Old Man Emu Lift Kits
#1
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 1
From: Detroit, MI
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0L
Old Man Emu Lift Kits
Hi Ladies and Gents,
So I've been doing some serious research on lifts since I finally have the money to start purchasing things. I've been hearing great things about OME kits, and I'm trying to check out my options. I'm looking to do 3" or 3.5" (maybe even 4") and I want to run 31's. I've heard plenty of talk about these kits, but I can't find them anywhere. Can someone please pass me a link to where I can purchase and look at OME lift kit options? I know this sounds ignorant, but I've done the google searches, and I'm still not finding what I'm looking for.
Also, any experience with these lifts would be appreciated. My XJ is my DD and I drive 25 miles to and from work (mostly highway) Mon - Fri alone. I will be doing some trailing riding every couple weekends as well, but nothing too crazy (my XJ is my baby). I've been hearing that OME is a great kit for what I'd be using it for.
I'm trying to take my time and pick what will fit my needs. I was originally think RE 3.5" kit, but after hearing such good things about OME I'm leaning towards that. I've even seen people who currently have RE 3.5" kits post messages like, "I wish I would have done it right the first time and gone with an OME kit."
Lastly, I'm not worried about cost. I'm trying to make the best choice for my needs.
Really appreciate the feedback!
So I've been doing some serious research on lifts since I finally have the money to start purchasing things. I've been hearing great things about OME kits, and I'm trying to check out my options. I'm looking to do 3" or 3.5" (maybe even 4") and I want to run 31's. I've heard plenty of talk about these kits, but I can't find them anywhere. Can someone please pass me a link to where I can purchase and look at OME lift kit options? I know this sounds ignorant, but I've done the google searches, and I'm still not finding what I'm looking for.
Also, any experience with these lifts would be appreciated. My XJ is my DD and I drive 25 miles to and from work (mostly highway) Mon - Fri alone. I will be doing some trailing riding every couple weekends as well, but nothing too crazy (my XJ is my baby). I've been hearing that OME is a great kit for what I'd be using it for.
I'm trying to take my time and pick what will fit my needs. I was originally think RE 3.5" kit, but after hearing such good things about OME I'm leaning towards that. I've even seen people who currently have RE 3.5" kits post messages like, "I wish I would have done it right the first time and gone with an OME kit."
Lastly, I'm not worried about cost. I'm trying to make the best choice for my needs.
Really appreciate the feedback!
#2
I was looking at the same re 3.5 kit and was wondering about the ome kits also. Can't find much on the ome kits. A lot of people seem to like the RE 3.5 super flex kits so thats the one i am leaning towards.
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 793
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Liter I6 PowerTech
DPG off road has awesome OME lift kit packages. Here's a link. http://dpgoffroad.com/productcategor...cherokee-kits/
#4
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 1
From: Detroit, MI
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0L
DPG off road has awesome OME lift kit packages. Here's a link. http://dpgoffroad.com/productcategor...cherokee-kits/
Do you happen to have any experience with OME? Or know anyone who does? I'm really leaning toward them now, and a few more opinions would be great! Not trying to start an RE vs. OME debate, just trying to cover all the bases.
#5
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach, VA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Don't forget to check out Metal Cloak either. Their quality is higher than RE, and I would put them at even a notch above OME. Their 3.5 kit is super capable and they pride themselves on putting together comfortable suspensions that perform. They have proprietary technology such as their duroflex control arm ends that reduce noise and vibration transfer as well as flex better than a Johnny Joint. Also the kit comes with Deaver leaf spring which are the best out there. Very high quality stuff and they stand behind their product. I suggest giving them some consideration.
http://www.metalcloak.com/XJ-Jeep-Ch...Kits-s/282.htm
http://www.metalcloak.com/XJ-Jeep-Ch...Kits-s/282.htm
#6
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 1
From: Detroit, MI
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0L
Don't forget to check out Metal Cloak either. Their quality is higher than RE, and I would put them at even a notch above OME. Their 3.5 kit is super capable and they pride themselves on putting together comfortable suspensions that perform. They have proprietary technology such as their duroflex control arm ends that reduce noise and vibration transfer as well as flex better than a Johnny Joint. Also the kit comes with Deaver leaf spring which are the best out there. Very high quality stuff and they stand behind their product. I suggest giving them some consideration.
http://www.metalcloak.com/XJ-Jeep-Ch...Kits-s/282.htm
http://www.metalcloak.com/XJ-Jeep-Ch...Kits-s/282.htm
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 793
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Liter I6 PowerTech
DPG is a really reputable company. They have great customer service, they know a lot about what they sell, and they are really nice people. I've only bought a few small things from them, but I plan on buying more.
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#8
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 1
From: Detroit, MI
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0L
OME sounds like the way to go. I've been able to find a couple OME kits (3 & 3.5 inches) with 31's and something about them just looks better than the rest. I'm not sure if it's because I'm leaning that way, but it doesn't seem like you can go wrong with an OME kit. Everyone has great things to say about them too, so that is a big help!
Appreciate the feedback guys! Hope to get a few more hits on this, as I'd like to hear some peoples experience with their OME kits.
#9
I have an OME lift (well mostly OME) and it is amazing. The ride is unreal and the springs are high quality, especially the leaf springs.
I had a 3.5" Rubicon Express lift with Bilstein 5100s on my previous XJ and the ride was rock hard. It was still really great quality but the ride was not even close to OME.
I had a 3.5" Rubicon Express lift with Bilstein 5100s on my previous XJ and the ride was rock hard. It was still really great quality but the ride was not even close to OME.
#10
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 1
From: Detroit, MI
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0L
The thing I like most about OME so far while doing my searching is that everyone who runs OME describes it as, "great, amazing, awesome, etc." How can you go wrong when that's what you hear all the time?
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 793
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Liter I6 PowerTech
As far as I understand, OME tries to make lifts that will still feel like a stock ride. They aren't too stiff, or too bouncy. They're kinda perfect for a daily driver. If the price wasn't so high, I would've gone with a hybrid OME kit from DPG off road. My budget forced me to settle with Rusty's off road, but I'm pretty happy with my suspension setup.
#12
Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: southern california
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: HO 4.0
I would have to say go with RE. Parts still made here in USA, and easy to find.
If you are having a hard time just finding the OME kit then you will probably have a hard time finding replacement parts down the road as well.
My lady has a 3.5 RE lift with full leaf spring pack and it is b!tchin'. Great ride on-road and VERY capable off road.
RE, you get a great product, solid lift kit, and you are buying American! Being from Michigan, I would imagine that would matter a little bit?
If you are having a hard time just finding the OME kit then you will probably have a hard time finding replacement parts down the road as well.
My lady has a 3.5 RE lift with full leaf spring pack and it is b!tchin'. Great ride on-road and VERY capable off road.
RE, you get a great product, solid lift kit, and you are buying American! Being from Michigan, I would imagine that would matter a little bit?
#13
i too went w/ the ome kit from dpg , im very happy w/ it. i wanted a 4" lift w/ a stock type ride & thats what i got. they sold me all the parts for the lift to be done right, only thing i did after the lift was hack n tap sye & rear cv type ds to smooth out some vibes. great kit for 31's w/ stock flares.
#14
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 1
From: Detroit, MI
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0L
I would have to say go with RE. Parts still made here in USA, and easy to find.
If you are having a hard time just finding the OME kit then you will probably have a hard time finding replacement parts down the road as well.
My lady has a 3.5 RE lift with full leaf spring pack and it is b!tchin'. Great ride on-road and VERY capable off road.
RE, you get a great product, solid lift kit, and you are buying American! Being from Michigan, I would imagine that would matter a little bit?
If you are having a hard time just finding the OME kit then you will probably have a hard time finding replacement parts down the road as well.
My lady has a 3.5 RE lift with full leaf spring pack and it is b!tchin'. Great ride on-road and VERY capable off road.
RE, you get a great product, solid lift kit, and you are buying American! Being from Michigan, I would imagine that would matter a little bit?
DPG (like Green pointed out) has been very helpful already. I plan on contacting Dirk from there tomorrow to discuss my possible setup.
I was able to find replacement parts easy as well. That's what I was finding to begin with, and it got me wondering where I could find the kits. It's a "hybrid" kit. Mainly OME suspension parts, but paired with other great quality parts that makes a solid comfortable on-road ride and is still very capable off-road.
#15
Herp Derp Jerp
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 13
From: Parham, ON
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
RE's 3.5" coils are very stiff. Gave me around 4.25" lift up front. Would not recommend for a stock daily driver, with the weight of a winch and bumper I'm sure they're a lot nicer.
Especially with commuting, remember the higher you go the worse fuel economy you'll get. 2.5"-3" OME real ride height versus 4.5" RE effective ride height is a pretty big difference. Also as aluded to more things change; at 2" and 3" you can get away with a lot of stock stuff but around 4.5" lift you almost need to do control arms and steering.
Especially with commuting, remember the higher you go the worse fuel economy you'll get. 2.5"-3" OME real ride height versus 4.5" RE effective ride height is a pretty big difference. Also as aluded to more things change; at 2" and 3" you can get away with a lot of stock stuff but around 4.5" lift you almost need to do control arms and steering.