Topic: Basic Suspension ?s

[sarcazmo]

I have a 1983 toyota pickup that I really enjoy.  Initially I thought it was a stock suspension set up but upon further inspection it looks as if the shocks had been swapped out at some point although I'm unable to discern what type they are.

This rig is a DD/Trail/Camping/Hunting/Fishing rig.  Never take it on anything super gnarly and love its capabilities in its current form.  On a recent camping trip a fair bit of drivign along graded washboard roads occurred and the ride was ROUGH to say the least. Think vehicle paint shaker. The last 1/3 was basically one large rock garden and that was also pretty rough.

In doing some research it appears that OME suspension is very highly regarded.  I'm not expecting any miracles, but I'd like to retain stockish ride height and definitely smooth it out a bit.  I've got no experience with this and was wondering if you think the OME kit with the light springs/softer shocks would be what I'm looking for?  When I try to place some load on my current suspension there's almost no give at all.  I'd probably go ahead and get the entire kit, leafs, shocks, stabilizer etc.  (Sorry if I'm being vague, dont really know how to describe it, I'm using to riding mountain bikes that are softer sprung and get more progressive the deeper you get into the travel)

Not looking for miracles but a compromise between on and off road manners I think.  Would you guys recommend this or should I be looking at other products?

[toyodaaddict]

If 2-2.5'' of lift is all you need I think old man emu is exactly what your looking for.  From the trucks ive seen running ome I would plan on moving the rear shackle hanger forward for better angle/softer ride, just my  . Ome is quality stuff, the only stock length bolt on suspension to consider

[emsvitil]

Drive faster on the washboard roads............


You'll hit float speed, and the ride smooths out..........

[sarcazmo [OP]]

Drive faster on the washboard roads............


You'll hit float speed, and the ride smooths out..........

Had no idea where I was going.  First time in that area so I was following my buddy.

[1985CRAWLER]

did u air down a bit?

and OME stuff is really good, if my truck was stock still and i just wanted some lift and great ride i would get those, plus they just continue to ride better after they break in more.

[sarcazmo [OP]]

did u air down a bit?

and OME stuff is really good, if my truck was stock still and i just wanted some lift and great ride i would get those, plus they just continue to ride better after they break in more.

I did air down a little bit.  Glad you guys are confirming the choice.  I've read a few people saying theyre still pretty stiff but I think perhaps they ordered the HD springs/shocks.

[helipilot77]

I have the heavy duty OME kit on my 4runner right now and I love the minimal lift height. The ride is like a Cadillac In comparison to stock. I took it to the rubicon last year for the roundup. It flexed WAY better than I would have guessed. For what you are looking for it is definately the right choice. I am running the bilstein shocks but I have heard great things about the OME shocks. The reason I went with the heavy duty kit is because I have a steel plate front and rear bumper with a winch and usually have quite a bit of cargo with me. I don't think it changes the ride quality. I do think they might be a bit taller than the light duty ones. Since you are trying to keep your ride height to a minimum I agree you should go with the light duty setup.

[emsvitil]

The difference in rear for the OME HD vs normal is 1 leaf.

Removing the longest leaf that isn't wrapped turns the HD into the normal.

There is a very small price difference, so it's cheaper to get the HD now if you ever think you'll need that extra leaf for later.

[sarcazmo [OP]]

I was going to buy the whole kit but am now curious about shock choices.  It seems OME and the Bilsteins are both highly praised.  Are there any major differences?  Or should I just stick to the plan?

Dont really ever plan on modifying this truck much more.  Love the stock look and it'll never be a serious crawler. 

Also thanks for posting the first hand experiences!  3 paychecks in May and I know where the 3rd one is going...

[Snowtoy]

Drive faster on the washboard roads............


You'll hit float speed, and the ride smooths out..........

While this is true, airing down to around 10-15psi(varies depending on tire size, AT vs MT) will give you a better overall ride when off pavement.

[Dingman.]

While this is true, airing down to around 10-15psi(varies depending on tire size, AT vs MT) will give you a better overall ride when off pavement.

I agree 100%.
Honestly, we have a lot of dirt roads that we travel on.  Some of them are really washboard like.  I don't think i have gone in anybody's truck that was smooth with full tire pressure.

Usually when we take the toyotas out we are aired down pretty low anyways 8-12psi (of course that changes too,  lower for snow, etc..)  That is the only thing i have ever done to help the ride quality out offroad.   

Just weigh your choices.. obviously im not gonna hop out of the truck and air down the tires just for a small patch of bumpy road if the rest of the drive will be smooth or on pavement, but generally if i know im going to be offroad all day then there is no questions asked, my tires will be ~10psi or less.