Old Man Emu Lift Kits
#107
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 1
From: Detroit, MI
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0L
This is my brand new Metalcloak 3.5" lift with OME springs, Liquid Iron Industries relo brackets and JKS boomerang shackles. Even after removing the 3rd leaf it sits this high. So if/when it settles over time it will be perfect.
Attachment 267104
Attachment 267104
That Metacloack kit looked appetizing, but since mine won't be off road too often, I thought the OME kit was a better bet. I'm thinking if I start flexing more often, to get metalcloak coils so I'm not running spacers.
I did run into a guy that had an OME kit on his old XJ (he sold it), and he said it was fantastic on and off road. Can't wait to get this thing bolted up!
#108
Just had my OME 2.5" Hybrid installed this weekend, along with new 30" tires. While it still needs a steering stabilizer and front end alignment, the ride is excellent! I've only been on pavement so far, though...
#109
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,164
Likes: 1
From: Warren, Pa
Year: 97
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
#111
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 460
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I put on Iron Rock Offroad's SYE at the same time as the lift. With my combination, (AW4, NP242 & 8.25) a SYE is almost always needed with any lift.
#112
I ordered the 2.5 OME ultimate kit from Dirk as well. I want to stay low. I want to avoid a SYE and I've got five 235/75r15 BFG T/A that I don't want to replace yet. I put close to $1100 in them back when oil was stupid expensive and 14,000 miles later I'm no where near replacing them.
With a bigger lift I'd be guaranteed to need to a SYE and I'd want bigger tires to boot.
I'm going to do the ZJ steering upgrade as well... ordered the kit that Allen sells through the vendor thread. I'll change both and only have to do one alignment.
The shackle relocation sounds like a good idea, so I'm going to do more research on it. I'm going to give the driveline and control arms some attention as well and replace anything that needs it. U-joints are getting replaced for sure.
With a bigger lift I'd be guaranteed to need to a SYE and I'd want bigger tires to boot.
I'm going to do the ZJ steering upgrade as well... ordered the kit that Allen sells through the vendor thread. I'll change both and only have to do one alignment.
The shackle relocation sounds like a good idea, so I'm going to do more research on it. I'm going to give the driveline and control arms some attention as well and replace anything that needs it. U-joints are getting replaced for sure.
#113
Sorry, wasn't trying to insinuate the need for steering stabilizer was result of the lift. It got a bit damaged during the install, though, so I felt better to go ahead and replace. After alignment, great ride with this lift kit. I'll try to post before and after pix later.
#115
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 1
From: Detroit, MI
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0L
^^^ Looks great man! How much lift did you end up with?
Do you need to run spacers up front on the 2.5" kit? I already got my 3.5" kit, I'm just curious.
Do you need to run spacers up front on the 2.5" kit? I already got my 3.5" kit, I'm just curious.
Last edited by TFitzPat87; 03-15-2015 at 01:16 PM.
#117
Thanks!! I bought the 2.5" Hybrid from dpgoffroad (Dirk). The springs are only an inch and a half taller than stock, so a 1" spacer and longer bump stops are included. The leaf spring packs are 3.5", so one of the leafs gets removed to make it a 2.5". I think I'm sitting a bit taller in the back, but assume it will settle a little over time. I haven't measured the actual lift, but the stance looks really good to me (I'm sure others may disagree, but oh well). It works for what I need it to do. I've already taken some grief for the white letter tires, haha. I'm 52 years old, so I get to claim old school! The guy that installed it for me also gave me some grief, said he would not do another one. Rides great, though! Hope that helps.
Last edited by JimN; 03-15-2015 at 05:40 PM. Reason: to say thanks
#118
I ordered my stuff today. OME front coils #2930. OME rear leaf packs #CS033RB, Bilstein 5100's with BPE's front and rear, JKS ATB #OGS126 (1.5 to 3" lift). I pieced it together from several vendors at less cost. I still need front .75" coil spacers, my SYE kit and a couple other doo-dads. I will be swapping in a HP Dana 30 when I do the lift as well. Afterwards I have Detroit tru-tracs with 4.10's to put in the HP D30 and rear CHRY 8.5.
#119
Senior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 672
Likes: 5
From: Colorado
Year: 2001, 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Thanks!! I bought the 2.5" Hybrid from dpgoffroad (Dirk). The springs are only an inch and a half taller than stock, so a 1" spacer and longer bump stops are included. The leaf spring packs are 3.5", so one of the leafs gets removed to make it a 2.5". I think I'm sitting a bit taller in the back, but assume it will settle a little over time. I haven't measured the actual lift, but the stance looks really good to me (I'm sure others may disagree, but oh well). It works for what I need it to do. I've already taken some grief for the white letter tires, haha. I'm 52 years old, so I get to claim old school! The guy that installed it for me also gave me some grief, said he would not do another one. Rides great, though! Hope that helps.
#120
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 460
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Hey SS, Did you run normal bolt in relocation brackets, or did you cut out the shackle box and do "no lift" relocation brackets?
That Metacloack kit looked appetizing, but since mine won't be off road too often, I thought the OME kit was a better bet. I'm thinking if I start flexing more often, to get metalcloak coils so I'm not running spacers.
I did run into a guy that had an OME kit on his old XJ (he sold it), and he said it was fantastic on and off road. Can't wait to get this thing bolted up!
That Metacloack kit looked appetizing, but since mine won't be off road too often, I thought the OME kit was a better bet. I'm thinking if I start flexing more often, to get metalcloak coils so I'm not running spacers.
I did run into a guy that had an OME kit on his old XJ (he sold it), and he said it was fantastic on and off road. Can't wait to get this thing bolted up!