Old Man Emu setups on 1st gens

I have 02 double cab with front with winch and rear bumpers, sliders, canopy, and rubber bed mat. I had the height I was going for right after installing my Dakars(39.5" ground to bottom of rear fender, running 265-75-16 k02s) with stock shackles. However, upon returning home from my maiden voyage across 2 states (800 miles round trip) with camping gear, I realized that I had they settled to the same amount of lift (no weight other than mentioned stuff) as my worn out negative arch leafs and 2" lift shackles (just barely 38"). I will be ordering the AAL as soon as Headstrong gets them back in stock, but my Dakars are already flat. Is this a normal condition? I also know my u bolts are too long, I was anticipating going directly to installing my AAL and angle shims to combat drive line vibrations.

also, Yea, my bump stops ran away. FML. I needed to keep stock bumps for proper tightening of the dang u-bolts.

My friend has 4 year old Dakars on his 99 ext cab, and they have positive arch. He has even loaded down his truck with lumber and not sagged as much as my leafs.

 

From what I've heard and read about the Dakar's it looks to me that you got a bad pair.

 

The Dakars are meant to have very little positive arch, they give the best ride characteristics when they're almost flat. Unlike other leaf springs, they can be run with slight negative arch without damage. Your double cab is heavier than an extended cab, plus the weight you loaded them with will cause them to settle a bit. I would put the CS046R extra leaf in, it will pick them up a bit and also give you additional weight capacity.
You don't need to keep the stock bumpstops on to tighten your u-bolts, unless you're running out of thread and need to shim them up or something. I would get rid of those and put a bump plate for your ES bumps.

 

so, that's exactly what I was thinking at first, but after seeing a few double cabs with any weight, It kinda looks normal, and Im not only going to need an AAL, but probably the lift shackles as well when I upgrade to 255-85s.

This agrees with what I read after researching. I do plan on the AAL as soon as it comes back in stock at headstrong. I did need the stock bumps because I was running out of threads on my too long of u-bolts, as I was planning on going straight to AAL and angle shims, but forgot to order shims and AAL was out of stock at the moment.

Now, next question, Has anyone run different AAL for the Dakars? Maybe a 3 leaf progressive or some other strange combo that'll give lift and carying capacity? Constantly running a NWTI rear plate bumper, snugtop canopy and thick rubber bed mat, also frequently tow 12' aluminum boat in fishing season.

 

Yes, i stand corrected. I "assumed" and we all know where that leads. I had no idea the Dakar's were supposed to be flat.

 

After a lot of research, I've decided to go with the full OME set up as well. I have a 2001 Xtra Cab 4X4 V6 TRD, all stock. I live between Sacramento and Reno. Sounds like it makes sense to look at Wheelers, Downsouth or others to order from. Unfortunately, with a baby and toddler at home, I jut can't do the install myself. Should I go to the nearest OME authorized dealer for the install, or any 4X4 shop? Also, do you think I should do the diff drop, but not worry about new UCAs at this time? Thanks for the insight!

 

4x4 shops will likely charge a pretty penny for the install. Honestly just do some research on local shops. I had mine put on at a tire/general shop and they did great work. Call around, tons of shops will tell you where lifts get put on. Or if any local dealers have lifted trucks on the lot call them and ask who they use to install their lifts. As far as the diff drop goes I say do it. I did it. Not sure how much it actually helps but better safe than sorry. And concerning the UCA's, what coils are you getting? That'll sort of determine whether you should get them or not

 

Thanks. Planning to get the 881s, since I'm at stock weight. I don't have any aftermarket bumpers or other equipment. Not looking for a big lift, just want a great ride and off-road ability. But a 2 inch lift with OME sounds good. I originally was looking at 5100s, but since I need new coils and leaf springs, the OME kit seems to make the most sense. Do any of these folks selling OME kits offer Black Friday deals?

 

Then yeah you'll be fine for now without new UCA's. And it's possible. Definitely check out HeadStrong Off-Road. They are the best people around.

 

What does "aal" stand for? I'm still kinda new

 

Add a leaf

 

Hey ya'll, I'm about to order new suspension to compensate for a Relentless Fab plate bumper (110lbs), winch (80lbs), and skid plate (45lbs) in the front and I'm driving myself crazy trying to figure out which OME coils to use. I have an '04 ext. cab v6 with 5100's set at 2.5" (max) right now on stock coils and I'd like to maintain or slightly increase my lift with the new setup. I've read that the OME 2881's seem to be pretty standard, but with the extra weight on the front would it be wise to go with 882's or 883's? I'll be keeping the 5100's but would like to set them at the lower 1.5" setting for better ride quality. Further, besides making it easier to align, is there much reason to buy UCA's with that setup? I'd get Camburgs if I did. Thoughts?

Also, I'm thinking of ordering the Wheeler's 5-leaf pack and 5125's for the rear. Anyone know what size U-bolts would be best? Thanks!

 

Fro

Both coils should net you about the same amount I believe. However with your 5100's you'll have to set them back to 0 because these coils won't take any preload without riding like shit.

 

Im trying to figure out why small bumps or potholes still feel pretty rough with mine. ive been driving it several months now and figured everything would settle some. i have a 99 extracab v6 Prerunner. I'm sure it has all settled some but im wondering if more weight in the front would soften them up some. I have 881's and nitros. Any one experience this and find a solution. thanks.

 

Is this your first lifted vehicle? They all drive pretty rough no matter what compared to most things stock. But yes added weight in the front and in the bed will soften the ride some

 

Tire Pressure?

 

What tires are you running? I've ran suspensions that themselves rode great but with certain tires it made the ride a little to a lot rougher. Also, as BDN mentioned, check your tire pressure as well.

 

I've got a regular cab 4X4. I put 880's with Nitro's all the way around and Deaver J59's on the rear which is a pretty soft spring compared to most. That was about a year ago. Mine rides rough especially over small bumps and pot holes. It's a truck though so I really don't let it bother me. The rear is real nice with about 300lbs in the back but the front is always a little on the harsh side over sharp edged deformities in whatever I'm driving on. I suspect the reason is the NitroChargers. They are a load carrying shock and they stiffened them up opposed to the last model OME made from what I understand. They need a lot of weight to work the way they were designed. I suspect the only way to get a "plush" ride with new springs is to drop the dough on the high end shocks like Kings or ICON's or some other high end shock so you can have them tuned for your particular use. I'm glad I didn't. Where I live I'd be pulling them off every 3-6 months to have the shafts replaced along with the seals. After just one winter my Nitrochargers took quite a beating. The shafts being sealed off from the outside world is nice to have on a daily driver/part time off-roader especially where they sand and salt the roads all winter long. I'll deal with the rougher ride.

 

Oh my goodness i love this truck and this lift.. the plases it has gone and the views it has given me ... and the fun on the shittiyest roads

Full wheelers ome kit ....midas installed it for me day after i got it ....

 

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Yeah in fact it is my first lifted vehicle but Ive driven one truck or another for 30 years some much rgher than others. I love the handling and the way it rides over uneven surfaces just not rough pavement. Im still leaning towards a seat swap to something a little cushier so maybe that'll help some. its not too big of a deal except near my work there are some serious rough spots in the road that drive me nuts especially since I drive over them at least a couple times a day.

Ill check it t it was checked a couple months ago when I swapped wheels.

Im running on Falkan Rocky Mountain AT's. Been thinking a softer tire would help but really want to stay with an AT. I had Michelin LTX M/T's for years on various suv's and they are super soft nice riding tires but have gotten too expensive and aint going on my lifted truck so im open to suggestions for a nice riding AT tire. Thanks