Old Man Emu Light or Heavy Load 2.50 Inch Lift

[nsalcedo20]

Hey all, I wanted to ask out there if anyone is running an OME 2.5 inch lift, either the light or heavy load with the leaf springs and front coilovers on their ranger? I saw a thread about one on a Nissan Frontier but didn't see anything specifically about someone having one on the ranger. I'm looking for something that wont require me to spend hundreds or thousands on coilovers, UCAs, shocks, etc. and want to see if anyone can provide any info on this lift kit. If you do have it, what tires and size are you running? Any issues? Thanks in advance

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[Colo_Ranger]

I've had many iterations, but I have the OME 2.2" medium duty leaves and they're good. I've run 255/85r17, 285/75r17 and 35x12.5x17 tires with them. I've also run Eibach coilovers and shocks, the OME Nitrocharger shocks and strutsm and OME BP-51s with them.

They're a good spring.

I know that @AndyMedic is really happy with his Dobinsons. He had the OME leaves before too. Based on his recommendations, I will probably switch the OME for Dobinsons.

 

[Frenchy]

I am the guy with the Frontier and I also had Old Man EMU Suspension on my 2019 Ranger that I had. I have questions before giving you information on what to choose.


First and foremost what are your goals? BTW if you say to go OffRoad..... Stop there and take the truck OffRoad.......

The next question is how much stuff do you have in the bed normally? Is it empty? Is it loaded with a bunch of stuff? If it's loaded, how much weight do you have?

Last question is how much are you willing to spend? Is money not an object or do you have a SO that is watching this thread?!

 

[Frenchy]

I've had many iterations, but I have the OME 2.2" medium duty leaves and they're good. I've run 255/85r17, 285/75r17 and 35x12.5x17 tires with them. I've also run Eibach coilovers and shocks, the OME Nitrocharger shocks and strutsm and OME BP-51s with them.

They're a good spring.

I know that @AndyMedic is really happy with his Dobinsons. He had the OME leaves before too. Based on his recommendations, I will probably switch the OME for Dobinsons.

Unless the Dobinsons have a better load range for you, I would stick to what you got. Also I would like to have fun comparing both my truck and your truck with Old Man EMU BP-51'S. I would be neat to see how they compare even though it's different applications.

 

[seanellaz]

Hey all, I wanted to ask out there if anyone is running an OME 2.5 inch lift, either the light or heavy load with the leaf springs and front coilovers on their ranger? I saw a thread about one on a Nissan Frontier but didn't see anything specifically about someone having one on the ranger. I'm looking for something that wont require me to spend hundreds or thousands on coilovers, UCAs, shocks, etc. and want to see if anyone can provide any info on this lift kit. If you do have it, what tires and size are you running? Any issues? Thanks in advance

I already had the BDS 1" shackle lift on the rear. I like the shackle lift over blocks as the shackle lift does not increase propensity to axle wrap as would blocks. Later I replaced the stock rear springs the ARB / OME EL121R, which adds 600 lbs capacity and 1.5" lift. This combo works great. With the up front ICON 3.5” Lift, Extended Travel 2.5 VS Coilover Kit SKU: 91255, I still have a little rake when traveling light, but the truck is flat when pulling my 3,500 pound overlanding trailer. The rear soaks bumps a little better than the stock spring, probly because the ARB / OME has 4 leafs as opposed to the stock 2 leafs stack. The guys at ARB - 1 866-293-9078 helped me a lot when deciding which springs to get. I'm running 35" x 12.5" Arturo Trail Blades front and rear. I went from the stock 17 x 8 wheel with 55mm offset to XF Forged XFX 305 Black Milled 17 x 10 wheels with +12mm offset. I had to add 1.25" hub centric spacers to keep the tires frum rubbing on the frame, also did some cutting and bashing in the front wheel wells to limit rubbing in the front.

 

[Frenchy]

I already had the BDS 1" shackle lift on the rear. I like the shackle lift over blocks as the shackle lift does not increase propensity to axle wrap as would blocks. Later I replaced the stock rear springs the ARB / OME EL121R, which adds 600 lbs capacity and 1.5" lift. This combo works great. With the up front ICON 3.5” Lift, Extended Travel 2.5 VS Coilover Kit SKU: 91255, I still have a little rake when traveling light, but the truck is flat when pulling my 3,500 pound overlanding trailer. The rear soaks bumps a little better than the stock spring, probly because the ARB / OME has 4 leafs as opposed to the stock 2 leafs stack. The guys at ARB - 1 866-293-9078 helped me a lot when deciding which springs to get. I'm running 35" x 12.5" Arturo Trail Blades front and rear. I went from the stock 17 x 8 wheel with 55mm offset to XF Forged XFX 305 Black Milled 17 x 10 wheels with +12mm offset. I had to add 1.25" hub centric spacers to keep the tires frum rubbing on the frame, also did some cutting and bashing in the front wheel wells to limit rubbing in the front.

You are a bit confused on the leafs. It's not that it adds capacity, but is designed to carry a capacity at said lift height. For example the EL120R will have no problems holding 600 Lbs. That said it will lower the rear accordingly. I know because I have loaded the rear with 780 lbs with those springs and it leveled my Ranger completely and that was with the Old Man EMU Nitrocharger Sport Suspension.

For you having the Icon mismatched, it is messing with your perception of how it all works.

 

[nsalcedo20]

I am the guy with the Frontier and I also had Old Man EMU Suspension on my 2019 Ranger that I had. I have questions before giving you information on what to choose.


First and foremost what are your goals? BTW if you say to go OffRoad..... Stop there and take the truck OffRoad.......

The next question is how much stuff do you have in the bed normally? Is it empty? Is it loaded with a bunch of stuff? If it's loaded, how much weight do you have?

Last question is how much are you willing to spend? Is money not an object or do you have a SO that is watching this thread?!

My goals are to have a lifted look but not sacrificing ride quality or potentially jeopardizing other suspension or steering components like I might if I went with something like a rough country kit. I do also want to off road, I’ve taken it off road plenty of times stock but would like to put bigger tires on it and be able to take things at a bit higher speed and have a bit more fun.

the bed is usually empty. I fit into the weekend warrior category, rocks/sand/wood/helping friends move/light trailers maybe once or twice a week but it’s not seeing constant load. I would like to put a tent on the roof and some new bumpers but I don’t think that would make a huge difference.

I’d like to spend a maximum of $2000 on a lift, so if I went with coilovers I’d hope to keep the struts, shocks, shackle/block, UCAs, etc. to that limit. Tires and wheels are my next worry but I want to get down what I want for a lift first. And yes.. she’s watching

 

[nsalcedo20]

I've had many iterations, but I have the OME 2.2" medium duty leaves and they're good. I've run 255/85r17, 285/75r17 and 35x12.5x17 tires with them. I've also run Eibach coilovers and shocks, the OME Nitrocharger shocks and strutsm and OME BP-51s with them.

They're a good spring.

I know that @AndyMedic is really happy with his Dobinsons. He had the OME leaves before too. Based on his recommendations, I will probably switch the OME for Dobinsons.

What did you think of the Eibachs? Those were another option I was looking at instead of the leafs. I do think the Dobinsons might be out of my price range for the full kit

 

[nsalcedo20]

I already had the BDS 1" shackle lift on the rear. I like the shackle lift over blocks as the shackle lift does not increase propensity to axle wrap as would blocks. Later I replaced the stock rear springs the ARB / OME EL121R, which adds 600 lbs capacity and 1.5" lift. This combo works great. With the up front ICON 3.5” Lift, Extended Travel 2.5 VS Coilover Kit SKU: 91255, I still have a little rake when traveling light, but the truck is flat when pulling my 3,500 pound overlanding trailer. The rear soaks bumps a little better than the stock spring, probly because the ARB / OME has 4 leafs as opposed to the stock 2 leafs stack. The guys at ARB - 1 866-293-9078 helped me a lot when deciding which springs to get. I'm running 35" x 12.5" Arturo Trail Blades front and rear. I went from the stock 17 x 8 wheel with 55mm offset to XF Forged XFX 305 Black Milled 17 x 10 wheels with +12mm offset. I had to add 1.25" hub centric spacers to keep the tires frum rubbing on the frame, also did some cutting and bashing in the front wheel wells to limit rubbing in the front.

Good to know, from what Frenchy said it sounds like the icon coilovers and the shackle are what’s giving you the lift and you just have the OME leafs? If so what do you think of that set up. I’m mainly looking for a good overall suspension lift that’s not going to cause issues further down the line like a rough country lift or something, but also handle some heavier days with ease

 

[Frenchy]

My goals are to have a lifted look but not sacrificing ride quality or potentially jeopardizing other suspension or steering components like I might if I went with something like a rough country kit. I do also want to off road, I’ve taken it off road plenty of times stock but would like to put bigger tires on it and be able to take things at a bit higher speed and have a bit more fun.

the bed is usually empty. I fit into the weekend warrior category, rocks/sand/wood/helping friends move/light trailers maybe once or twice a week but it’s not seeing constant load. I would like to put a tent on the roof and some new bumpers but I don’t think that would make a huge difference.

I’d like to spend a maximum of $2000 on a lift, so if I went with coilovers I’d hope to keep the struts, shocks, shackle/block, UCAs, etc. to that limit. Tires and wheels are my next worry but I want to get down what I want for a lift first. And yes.. she’s watching

Well thankfully you knew how to respond and I appreciate it. Instead of mixing and matching suspension, I'm going to recommend you stay with Old Man EMU on this one. Allow me to explain on this one.

Now because of budget alone I'm going to say to stick with the Nitrocharger Sport Suspension as the price even with springs will keep you below the $2000 mark, but only barely.

As for what parts to get, I recommend what is on the list above. It is the standard kit from Old Man EMU for the Ranger. It will provide roughly 2.4 inches of lift in the front and 1.6 inches of lift in the rear. This is at 0 lbs of load with accessories. If you choose to add weight, you can easily replace the springs up front and add a leaf to the rear leaf springs if you wish.

Cool thing about the selected parts, 780 lbs will level the truck out with that configuration. I know because I did it a few times with batteries. Just keep in mind that Steel Bumpers(Bull Bars included) will make a difference on weight. Get too much weight and you will be changing springs.

For this kit it is recommended, but not required to get aftermarket upper control arms. When the kit is put together it will fit up front, bit it will be so tight that you fight it going in. If you get a good Aftermarket Upper Control Arm, then you should fix that issue and the Control Arm may assist in alignment correction as well. If you decide to go this route, I highly recommend going with SuperPro and Whiteline. They will increase the clearance and make both Camber and Caster Correction with Lift.

How much faster will you be on the trail with this kit? Well you won't necessarily be trying to do the BAJA 1000, but you will be a bit more comfortable on the trail over stock. Just be mindful when on the trail.

Why this over other stuff? Old Man EMU is designed around Overlanding/Remote 4WD Touring and will be focused on giving a good ride both on and off the trail. It may not be perfect, but it will do what it can. Also these parts are made in Australia vs others choosing to go to China for manufacturing. The next step up if money wasn't an object is the BP-51's, but again Money better not be an object. That said they are nice! I wish I was able to get them on my Ranger, but for reasons it did not happen. Now I have them on my Frontier and I am thrilled!

Hope this helps

 

[Colo_Ranger]

What did you think of the Eibachs? Those were another option I was looking at instead of the leafs. I do think the Dobinsons might be out of my price range for the full kit

The Eibach were incredibly good UNTIL I added weight. The ARB bumper was too much for them and they started to sag and bounce.

There are a lot of things that lead up to the right suspension choice. What do you do with the truck? What do you WANT to do with the truck? Are you going to be adding skid plates, bumpers, winches, gear, etc. etc.?

 

[Colo_Ranger]

My goals are to have a lifted look but not sacrificing ride quality or potentially jeopardizing other suspension or steering components like I might if I went with something like a rough country kit. I do also want to off road, I’ve taken it off road plenty of times stock but would like to put bigger tires on it and be able to take things at a bit higher speed and have a bit more fun.

the bed is usually empty. I fit into the weekend warrior category, rocks/sand/wood/helping friends move/light trailers maybe once or twice a week but it’s not seeing constant load. I would like to put a tent on the roof and some new bumpers but I don’t think that would make a huge difference.

I’d like to spend a maximum of $2000 on a lift, so if I went with coilovers I’d hope to keep the struts, shocks, shackle/block, UCAs, etc. to that limit. Tires and wheels are my next worry but I want to get down what I want for a lift first. And yes.. she’s watching

I am catching up and just saw this post. Bumpers add a lot more than you realize. I've had the full OME Nitrocharger setup and, in my opinion, it is the best suspension you can get BEFORE jumping up to the 2.5" shock bodies.

I ran this exact kit, though I pieced it together over time and used the HD fronts, since I have the ARB bumper and winch.

 

[nsalcedo20]

The Eibach were incredibly good UNTIL I added weight. The ARB bumper was too much for them and they started to sag and bounce.

There are a lot of things that lead up to the right suspension choice. What do you do with the truck? What do you WANT to do with the truck? Are you going to be adding skid plates, bumpers, winches, gear, etc. etc.?

I mainly want a lifted look with any improvement in offroad ability, and the ability to put on larger tires, and I don't want to sacrifice road ride quality. I am ok with it being a bit stiffer but I don't want to jeopardize other components of the suspension or steering. I will eventually add a rooftop tent, I load it with some heavy-ish camping gear, and will likely get a full size spare when I get new tires. I don't really plan to change the bumpers but who knows, we all know this is a slippery slope of "well maybe I'll just toss this on and I'll be done". My original plan was a leveling kit and we're now talking leaf springs and specific weight capacities.

 

[nsalcedo20]

I am catching up and just saw this post. Bumpers add a lot more than you realize. I've had the full OME Nitrocharger setup and, in my opinion, it is the best suspension you can get BEFORE jumping up to the 2.5" shock bodies.

I ran this exact kit, though I pieced it together over time and used the HD fronts, since I have the ARB bumper and winch.

Sweet, thank you for that. I just replied to your other response, bumpers are a maybe, but we know how that goes.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Sweet, thank you for that. I just replied to your other response, bumpers are a maybe, but we know how that goes.

I said my build was going to be slow and... it escalated very, very quickly. So... y es, we know how that goes.

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