OME BP-51 Install Report and Height Adjustment

so if I turn the ring to the right, (increasing rebound on the indicator) that decreases the speed of the shock extending?

 

correct. Increasing rebound makes it slower.

 

awesome. I’m really glad I asked. Based on the directions in the kit I was thinking the exact opposite.

 

Basically at "1" on compression and rebound will be at it's lightest setting and "softest" ride, or bounciest ride. I believe that is correct.

 

Pulled the leafs today and removed the 3rd leaf to take it from an HD pack to a medium duty pack. Definitely a better ride since I don’t have any weight back there. I also replaced the spring spacers (yellow) with the newer ARB ones. To be honest, I’m not sure they helped much. But they were cheap. Greasing everything got rid of all the squeaking (yessssss!!!). Now I’ll just have to dial in the compression and rebound after driving on it for awhile.

 

I can’t remember if compression & rebound can be adjusted while the truck is on the ground.
Thanks!

 

it can be adjusted while on the ground.

 

Just had the final ride height set on my lift to 13mm. That got rid of the rubbing issues in both wheel wells. So, now I’m ready to start experimenting with the comp/reb settings.

Using these recommended settings for the added weight. Looking to smooth out the ride on washboard, set at 1 comp/2 reb right now, going to 2 comp/4 reb and will see how that feels.

 

Thanks!!

 

@Merlin88 - I have a separate thread on this (posted yesterday) but believe the early demise of my Cooper ST MAXX’s may have been partly due to my BP-51 settings. The irregular wear patterns (tire cupping and patch wear) would point to bad or worn out suspension in a normal car or truck but I may have just had my settings too low.
The tires were chalk tested and run at full contact psi, correct alignment and rotated every 5k.
I’ve heard some others have had similar issues with ST MAXX so my BP-51 settings may have just exacerbated the issue.
I was set at 1 Comp & 1 rebound in front and same in rear. No heavy add ons on front or back.
Getting new tires this week and plan to set to 2 Comp 4 rebound on both front and rear.

What do you guys think about 2 Comp & 4 Rebound all around?

Mostly city/highway with 4 trips to a friends ranch every year. Rocky trails & washboard

 

@triumph65, I have about 630lbs of added weight and I’m on new KO2’s with about 1k on them that haven’t been rotated, so I have no issues there.

According to ARB’s installation guide I should be set between 2-6 comp and 6-10 rebound for the weight I’ve added.

So, you don’t have any added weight, and the 2 comp 4 rebound setting is recommended for 0-440lbs. I would say 2/4 comp rebound would be the highest setting for your setup? Maybe a 1/2 setting for a little more comp and a quicker rebound would alleviate the cupping issues running no added weight?

I’m hoping the 2/4 setting will smooth out the washboard bumps delivered to me in the drivers seat.

 

@Merlin88 - Thanks!! I may start at 2 & 4 and see how that does for the new tires. It was a PITA to diagnose and drive with these damned tires the last 10,000 miles. It’s super loud and like driving on marbles at slow speeds.

 

Wow, I’m not having any of that noise from my tires, actually was surprised at how quite the 6 ply KO2’ are!

 

That just doesn't make logical sense. The trucks in alignment or not, the rebound/comp settings aren't going to change things for the tires. The sts probably just wear quickly. I had 65k on my toyos, all with the bp-51s and they still had life in them. Just don't want to go through another winter on them. But then again, I bought them because they are longer lasting tires

 

@roth_nj - You may indeed be right but I’m all out of other answers. Just figured I’d raise the Rebound/Comp and rule that out

 

They were fine when new and undamaged. They are 255/80/17. Not many tires in that size, only BFG’s are the mud terrain. I was super diligent about chalk tests, inflation, rotation and alignment. only thing I changed wa s the BP-51 Comp/Rebound so figured I’d go to 2 & 4 and just rule that out for my new tires.

 

What book was this information in?

 

Don’t know, something I found online searching for the BP-51 installation guide. Since I didn’t get one with my kit, I wanted a reference on setting recommendations for comp/reb. That was posted on a discussion board I believe. Only thing I’ve been able to find on added weight and initial comp/reb setup for BP-51’s, looked legit!

 

Isn’t 1 rebound the most quick rebound setting? As in the shock extending back fastest. I would think I would deff want to dial in some rebound damping. Was it bouncy at all at 1/1? I’m thinking 2/4 or even 1/4 would ride more plush with less bounce. But I havnt put my bp’s on yet, this is just from my recent studying and understanding of the comp/ rebound setting.

That’s too bad to hear on your experience on the st Maxx’s. I just got a set of them and know a lot of others love and have a lot of good things to say about them. I’m hoping for the best.

 

@blitzkrieg3002 - I’ve done a ton of research and talked to several mechanics, tire and alignment folks in town. I’m now convinced it was my rebound setting. The type of wear I have comes from bouncy suspension. I think my “1” setting on rebound was my issue.
I’m actually embarrassed to admit it but I jumped up & down on my sliders and got bouncing. I think even a rebound of 2-3 would be immensely better.
I think your ST MAXX will be fine