Which Gen 1 lift kit is best for me?

I am torn between ToyTec ULK with Dakars and LR UCA vs OME with Dakars and LR UCA. I current have SAW 2.0 with stock rear leafs with about 45000 miles on the 2.0 and 85000 on the stock leafs. Which one of these kits is less headache in the long run. Looking for something maintenance free. And if anyone knows whether LR UCA provide more clearance or not because I would like to save for $$$ and keep my 4.5 BS wheels and fit 285's w/ running into clearance issues with the tires and the UCA.

 

OME no question. With the similar to factory strut design of the OME strut assembly it's going to hold up much better in the long run over other coilovers which are more exposed to road debris and the elements. Especially if you are in an area that salts the roads in the winter, the elements can be brutal on coilovers that need to be rebuilt and refurbished frequently in harsh climates or environments. The OME struts will handle those harsh conditions much better without the need to be rebuilt.

If you get the Dakars, I highly suggest getting the D6XL AAL to go with them. The Dakars on their own provide the advertised lift and ride very well but do not have good load capacity. The addition of the AAL takes care of the load capacity issue and does not diminish ride quality.

 

I live in Nor Cal and my SAW are almost brand new aside from the mileage on them. Which OME kit is best? No winch or bumpers for me. I just want it leveled and able to clear 285's. My only love for CO is the ability to adjust them to the height I need without guess of the coil spring lift or leafs will match because we all have different setup and person driving. Do I need longer brake lines and do I need a trim kit for the driverside lean or to get a full 3"?

 

Like Adam said, the OME is a great setup and will serve you well with minimal maintenance.

The longer brake lines are a good idea both front and rear. The UCAs may not be really necessary, unless you are doing some major and repeated flexing. Keeping the stock UCAs may be an opportunity to save some $$$.

Fitting the 285s will require some trimming or reshaping of the pinch weld in the front, you will also need roughly 3.75" backspaced wheels or wheel spacers to get the tire off the frame. In the rear, you should get an axle relocation plate to center the wheel in the wheelwell. Without it, you will have some pretty good rubbing on the front of the fender arch.

I guess I should add, that this is what I found on my truck, everyone is different.

 

Ultimately, it boils down to what YOU want and what ride quality you want. I have heard great things about both set ups. My personal opinion would be the Old Man Emu setup, those seem to be bullet proof and built for years of rugged off road use. Both viable options however.

 

Boo hate the word cutting and pinch weld. Sighh...only reason for the lift is because the SAW and stock leafs needs to be replaced and not cost and reasonable to just replace it with stock height stuff like a new set of coilovers and Wheelers 4 leaf.

 

@jdmcq do you have pics of your build?

 

Jdmcq, every time I see your Sig pic,I, classic.

 

I never did a build thread on this forum. You can visit it on . It is not totally up to date though. I have since added OME 882 coils, the axle relocation plates, wheel spacers and 285/75/16 tires.

This is what it looks like now:

 

I love that pic. So appropriate for those two guys.

 

How much would that yield? And what rear kit should I match with the Eibach and 5100's?

 

I was hoping for a rear leaf kit that would match the Eibach...anyone know?

 

Call and talk to Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters about the OME stuff. He knows more about that stuff that just about anyone on the planet and has good prices too. He can steer you to the right coils etc for what you need.

 

What if I didn't want any lift at all but replace the stock coils and rear stock leafs? Will I go with 880 on ext cab and Wheelers 4 pack leaf?

 

why? I've only read great things about OME kits. More spendy than 5100s w/eibachs and an AAL, but a much better ride as well.

 

I would consider Eibach but they are out of stock from ToyTec.

 

Nope. I have not ridden in a truck with either setup. I'm genuinely asking why you laugh at OME. I know tons of people on this forum are happy with their 5100/eibach combo, but I've also read a lot of posts of people raving about OME. I'm sure the 5100 combo is a great budget setup, but from what I'm hearing the OME kit is more durable with a better ride as well. I'm sure either setup is a massive improvement over stock though.

 

I only know one person who had both. His 5100s broke and he likes the ride of the OME setup better than the Billies. PM Tacomaman06 for his opinion on both setups.

 

I think you will find the 880's too light for the 3.4L.....I was going to do the same as you but Boxrocket steered me to the 881's...glad I listened to him.....my truck is much lighter then yours

My OME set up is great.....the dakar pacs are perfect combo of load capability and comfort

 

I'll have to call Wheeler's tomorrow and ask them. According to their site it mentions that the 4 pack matches up with the 880's. Was going to lift then don't want to deal with any vibration or having to trim and cut for 285's so I am looking for a better ride then the SAW and stock leafs.