OME suspension ordered. What am I missing..

Thanks for all the info. I was mainly interest to see if I required any extra parts for levelling it out but it seems like I should be good apart from installing a new head unit. I also plan on rotating my lug nuts and replacing my tailgate bushings, just to be on the safe side.......I'll be sure to post pics.
I had the leafs replaced by Toyota about 10km ago and after 1 trip in the bush they sound like a squeaky old mattress.

 

If you expect original style dakars (not the new style with isolaters) to be any better squeak wise.... you will be SORELY disappointed.

 

Kidney belt too if you're going on anything but pavement. Gonna be rougher than a cob without a fair bit of weight

 

My last vehicle was a 77 fj40. Nothing I'm not used too. When I go in the bush I normally have a full load of gas cans, coolers etc.

 

Just finished the install. I did it myself (no help) in my driveway as I got a couple of quotes that ranged from 5.5 hrs to "as long as it takes". From start to finish I was slightly over 4 hrs and that included 2 trips to get a new 19mm wrench and a deep 22 mm socket for the u bolts.

Over all fairly simple but heavy. My driveway is old and the asphalt is rough which didn't help my knees. The creeper was pretty much useless on the rough surface.

Fronts were straight forward, I used the weight of the truck and a 3 ton floor jack to decompress the old coil overs and install the new. I installed the 885s and the truck was nearly off of the jack stands getting the bolt on. Anything heavier might be an issue with this technique.

The rears were even easier. Just nuts and bolts and nothing worth writing about except having to cut the tops off of the old shocks due to rust. I probably could have gotten them off with a little heat and PB buster but I was in a hurry.

I ordered through 4Wheel parts in Montreal and they forgot to send me the driveline spacer so I'll install that later.

Had the alignment done at Crappy tire. It wasn't that far out from reading the report.

Initial thoughts: (road driving only)

It's not a rough as I thought it would be. Its stiff, but its what I would expect from a heavier suspension. The stock system was like riding in a Crown Vic and way too spongy. I drove over a couple of bad streets with speed bumps only at this point but I think the system is simple stiff vs bone jarring rough.

Did a highway run this morning on the way to work and I was very impressed. Better response than the stock system, better feedback and actually seemed quieter. I could not detect any vibration or new noise. Not over the wind noise anyway.

The Dakars have the anti squeak spacers so I'm hoping I will be immune from the squeaks that I have read about.

Overall impression: Fantastic! Can't believe I never did this before. This is what Toyota should be doing at the factory.

Thanks for all of the info and insight. Here's a couple of pics. Should be obvious which is before and after.

Matt

 

2-1/2" front lift. 2" rear lift. Rides and drives excellent. Stock UCAs netted 2.2 degree pos caster. Steering centers on its own and does not pull or wander. Ran a set of Duratracs almost 75,000 with no unisual wear. Caster beyond that is hard on the life of the steering rack.

Used Bilstein 5100s and OME 885s with Deavers 2" AAL. UCAs do NOT rub coils at full droop.

Currently running Cooper STT PRO 285/75r16s. Road force balance tires....makes suspension seem even better!

 

I went with OME as well similar setup with Dakars and I've been completely happy. The lift isn't over the top, it's quite comfortable on road and capable off road. I'm adding an ARB bumper and winch. Hoping the 885's will do well with the added weight / little sag. I've heard mixed reviews between needing the 886s vs 885s with an extra 160 lbs on front. I'll post thoughts after I get it on and run it a bit. Congrats on the new gear, you'll like the ride and look after install. I too stuck with stock UCA and alignment came in okay. Adjustments on LCAs are locked up (not sure if that is common) and Toyota didn't want to perform any work on them under warranty.

 

I know it's an old thread but does the kit come with longer u bolts and hardware for the leaf springs?

 

Yes, if you get the kit through Headstrong. New U-bolts and new hardware.

-J

 

Cheers. I'm in Canada and they are shut down until Aug 17 anyway. A leaf spring went flat so I need something soon