Old Man Emu: Questions, Answers & Pictures

I'm planning on the OME kit with the 90021's. They are the underdog since everybody here mostly runs the Bilstein 5100 if they are not going to the higher level stuff. To me, it appears people who have had both prefer the OME. I have found several threads where people were unhappy with the 5100 for whatever reason and switched to OME. It seems like the OME "clunk and dakar squeak" happened more with the older stuff. Maybe OME has addressed those concerns because people don't mention it as much as they once did. I'm hoping people with OME experience chime in and answer your questions since I haven't purchased yet.

 

Dakar squeak has been addressed. OSBGC has not.

 

I had a full OME setup on my 08 DCSB and on my new 15 I'm thinking about going a diff route.wasnt bad but I'd hoped for a better feel in the end.im trying to research it now and I'll decide from there.

 

I have 90021's with 888 coils and the new dakars. I never experienced the speed bump clunk and there's no squeaks as experienced with the older springs. YMMV

 

That's good to hear because I've been thinking about that exact set up. How's the ride and do you know what your hub to fender measurements are?

 

Ride is very similar to stock OR, but less floaty. It's a playful suspension but very capable offroad. Blitzing the forest roads is very comfortable and fun. Since I have a DCLB, I'm at 23" in the front and 24" in the rear.

 

See posts like this make me re think this kit. Also dclb and considering a shell. I imagine the weight helps in some way?

 

What makes you rthink consider? The rake in the rear?

 

The ride quality and claims of no bump. I really am having trouble figuring out legitimate reasons to choose nitrochargers over 5100s when everyone is complaining that it sucks at anything above crawling speeds.

 

The more weight that is added in the rear helps the ride comfort.

 

Awesome thanks for letting me know. I really think this is the kit I'm going to get. I'm assuming you have the EL095R's in the rear? Did you use the CB drop or any shims in the rear?

 

I love it and wouldn't change it for a thing. Yes I have the EL095R's and installed both the CB and DD (DD not needed IMO). No issues with alignment or vibrations but I believe that's vehicle dependent. I say go for it.

 

Thanks I really appreciate it! I know what set up I'm going to get now!

 

So I am thinking of getting the 90021 but I'm not clear on the clunk issue. Is that still an issue or did OME correct it? Any in put is much appreciated!

 

I don't think they did. If you look at the extended length of the OME shock it is about 1 inch shorter than the Bilstein 5100. I'm sure that the OME would be good at a lower lift height but if you are at 2.5" - 3 inches of lift, then it may clunk coming off speedbumps and abrupt drop offs. Basically OME purposely made the shock the limiting factor so that brake lines, ball joints, CV joints, etc. are not over stressed. I was going to order the kit but once I saw the extended length I am not sure. Before I order OME, I will definitely crawl under my truck and see if the 21.5" extended length looks like it would be enough. At this point I'm still looking at all the options....

 

Thank you for that explanation. Makes sense and I am starting to understand where the clunking is coming from. So from what your saying will it cluck if I am only going 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 ?

 

Yeah, I think you would be safe at that height.

 

OME shock length is 21.38 and the Bilstein 5100 is 22.56 inches. I couldn't find the exact number but I found a few posts that says the OME 90021 is 1" longer than stock. Stock Toyota shocks should be roughly 20.4".

 

I just put on ome 885 with the softer ride nitros, after 65000 miles on eibachs/5100s. Lost about 1/8-1/4 inch of lift, but the ride is much smoother. The difference in expansion joints and potholes is quite evident. I also removed the sway bars. Went on a weekend trip to west Virginia on some pretty gnarly goat paths with some boulder gardens and one very technical stretch and couldn't be happier. Haven't noticed any more "clunk" on fast extension than I did with the eibach/5100 setup, though it is there when riding with speed over rocky terrain. Seemed harsher with the old setup.

 

Well that is good feedback. I want a smooth ride and I have often read that the OME is smoother than the Bilstein. I wish the OME shock had a little more extended length just as a precaution against the clunk. Is your truck 4x4 or Prerunner? How much lift did you get with the OME 885 and soft ride shocks?