XJ OME O.M.E Old Man Emu Resource

[Changa Bulanga]

I posted this on NAXJA (under DubaiXJ) some time ago but I'm posting up here too. (Hope this helps SAXJ)

I've run just about every combo of Old Man Emu in XJ's over the years and I've compiled this resource as a reference. Unfortunately it is only for XJ's - I've run OME on two TJ's too but there is far less variation so the standard OME catalogue is more than sufficient.

This resource has been compiled from OME catalogues, my own notes and other reputable sources.

Front Coil Springs:

Part #______Application______Spring Rate___Free Height__Lift
OME930_____Light /Standard__160lbs/inch___18.7"_______1.75"
OME930_____Heavy Load_____160lbs/inch___18.7"_______1-1.5"
OME931_____ZJ I6___________140lbs/inch___20.08"______1.5-2.5"
OME934_____ZJ V8__________180lbs/inch___20.08"______2-3"

OMEJGF10___10mm Trim Packer

Notes:
1. Left and Right Coils typically have a 12mm free height difference to compensate for height and load variation.
2. Lift heights are an estimation.

Rear Leaf Springs:

OME #____Dakar #____Application____Spring Rate__Camber___Lift
JC1A_____CS034RA____Medium Load___148lbs/inch__230mm___3"
JC1B_____CS034RB____Medium Load___148lbs/inch__205mm___2.5"
JC2A_____CS035RA____Constant _____137lbs/inch__235mm___2-3"
_____________________Heavy Load___257lbs/inch overload
JC2B_____CS035RB____Constant______137lbs/inch___210mm___1.5-
_____________________Heavy Load___257lbs/inch overload___2.5"
JCXL________________Add-a-leaf___+20%_________________1"

OMEU60___U-Bolt___Dana 35
OMEU57___U-Bolt___ChryCo 8 1/4"

XJGK01____Transfer Case Drop Kit

Notes:
1. A and B Packs have the same load rating but different free camber. Ome catalogue lists B Packs with 10mm less lift than A packs.
2. There is no Light / Standard Duty rear spring.
3. Lift heights are an estimation.

Shock Absorbers:

OME Part #_____Description_______Extended_____Compressed
N35___________Front____________22.4"_________13.7"
N35C__________Front Comfort_____22.4"_________13.7"
N35L__________Front Long________26.7"_________15.4"
N36___________Rear_____________22.1"_________13.5"
N36C__________Rear Comfort______22.1"_________13.5"
N36L__________Rear Long_________24.5"_________14.4"

OMESD40______Steering Damper

Notes:
1. C denotes "Comfort" for less damping and a softer ride. Not recommended with accessories or heavy loads.
2. L denotes "Long". Not intended for standard OME lifts.
3. Steering Damper applicable to Left Hand Drive vehicles only.

I will add my comments, observations and other notes under a seperate post in this thread.

Andre

[Changa Bulanga]

As I said I"ve run just about every combination of OME in XJ's over the years.

My last rig (and current build) is very similar to Gorman's rig. OME934's under 1 3/4" spacers and N35L's and JC1A's (CS034A's) on 2" extended shackles and N36L's. I later ditched the 20mm block and added a set of JCXLs after I wrapped a pack. The wrap was largely my fault - My U-Bolts weren't properly tightened and I was very heavily loaded but I don't think the lift blocks helped any.

On the front I've run 930's and found them to be very comfy but they don't handle weight very well. I added a 8K winch on a bull-bar (not a full bumper) and lost about 15mm. I also found that I'd bottom out badly. 931's Under the same circumstances resored most of the lift but they nosedived badly too. In hindsight they obviously would due to their softer spring rate.
934's are the way to go if you have, or plan to have ANY weight up front. Tend to be slightly harsher without the weight but this is partly the spring and partly the change in control arm angles. I had a mate who ran long-arms under OME (+BB) springs for a while and it was as smoothe as silk.
I ran Doetch shocks for a while (ex Rocky Road, but thats a whole different story) and they were OK. On balance the OME shocks are worlds better. I cannot recommend the comforts - They are simply too soft.

On the rear I've had both packs. Let me start by saying this: The JC2A/B (CS035RA/B) are NOT Heavy Duty Springs! They are Heavy Constant Load springs. OME in Australia told me that their correct application is for towing large heavy trailers, boats, caravans, etc. They have a softer than standard initial spring rate and a very stiff overload spring. In other words, they sag quickly under relatively light loads but then stiffen up quite a lot. The other negative is that the overload spring is pretty flat and tends to snag obstacles quite a bit. They also don't flex nearly as much as the JC1A's.
OME recommended JC1A/B's plus a JCXL to me for non-towing applications but where heavy loads are carried in off-road conditions. Certainly, Dirk from DPG in the 'States told me that he has only sold 2 JC2 packs in the last year and several hundred of JC1 packs. Admittedly, we tend to carry heavier loads further and in many instances don't need or require the articulation that the Americans do.

The whole "heavy duty" thing is really confusing and a bit unfortunate. The initial spring rate is realy quite soft and even a minor load drops the tail about 2". Admittedly, it barely drops from there, irrespective of load but I've heard quite a few complaints about it. As it is XJ's tend to drag their tails...

The Steering Damper can be used on RHD models. A longer bolt, preferably hardened, is used to clear the damper cover.

Anyway, for what it's worth, that has been my experience. In closing; I am in no way punting OME over any other brand, this is simply intended as an information resource and a summary of my research and experiences.

Andre

[Changa Bulanga]

Hi SAXJ,

Your rear will definitely sag!

Seriously though, you will rpbably loose an inch in a week or so and drop down to about 3" on the standard duty packs.

A coupla sandbags in the back will speed up the process.

Andre

[saxj]

. It looks quite impressive right now though.

Slightly off the topic. What would I need to do to fit 31" tyres. I intend keeping the stock rims.

[saxj]

Could an Administrator please make the first two post of this thread into a sticky.

[gorman]

. It looks quite impressive right now though.

Slightly off the topic. What would I need to do to fit 31" tyres. I intend keeping the stock rims.

Victor, I'd say to be safe and fit 31" tyres without too much rubbing - do the extra leaf or longer shackles (or both!!) in the rear and do a big spacer in the front, e.g. about 45mm. That should be fine...mmm, then again, maybe you won't need all that. I think the older shape Cherokee like yours have more clearance than the newer ones, you might be okay as it is...not sure though.

[Changa Bulanga]

SAXJ,

You should be able to run 31 x 10.5's on a 3" lift with minor rubbing on the rear inner wheel housing, front Lower Control Arms and (maybe) your front spring tower.

A longer shackle will give you lift and a substantial improvement in flex. Remember as a rule of thumb, lift is half the shackle extension, i.e. a 2" extended shackle will give you 1" lift. If you do add a shackle, remove or shorten your lower bumper bracket bolts to allow the shackle a full range of movement. This definitely applies to '97+ models - not 100% sure about the pre-facelifts...

Extending your rear bumpstops slighly will probably stop 99% of the rubbing in the rear but see how much flex you have and if you can live with the rubbing before you worry too much about it. It will in all probability only be at full flex and even then not too bad. LCA rubbing can be dialed out by adjusting your steering stops on the knuckle and spring tower rubbing can be bumpstopped out too if needed.

You can make your own spacers in the front or stack a few OME trim packers on top of each other to level things out in the front. GoJeep has a good write-up on fabbing spacers and rear bumpstop extensions. Front bumpstops can be made with a hole saw and just about any material, even wood. (just make sure it's treated!) Just cut a disc of around 80mm diameter (Measure the inside diameter of your spring and back it off by 10mm or so) out of your material of choice and to the thickness required and epoxy it to the inside of your lower spring retainer. Quick and cheap -El cheapo nylon cutting boards from Pick 'n Pay are ideal.

Andre

[Neels Laubscher]

I have a 2000 TDi Musso, the rear coils springs are sagging. Do you know if one can re-tention these succesfully, to get a 50mm lift? What replacement springs can I use, I need a lift of 50mm from present hight. Do not want the car to give a harder ride, just more body clearance between tyres and body.

Thanks
Neels Laubscher
Cape Town
email : [email protected]

[XJ Junkie]

I have a 2000 TDi Musso, the rear coils springs are sagging. Do you know if one can re-tention these succesfully, to get a 50mm lift? What replacement springs can I use, I need a lift of 50mm from present hight. Do not want the car to give a harder ride, just more body clearance between tyres and body.

You can try Saaiman springs in Belville, but they were about as helpful as a chocolate fire engine when I went there.

Mikem might be able to help.

Try posting this question in the Sang Yong section as well.