Old Man Emu setups on 1st gens

My 96 - a work in process

 

Often times here in the rust belt the cam bolts are seized and can't be adjusted. I would hope they would tell you if that were the case though!

 

About to pull the trigger on the OME suspension lift from Headstrong, but with the AAL instead of the dakar leaf springs. What I'd like to know is is there really a difference between the single leaf AAL versus the 3 leaf Headstrong AAL option?

 

I've had single AAL, 3 leaf AAL, and now Deaver j59's. The 3 leaf will ride better than the single but not quite as smooth as a full 8 leaf pack. In my experience the single AAL is pretty harsh

 

I don't have cash for a full pack, but I think I can swing the 3 leaf. I'm gonna order it tonight. Hopefully I'll be a happy camper in a couple of weeks! I installed a no-name brand AAL I bought off eBay about a year ago and I hated it!!! My back was hating life for a week. Took it out and installed 1.5 inch blocks my buddy had laying around and I was good to go.

 

I second this. My rear end rides like a wagon unless I have some weight in the back.

 

What's the consensus on 880 vs 881 springs? Also, the 5100s vs stock 4600s shocks?

What I'd really like is maybe an inch of lift, possibly a little more. Are the 880s going to give me that lift or should I go with 881s? As well, the 5100s on the lowest setting are what I've ready everyone loves, but I'm worried about ride quality. Anybody have complaints about the 5100s being too jarring? If so, I'd stick with stock 4600s but am unsure if I could even use the 880s/881s with the 4600 shocks.

I drive the 3.4L 4x4, 2002 extended cab.

 

I have 5100s and 881s, with the 10 mm spacer and it rides great. That's coming front a 3" spacer lift though. 881s will give you around 2.5" of lift

 

Hmm, alright. Sounds like the 880s are probably what I'm looking for then. I know a lot of people love the 5100s and they sound like a great option. The guy I'm getting the 880 springs from has 4600s new in the box and I could get them for a deal, but I think I'll just stick with the 5100 plan.

 

I think 5100s are great as long as you don't preload them. But I don't know what size 880s are or anything do I'm no help there

 

If I were you, I would go 881's with no additional spacers. You have a heavier 6 cyl engine and once everything settle's you'll probably be around 2" which should work out well. I have enjoyed the 881's with nitrochargers by ome. I have a 4 cylinder and therefore a little less weight in the front. I've probably experienced 2.5-3" of lift in the front since my old stuff was sagging some.

 

I don't think they're gonna settle as much as you think. I've had mine in since January and it doesn't seem to have settled any. And I have the 3.4

 

I'm actually in the same boat as @Thurman Merman . I'm pretty set on the 5100s with the 880s, looking for a slight upgrade/ stock replacement with little to no lift on my 02 3.4 ext cab. When searching a week or two ago I swear I found a website with the option to have that setup assembled with the top plate and all ready to be shipped/ bolted on but I can't seem to locate it again. Can anyone lead me in the direction where I can find these?
Thanks

 

Wheeler's Off road preassembled mine. Not sure if they do 880s or not but worth a shot giving their site a look

 

Wheeler's , Headstrong...

 

Just put on my OME 883/ Dakar lift today! It rides so much better and the axle wrap from the worn out rear leaf springs is gone! It sit pretty much level and raised the truck quite a bit! Thanks goes out to Cruiser Outfitters and Dbenke from the Low Country Land Cruisers for his much needed help!!

 

Is the ride quality nice or is it too stiff with the 883s?

 

I like my 883s. Only thing I could see fit for a better replacement would be some kings. No extra weight up front yet, but I do plan for a bumper.

 

But doesn't a 4x4 have more weight than a prerunner? I was told to use the 881s, but I was thinking about the 882s.

 

Much better ride quality over stock, its stiffer yes but no complaints