OME 891 harshness

[So Many Roads]

plan to re-use the stock coils with 5100's on the fifth perch...

That is going to be a harsh ride up front. That, coupled with 891's in the rear that are designed for carrying a load doesn't sound like a good solution. I'd slow down, figure out what will work well for you, and lift it once. Might make sense to pay full price for some 881's up front & 890's in the rear.

 

[Nunyabiz]

What shocks are you using in the back? Is the ride "nice" according to you AND the wifey even when unloaded?

Man, this is hard. I mean, we want to go camping a lot and want a boat, small camper trailer, etc. but that still only means probably a dozen times a year that the runner will have weight in the arse-end. The other 350 or so days it's the grocery-getter/commuter vehicle (just 4.5 mi each way).

They are Rancho Shocks.

Yes ride is perfectly fine and better than stock when no load at all in back.
Some of the ride preference that my wife likes about the 4Runner is actually the "seats" (2002 Sport Cloth) which she prefers over her Lexus Leather seats.
But for a TRUCK with over sized tires and 3" of lift it is a remarkably smooth ride in both my wifes and I opinion.
On our long trip we just got back from we both commented to each other numerous times during that 27 days that at our age there is no way we could have handled this many hours driving per day in a truck that wasn't as comfortable as the 4Runner. Such as my old 1985 Jeep Wrangler, OMG no way in hell we could have done that trip in that Jeep, it would have been torture.

It also can handle a big load in the back with ease.

I honestly cant understand how anyone wouldn't like the ride of the 891s. I assume it must have to do with the shocks, but the Rancho seems perfectly fine.
The truck is very stable.
Certainly one thing you don't want in a vehicle with 3" of lift on over sized tires is a mushy Cadillac type ride swaying/leaning around every corner.
I want my 4Runner to be able to do what I bought it for, travel with a good size load of camping gear if need be, tow a trailer, etc.
I cant imagine any other set up being better than the 883/891.

 

[tre9er]

That is going to be a harsh ride up front. That, coupled with 891's in the rear that are designed for carrying a load doesn't sound like a good solution. I'd slow down, figure out what will work well for you, and lift it once. Might make sense to pay full price for some 881's up front & 890's in the rear.

There are a few guys running this front setup and they seem pleased with it. My understanding is the softer OEM coils tend to make up for the fact that they're on the fifth perch. I don't really understand how it would make it harsher other than the valving on the shock may be stiffer when it's closer to extension, but the OEM coils are shorter than the TRDs and I believe softer, so I don't think the shock will be too compressed, right?

 

[techno]

For what it's worth....
I have the 890's with the older OME N86C shocks. (Tundra and N91S up front). Originally I used the N86 shock and after a few years I got tired of the harshness on bumpy roads so I switched them out for the N86C comfort version. 90% of my driving is unloaded. It was a noticeable improvement, but I would now rate the ride as very firm, not harsh. Based on my experience with the 890's, there is no way I would ever run 891's. If I had a constant load of 400lbs or more then it would be a different story, because the OME systems are excellent for that.
Now, to add another dimension, the handling with 890's is awesome! High speed (in 4runner terms) cornering is no problem, sharp steering inputs are controlled very well and the rebound control is superb. Slow speed offroad work is also great because the shocks compress easily at low rates.

 

[tre9er]

I pulled the trigger on the LC rear SHOCKS, now I just need to finalize my decision on springs. I'm prepared to go 7.5 & 8-wrap (that's the lowest combo, w/8 on the driver's side) AND remove the cone bumps, then extend my frame bumps. I don't crawl so I doubt I'll ever fully stuff a wheel, but I like knowing if I accidentally did, I have something stopping the shock from bottoming out.

BUT, I'd consider the 891's if someone can talk me into them because the lift isn't as high. Even with the cone bumps out, I'm looking at well over 3" of lift, meaning my front lift might need to be greater than planned.

 

[ugamurph]

I pulled the trigger on the LC rear SHOCKS, now I just need to finalize my decision on springs. I'm prepared to go 7.5 & 8-wrap

I just listed some LC coils here.

Edit:
SOLD now.

 

[moses91]

I have 891s in the rear with OME shocks. Paired with the Toytec coilovers it's very nice. It's possibly more comfortable than stock. The coils were used though so they were already passed their break in period.

Once you break them in, you'll probably like it.

what OME shocks in the rear do you have? How much weight do you carry constantly in the rear?

I also have the 891 coils and am looking for new struts to pair with them. i've got a few hundred lbs in the rear with bumper and build out.

 

[Endlessblockades]

what OME shocks in the rear do you have? How much weight do you carry constantly in the rear?

I also have the 891 coils and am looking for new struts to pair with them. i've got a few hundred lbs in the rear with bumper and build out.

That was 11 years ago.........

 

[ignatius J.]

what OME shocks in the rear do you have? How much weight do you carry constantly in the rear?

I also have the 891 coils and am looking for new struts to pair with them. i've got a few hundred lbs in the rear with bumper and build out.

Same boat as you. What'd you go with?

 

[pluton]

Way back in 2013 when i acquired my 4Runner, I got (on the advice of a local 4WD shop) OME 881 in front and 890 in the rear, with matching OME shocks. This was supposed to accommodate a heavy front bumper and several hundred pounds in the rear. After 9 years(!) I finally got the heavier bumper. When I load the 4R up with camping gear or equipment for work, it rides nice. When it's empty--which is 90-95% of the time--it's hard and stiff. One nice thing about heavy duty springs: If you mostly ride empty or lightly loaded, they never wear out!