OME help

So I'm going to be getting this kit

http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p201/Complete_Old_Man_Emu_Kit_w/_Dakar_Leaf_Pack_-_05__Tacoma.html

But having a hard time with tht options.
Soft strut or firm ride? How much difference is there?
Standard or HD leaf pack?

I'm getting the 885, if I end up getting a bumper down the line I'll switch to the 886 but my concern with the HD/ standard is I tow my Atvs but I don't have a consistent load in the back.... would standard hold up ok for towing or would the HD be a problem without the constant weight...
Thanks in advance

 

I'm sure the standard would hold up ok. A lot of people get the HD pack as they have aftermarket rear bumpers, RTT, toppers etc. If you are towing I would think that the LD pack is still better than stock and you can also get the AAL which bumps the LD to an HD

 

Ok...hmmm. I've thought about a topper, just haven't found one for a good price even I had money lol.

Any idea how much difference there is between the "smooth ride " and the "firm ride"

 

No idea on the firmness of the ride, totally subjective. I believe you can remove the 3rd leaf from the HD pack to soften it up. So you may be able to get the HD pack, pull a leaf and when/if you get a topper can through the leaf back on. Or get the LD and when you get the topper, get the overload spring.

Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road is a great resource on this and offers great customer support.

I agree on the toppers. I was just quoted over $3k on a z-series from ARE and I fell out of my seat.

 

Thank you so much @JoeCOVA

 

Yeah I've been talking to her, but I always like to hear from fellow owners for input as well.

$3k... holy bat guano!

Thanks for the tip on the adding/ removing leaf

 

I have the lift with HD leaf pack and 887 coils. The ride is a little stiff but still very bearable even on long trips. Had I had the choice I would have gone lighter on the coils but still keep the HD leaf pack but I bought the kit used.

 

i bought my kit from @HeadStrong Off-Road, love them but I did buy the 886 coils since I bought a ARB bumper at the time so when I installed them and all the 886 was suppose to settle but instead it went from 3inch to 3.5 inch. but I called ARB HQ in auburn, WA and explained to them and they told me unless you have sliders, bumper, and winch 886 will work but I only have bumper so I switched to 885 and now im at 2.5 up front. I got the 9000 shocks they are stiff but im okay with it.

 

Im all stock with 887x lol. I would like to ride in other setups to see how a big of a difference there is.

 

I have the HD pack in mine and the ride was rough before I added the ARE canopy. It honestly felt like there was no springs or shocks, stupid hard. You can get the leaf pack without the HD leaf and if needed add it later. Its only like 50 or 60$; for the rear!

 

I have 887 and heavy dakars. Ride is a little bouncy and stiff in rear but i have no topper and an empty bed. Overall though it is not very noticable.

 

Good to know, was thinking of upgrading to the 886 when I get a bumper.... and winch I guess lol

Can't you remove one of the leafs from the HD as do the same? Trying to get everything I need all at once

What shocks are you guys using with the HD leaf packs? Only time ill really have weight on it is when I'm towing my ATVs on a trailer...

 

Im running the OME soft shocks.