2.5" Old Man Emu Lift Kit...Light, Medium, or Heavy Load??

[rispony]

I've fully restored my CJ8 scrambler with GM 151cc to bone stock condition. No doors, no top, no problem. The only aftermarket part I have on it now is a rugged ridge tubular bumper and a second row. They are definitely less than 100 pounds combined. Besides that, I have no extra added weight. Now I'm in the market for a mild lift. The options for the Old Man Emu lift kit offers three different weight loads, and the prices don't correspond to the heavier the load. So I'm confused. What do you guys think I should go for/what is the difference. P.S. In the coming years I hoped to get perhaps a third row bench, and maybe a roll cage to protect the occupants. Might be some added weight...

Here is the kit via quadratec:
Old Man Emu 2.5" Suspension Systems for 76-86 Jeep® CJ with AMC Model 20 Rear Axle - Quadratec

 

[PaRenegade]

I have a winch and heavier bumper on the front, heavy sliders on the sides, and a hardtop is on it 8 months out of the year, so I went with the heavy (CS036) rears all around. If you don't have the weight you could go with something lighter, but think of any future uses or modifications.

I am also assuming your going with a "kit". I would suggest pricing it "pieced" together which might be cheaper, as sometimes the kits include parts you don't need or already have. Take a look at M.O.R.E.'s (mountain off-road enterp.) front shackle mounts. No need to cut out the frame rivet and add a bolt, it's already stretched a 1/2" longer.

 

[hole]

I went with the heavy's all around and couldn't be more pleased. Even when empty it's a pleasant ride, and when loaded for camping it's perfect. Sounds like you will be adding more weight in the future, so I would recommend the heavy's.

 

[rispony]

I am also assuming your going with a "kit". I would suggest pricing it "pieced" together which might be cheaper, as sometimes the kits include parts you don't need or already have. Take a look at M.O.R.E.'s (mountain off-road enterp.) front shackle mounts. No need to cut out the frame rivet and add a bolt, it's already stretched a 1/2" longer.

Renegade ,

I think i'm going to go with the kit, but I did take a look at those shackles. Thanks for that piece of advice. Question though, if I were to get those, would I not have to move up the hangers forward and just use the existing holes. Is that what you meant? That would be much more ideal, and I've only heard excellent things about M.O.R.E!

 

[PaRenegade]

No, that's what's nice about them. They are already longer so it repositions the bushing hole forward, but still uses the existing holes and goes over the rivet just like stock ones do.

 

[JR74CJ5]

Here's another place to get a kit... I believe its a 3" though...

Jeep CJ OME lift


~ Jr

 

[PaRenegade]

Yes, they include 1" longer shackles to give you that extra 1/2". I haven't heard good things about that place though but I have no personal experience with them.

 

[JR74CJ5]

Yes, they include 1" longer shackles to give you that extra 1/2". I haven't heard good things about that place though but I have no personal experience with them.

Please do tell, either here of PM. Thats where I planning to purchase my lift when its time...

 

[CJ]

Please do tell, either here of PM. Thats where I planning to purchase my lift when its time...

Prefer no PMs... Keep it in the forums folks... We all want info:

 

[Petescj]

We all want info:

Some of us more than others right about now. Im leaning toward the 3 in OME lift myself.

 

[JR74CJ5]

Well after some searcing, perhaps I should stop reccomending them!

Rocky Road Outfitters Reviews - JeepReviews.com

****ed off at Rocky Road Outfitters

Rocky Road Outfitters Reviews - rocky-road.com Ratings at ResellerRatings

Just a few from first page of google search of: "Rocky road outfitters complaints"



Maybe I should have done more research before mentioning them so many times... come to think of it I had simular issue with my ARB compressor and tire air up kit I ordered from them last year... didn't think much about it as they were not keeping me off the trail...


~ JR

 

[JR74CJ5]

Some of us more than others right about now. Im leaning toward the 3 in OME lift myself.

and to OP

From what I can tell, OME is still great. It's just where I suggested getting the kit from. RRO (rocky Road Outfitters) thats getting the bad reviews...

just wanted to be clear.

 

[hole]

Well, other than slightly longer than stated shipping times and a few bolts that UPS beat out of the box, I had a good experience with Rocky Road.I got everything that was promised, it all fit and works well.

 

[Petescj]

Yeah thats the biggest reason I wanted to go with OME. I dont think Ive ever heard a bad review of their lift for Cjs. The RRO price was just the lowest I saw. I am not a big fan of dropping $1000 and not getting what I want and what I want quickly.

and to OP

From what I can tell, OME is still great. It's just where I suggested getting the kit from. RRO (rocky Road Outfitters) thats getting the bad reviews...

just wanted to be clear.

 

[JPSOUP]

Dead thread??? Let's see…

I just (yesterday) ordered the OME yj conversion kit for my '82 CJ from RRO. I'll say this; Matt (guy at RRO I talked to) seemed to know his stuff, helped me understand more and never really pushed for the sale. I enjoyed the customer service on the front-end, hopefully the follow-through is of the same caliber.

I'm really excited to see how this kit changes the ride and height of my stock CJ.

Also, this conversion kit beat the price of the one offered by OK4wd by $400+ and OK is 40 minutes down the road from me… still a no-brainer. This point helped convince the Mrs. :jeeplove::jeeplove:

Anyone on this thread want to speak to the long-term happiness they're getting from the OME YJ conversion kit so I can validate my decision? Maybe post some before and afters?

 

[PaRenegade]

When you talk to ARB/OME for a quality conversion setup, they refer you to OK4WD's kit. They had a hand in some of the testing.
I just never liked RRO's website. It's so lacking in info but high on making a sale. I hope you ask a lot of pertinent questions, such as what exactly comes with their kit, since the site doesn't really tell or show you. And I'm not sure how they claim a 3-3 1/2" lift when the springs are only 2 1/2". They show a front shackle mount (that takes away your winch plate options) that looks taller, but that only adds to the front ends height. Then what about their shock length, which they give no min and max extent dimension on.

They just seem a little shoddy to me and I've read about several bad experiences others had, but I have no first hand experience with them. I pieced my OME conversion together so I got exactly what I needed and nothing I didn't.
I hope it works well for you. Take some pics when it comes and let us know the details.

 

[JR74CJ5]

I'm having a bit of trouble and unease from RRO's kit... It took a lot of customization, but what doesn't... I may have some additional info for you on this soon. I am happy with the ride quality and the flexing capabilities I gained with this kit however, so im not knocking your choice... Just make sure you actually get the good instructions from them, and pay attention to spring orientation (small eye towards shackle) to avoid getting to the end, paying 300.00 for drive-shaft, and now looking at possibly having to modify it again...



Mock everything up and compare to old... Measure before and after... etc


~ Jr

 

[Petescj]

I'm having a bit of trouble and unease from RRO's kit... It took a lot of customization, but what doesn't... I may have some additional info for you on this soon. I am happy with the ride quality and the flexing capabilities I gained with this kit however, so im not knocking your choice... Just make sure you actually get the good instructions from them, and pay attention to spring orientation (small eye towards shackle) to avoid getting to the end, paying 300.00 for drive-shaft, and now looking at possibly having to modify it again...



Mock everything up and compare to old... Measure before and after... etc


~ Jr

Hang in there Man , youll work it all out. It'll bolt right in they say... You know how it goes. Ive had Cj parts from AMC that didnt "bolt right in". Its looking good. Youll work out the bugs and be very happy with the results of combination you chose in the end.

 

[Old Dog]

I pieced my OME conversion together so I got exactly what I needed and nothing I didn't.

I really don't know why everyone doesn't do this, I pieced my RE springs together and saved a ton of money from what there kit would have cost.
Pa, how much do you have in your DIY kit if I may ask?

 

[JPSOUP]

When you talk to ARB/OME for a quality conversion setup, they refer you to OK4WD's kit. They had a hand in some of the testing.
I just never liked RRO's website. It's so lacking in info but high on making a sale. I hope you ask a lot of pertinent questions, such as what exactly comes with their kit, since the site doesn't really tell or show you. And I'm not sure how they claim a 3-3 1/2" lift when the springs are only 2 1/2". They show a front shackle mount (that takes away your winch plate options) that looks taller, but that only adds to the front ends height. Then what about their shock length, which they give no min and max extent dimension on.

They just seem a little shoddy to me and I've read about several bad experiences others had, but I have no first hand experience with them. I pieced my OME conversion together so I got exactly what I needed and nothing I didn't.
I hope it works well for you. Take some pics when it comes and let us know the details.

Well I'm going to call about the winch plate issue you raised as I have a Ground Pounder Fab bumper with plate on its way.

I'm sure there will be some customization which is okay if I get it all done. I don't mind a challenge as long as its possible.

Shock height shouldn't be an issue as they are the ones included from OME.

All of the pieces are included and I asked multiple times. I'm just getting my feet wet on this rig and believe the kit will take some of the guess work out of it as far as what I need.

Really not too concerned with the claimed 3.5" of lift, 2.5" would be just fine. If I get the extra inch it'll just be a bonus. I'll keep you all posted with progress/snares along the way. Good looking out and adding the help guys. Thanks!