, clearly putting the customer's convenience first. I debated on just doing 600LB front COs with matching rear shocks, and Andries told me if I changed my mind down the road he would send the replacement front COs (650LB) and matching rear coils so it could all be swapped before I had to return anything. Top notch customer service from OW. Sure is reassuring for this sort of purchase.
 
Thanks for the feedback guys, much appreciated. I'll be reaching out to Andries for his perspective and info.

I also found another shop in Golden (Sleeoffroad.com - Toyota SUV Off-Road Outfitters) who specialize in Toyota's and are willing to do the install at a reasonable price (without trying to talk me into a different product).
 
I have about 18K on my 2.5 kit with no leaking. I did have rust issues early after I got the kit installed but Andries was quick to replace and haven't had a problem since.
 
RyanC said:
Thanks for the feedback guys, much appreciated. I'll be reaching out to Andries for his perspective and info.

I also found another shop in Golden (Sleeoffroad.com - Toyota SUV Off-Road Outfitters) who specialize in Toyota's and are willing to do the install at a reasonable price (without trying to talk me into a different product).
Click to expand...

Slee does good work. I have never dealt with him, as I do all my own stuff, but have seen his work and it is top notch. I had a FJ 80 when he was getting started and we talked a little about my engine swap. He knows his stuff and makes awesome bumpers for LC's!!!
 
Just a follow-up to this thread. I ended up going with Slee Off-road for the install and I couldn't be happier with them and their service. They had a competitive estimate up front, did great work and get this - came in over $100 BELOW the estimate. I spent the day hanging out in the shop while they did the work and got to know them a bit - they're great guys who stand behind their work.

I would highly recommend them.
 
My thoughts on OW thus far:

I just installed a 2.0 kit a couple of weeks ago on my 2010 SR5. Shortly after the install, the rear shocks started "jackhammering" terribly, and the install shop determined that they were defective or not properly charged. Andries has sent me replacements for the rear, which are set to arrive tomorrow, so hopefully it'll fix the problem.

Now that the temperature has fallen into 20's here in WV, I have noticed a firmer ride, and more of a "thump" coming from the front coil-overs over larger bumps. This is fine with me, as long as they keep their charge, and don't leak.

I'm not sure what's going on with Radflo's quality control, but it seems that I'm not the only one who has had issues with OW/Radflo kit. Overall, I like the ride, and the customer service at OW is good. Of course, I'd prefer to not have any issues when I've spent $1,800+ for a suspension, but if the rear replacements take care of my problem, I'll be ok.

I don't wheel a lot, and I'm hoping that I can get the 2-3 years between rebuilds that Andries indicated, with moderate off-road use.
 
I had a similar problem with the fronts on my 2.5 kit and everyhting was replaced under warranty. I ended up replacing mine with OME after 7 k miles because I had well over 3" of lift even with an ARB bumper and winch. Now I have a kit sitting in my garage waiting to be sold.

Scott
 
I had a similar issue when I went to a shop to talk lifts for my 4R. They were downplaying any of the lifts I was talking about (Toytec/OW). They said they hadn't even heard of them. Also, they went on to try to sell me a spacer kit and then when I explained I did not want a spacer kit, they pushed a Rancho set up pretty hard. These shops that push a certain product is because they have a contract with them, so they are going to sell what they will make money on.
 
I too am looking into the OW kit. I spoke with Andries and we had decided that the 2.0 kit is best for me. I'm interested on what people have to say about theirs' and this topic.
 
Are you set on anything but bilsteins? Lifetime warranties and many combinations. You should at least take a look.

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
 
cbielat said:
I had a similar issue when I went to a shop to talk lifts for my 4R. They were downplaying any of the lifts I was talking about (Toytec/OW). They said they hadn't even heard of them. Also, they went on to try to sell me a spacer kit and then when I explained I did not want a spacer kit, they pushed a Rancho set up pretty hard. These shops that push a certain product is because they have a contract with them, so they are going to sell what they will make money on.
Click to expand...

If they 'haven't even heard' of ToyTec, they are completely ignorant of toyota suspension and should be avoided. I one of Rancho's top of the line lift kits, will never own/recommend Rancho based on that experience.

If you want a puropse built kit OW offers a great service. If you're looking for a good plain vanilla kit, there are several (including OW) that should meet your needs.

BTW - Road salt will likely play into rebuild timing too, for those of you north of I-10.
 
Just saw this...

RyanC said:
So I called Safari Ltd in Grand Junction regarding the install of the Overland Warehouse kit on my 2010 TE and the guy there spent the better part of the call trying to talk me out of it. His claims were that in his experience he's seen that the shocks tend to leak and that they will need to be removed/rebuilt every 12-18 months. In addition he felt that the performance in the winter would be 'harsh' due to the cold temps and the oil.

Of course his recommendation on a better solution was one that they sell - the OME kit (a good solution even so). For the most part it sounds like he was trying to push me towards products he can resell and profit from but I have heard good recommendations on the shop so wanted to get some additional opinions.

Those of you with the OW kit - what is your experience/perspective on his comments above? I'm not sure that the kit for the 5th gen has been out long enough to experience leakage or need maintenance so I am assuming that he was referring to kits for previous generations?

And in particular his comment regarding the cold weather impacting performance - why would it affect the OW setup vs any other? None of this is my area of expertise but it doesn't seem to quite add up.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Ryan- I went to Safri LTD to have my bumper and suspension installed there about 4-1/2 months ago. No problems to date. I bought all my own parts for them to install. I went ahead and had the ARB OME 3" lift installed. So far I couldn't be happier with my choice on and off road. Owner is a real grump, but the tech's/ sales team are awesome. Justin is your man for parts!
 
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