Old Man Emu springs and shocks.

[Mushroom_Cap]

I realize OME springs and shocks have been discussed ad nauseam in various threads on this site. However, I have not been able to find a thread specific to OME; rather, most of the OME stuff I have found/read has been in the bowels of many threads broadly discussing various suspension brands, as well as spacer options, tires, and so on. I'm hoping to keep this specific to OME springs and shocks.

So, I own a 2008 sport 4x4 with XREAS. About 100,000miles on the OD. Suspension is all OEM, no lift, nothing. It has the ugly factory rake which I hate. I've owned the vehicle for about 4 years and have noticed that the suspension is starting to ride pretty crappy. Time to upgrade!

After doing a lot of reading on this site, talking to some guys at the local 4x4 shop, and so on, I've decided that I want to replace all 4 springs and the XREAS shocks with all OME. I'm hoping to hear from people who have gone all OME, what part #'s they used, and if they are happy with the set up or if they would choose different next time around. Also pictures would be great!

My goal is to bring the front end up 2.5-3 inches and the rear 1-2 inches. I also plan to go up one tire size after the suspension job to 265/70/17 from 265/65/17. I want the rear to sit a bit higher than the front (at least an inch) as when we load the vehicle with camping gear and hook up our quad or boat trailer I don't want the rear looking "saggy."

Alright, starting with OME's website. For the front springs for a 03-09 4Runner they list the #884 (1 inch lift), the #885 (2 inch lift), and the #886 (2.5 inch lift).

For the rear springs OME lists the #895, #896, and #897 which they all say will lift the read 2 inches.

On ToyTech's website they give different (probably more realistic) lift #'s.

For the front springs they list the #883 (1.5" lift), 884 (2" lift) and 885 (2" lift). For the rear they have the "895 at 2" lift (same as OME) and also have the 895e with a 1.5" lift.

In an excellent thread started by ARK_SWAMP_RIDER in 2011 OME lifts is discussed and he gives the following #'s.

• Front coils-should provide 2.5”-3” lift for listed application
- 883-Good for leveling the front with stock rear-approx 1.5" lift
- 884-For use on stock weight v6
- 885-For use on stock weigh v8, or v6 with added weight
- 886-For use on v8 with added weight
- Front coils often combined with ¼” thick spacer for a full 3” lift
• Rear coils
- 895e-stock weight, 1” lift
- 895-stock weight, 2” lift, over 40% stiffer than stock
- 896-weight added, 2” lift

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/102272-4th-gen-suspension-options-faq.html

I find it a bit confusing that different sites are listing different lift heights for the same parts!!

I am pretty darn sure I want the #884 springs in the front which I'm HOPING will lift the front 2.5 to 3". No more no less. In the rear I am undecided between the 895 and 895e. Yes OME recommends the 895e in the rear with 884 in the front. However on a diff thread on this site (sorry can't find it right now) a user wrote that he had the 884/895e combo and it looked nose high. He also said he contacted OME and they said the 883 was meant to go with the 895e, and they swapped him the 884s for some new 883s and he was much happier with the result.

I'm not so worried about the shock/strut parts #s but if anyone cares to mention those as well that would be great. I'm mainly concerned with getting the lift from the front and rear springs how I want it. Looking forward to build recipes and especially pictures. Thanks in advance

Oh and if it helps matters my current measurements are 32.5" from the ground to the bottom of the wheel well in the front, and 35.5 in the rear. Or if you go from the center of the wheel it's 18.75" in the front and 21.75" in the rear.

 

[Frontline]

I have a 2004 v8 limited and just put on one springs and shocks. I went with 885 in front and 895e in the rear they are amazing. Little bouncy when unloaded but with four people they are smooth as glass. And when hammering down rollers and my nearby trail that absolutely shine. This combination sets the truck level. With the 40% increase in spring strength in the rear I don't expect it to sag with people and gear.

 

[Mushroom_Cap]

I have a 2004 v8 limited and just put on one springs and shocks. I went with 885 in front and 895e in the rear they are amazing. Little bouncy when unloaded but with four people they are smooth as glass. And when hammering down rollers and my nearby trail that absolutely shine. This combination sets the truck level. With the 40% increase in spring strength in the rear I don't expect it to sag with people and gear.

I believe ARB/OME recommends the 885s if you have the V8 or extra weight in the front (bumper/winch).

I am planning to go 884 in the front. Just not sure if 885 or 885e is the right call for the rear.

When we load up with camping gear I bet there is a good 200lbs of gear in the back. Maybe more. If we tow the quad trailer or boat trailer...I'm not sure of the tongue weight...but the arse end probably drops a good inch...maybe a bit more.

Definitely don't want the vehicle looking saggy when loaded up and towing. Although I hate the look of the current rake, the vehicle does sit/look decent when loaded down and towing.

Will have to hear from a few others and do a bit more research before deciding. I know the 885s give a bit more ride height, and I do believe they are a fair bit firmer/stiffer as well (?)

 

[Beater]

Running front and rear OME here...

In the front I have 883 springs with 90021 shocks. As well as a trim packer on the driver side to help with lean.

On the rear I have the 895E springs with 60004 shocks with a trim packer as well on the driver side.

I originally had the 884 springs on the front and my truck was riding nose high. Although based off measurements, I was "level." But based off the eye test, my front was a tad bit higher. I wasn't happy with this and I swapped out for the 883 springs and now my front sits about .90'' lower than the rear.

Pic:

 

[Beater]

And also, the member you are referencing is [MENTION=113467]MN4RNR[/MENTION] and he too went through the same scenario as me and went from the 884 to the 883 springs.

His thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/199352-sammy-build-exploration-thread.html (Which is what ultimately impulsed me to swap out my 884's)


Based off what I've read here, if you run the 884 springs, go with the 895 rear springs to have the rear slightly higher than the front.

And from my experience with the 883/895E springs, I have loaded up the rear on different occasions, from a utility trailer with 1.5 yards of gravel, to camping gear packed in the rear of the T4R, and a aluminum fishing boat, and my rear did not sag lower than the front.

 

[MN4RNR]

Nicely done!

 

[MN4RNR]

I believe ARB/OME recommends the 885s if you have the V8 or extra weight in the front (bumper/winch).

I am planning to go 884 in the front. Just not sure if 885 or 885e is the right call for the rear...

Will have to hear from a few others and do a bit more research before deciding. I know the 885s give a bit more ride height, and I do believe they are a fair bit firmer/stiffer as well (?)

884 in the front I would definately go with 895 in rear.
Just so folks don't get confused. 88x series is up front. 89x is the rear for our vehicle kits.

In response to the last question the 883, 884, 885 are same rate just progressively taller. 886 is taller and a little higher spring rate. If you mean rear 895s than yes those are about 40% stiffer than stock. 896s are extra stiff, 70some % over OEM, but according to the chart supplied here http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/162125-coil-rates-oem-4runner-oem-fj-moog-others.html are the same length as 895s.

Don't forget the 2 front shock options as well. The newer 90021 are said to be valved a bit softer for all around comfort whereas the 90000 are more stout.

 

[MN4RNR]

I originally had the 884 springs on the front and my truck was riding nose high. Although based off measurements, I was "level." But based off the eye test, my front was a tad bit higher. I wasn't happy with this...

Exactly my experience.

 

[Mushroom_Cap]

Sweet thanks guys! So let's see here...

Seems the consensus for springs is to go 883/895e, or 884/895. That is, if you want a slight rake when it is all said and done.

I emailed ARB, told them what I wanted to achieve which their components (basically copied and pasted my OP for this thread), and they wrote back and said to go with 885 springs and 90000 struts in the front, and 895e springs and 60004 shocks in the rear.

Huh? I don't know why they'd tell me to go with the 895s in the front considering I have the V6 with factory bumper and no winch. Don't plan to follow the advice of whoever replied to my email.

Also went into the local place that sells ARB and got their opinion. Guy recommended 884 + 90000 in the front and 895 + 60004 in the rear. However it was just a young kid more or less spouting off what his computer screen told him was a "good match." Place just sells OME they don't install it.

I think I'll trust this forum and people who actually have the stuff installed in their 4 Runner. With this in mind...

I plan to go with the 884 springs in the front. Best strut match? I want what will generally "soak up" the bumps, ruts, pot holes etc the best on crappy roads. What would ya'll go with on the 884s? I'm leaning towards the more "stout" ride of the 90000s instead of the 90021s.

For the rear I think I'll go with the 895 springs. Seems like the same 4Runners come out a bit different (lift height) front and rear with the same components (don't really get why???). I'd be pissed if it came out more or less level with the 895e springs in the back. I want that s-l-i-g-h-t rake of say 1" higher in the back.

Beater: In your pic are those the 265/65/17 tires? I think it looks pretty darn good the way it turned out!

When the existing 265/65/17s wear out on my T4R I plan to go up one size to 265/70/17.

 

[NinjaOne]

I have OME 884 on Bilstein shocks in the front, Daystar 1.5" with Bilsteins in the rear. Very slight reverse rake (bump stop wasn't installed in the rear due to oversight, it'll get fixed eventually and the extra .25 or .5" would make it level)

'04 V8, forgot to measure pre-lift but think I got a generous 2.5" in the front

Stock rims with 265/65/17 Falken Rocky Mountain

 

[Beater]

Beater: In your pic are those the 265/65/17 tires? I think it looks pretty darn good the way it turned out!

When the existing 265/65/17s wear out on my T4R I plan to go up one size to 265/70/17.

Yeah those are with stock tire size, 265/65/17. I plan to at least go to a 265/70/17 by next winter, but I will also look into running a 285/70/17 :clap2:



For the short time (3-4 weeks) I had my 884 w/90021 set up, I felt the ride was great. It was comfortable yet firmer than stock, and it soaked up road imperfections great.

1st picture: the 883 set up again:

2nd picture: is the 884, although its not a great picture, and the ground isn't level, and the lighting a bit dark :smash:

 

[Mushroom_Cap]

I like the way both look! Tough choice!

Leaning towards the 884s in the front and the 895s in the rear. Sometimes when we go through deep ruts the skid plate will scrape a bit. I reckon the extra bit of lift in the front *might* make that bit of extra difference and get that nose up a touch higher.

Still need to think about this and go back over the #'s and pictures.

As for the front shocks...again tough choice! Leaning towards the 90000 front struts. Really don't like the squishy XREAS that's in it now. Want the new suspension to feel more truck like. However when we hit little bumps in the road I want it to soak them up as much as possible. More of a "quad" like ride I am hoping.

I'm sure either struts will be fine but I'm a bit of a perfectionist. Plus I figure if I'm going fairly high end with OME I better try and get it as "right" as possible.

Unfortunately I can't get the shop to put in one set of front springs...mmm...nope don't like it please rip it out and put in the other set....same with the shocks......mmm....nope a bit too firm...please put in the softer ones.

I'll have to take my best guess on what matches what I'm looking for, get them to install it, and hope to hell I'm happy with it!

Not sure what US prices are like but in Canada the parts are going to run me about $1500 taxes in and the install + alignment about $500.

 

[Mushroom_Cap]

I have a 2004 v8 limited and just put on one springs and shocks. I went with 885 in front and 895e in the rear they are amazing. Little bouncy when unloaded but with four people they are smooth as glass. And when hammering down rollers and my nearby trail that absolutely shine. This combination sets the truck level. With the 40% increase in spring strength in the rear I don't expect it to sag with people and gear.

Hey Frontline, do you happen to know what front struts you have? Are they OME? If so they should be 90000 (firmer), or 90021 (softer).

I have pretty much decided I want to go with 885 coils in the front and 895 coils in the rear. I like the slight bit of extra front end lift you get from the 884 compared to the 883 coils. And in the rear it seems if you go with the 895e coils you are going to be at level on the measuring tape and a little nose high visually. I want a definite slight rake in the rear to accommodate occasional towing and loading the rear of the vehicle to the t**s!!

I believe the 60004 shocks are the only rear option. I'll have to check the OME site again. However in the FRONT you have the 2 options. Still undecided.

 

[Frontline]

Hey Frontline, do you happen to know what front struts you have? Are they OME? If so they should be 90000 (firmer), or 90021 (softer).



I have pretty much decided I want to go with 885 coils in the front and 895 coils in the rear. I like the slight bit of extra front end lift you get from the 884 compared to the 883 coils. And in the rear it seems if you go with the 895e coils you are going to be at level on the measuring tape and a little nose high visually. I want a definite slight rake in the rear to accommodate occasional towing and loading the rear of the vehicle to the t**s!!



I believe the 60004 shocks are the only rear option. I'll have to check the OME site again. However in the FRONT you have the 2 options. Still undecided.

The shocks are from OME. I purchased the full set from Toytec from their website. I got the pre-assembled front struts with the diff drop and had a shop in stall everything. I absolutely love the set up. If it ever stops raining will take a few photos for you. With the V8 I would not want anything softer in the front. The rears are firm when empty but with gear and people in the rig it softens right out and is a plush ride. We did a 400 mile trip today and it road amazing. Now just need the new seats and the vehicle will be amazing.

 

[jahmes143]

Another option to address rear sag would be to add air bags. Very cheap (under $100) and simple install. With bags you don't need to get a stiff rear spring for towing because the bags do the work. Just a thought

 

[bergs]

I'm approaching 70,000 miles on my OME setup. I couldn't tell you the spring numbers off the top of my head but the softest they offer is what I went with. This setup coupled with 265/70's, at least IMO, is how the vehicle should have come from the factory.

Not sure the rear will squat as much as you think, even with camping gear. I am semi-regularly loaded with 80lbs+ in the cargo area in addition to frequent Towing of a B-series Kubota. The short wheel base makes the weight look worse than it actually is. I'll post a pic tomorrow but after 2 years I am still very pleased with how the OME suspension has been but having that weight in the cargo area is hardly noticeable.

 

[jgmx893]

Yeah those are with stock tire size, 265/65/17. I plan to at least go to a 265/70/17 by next winter, but I will also look into running a 285/70/17 :clap2:



For the short time (3-4 weeks) I had my 884 w/90021 set up, I felt the ride was great. It was comfortable yet firmer than stock, and it soaked up road imperfections great.

1st picture: the 883 set up again:

2nd picture: is the 884, although its not a great picture, and the ground isn't level, and the lighting a bit dark :smash:

Sorry to just jump into this thread, but thanks for posting these pics up. Your truck is so cleanly done, and those level 6's are awesome. That's the set up I was thinking of (with the OME lift) and you just convinced me that that's what I'll do when I get around to lifting. Along with a flowmaster 50 series for a little more rumble.

 

[bergs]

A few days late on the pics but here's an example of my loaded 4Runner. In each pic I have about 150lbs of weight in the cargo area in addition to the tractor in tow, with and without the backhoe attached

About 2" of rear sag that cannot be felt in the driver's seat.

EDIT: I don't know why, in the bottom pic, my front tire looks larger than the rear. All 4 tires are 265/70-17.

 

[wadle5]

EDIT: I don't know why, in the bottom pic, my front tire looks larger than the rear. All 4 tires are 265/70-17.

Just an illusion. More open space/negative space around the front since it is lifted whereas the rear is squatted thus preventing more space to trick your mind. That's all. Cool tractor layball:

 

[Mushroom_Cap]

Thanks for the pics Bergs. Your tractor + trailer likely has more tongue weight than my boat, but, respectfully, I don't want mine to look saggy when towing.
Hoping the 884/895 spring combo works for me.

Right now vehicle has about a 3" rake. With just the boat hooked up I bet it drops 1-1.5". With the boat hooked up and the vehicle loaded to the tits with camping gear I bet it drops another inch. With the firmer rear OME springs should be no problem I think.

Sigh...I'm still having trouble deciding what struts and shocks to get. To recap options are:

Front: 90021 (softer) or 90000 (firmer)
Rear: 60004 (softer) or 60005 (firmer)

I wrote ARB and they wrote back saying "The "softer" version is still going to be a little firmer than the OE shock/strut. The "firmer" version is generally used with a vehicle with some weight on it but I have seen guys who want that "racy" feel use them with an unloaded vehicle."

Hmmmm....somewhat helpful I guess. But still undecided:wacko:

The suspension shop where I plan to get the work done recommends the 90000 in the front and 60004 in the rear.

I am hoping whatever combo I go with really shines on rough roads. Washboard, bumps, dips, ruts, rocks, etc. I don't care so much about cornering etc around town. I drive pretty tame around town, to and from work, etc. However when we go off road I want to be able to cruise at 30 mph or whatever and really feel the OME suspension soak things up!

Anyone have any advice?

My thinking is to follow the suspension shops advice. 60004s (softer) in the rear makes sense as the coils are already 40% stiffer than stock I think. The 600005s might make it too stiff.

For the front I might lean towards the 90000s. My thinking is the struts are going to "soften up" as they age (esp with the hunting fishing roads we drive on in the fall) so perhaps best to go with the stiffer ones.