Ford performance-OME overlanding or Fox?

[Rock squirrel]

Ok folks, I finally killed a Dynapro on a trail so I’m upgrading my suspension and tires. Right now, there is a good coupon on Ford accessories so here’s the question - do I get the Ford Performance OME overlanding suspension or the Fox leveling kit?

My use is daily driver, towing travel trailer 4300 lbs, 600-650 lbs hitch), and occasional light-med off-roading (usually desert, sub 30 mph). I have recovery kit, camp gear, and family in the car regularly.

From my research, I’m leaning towards the OME for my style of use to minimize squat and maximize comfort. Might upgrade bumper and plan to add rack. Will be going for 32” KO2 tires (though 33” was super tempting!).

BTW, the level 2 and 3 Ford Performance Ranger packs are way cheaper now on Ford’s site.

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[Frenchy]

For the fact that you will be towing I would recommend the Old Man EMU over the Fox, but with that said I would recommend the BP-51'S over the Nitrocharger shocks and struts. I say this because the Nitrocharger shocks and struts are a bit under dampened. This causes the ride to be a bit rough. One other option you could look at is Dobinsons as they are also made in Australia and seem to have much better dampening compared to Old Man EMU Nitrochargers and have a lower cost than BP-51'S

 

[Colo_Ranger]

I've never heard of a Ford Performance OME suspension, do you have a link?

 

[Jhbryaniv]

I've never heard of a Ford Performance OME suspension, do you have a link?

well, thats new to me . . .

https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-18000-RO

 

[RangerPNW]

Ok folks, I finally killed a Dynapro on a trail so I’m upgrading my suspension and tires. Right now, there is a good coupon on Ford accessories so here’s the question - do I get the Ford Performance OME overlanding suspension or the Fox leveling kit?

My use is daily driver, towing travel trailer 4300 lbs, 600-650 lbs hitch), and occasional light-med off-roading (usually desert, sub 30 mph). I have recovery kit, camp gear, and family in the car regularly.

From my research, I’m leaning towards the OME for my style of use to minimize squat and maximize comfort. Might upgrade bumper and plan to add rack. Will be going for 32” KO2 tires (though 33” was super tempting!).

BTW, the level 2 and 3 Ford Performance Ranger packs are way cheaper now on Ford’s site.

I think either kit will suit your needs just fine, I have the Fox 2.0's and I love them. They are extremely comfortable and performed well towing.

 

[Rock squirrel]

Thanks @Frenchy - that might have to be a future upgrade because the price of tires and lift was already stretching my budget. I’ll look into the Dobinsons.

@RangerPNW what kind of tongue weight to have and is the squat noticeable with Fox? I don’t like to tow at night because with the squat and stick rake, my lights are too high (though I get that with the LEDS even without towing despite it being set correct).

 

[RangerPNW]

Thanks @Frenchy - that might have to be a future upgrade because the price of tires and lift was already stretching my budget. I’ll look into the Dobinsons.

@RangerPNW what kind of tongue weight to have and is the squat noticeable with Fox? I don’t like to tow at night because with the squat and stick rake, my lights are too high (though I get that with the LEDS even without towing despite it being set correct).

Squat is going to be dependent on the rear springs, so you'd see decent squat unless you throw in airbags, add a shackle/spacer lift to the rear leafs, or replace the rear leafs altogether. My towing has been rental trailers, so nothing consistent weight wise and i never measured it.

 

[Rock squirrel]

Squat is going to be dependent on the rear springs, so you'd see decent squat unless you throw in airbags, add a shackle/spacer lift to the rear leafs, or replace the rear leafs altogether. My towing has been rental trailers, so nothing consistent weight wise and i never measured it.

Gotcha. That makes me lean more towards the OME because it has new shackles and leafs for the rear.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

I have that kit, but I bought it from Stage 3. It doesn’t appear there is any difference between the FP and the non-FP versions. The OME kit is awesome. If you’re looking to add a bumper, get the HD front struts. You should be able piece it together for the same price. I have the 2.2” leaf springs and I am quite happy with the setup. You can check my build using the link in my signature.

 

[YaBoiNewton]

Ok folks, I finally killed a Dynapro on a trail so I’m upgrading my suspension and tires. Right now, there is a good coupon on Ford accessories so here’s the question - do I get the Ford Performance OME overlanding suspension or the Fox leveling kit?

My use is daily driver, towing travel trailer 4300 lbs, 600-650 lbs hitch), and occasional light-med off-roading (usually desert, sub 30 mph). I have recovery kit, camp gear, and family in the car regularly.

From my research, I’m leaning towards the OME for my style of use to minimize squat and maximize comfort. Might upgrade bumper and plan to add rack. Will be going for 32” KO2 tires (though 33” was super tempting!).

BTW, the level 2 and 3 Ford Performance Ranger packs are way cheaper now on Ford’s site.

Leaf spring upgrades are always fun, but not really needed for what you're doing. I have the Fox 2.0 kit and stock leafs and I only ever get any squat when I have the bed loaded full of material. Trailers don't seem to contribute much.

The OME stuff looks good and there is a clear advantage to be had with their kit, but the stock leafs are plenty strong for what you plan to do. Evidence below...

This picture was from when I loaded a trailer with three yards of limestone rip rap. This came out to a bit over the rated towing capacity. Very heavy and not safe at all to drive in traffic, but not much squat.

and this is from when I had loaded the bed full of telephone pole segments...very heavy and quite a bit of squat.

 

[Rock squirrel]

This picture is a bit far away, but you can see how it sits with the trailer I have. I’m happy to hear positive things about both. Maybe it just comes down to which I want to install because price isn’t that far off.

 

[Frenchy]

This picture is a bit far away, but you can see how it sits with the trailer I have. I’m happy to hear positive things about both. Maybe it just comes down to which I want to install because price isn’t that far off.

Looks like enough squat where you need a WDH for towing

 

[Rock squirrel]

Looks like enough squat where you need a WDH for towing

I’ve definitely thought about it. The Ranger has handled it well, except for the angle. I was never excited to spend the money and add the weight/complexity. That’s why the OME caught my eye - deal with squat, improve ride, and clear larger tires.

 

[Rock squirrel]

Well, I installed the OME kit this weekend. Will drive it tomorrow and see how it shakes out. A couple of lessons learned:

• much more work than the fox would have been
• The auto shop rental coil compressors didn’t fit the OME coils - I uninstalled and had to utilize a friend with access to a proper coil compressor to assemble the strut
• The rear leaf trim plate on the driver side wasn’t accounted for in the instructions. You have to get creative or leave it off.
• Don’t forget the packers if you want max height. I forgot them. They aren’t going back in.
• Dropping the LCA seemed to be the trick. Need some large deep sockets, breaker bar, and hefty torque wrench to get them off and on. Positioning the LCA back was best accomplished with strategic ratchet strap and two jacks (used a floor and scissor). Extra pair of hands was helpful to line up just right.
• Deep sockets help for some hardware.

 

[Frenchy]

Well, I installed the OME kit this weekend. Will drive it tomorrow and see how it shakes out. A couple of lessons learned:

• much more work than the fox would have been
• The auto shop rental coil compressors didn’t fit the OME coils - I uninstalled and had to utilize a friend with access to a proper coil compressor to assemble the strut
• The rear leaf trim plate on the driver side wasn’t accounted for in the instructions. You have to get creative or leave it off.
• Don’t forget the packers if you want max height. I forgot them. They aren’t going back in.
• Dropping the LCA seemed to be the trick. Need some large deep sockets, breaker bar, and hefty torque wrench to get them off and on. Positioning the LCA back was best accomplished with strategic ratchet strap and two jacks (used a floor and scissor). Extra pair of hands was helpful to line up just right.
• Deep sockets help for some hardware.

If you are talking about the small shim on the driver's side in the rear simply grind the nub off and put it back in. I did that on my 2019 4 years ago whe. I installed it.

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