Old Man Emu setups on 1st gens

Nice.
(Also in the same boat, Wheeler's told me August for the AAL)

 

Did you install your OME kit already or are you waiting for the AALs?

 

I haven't installed yet just because of weather, but I decided not to wait, going to get on it later this week, just because that was an estimate and you never know...could be longer.

 

That's exactly what I thought. It's easy enough to put on so I didn't want to let it hold me up. Post up some pics of your rig when you get it all installed!

 

Here are some pics of my truck with the 883 coils in front and Dakar’s with aal in the back.

 

I’ve got about 500 miles on my full kit (881s and Dakars with nitrochargers all around) and here’s my initial thoughts.

1. The ride is stiffer than I expected. I’m not saying that in a bad way. It is not harsh and I have waaaay more stability than I did on the worn out stock stuff.

2. Handling is great. Steering feels more confident and cornering is really good at high speeds. There’s an S-curve I drive twice a day on a 75 mph road. Before I had to slow down to 65-70 to feel comfortable. Now I can take it at 75 mph easily with no lean or feeling that if I hit a bump that I’d lose control.

3. While the overall ride is stiff it is much more controlled on rough roads and especially over large road imperfections at high speeds. Before I’d hit bigger imperfections and kind of hold on for dear life and the truck would kind of bounce one way or another. Now it just absorbs the bumps and I’m in complete control. Before it felt like the tires were actually losing contact with the ground but not anymore.

4. So far I’ve seen about an inch of settling in the rear and none in the front. I still have about an inch of rake. I hauled 400 lbs of feed and a 200 lb feeder about 200 miles. Minimal squatting in the rear and the ride was amazing while loaded. I’m super happy that I can load this thing up now and not feel like I’m on the bump stops. Speaking of bump stops I still need some taller ones for the rear but I can’t decide what to get. I’ll refrain from anything crazy until I get some installed.

Overall I’m happy and I think the kit was worth the investment especially for what I will use it for (hunting and daily driving).

 

Guys have a few questions I have a 1999 xtra cab 4x4 2.7 5 speed.

1: should I go with 880 up front since I have stock bumper?
2: will I need new UCA ?
3: will I need longer cv axles?
4: if I rain the Dakar spring will this make my truck level with the 880 up front?
5: will I have to re route emergency brake bake on my truck?
6: do I need the front 10MM spacer for the front with 880 to make it level with the rear with Dakar?
7: I have 17X8.5 with +7 off set and 5” back spacing, can I run these wheels with no issues? They are fuel vectors!

I assume you all are using your diff drops with the kit?


Thanks, I’ve read about 20 plus pages so far and it’s helped me allot just had a few direct questions before I pull the trigger!

 

IMO 881,s up front. I’ve had mine on for over 10 years and you can see the details of my truck in my signature.

That ARB bumper was not planned but I am glad that the 881s hold it up nice. Your truck will be heavier than mine with the extra cab.

I did use a differential drop kit.

I will let others chime in on your other questions.

 

What degree shims did you go with? Have some slight vibrations now

 

Well what do you know, both my axle boots have ripped on the spindle side. Maybe I do need a diff drop.

 

Here's what I can answer:

2: You do not need a new UCA to run the lift, but many people recommend upgrading. I did not upgrade when I installed mine and it rides fine for now, but maybe one day when I'm sitting on some change I will.
3: You don't need longer CV axles, but their angle will be much greater due to the diff being higher. That's why a diff drop is recommended.
4: Not sure what you mean on this one - can you elaborate?
5: I did not re-route my emergency brake line and all is fine!

Hope this helps - I'm very happy with my OME lift so far!

 

4: if I ram the Dakar in the rear with OME sling up front will my rear set taller then the front? I want a level truck if I were to lift it!

 

Original boots?

If so, I’d guess the old rubber just doesn’t like the new position.

A diff drop won’t help much

 

Still not sure what you mean by ramming the Dakars...

Jk!

I'm not sure how it'll sit with the 880's. You do have a camper shell so I would guess the additional weight would bring it down a little bit!

 

OME Lift kit w/882 coils. Stock front bumper currently. Dakar Leaf Packs in back.
Sway Bar was removed. The truck rolls and leans in corners, and is much different in feel. I find on the highway, I have to drive the truck.
Import Direct Extended CV Axles installed.
Chassis Unlimited (PC'd) Winch Bumper (winch planned) Ordered 5/29/2021. Received 7/15/2021
XO-FAB Rock Sliders Ordered 4/19/2021- Received 6/9/2021 - Install is the 25th.
AAL planned as soon they arrive. Waiting.
I also have a Leer Canopy over the bed.
In the bed is a matching spare, High-Lift, Recovery items, etc.

I'm hoping after all mentioned above, the configuration can carry the load proficiently.

 

Yeah most likely originals. I'll put some new boots in and see what happens.

 

Post up a picture of your angles if you haven’t

 

One of my originals (1999 with 196k) broke after my lift but I think it was just time. My angles are good with 881s and no diff drop. I’m going to replace the CV axle and I think I’ll be good to go.

 

Has anyone had to install axle shims? I noticed a driveline vibration right after I installed Dakars (no AAL). Only notice it from 5mph-25mph and the alignment and tire balance is perfect. Trying to figure this last part out.

Thanks

 

Boots are a PITA to change. Easy to do but a pain. If you don’t do any serious wheeling just swap axles with most parts house axles and get a lifetime warranty. Whichever you choose, unclip the inside boot of both side and stretch inward on the axle opening the ribs some. You may need to burp some air into it to keep them popped out. Then put a hose clamp or heavy zip tie on them and cinch them down tight. It’ll keep the ribs from rubbing new holes with the increased angles.