OME Medium Load vs Heavy Load

Preparing to lift my Tacoma with a 3in lift kit from Old Man Emu and was wondering what the difference was between a medium load kit and a heavy load? Is it going to effect the drive on road vs off road and how much weight can I carry on the back?

 

The difference is the static load capabilities of the springs (coils up front and leaf springs in the rear). Your taco's capacities will not change - it can tow and carry what it can tow and carry. How it handles the weight when you load it down is where you will see night and day difference.

I installed an OME-005 heavy kit and felt the biggest difference up front because I was only stock but I was heavy aft (due to towing, roof top tent, leitner rack, loaded decked.drawers). The Taco sat nice and level and handled like a dream - never hitting the bump stops whilst towing a 3500# trailer over railroad crossings or off road. I removed the sway bar so I was very happy I had the heavy front springs and hardly notice the slight body roll that comes with the front corners being fully independent. I will say, the front seemed stiff but I like firm rides.

Now that I have a 12k winch and winch bumper up front and those heavy coils have a bit more static weight loading them down the truck rides like a dream. Still stiffer than stock but not overly stiff. I bought the heavy kit because I knew that I would be upgrading a load of items that would weigh my stock suspension down. If you are stock and do not plan to put armor and a winch and tow or really load down your taco with gear I would strongly advise against the heavy kit.

 

Thanks Mic. I was aiming for the medium load. I’ve got an RSI Smartcap and a front skid plate, but really only plan to get a roam tent that’s about 160 pounds. Other than that I’m pretty minimal on what I take out with me. Sounds like the medium load is my best option then no?

 

It does, but data is key/king. Why not load up your Taco like you are going out and weigh it at a truck stop / certified scales so you can see the actual weights you are running? Check out my build thread in my sig - I have a towing section if you have never weighed in. Spend thirty bucks to weigh in two or three times to get your numbers and you have a foundation to make a data driven decision. Weight 1 should be your stock rig with you in it and a full tank of fuel. See what your drive and steer axles weigh. Weight 2 should be loaded up like you are going on a trip with the family or homies. Again, get the steer and drive axles so you can see the weight distribution on your taco.

Once you know your numbers you can see what static weights you should plan for and purchase the proper springs.

 

I just finished installing my OME heavy lift 886 front springs and Dakar EL112 leaf springs. I got the heavy for the same reason as @mic_sierra that I plan to eventually add a front bumper and winch. Currently, I just have a roam tent and bed rack in the bed. But I am in the process of building bed drawers to fill with camp gear. Currently, the firm ride feels as if I am in an old dump truck.

 

Any other brands you all can reccomend with a 3inch lift and similar price point? Sounds like OME is not that way to go…