New Leafs Dobinsons vs OME

[andros]

Just put a new pop-up topper on and quickly realizing I need to upgrade my leafs. Dealing with right now about 500lbs of constant load but will probably end up near 600-700lbs. Currently running the fox ford performance lift kit as well.

I'm between the Dobinsons vs OME leafs, I like that the OME kit comes with everything but sounds like a lot of people slightly prefer the dobs. Seems like price is comparable unless I'm missing some parts I need to add in. Any help would be great.

Sponsored

 

[Frenchy]

I have run both Old Man EMU and Dobinsons on a few different vehicles. For the springs I can only speak for the load carrying. For the shocks and struts and can speak for the comfort side of things.

For load carrying I would pick Old Man EMU over Dobinsons any day of the week. This comes from experience with my old 2019 Ranger and my current 2012 Frontier(yes that is Nissan). For comfort I'm still going to go with Old Man EMU. Allow me to explain.

For the Leaf Springs, Old Man EMU does use thicker Leafs in their Leafs Springs. It's not much, but it adds up fast. Also if you ever need to add a leaf, Old Man EMU makes it easy. When I had my Ranger, I had the basic Leafs. With no load I was lifted roughly 1.6 inches in the rear and 2.4 inches up front(good old Old Man EMU Nitrocharger Suspension there). If I put roughly 780 LBS in the bed(batteries usually) then the truck would end up leveling out. From what I remember the medium duty leafs are designed roughly 600-660 LBS of weight while at 1.6 inches of lift. This means you can have the weight on the ranger and have good clearance in the rear on the trails.

Now to speak on comfort. Understanding you have Fox, it may be a bit different. That said I have experience on Old Man EMU Nitrocharger Sport, Old Man EMU BP-51 along with Dobinsons GS, IMS and MRR. Here is what I noticed. When it came to the street Old Man EMU did a good job at controlling the load. Even with the terribly paved concrete roads here in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota I had problems keeping control of my vehicles with Dobinsons. It all came to the shock and strut Dampening. On the trail I will say that Dobinsons did do better than the Old Man EMU Nitrocharger, but the BP-51 Suspension beats Dobinsons in many ways! On the street I don't have my vehicle shaking violently. On the trail I have excellent control without bottoming out.

My suggestion, go with Old Man EMU. Depending on the mileage on the Fox Suspension, I would highly recommend switching to Old Man EMU BP-51. It's really good stuff.

 

[andros]

Frenchy I feel like I've read every thread on here where you've talked about different leaf setups, exactly the person I was hoping to hear from. Good to know you'd recommend the OME kit here.

My fox suspension is pretty new so I'd rather not swap it out right now. Do you know if the OME leaf kit has everything I need to make the swap?

 

[Frenchy]

For the leafs you will need new U Bolts and Bushings. It is also recommended to get the Shackles and front bolts. As for installation, it's your call if you do it yourself or have a shop do it for you.

Sponsored