Old Man Emu: Questions, Answers & Pictures

I'm not usually a lucky person

 

I will be swapping out the 885's for 886's in the next week if anyone is interested in a set of 885's

 

I had Dakars out of a project 4-Runner that never got completed in my 95 Taco, I don't recollect a lot of squeak. But I do recollect the ability to freight the truck and the excellent handling with the Dakars... Hence my immediate purchase when I got my 2011.

 

did you use Bilstein or OME struts in back?

 

I would take you up on that but I was told not to use anything higher than 883s on a first gen if im not putting a winch bumper.

 

OME *shocks for two reasons: 1. they are included in the kit I bought, and 2. I knew they were valved to compliment the springs.

But a whole lotta TW-ers run the billies and like them, so your choice. Also, struts are in the front, straight up shocks out back.

 

yeah ive read about that, I hear the ride is not as good as with the OME struts. ill probably end up going with full light load kit. should I be okay if I leave the factory UCA in?

 

Just got my struts and coils assembled. Upon closer inspection at home, one seems crooked. The top strut mount seems uneven, and there is more space on one side of the coil than the other. I can barely fit the tip of my finger between the strut and coil on one side, easily on the other. Does it look off to you guys?

 

Should be ok with the lighter coil but I'll tell you what, the difference with aftermarket UCAs is incredible. I recommend them.

My P/S side strut looks similar. Haven't noticed any contact or ill side effects yet.

 

Thanks. I just went back to the shop and they re-did it for me. The coil isolator wasn't quite right. Part of the rubber ring that sinks into the coil was pinched up instead of sitting smoothly inside. It is now in straighter than before. Still is slightly to one side, but it seems to be the plastic cover more than the shock itself. Happy with the shop, they made it right for me no prob. He did scratch the crap out of it though

 

I took it back and they redid the assembly. It looks much better now. $20 per side.

 

wow, that's a lot cheaper than I thought it would be. Good luck in the install.

 

does this look bottomed out to anybody else but me, or am I just trying to convince myself that I need a new suspension?

 

I installed my OME 2" lift yesterday: I used 884 coils with trim packer; 90000 front struts; 60091 rear shocks; and a Toytec 1.5" AAL.

I didn't have time to install them myself, so I just gave in and had SWAT Customs in Fremont do it - highly recommended shop. Top notch same-day work, reasonable prices and zero bullshit.

The OME rides WAY better than the stock TRD OR: it's firm but not harsh, with better handling in turns, no brake diving, and much better big hit performance. My OR suspension would bottom out on speed bumps with two bikes and some gear in the bed.

And the stance is perfect: just enough to actually clear obstacles offroad and look aggressive with minimal rake - without being all Metal Mulisha.

I'm preaching to the choir here, but holy shit, OME is some badass suspension! I haven't taken measurements yet: I've literally been driving the truck non-stop since I got it. I'm taking my Taco wheeling again in the Siskiyous this weekend on a Klamath River steelhead trip, so I'll have more offroad input later.

One more point: the lift is subtle enough that my wife is not even aware of it! No explaining necessary...

 

You've done well, and the truck looks great!

 

looks great and good job sneaking it by the wife

 

Love the truck, any squeaking from the leafs yet? and what are 90000 front struts; 60091 rear shocks?

 

Glad your stoked, looks good. I am torn between billy kit with full leaf pack, vs AAL and your kit with AAL. Only problem as I want my factory ride on the road, and am worried on the road about rear end stiffness. Whats your thoughts on how stiff she is on road? thanks, in advance, love the forum,

 

OME shocks for 2nd gens