Old Man Emu: Questions, Answers & Pictures

Check if there are paint chips on the coils, coil prrch or swaybar. If there is contact get a sway bar reloaction kit. Chances are its the classic OME “over speedbump goes clank” syndrome due to the strut topping out. Some people overtorque the top nut on the strut and squish the top retainer bushing to nothing. If thats the case, ease that nut off, the top bushing can help smoth out the shock topping out a bit.

 

Hi Paul. Great looking truck! Nice set up with bumper and winch! ( I'm considering similar set up next year.... mod money drying up, lol)

With your hybrid bumper, I'd consider either 887x or 888x coils, and I would stick to 90021's . I don't believe you carry enough weight for 886x coils.
UCAs are a touchy subject for many, but with 2" lift, aftermarket UCAs will help the ride (SPC or JBA are close contenders here).
Don't add additional spacers besides DS trim spacer with your set up!
You really have to figure out how much weight you normally carry in your bed to pick between 95r or 96r leafs... ( you could always add

$44 el46xl EXTRA LEAF SPRING

el46xl leaf if needed)
I run T4r Pro wheels witn 255/80/17 ST Maxx tires. Those wheels stick out more than stock OR rims, and they rubbed on some plastics. If you're planning 285s, you'll need CMC....
Edit: BTW, it'll look perfectly fine with 32" 265s. Especially on those rims!

Edit. It's a bit of a toss up with spring/Shock compatibility, needs to be looked in closer.
New Dakar leafs use different aal now, but I like the way you're thinking . Mentioned above about rims...

Edit. Please take under consideration that suspension lift - unlike drop bracket lift - does not create extra space in the wheel well. At full compression (full stuff) the tire will hit pretty the same spots as before lift. So chances are CMC will be necessary to fit 285s.

Edit.


@pwalnut After sifting through our opinions, speak/email your salesperson about your concerns, give them present and future weight info... After selling hundreds of kits, they will have better idea of combination that would complement each other the best.
I've decided not to go with Nitrochargers, but I'm still getting Dakars (95s). Currently waiting for my Coil-Overs, which are adjustable height, so it'll be easier to dial it in when I'll install hybrid bumper and winch.
Good luck with your choices!

 

Anyone have experience with 1st gen and the Allpro axle relocation plates?

Edit: Linked to another post. I’m sure the axle needs to come forward now, after getting a good look at it in daylight. Think I can do this alone with a bunch of ratchet straps?

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/old-man-emu-setups-on-1st-gen.141055/page-193#post-17872066

 

Thanks!

I thought 5100s aren't compatible with the 886 coils. I was thinking of doing the 886s to compensate for my

Yeah, I'm leaning towards doing the UCAs to do it all right the first time.

That amount of rake is probably good I think.

I think the 4Runner Pro wheels I have are -4mm offset so 20mm more offset than stock wheels. So I think they would clear 285s better than stock Sport/Offroad wheels but I'm definitely not 100% sure.

Thanks for all of the help!

Yeah, I wasn't sure if the HD would be too much. I'm probably around 300-400 lb. I figured HD would give me good wiggle room if I add more weight like a heavier topper plus food/water/gear and maybe even a steel bumper down the road.

I agree with the soft-ride struts I think. That seems to be the consensus I've gotten.

I think I'm going with UCAs after speaking with a few others. Do it right once! I was leaning towards LR mainly for the price on top of the lift parts. I'm also factoring in install costs from a TW members for help in SoCal and/or other recommended shops because I don't really have the garage/tools/buddies/know-how haha.

In the bed, I have a ARE hard topper, bed drawers filled with camping gear and a 3/4" plywood top. I also have steel SOS Concepts sliders. I may swap my topper with a Go Fast or Vagabond Outdoors camper down the road. I'm also accounting for additional camping gear, food, water, and maybe even a steel bumper down the road.

Yeah, I'm thinking of 285s down the road, not right away. I think I'd clear them with a CMC and mild trimming but will hold off. I'd love to find someone with an OME lift and the 4Runner Pro wheels to see their take.

Thanks for the feedback!

I know the 90000 are recommended but it seems a lot of people also run the softer 90021 and a lot prefer it

I haven't heard anything about the shim you mentioned? The carrier bearing drop is included in the kit I thought and not something chosen separately.

Thanks for all of the detailed answers!

I love the bumper. I'd definitely recommend Southern Style Offroad's version.

Hmm you were the first to mention not to do 886s. You think with the steel hybrid bumper, synthetic line winch, and steel front skid - that it's not enough weight? A bigger bumper down the road is an option but I'll likely keep the one I have because I really like it and the pseudo-stock look.

I'm leaning towards doing the UCAs after all of the feedback I've gotten.

Also, not planning on doing extra spacers now.

I outlined what I have in the bed above. I'm trying to capture the weight on my truck now and what I may add in the foreseeable future realistically. I don't want to sacrifice ride quality though and I don't want crazy rake.

You have the same wheels as me and you have an OME lift? The tires you have fit without a CMC and no rubbing? Those are skinnier right? Are they load range C or E? I'm trying to stay with C to reduce the weight and try to save some gas mileage. I don't tow or do any crazy offroading. I'm OK with a CMC and very minor trimming (trimming isn't preferred). I'd rather do neither if I don't have to though. I'm happy with my 265/70R17 tires but I wouldn't mind a little bigger once I add the lift.

Thanks again! Marie at Headstrong has been great. I just figured I'd poll the audience as well to get some additional recommendations and thoughts.

 

One of reasons I'd vote against 886/90021 combo is ARB's recommendation against it. Looks like 886/90000 set up was designed for full/heavy bumpers, so shock valving and spring rate are supposed to work together to offset excess weight... Now, this theory is being challenged by the fact that OME (and others) designed their sets based on 2nd GEN Tacos, where suspension is basically the same as 3rd gens, except factory shocks and spring rate, which is higher than ones found on 2nd gen... (Bunch of good info found here What you need to know about lifting a 2016 Tacoma - Presented by Toytec Lifts ).
I know I not helping here by throwing those wrenches into gears, but you asked for it... Lol
There are waaay too many suspension
combinations to chose from, who knows what will truly be a right one for us.... Especially that "ride comfort" - the thing we look for in our DDs- is such a relative thing, and varies from person to person.... So ymmv!

If I wasn't clear before, then: No, I'm not running OME. I was considering it at some point, but decided to go with adjustable Coil-Overs ... Right now I'm still running stock suspension, awaiting anxiously for my back ordered parts shocks and springs...
I am going to use medium Dakar leafs, since I'm not planning on RTT or drawers.... You on the other hand, might actually need heavy duty ones, especially with drawers, rack, and RTT (or equivalent). Like I've mentioned your salesperson (Marie at HS) might help you our with your choices whenever you'll be ready.
As for wheels /tires, I believe that your current set will look perfectly fine with 2" lift. And if you're set on slapping 285s on, you'll do it regardless, and you'll chop and trim as needed To make them fit....

I didn't want to CMC, so I'm not planning on 285. I had C rated 265/75/16s on stock OR rims, and I was going to happily run them for a few years, but I came across a deal on t4r pro wheels with 255s, so I jumped on it. They were rubbing on some plastics, so I had to trim some, and use heat gun here and there. My St Maxx 255/80/17s are E rated, and I don't believe anyone makes C or D rated tires in that size, unlike 265s and 285...
Anyways, good luck with your choices, I'll follow your build to see what you come up with.

 

One more thing @pwalnut , since you moved to SoCal and from what I understand there is a huge Taco community out there, I'm sure there is a member out there (with a setup that you are looking for) that would let you test drive their truck, so you can figure out the route do you want to take

 

Thanks again for all of the detailed feedback! I really appreciate it!

 

Quick question i bought a used full ome kit minus the aal for the rear. I installed the front already to level the truck, i have not installed the rear shocks because im still stock, but anyone else here running the rear shocks with no lift? According to billstein lift website these are for 0 - 2.5" lift. Just want to make sure i can run them but not bottom them out and destroy them. I dont planning on lifting tge rear anytime soon because my truck looks good where it is.
Website for reference https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyo...9S94lv-yLUwPVISKdCmWawbQx7AGqp9xoC9UgQAvD_BwE

And picture or else this post is worthless

 

regardless of how much you lift the bottom out point is the same, when the bumpstops touch the frame. you will be fine with those shocks. You just won't extend them all the way when you flex out

 

Is there an OME Vendor around here I could ask some questions???

I’ll throw my questions out... I would like to know if there are replacements for the front shock lower eyelets one of mine is completely blown out?

 

@HeadStrong Off-Road

 

Good Look!

 

Rogue Off-Road had some good input

 

Questions for you guys running the OME kit.

I'm looking for about 2" of lift. A little more clearance and to get the rub off my tires. I don't do any gnarly 4x4, your average dirt trails with the occasional obstacles and rocks. Want to avoid doing the UCA's.

Driving a 2017 DC LB 4x4. The weight comes at my rear, I have a Leer shell, sleep platform, and a steel bumper (got just a little bro lean right now which I don't like).
For this reason I decided to save some extra cash for the Dakar pack.

My research has led me to believe 887 coils will be the ticket up front.

Questions:
1. Am I correct with 887's?
2. Do you think the Dakars will correct the bro lean? at least get me level? get me some rake back?
3. Is the OME "clunk" common?

Thanks for the feedback.

 

Don't get 887 coils if you're looking to avoid replacing the UCA's. Even 885's are a risk with the stock UCA's, but with Dakar's out back you almost have to do 885's or you'll be left with some massive rake. And OME clunk is common.

 

I am confused then...I'm looking at the chart for the OME shocks / lift guide.
According to chart, 887's on 2017 DC LB 4x4 will give me 2" of lift.

This is my first time purchasing a lift so forgive me if I am missing something.

I'm ready to pull the trigger on this kit, my only hesitations are getting the correct coil and the "OME clunk"

 

He has a 2nd gen and is applying his understanding to your application.

 

Ahh makes sense, there is an inch difference. Thanks.

 

I say 885s paired with billies and dakars. If you decide you want a little more lift up front, throw in a 1/4" spacer on the passenger side and 1/2" on the DS.

Edit: and then you won't have OSBGC

 

Thank you. That is a combo I had not considered. In all honesty I could go either way, the Bilsteins and OME are the best choice functionally and economically for me. I thought I remembered reading somewhere that the Bilsteins and Dakars did not pair up well, I could be mistaken.
You lost me on OSBGC