OME kit purchase and self install suggestions

Hey guys,
I have finally made my mind up to get rid of my spacers and get a real lift. I am pretty sure I have decided on the OME complete lift ( ). From all the reading I have done, this is overall the best lift for the best price. However, the Billstein/Eibach lift is still on my mind and I have some questions before I pull the trigger on the OME kit. Hopefully some people that have had both can help me out.

1) What makes the OME superior to the Billstein/Eibach lift?
2) How is the ride going to be different between the two? (we have shitty roads in GA and a lot of them are dirt and gravel, so I'd like a decent ride that won't beat me to death. but anything is better than spacers i guess).
3) The Bill./Eib. lift is around 2.5'', right? And the OME will give me 3'' or a little over 3'', right?
4) Which one of these two lifts is going to give a more comfortable ride? I don't need it to ride like a Cadillac, but I don't want something that rides like my spacers ever again. It's a truck, and should ride like one, but not chatter my teeth out.
5) With the OME, I get top plate spacers. Are they going to ride rough like these 2.5'' spacers I already have? And which spacers am I getting with it, 1/4" or 1/2"?
6) I am in a double cab, I've found that I probably need the 885's. With the 885's, will the spacer even be needed, and if so, how much front lift will that give me? Essentially, the past two questions are asking which coils and spacers do I need to fit 285 and possibly 295 tires/get 3+" lift?
7) I've read that the diff. drop is pointless and might even cause more trouble, so should I just save my $30 and leave it off?
8) I already know that having a real front lift will make it ride better, but will these new, longer, rear shocks make the ride a little less bumpy as well?

Sorry to ask so many questions, I just want to do this right. I already messed up once by being naive and getting spacers. I just want something to ride good and give me the lift I want. I don't want the OME to ride so rough that I should have just kept my crappy spacers, but I don't want to get the Bill./Eib. and have a cheap lift. I already have the 2'' toytec AAL, so I'm not worried about rear lift. Unfortunately, the kit doesn't allow me to take them off, so they will probably be for sale on here.

Now to the install:

1) Does this kit include everything I will need to put it on at my house when I get it? (I know that I will need the tools and spring compressor, but does it have all of the lift related parts that I will need?)
2) How long would it take two people to put this on? Or how long did it take you?
3) Do you think it's reasonable and practical to put it on myself and know that it's done right, rather than paying hundreds for a shop to put it on?
4) Are there any extras or other things that I need to add on to my order to do this?
5) Can someone refer me to a thread or anything that would walk me through the process of doing this?

I know that's a ton of stuff guys. But I really want to do this right and I know that many of you have already done this and know the right way to do things. Hopefully you can share your experiences and info with me so that I can do things right.

Thanks a ton in advance!

 

help?

 

Long post gonna take a while to digest it

 

Sorry man, but thanks for replying. I just wanna spend this $700 the right way.

 

Go with complete ome lift from toytec. Ome has a solid reputation for dependable lifts. With top spacer should yield around 3" of lift. You will need new uca to get alignment perfect.

 

I need chris4x4 up in this bitch, lol.

 

thanks man. i was already in favor of OME anyway.

 

With the dc and 4x4, you are going to be about 2.5 out of the box with ome 885's, probably right about the same as the eibachs.

I don't have the eibachs, but do have the 5100's. They are ok but way stiffer than stock. I think the majority of folks are going to say the complete ome kit is going to give you the best ride. For good off road performance, on road performance, longevity, and durability, I would go ome over eibachs and 5100's.

 

But the top plate spacers should bump those 885's up to right at or a little over 3", right? Yeah, i thought about the 5100's set at 2.5'', but I figured i would just go all out and do it all in one shot.

 

Yeah if you want the full 3" get the top plates.

 

I'm answering the install questions based on my own experience with a coilover/UCA install up front and OME in the rear. Most of these are better answered by people that are more familiar with these particular kits.

5) With the OME, I get top plate spacers. Are they going to ride rough like these 2.5'' spacers I already have? And which spacers am I getting with it, 1/4" or 1/2"?
Dunno which you're getting, but no, it will be completely different. 2.5" spacers remove 2.5" of suspension travel, giving you that awful jarring ride you've been getting. .25 or .5 inches of plate, in comparison, isn't nearly the same thing. Your ride will be fine

7) I've read that the diff. drop is pointless and might even cause more trouble, so should I just save my $30 and leave it off?
I didn't diff drop, haven't regretted it. Additionally, http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/118545-remove-differential-drop-your-05-tacoma.html

8) I already know that having a real front lift will make it ride better, but will these new, longer, rear shocks make the ride a little less bumpy as well?
Possibly. The leaf spring will be the key there, most likely... if you get Dakar's, your ride should be softer than if you keep your AAL.

Nothing wrong with getting the rear OME shocks for the extra travel, you could always upgrade to a new leaf pack later if you decide to.

By the way, you can do just the front and not have to purchase the whole kit. Additionally, you may seriously look at toytec or other adjustable coilovers... then you can crank it to the level you like, adjust it if you decide to add a plate bumper or whatever, etc.

Now to the install:

1) Does this kit include everything I will need to put it on at my house when I get it? (I know that I will need the tools and spring compressor, but does it have all of the lift related parts that I will need?)
Yes, unless you want to get UCAs, which you may if you're lifting high enough.

2) How long would it take two people to put this on? Or how long did it take you?
Figure out about how long you think, then double that. I thought my UCAs, coilovers, rear leaf pack, and rear OME shocks would go on in about a day. It took 2.5. You can do it in a weekend, faster if you have somebody with experience helping you, but definitely give yourself time if you have to drive the truck to work Monday.

3) Do you think it's reasonable and practical to put it on myself and know that it's done right, rather than paying hundreds for a shop to put it on?
Yes. It'll take longer than you think, and then longer than you want it to, but you can get it on, and you'll be happy you did the work yourself.

4) Are there any extras or other things that I need to add on to my order to do this?
If you are getting 2.5"+ of lift (and really want to do this right) I would consider new UCAs, even though they're $$ (check out bud built). They can be added later, though.

5) Can someone refer me to a thread or anything that would walk me through the process of doing this?
There are stickies on how to do UCAs and front suspension, you can search the forum. Chris did a great writeup. Also, if you don't have a haynes manual, they're a good resource, I would get one.

 

Anybody got any input on the diff. drop? is it a waste of money?

 

I just gave you an epic dump of info, read it. http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/118545-remove-differential-drop-your-05-tacoma.html

 

OK, I'm a poor substitute for Chris4x4 but I'll kick this off and try to answer some of your questions... after all my setup was specd by Chris4x4 and I couldn't be happier Better get some reputation points for this (hint hint)... these are A LOT of questions. Yikes!


Q1) What makes the OME superior to the Billstein/Eibach lift?

A1) Preference. Billstein 5100s are a solid setup and probably can't be beat for the price. I love the ride quality of my OME setup and how it handles all road types from pavement to sans to crawling.

Q2) How is the ride going to be different between the two? (we have shitty roads in GA and a lot of them are dirt and gravel, so I'd like a decent ride that won't beat me to death. but anything is better than spacers i guess).

A2) OME is the best riding suspension I have ever experienced. I can do 80+ MPH on the highway smooth and confident, then hit the trails and they eat up the bumps and dips keeping my tires in contact with the dirt. Can't beat them.

Q3) The Bill./Eib. lift is around 2.5'', right? And the OME will give me 3'' or a little over 3'', right?

A3) Well, OME will "settle" and the resulting lift will vary depending on who you ask and where/when they got their shocks (differences in lot numbers?).. I went from over 3" to around 2.5" now after about 2 years of solid use.

Q4) Which one of these two lifts is going to give a more comfortable ride? I don't need it to ride like a Cadillac, but I don't want something that rides like my spacers ever again. It's a truck, and should ride like one, but not chatter my teeth out.

A4) OME. Billstein is a better value for sure since you can't beat that price. But OME has great ride quality and no noticeable "fade" during heavy repeated use like Billstein does.

Q5) With the OME, I get top plate spacers. Are they going to ride rough like these 2.5'' spacers I already have? And which spacers am I getting with it, 1/4" or 1/2"?

A6) What? Spacers are optional and NOT required/needed. Generally put them on to level out the vehicle if you wish. I needed them, put a winch and ARB bumper up front which added too much weight to not use them. Also, there is a trim packer to offset the "Tacoma Lean" caused by gas tank placement. I needed that also.

Q6) I am in a double cab, I've found that I probably need the 885's. With the 885's, will the spacer even be needed, and if so, how much front lift will that give me? Essentially, the past two questions are asking which coils and spacers do I need to fit 285 and possibly 295 tires/get 3+" lift?

A6) Yikes. You might find the 885's give you a bit of a rough jarring ride? Might want to consider the 886's? See my comments on above question regarding OPTIONAL spacers and trim packer. Yes, you will need the spacers to attain a 3" lift, but don't worry - I will settle some anyway and be more of a 2.5 - 2.75 lift likely.

Q7) I've read that the diff. drop is pointless and might even cause more trouble, so should I just save my $30 and leave it off?

A7) Your choice. The axle (half shaft articulation) is increased with a lift and likelihood of premature seal failures increase. I did the diff drop. It's super easy to do and might as well well you are down there, especially if you'll be putting on some new UCAs (which I highly recommend).

Q8) I already know that having a real front lift will make it ride better, but will these new, longer, rear shocks make the ride a little less bumpy as well?

A8) What rear shocks? The OME N182s? Do you have the rear leaf TSB? Better get that, or a new set of rear springs.. the springs are very important for rear ride quality, as important as the shocks.. I got the Dakar leaf setup and some longer U-bolts and longer brake lines for the rear.

Now to the install:
Q1) Does this kit include everything I will need to put it on at my house when I get it? (I know that I will need the tools and spring compressor, but does it have all of the lift related parts that I will need?)

A1) I have no idea, sorry? I got my stuff from Wheelers Offroad. Excellent reputation and very helpful staff got me setup with everything I needed. Slee Offroad would be another good choice. Kits can very on what all they include.. better ask them to list it all out for you.

Q2) How long would it take two people to put this on? Or how long did it take you?

A2) Took me one afternoon, about 5-6 hours. That included new UCAs (Total Chaos). And I worked alone. I have the front springs pre-compressed with the spacers by Wheelers as I don't have a press (and quite honestly that process scares me shitless anyway). It was very easy and stratforward if you had basic tools and a torque wrench helps, and latex gloves. Oh, and grease, buy grease.

Q3) Do you think it's reasonable and practical to put it on myself and know that it's done right, rather than paying hundreds for a shop to put it on?

A3) That depends. Judging by your questions I assume you have limited/no experience doing this before? If so then I'd think twice about doing it yourself. A reputable mechanic will only cost a few hundred bucks to do it right. Or, find someone with some prior experience to help out at least.

Q4) Are there any extras or other things that I need to add on to my order to do this?

A4) I'd give serious consideration to some new UCAs. Super easy to pop them on when you're already doing the shocks. The ruck will align better and have better articulation/handling. But stock should work also especially after they settle. Plan on going for an alignment immediately afterwards. Go ahead and get that scheduled ahead of time.

Q5) Can someone refer me to a thread or anything that would walk me through the process of doing this?

A5) There are several good ones on Tacoma World. Easy enough to find using the SEARCH box on the main page. Actually I think Chris4x4 has one on Tacoma World. Imaging that

 

Thanks man, those are some great answers. I thought about getting just the front lift, but with just doing the front shocks and coils, plus shipping, it's already at about $600. I figured I might as well just do it all. The adjustable coilovers (pre-assembled), you can pretty much just take the old out and put the new in? Along with some tweaking I'm sure. I think I will hold off on the UCA's for now. From what I've read on here, about half the people on here needed them and half didn't. It really just depends on how much lift I get. I will wait a little while and see how my tires wear before I go for those. I think I will end up doing the install myself along with a partner. At the most, I might get a local shop to assemble the coils for me if the price is ok. I just don't see the point in paying someone else to do something that I can do. I know it will take a while, but it's not worth that big of a chunk of my income to be lazy and not do it myself. Thanks again for taking the time to read and reply to this for me!

 

haha, sorry. I saw that right after i posted. thanks again.

 

Did self install on mine, got the OME toytec lift with spacers, took us around 5hrs.

 

Well, lots of people love the OME kit, and I won't say it's bad. I wanted the (potentially) better ride and adjustability of adjustable coilovers. I also got my Leepers for $500, though.

Yes, adjustable coilovers are just a pre-assembled shock + spring with a huge threaded end on top, you use a spanner wrench to preload the spring to adjust how much lift you want.

As far as install, you just unbolt the stock coilover, bolt in the new adjustable coilover, and crank it to where you want the lift. No spring compressors.

No problem, I figured, just giving you some shit.

 

Hey Jspadaro. I see the wisdom in that. If there is one shortcoming of OME it is with the limited adjustability to attain the "prefect" leveling of your vehicle. There are several spacer thicknesses available (2 or 3 I think) but changing them in and out is a painful process. Definitely advantages to the adjustable setups. Especially since you scored such a great price on yours. For me the difference in price was not worth it to get a perfectly dialed in setup, and I bought all the heavy "armor" I wanted at the same time. But for the OP, who is thinking of adding later this might be something to consider.

 

Yeah, different strokes. I mean we can all agree that blowing a cool $1000+ on adjustable Icons/Kings/Foxes is the best way to go for mid-travel (if money is no object), it just depends what you want.

I nearly went OME until the deal on the Leepers showed up... when it became $500 instead of $1000, I was sold.