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Old man EMU rear spring install

Stagg Jr.

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Last year I did the Eibach Pro 2.0 front coil overs. Rear shocks, too. Bought the rear 1 " blocks but never installed them. I just don't know. They're still sitting un-opened in the garage.

I think it's time to do the rear end this year. So, I'm going with the Old Man EMU rear springs w/grease able shackle kit. 1.7 inch lift. First because I think the stock one's seem flimsy. Plus the add-a-leaf is too expensive. Yes, that's relative I understand.

Just be warned if you buy this set up it might not come with directions, mine didn't. It did come with the shackle directions with 1 torque spec.

You'll also have to decide which spring goes on which side. It doesn't say. Also no torque spec on the u-bolts. I'm guessing the + spring is for the DS and the - is PS? The torque for the u-bolts 98 Ft.lb? More research, ugh.

That said, I'm starting the install tomorrow.

I'm hoping the up-graded springs will get rid of my start-up shutter (10 mph) but that would only be a bonus. Axle-wrap is a real thing.

All in all I'm ready to go, it's only been a year!
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Frenchy

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For installation instructions you just use the factory service manual. I contacted ARB about this 3 years ago when I did my i install.

Will it fix the start shutter? Possibly not since it does increase the drive shaft angle. Also you may want to consider the Old Man EMU shocks for matched ride and less chance of overextending the shocks.
 
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Stagg Jr.

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For installation instructions you just use the factory service manual. I contacted ARB about this 3 years ago when I did my i install.

Will it fix the start shutter? Possibly not since it does increase the drive shaft angle. Also you may want to consider the Old Man EMU shocks for matched ride and less chance of overextending the shocks.
The torque spec I want mostly is the OME leaf spring bolt that holds the spring pack together. I plan on taking the factory bump stop mount (off the top of factory spring) and reusing it on the new springs pack. This way the u bolts will sit perfect. Snug might have to do.

As far as the shutter goes, that only shows up on start. It never re appears. I think a firmer set of springs MIGHT help. I'm not holding my breath.

Shocks? It's ride or die. They are designed (Eibach) for 1-1 1/2" longer travel. If they blow I'll worry about it then. They're only 1 year old.

Some before shots.
OME Spring end.jpg

This is from the top of the center cap. DS.
DS top of center cap to bottom of wheel well.jpg

Top of the center cap. PS.
PS Top of center cap to bottom of wheel well.jpg
 
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Stagg Jr.

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First thing? Going to have to drop the full size spare. Bolt will not come out. Rats!

Shackle bolt full size spare tire.jpg
 

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If you don’t mind, report back on how the rear lift of these spring affects your start up shudder. I have a very light shudder at 10mph before hitting 3rd gear. Does it maybe half the time and isn’t very annoying but I definitely don’t want to make it worse.
 


Frenchy

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The torque spec I want mostly is the OME leaf spring bolt that holds the spring pack together. I plan on taking the factory bump stop mount (off the top of factory spring) and reusing it on the new springs pack. This way the u bolts will sit perfect. Snug might have to do.

As far as the shutter goes, that only shows up on start. It never re appears. I think a firmer set of springs MIGHT help. I'm not holding my breath.

Shocks? It's ride or die. They are designed (Eibach) for 1-1 1/2" longer travel. If they blow I'll worry about it then. They're only 1 year old.

Some before shots.
OME Spring end.jpg

This is from the top of the center cap. DS.
DS top of center cap to bottom of wheel well.jpg

Top of the center cap. PS.
PS Top of center cap to bottom of wheel well.jpg
The factory bump stops are on the frame. Not the leaf. No need to mess with them.
 

Frenchy

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I will also add that I never had a problem with the leaf and axle moving on rash other for the 2 years of having the kit on the truck.
 
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Stagg Jr.

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The factory bump stops are on the frame. Not the leaf. No need to mess with them.
No, the one on the leaf pack. There is no reason not to use it.
Also, there is a short video of ARB4x4USA reinstalling it.
Link



Bump stop U bolt holder.jpg
 
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Stagg Jr.

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So I made some progress. The truck is up on stands and wheels and shocks are off and undone. Also undid the brake lines.
Couple shots of the shim on the DS/PS. Brake line un-hooked to give the axle more room to move.

DS shim installed.webp


PS no shim.jpg


Brake line mount removed.jpg
 

Frenchy

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No, the one on the leaf pack. There is no reason not to use it.
Also, there is a short video of ARB4x4USA reinstalling it.
Link



Bump stop U bolt holder.jpg
That's not a bump stop. Also those are not needed at all for the install. It's not worth your time to try and swap it
 

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The + goes on the drivers side, on the ground stacked side by side the + should be taller.

The spare can stay, once you get the shackle side plate off the spring will come right off.
 
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Stagg Jr.

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Side note. I came across this short blip on the ARB site. I thought I could rid the truck of the DS installed shim that came from the factory. Don't think so. The pack would need another 3MM as the shim is 6MM. Damn-it! Oh well, can't win them all.



"Certain Old Man Emu coil and leaf springs are labeled “A” or “B”. In most cases, the “A” springs have a higher free height than the “B” spring. This is designed to compensate for existing lean, driver weight, aftermarket accessories, fuel tank, and weight distribution. Pre-installation measurements will allow for a more accurate A/B spring fitment. All leaf springs will be labeled with either a “+”, “0”, or “-“ which signifies a tolerance of up to 3mm. “0” is exact, “+” is slightly above up to 3mm, “-“ is slightly below up to 3mm. Each spring goes through the proper tests to ensure that they meet the tolerances specified by the Old Man Emu Engineers. All leaf springs will have an arrow marked on the top of the spring. The arrow is meant to point towards the fixed end on the frame opposite of the shackle."
 
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Stagg Jr.

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That's not a bump stop. Also those are not needed at all for the install. It's not worth your time to try and swap it
It's the bump stop plate. It is worth my time to re use it. If you didn't that's cool.
 

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The single 1/4" shim is for the lean.
 
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Stagg Jr.

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