The time has come (lift questions)
 

Hi All,

I know this topic has probably been discussed to death. But I am in New
Zealand and the choices for finding parts/kits locally are very slim. I
can import stuff, but don't really want to pay for the international
freight, importation taxes and not applicable warranties. So, I was
thinking about going with Old Man Emu (OME) basic kit which would include 4
shocks, 4 coil springs, 2 extended bumpstops (rear), 2x20mm (front) and
2x10mm (rear) coil spacers and rear track bar (panhard rod) relocation
bracket. Now my questions are:

1) Is OME a reliable enough maker of quality products?

2) Is anybody running OME? What are their experiences?

3) Given that it would give me 2-2.5 inch lift, is transfer case drop kit
necessary? I don't want to do it, unless absolutely necessary.

4) Which shock and spring rate (medium or heavy) should I go with? I do
have a hardtop, but heavier bumpers, skid plates and winch is in the plan
within the next 12/18 months.

5) Do I need to replace the lower control arms with something after market
to gain maximum benefit? Somebody in our club was commenting that TJs tend
to twist their stock LCA out of shape once lifted.

6) Do I need front bumpstops extensions as well?

7) What happens to the sway bar links (front and rear) and the front track
bar, shouldn't they be extended or adjusted somehow to compensate for the
lift?

8) Is there anything else I should be thinking about changing at the same
time? SYE and diff & t/c regearing are my next priority (another 6/12
months).

9) Am I better off with importing a kit from another manufacturer with a
more complete list of parts. OME can be sourced locally with a 2 year
warrantee.

I understand that with 32x10.50 inch equivalent tyres, I should be okay
with a 2-2.5 inch lift.

Thanks in advance for everybody's input. I really do appreciate the time
and effort taken in replying to my queries. Its just that we don't have a
local Jeep (oops, TJ) club and I can't really rely on people telling me
their experiences of OME on other makes of 4WDs (our club generally has
people with SWB Nissan Patrols, Land Cruisers, Pajeros and Range Rovers).

TW
--
01 TJ Renegade 4.0L Auto
D30/44, 265/75R16 BFG Muds

Re: The time has come (lift questions)
 

I'll offer up my opinions.... inline below.

On Wed, 23 Jun 2004 16:22:36 +1200, "TW" <a t t w @ w a v e . c o . n
z> wrote:

>Hi All,
>
>I know this topic has probably been discussed to death. But I am in New
>Zealand and the choices for finding parts/kits locally are very slim. I
>can import stuff, but don't really want to pay for the international
>freight, importation taxes and not applicable warranties. So, I was
>thinking about going with Old Man Emu (OME) basic kit which would include 4
>shocks, 4 coil springs, 2 extended bumpstops (rear), 2x20mm (front) and
>2x10mm (rear) coil spacers and rear track bar (panhard rod) relocation
>bracket. Now my questions are:
>
>1) Is OME a reliable enough maker of quality products?
I've heard nothing but good things about OME.
>
>2) Is anybody running OME? What are their experiences?
Not personally, but again, I've never heard anyone say anything bad
about OME.
>
>3) Given that it would give me 2-2.5 inch lift, is transfer case drop kit
>necessary? I don't want to do it, unless absolutely necessary.
Does the OME kit include one (I think it does)? I'd be willing to bet
yes, it is necessary. I ended up having to drop my transfer case about
1/4" when I added Tera's 2" coil spacers anyway. But it really seems
to come down to hit or miss, and also what tranny and rear axle combo
you have. Dana 44 with 5sp manual seems to be more prone to driveline
vibes from what I've been able to determine. Worst case, install the
lift and drive it. Determine for yourself if you need to drop the
transfer case.
>
>4) Which shock and spring rate (medium or heavy) should I go with? I do
>have a hardtop, but heavier bumpers, skid plates and winch is in the plan
>within the next 12/18 months.
Hmmmm again, no personal experience here, but with the hardtop plus
the accessories you plan on adding, my inclination would be to lean
toward the heavy.
>
>5) Do I need to replace the lower control arms with something after market
>to gain maximum benefit? Somebody in our club was commenting that TJs tend
>to twist their stock LCA out of shape once lifted.
Need? No, I don't think so. Although I do think you would possibly
benefit if you did. That said, if it was my rig, I'd leave the
stockers on, and if they *did* twist out of shape, *then* I'd consider
replacements.
>
>6) Do I need front bumpstops extensions as well?
Dunno.... the bumpstops are to keep the shocks from over compressing,
and considering OME includes the shocks, in theory they probably
wouldn't over compress since they don't find a need to include the
front stops in their kit. However, they may not take into account that
you may have your front swaybar disconnected, so front bump stops may
be a good idea. I know I like the fact that I have fronts anyway.
>
>7) What happens to the sway bar links (front and rear) and the front track
>bar, shouldn't they be extended or adjusted somehow to compensate for the
>lift?
Under optimum conditions, yes. But probably not really necessary with
a lift of this size. Kinda like the LCA's in my opinion... would be
nice, but not a 'must have' with a lift of 2" or so.
>
>8) Is there anything else I should be thinking about changing at the same
>time? SYE and diff & t/c regearing are my next priority (another 6/12
>months).
Not that I can think of.
>
>9) Am I better off with importing a kit from another manufacturer with a
>more complete list of parts. OME can be sourced locally with a 2 year
>warrantee.
I'd stick with the OME, especially if your location in NZ affords you
a better price on it than other brands. Like I mentioned before, I've
never heard anything but raves regarding them.
>
>I understand that with 32x10.50 inch equivalent tyres, I should be okay
>with a 2-2.5 inch lift.
Every advertisement I've seen here in the US says that OME lifts
accommodate a maximum of 31x10.5 tire. Never understood that... I
think you'd be fine with 32x10.5's as you mention.
>
>Thanks in advance for everybody's input. I really do appreciate the time
>and effort taken in replying to my queries. Its just that we don't have a
>local Jeep (oops, TJ) club and I can't really rely on people telling me
>their experiences of OME on other makes of 4WDs (our club generally has
>people with SWB Nissan Patrols, Land Cruisers, Pajeros and Range Rovers).
>
>TW

Dave
http://mysite.verizon.net/res0p2es/david/index.htm

Re: The time has come (lift questions)
 

I'll offer up my opinions.... inline below.

On Wed, 23 Jun 2004 16:22:36 +1200, "TW" <a t t w @ w a v e . c o . n
z> wrote:

>Hi All,
>
>I know this topic has probably been discussed to death. But I am in New
>Zealand and the choices for finding parts/kits locally are very slim. I
>can import stuff, but don't really want to pay for the international
>freight, importation taxes and not applicable warranties. So, I was
>thinking about going with Old Man Emu (OME) basic kit which would include 4
>shocks, 4 coil springs, 2 extended bumpstops (rear), 2x20mm (front) and
>2x10mm (rear) coil spacers and rear track bar (panhard rod) relocation
>bracket. Now my questions are:
>
>1) Is OME a reliable enough maker of quality products?
I've heard nothing but good things about OME.
>
>2) Is anybody running OME? What are their experiences?
Not personally, but again, I've never heard anyone say anything bad
about OME.
>
>3) Given that it would give me 2-2.5 inch lift, is transfer case drop kit
>necessary? I don't want to do it, unless absolutely necessary.
Does the OME kit include one (I think it does)? I'd be willing to bet
yes, it is necessary. I ended up having to drop my transfer case about
1/4" when I added Tera's 2" coil spacers anyway. But it really seems
to come down to hit or miss, and also what tranny and rear axle combo
you have. Dana 44 with 5sp manual seems to be more prone to driveline
vibes from what I've been able to determine. Worst case, install the
lift and drive it. Determine for yourself if you need to drop the
transfer case.
>
>4) Which shock and spring rate (medium or heavy) should I go with? I do
>have a hardtop, but heavier bumpers, skid plates and winch is in the plan
>within the next 12/18 months.
Hmmmm again, no personal experience here, but with the hardtop plus
the accessories you plan on adding, my inclination would be to lean
toward the heavy.
>
>5) Do I need to replace the lower control arms with something after market
>to gain maximum benefit? Somebody in our club was commenting that TJs tend
>to twist their stock LCA out of shape once lifted.
Need? No, I don't think so. Although I do think you would possibly
benefit if you did. That said, if it was my rig, I'd leave the
stockers on, and if they *did* twist out of shape, *then* I'd consider
replacements.
>
>6) Do I need front bumpstops extensions as well?
Dunno.... the bumpstops are to keep the shocks from over compressing,
and considering OME includes the shocks, in theory they probably
wouldn't over compress since they don't find a need to include the
front stops in their kit. However, they may not take into account that
you may have your front swaybar disconnected, so front bump stops may
be a good idea. I know I like the fact that I have fronts anyway.
>
>7) What happens to the sway bar links (front and rear) and the front track
>bar, shouldn't they be extended or adjusted somehow to compensate for the
>lift?
Under optimum conditions, yes. But probably not really necessary with
a lift of this size. Kinda like the LCA's in my opinion... would be
nice, but not a 'must have' with a lift of 2" or so.
>
>8) Is there anything else I should be thinking about changing at the same
>time? SYE and diff & t/c regearing are my next priority (another 6/12
>months).
Not that I can think of.
>
>9) Am I better off with importing a kit from another manufacturer with a
>more complete list of parts. OME can be sourced locally with a 2 year
>warrantee.
I'd stick with the OME, especially if your location in NZ affords you
a better price on it than other brands. Like I mentioned before, I've
never heard anything but raves regarding them.
>
>I understand that with 32x10.50 inch equivalent tyres, I should be okay
>with a 2-2.5 inch lift.
Every advertisement I've seen here in the US says that OME lifts
accommodate a maximum of 31x10.5 tire. Never understood that... I
think you'd be fine with 32x10.5's as you mention.
>
>Thanks in advance for everybody's input. I really do appreciate the time
>and effort taken in replying to my queries. Its just that we don't have a
>local Jeep (oops, TJ) club and I can't really rely on people telling me
>their experiences of OME on other makes of 4WDs (our club generally has
>people with SWB Nissan Patrols, Land Cruisers, Pajeros and Range Rovers).
>
>TW

Dave
http://mysite.verizon.net/res0p2es/david/index.htm

Re: The time has come (lift questions)
 

I'll offer up my opinions.... inline below.

On Wed, 23 Jun 2004 16:22:36 +1200, "TW" <a t t w @ w a v e . c o . n
z> wrote:

>Hi All,
>
>I know this topic has probably been discussed to death. But I am in New
>Zealand and the choices for finding parts/kits locally are very slim. I
>can import stuff, but don't really want to pay for the international
>freight, importation taxes and not applicable warranties. So, I was
>thinking about going with Old Man Emu (OME) basic kit which would include 4
>shocks, 4 coil springs, 2 extended bumpstops (rear), 2x20mm (front) and
>2x10mm (rear) coil spacers and rear track bar (panhard rod) relocation
>bracket. Now my questions are:
>
>1) Is OME a reliable enough maker of quality products?
I've heard nothing but good things about OME.
>
>2) Is anybody running OME? What are their experiences?
Not personally, but again, I've never heard anyone say anything bad
about OME.
>
>3) Given that it would give me 2-2.5 inch lift, is transfer case drop kit
>necessary? I don't want to do it, unless absolutely necessary.
Does the OME kit include one (I think it does)? I'd be willing to bet
yes, it is necessary. I ended up having to drop my transfer case about
1/4" when I added Tera's 2" coil spacers anyway. But it really seems
to come down to hit or miss, and also what tranny and rear axle combo
you have. Dana 44 with 5sp manual seems to be more prone to driveline
vibes from what I've been able to determine. Worst case, install the
lift and drive it. Determine for yourself if you need to drop the
transfer case.
>
>4) Which shock and spring rate (medium or heavy) should I go with? I do
>have a hardtop, but heavier bumpers, skid plates and winch is in the plan
>within the next 12/18 months.
Hmmmm again, no personal experience here, but with the hardtop plus
the accessories you plan on adding, my inclination would be to lean
toward the heavy.
>
>5) Do I need to replace the lower control arms with something after market
>to gain maximum benefit? Somebody in our club was commenting that TJs tend
>to twist their stock LCA out of shape once lifted.
Need? No, I don't think so. Although I do think you would possibly
benefit if you did. That said, if it was my rig, I'd leave the
stockers on, and if they *did* twist out of shape, *then* I'd consider
replacements.
>
>6) Do I need front bumpstops extensions as well?
Dunno.... the bumpstops are to keep the shocks from over compressing,
and considering OME includes the shocks, in theory they probably
wouldn't over compress since they don't find a need to include the
front stops in their kit. However, they may not take into account that
you may have your front swaybar disconnected, so front bump stops may
be a good idea. I know I like the fact that I have fronts anyway.
>
>7) What happens to the sway bar links (front and rear) and the front track
>bar, shouldn't they be extended or adjusted somehow to compensate for the
>lift?
Under optimum conditions, yes. But probably not really necessary with
a lift of this size. Kinda like the LCA's in my opinion... would be
nice, but not a 'must have' with a lift of 2" or so.
>
>8) Is there anything else I should be thinking about changing at the same
>time? SYE and diff & t/c regearing are my next priority (another 6/12
>months).
Not that I can think of.
>
>9) Am I better off with importing a kit from another manufacturer with a
>more complete list of parts. OME can be sourced locally with a 2 year
>warrantee.
I'd stick with the OME, especially if your location in NZ affords you
a better price on it than other brands. Like I mentioned before, I've
never heard anything but raves regarding them.
>
>I understand that with 32x10.50 inch equivalent tyres, I should be okay
>with a 2-2.5 inch lift.
Every advertisement I've seen here in the US says that OME lifts
accommodate a maximum of 31x10.5 tire. Never understood that... I
think you'd be fine with 32x10.5's as you mention.
>
>Thanks in advance for everybody's input. I really do appreciate the time
>and effort taken in replying to my queries. Its just that we don't have a
>local Jeep (oops, TJ) club and I can't really rely on people telling me
>their experiences of OME on other makes of 4WDs (our club generally has
>people with SWB Nissan Patrols, Land Cruisers, Pajeros and Range Rovers).
>
>TW

Dave
http://mysite.verizon.net/res0p2es/david/index.htm

Re: The time has come (lift questions)
 

I'll offer up my opinions.... inline below.

On Wed, 23 Jun 2004 16:22:36 +1200, "TW" <a t t w @ w a v e . c o . n
z> wrote:

>Hi All,
>
>I know this topic has probably been discussed to death. But I am in New
>Zealand and the choices for finding parts/kits locally are very slim. I
>can import stuff, but don't really want to pay for the international
>freight, importation taxes and not applicable warranties. So, I was
>thinking about going with Old Man Emu (OME) basic kit which would include 4
>shocks, 4 coil springs, 2 extended bumpstops (rear), 2x20mm (front) and
>2x10mm (rear) coil spacers and rear track bar (panhard rod) relocation
>bracket. Now my questions are:
>
>1) Is OME a reliable enough maker of quality products?
I've heard nothing but good things about OME.
>
>2) Is anybody running OME? What are their experiences?
Not personally, but again, I've never heard anyone say anything bad
about OME.
>
>3) Given that it would give me 2-2.5 inch lift, is transfer case drop kit
>necessary? I don't want to do it, unless absolutely necessary.
Does the OME kit include one (I think it does)? I'd be willing to bet
yes, it is necessary. I ended up having to drop my transfer case about
1/4" when I added Tera's 2" coil spacers anyway. But it really seems
to come down to hit or miss, and also what tranny and rear axle combo
you have. Dana 44 with 5sp manual seems to be more prone to driveline
vibes from what I've been able to determine. Worst case, install the
lift and drive it. Determine for yourself if you need to drop the
transfer case.
>
>4) Which shock and spring rate (medium or heavy) should I go with? I do
>have a hardtop, but heavier bumpers, skid plates and winch is in the plan
>within the next 12/18 months.
Hmmmm again, no personal experience here, but with the hardtop plus
the accessories you plan on adding, my inclination would be to lean
toward the heavy.
>
>5) Do I need to replace the lower control arms with something after market
>to gain maximum benefit? Somebody in our club was commenting that TJs tend
>to twist their stock LCA out of shape once lifted.
Need? No, I don't think so. Although I do think you would possibly
benefit if you did. That said, if it was my rig, I'd leave the
stockers on, and if they *did* twist out of shape, *then* I'd consider
replacements.
>
>6) Do I need front bumpstops extensions as well?
Dunno.... the bumpstops are to keep the shocks from over compressing,
and considering OME includes the shocks, in theory they probably
wouldn't over compress since they don't find a need to include the
front stops in their kit. However, they may not take into account that
you may have your front swaybar disconnected, so front bump stops may
be a good idea. I know I like the fact that I have fronts anyway.
>
>7) What happens to the sway bar links (front and rear) and the front track
>bar, shouldn't they be extended or adjusted somehow to compensate for the
>lift?
Under optimum conditions, yes. But probably not really necessary with
a lift of this size. Kinda like the LCA's in my opinion... would be
nice, but not a 'must have' with a lift of 2" or so.
>
>8) Is there anything else I should be thinking about changing at the same
>time? SYE and diff & t/c regearing are my next priority (another 6/12
>months).
Not that I can think of.
>
>9) Am I better off with importing a kit from another manufacturer with a
>more complete list of parts. OME can be sourced locally with a 2 year
>warrantee.
I'd stick with the OME, especially if your location in NZ affords you
a better price on it than other brands. Like I mentioned before, I've
never heard anything but raves regarding them.
>
>I understand that with 32x10.50 inch equivalent tyres, I should be okay
>with a 2-2.5 inch lift.
Every advertisement I've seen here in the US says that OME lifts
accommodate a maximum of 31x10.5 tire. Never understood that... I
think you'd be fine with 32x10.5's as you mention.
>
>Thanks in advance for everybody's input. I really do appreciate the time
>and effort taken in replying to my queries. Its just that we don't have a
>local Jeep (oops, TJ) club and I can't really rely on people telling me
>their experiences of OME on other makes of 4WDs (our club generally has
>people with SWB Nissan Patrols, Land Cruisers, Pajeros and Range Rovers).
>
>TW

Dave
http://mysite.verizon.net/res0p2es/david/index.htm

Re: The time has come (lift questions)
 

TW wrote:
>
> I know this topic has probably been discussed to death.
>
> 1) Is OME a reliable enough maker of quality products?

Yes.

> 2) Is anybody running OME? What are their experiences?

I have the shocks. Nice. Bar pins retainers can be problematic though.

> 3) Given that it would give me 2-2.5 inch lift, is transfer case drop kit
> necessary? I don't want to do it, unless absolutely necessary.

Yes. Try it without first to experience drive line vibration.

> 4) Which shock and spring rate (medium or heavy) should I go with? I do
> have a hardtop, but heavier bumpers, skid plates and winch is in the plan
> within the next 12/18 months.

Not sure. Heavy will be very harsh if you don't need it.

> 5) Do I need to replace the lower control arms with something after market
> to gain maximum benefit? Somebody in our club was commenting that TJs tend
> to twist their stock LCA out of shape once lifted.

Longer LCAs will restore a good caster angle and most aftermarkets are
much stronger than the OEMs. Aftermarkets will usually have better
joints for more flex.

> 6) Do I need front bumpstops extensions as well?

Yes. 2" in front, 1.5" in rear.

> 7) What happens to the sway bar links (front and rear) and the front track
> bar, shouldn't they be extended or adjusted somehow to compensate for the
> lift?

Probably not enough lift to worry about extending the links, but
adjustable JKS Quickers or similar would be nice for the front.

I would think you would want to drop or re-drill the track bar bracket
on the front too, but you may only be out by an eighth without it.

> 8) Is there anything else I should be thinking about changing at the same
> time? SYE and diff & t/c regearing are my next priority (another 6/12
> months).

Extensions for brake lines & axle breather tubes. Make sure your slip
yoke arms don't bind the shaft at full rear drop. Don't forget to do a
front end alignment after the install.

Heavy-duty adjustable track bars and control arms would be a nice
add-on. Better joints for more flex and adjustability for fine tuning,
especially if coil spacers are in your future.

> 9) Am I better off with importing a kit from another manufacturer with a
> more complete list of parts. OME can be sourced locally with a 2 year
> warrantee.

Go OME and supplement as required/desired.

Steve

Re: The time has come (lift questions)
 

TW wrote:
>
> I know this topic has probably been discussed to death.
>
> 1) Is OME a reliable enough maker of quality products?

Yes.

> 2) Is anybody running OME? What are their experiences?

I have the shocks. Nice. Bar pins retainers can be problematic though.

> 3) Given that it would give me 2-2.5 inch lift, is transfer case drop kit
> necessary? I don't want to do it, unless absolutely necessary.

Yes. Try it without first to experience drive line vibration.

> 4) Which shock and spring rate (medium or heavy) should I go with? I do
> have a hardtop, but heavier bumpers, skid plates and winch is in the plan
> within the next 12/18 months.

Not sure. Heavy will be very harsh if you don't need it.

> 5) Do I need to replace the lower control arms with something after market
> to gain maximum benefit? Somebody in our club was commenting that TJs tend
> to twist their stock LCA out of shape once lifted.

Longer LCAs will restore a good caster angle and most aftermarkets are
much stronger than the OEMs. Aftermarkets will usually have better
joints for more flex.

> 6) Do I need front bumpstops extensions as well?

Yes. 2" in front, 1.5" in rear.

> 7) What happens to the sway bar links (front and rear) and the front track
> bar, shouldn't they be extended or adjusted somehow to compensate for the
> lift?

Probably not enough lift to worry about extending the links, but
adjustable JKS Quickers or similar would be nice for the front.

I would think you would want to drop or re-drill the track bar bracket
on the front too, but you may only be out by an eighth without it.

> 8) Is there anything else I should be thinking about changing at the same
> time? SYE and diff & t/c regearing are my next priority (another 6/12
> months).

Extensions for brake lines & axle breather tubes. Make sure your slip
yoke arms don't bind the shaft at full rear drop. Don't forget to do a
front end alignment after the install.

Heavy-duty adjustable track bars and control arms would be a nice
add-on. Better joints for more flex and adjustability for fine tuning,
especially if coil spacers are in your future.

> 9) Am I better off with importing a kit from another manufacturer with a
> more complete list of parts. OME can be sourced locally with a 2 year
> warrantee.

Go OME and supplement as required/desired.

Steve

Re: The time has come (lift questions)
 

TW wrote:
>
> I know this topic has probably been discussed to death.
>
> 1) Is OME a reliable enough maker of quality products?

Yes.

> 2) Is anybody running OME? What are their experiences?

I have the shocks. Nice. Bar pins retainers can be problematic though.

> 3) Given that it would give me 2-2.5 inch lift, is transfer case drop kit
> necessary? I don't want to do it, unless absolutely necessary.

Yes. Try it without first to experience drive line vibration.

> 4) Which shock and spring rate (medium or heavy) should I go with? I do
> have a hardtop, but heavier bumpers, skid plates and winch is in the plan
> within the next 12/18 months.

Not sure. Heavy will be very harsh if you don't need it.

> 5) Do I need to replace the lower control arms with something after market
> to gain maximum benefit? Somebody in our club was commenting that TJs tend
> to twist their stock LCA out of shape once lifted.

Longer LCAs will restore a good caster angle and most aftermarkets are
much stronger than the OEMs. Aftermarkets will usually have better
joints for more flex.

> 6) Do I need front bumpstops extensions as well?

Yes. 2" in front, 1.5" in rear.

> 7) What happens to the sway bar links (front and rear) and the front track
> bar, shouldn't they be extended or adjusted somehow to compensate for the
> lift?

Probably not enough lift to worry about extending the links, but
adjustable JKS Quickers or similar would be nice for the front.

I would think you would want to drop or re-drill the track bar bracket
on the front too, but you may only be out by an eighth without it.

> 8) Is there anything else I should be thinking about changing at the same
> time? SYE and diff & t/c regearing are my next priority (another 6/12
> months).

Extensions for brake lines & axle breather tubes. Make sure your slip
yoke arms don't bind the shaft at full rear drop. Don't forget to do a
front end alignment after the install.

Heavy-duty adjustable track bars and control arms would be a nice
add-on. Better joints for more flex and adjustability for fine tuning,
especially if coil spacers are in your future.

> 9) Am I better off with importing a kit from another manufacturer with a
> more complete list of parts. OME can be sourced locally with a 2 year
> warrantee.

Go OME and supplement as required/desired.

Steve

Re: The time has come (lift questions)
 

TW wrote:
>
> I know this topic has probably been discussed to death.
>
> 1) Is OME a reliable enough maker of quality products?

Yes.

> 2) Is anybody running OME? What are their experiences?

I have the shocks. Nice. Bar pins retainers can be problematic though.

> 3) Given that it would give me 2-2.5 inch lift, is transfer case drop kit
> necessary? I don't want to do it, unless absolutely necessary.

Yes. Try it without first to experience drive line vibration.

> 4) Which shock and spring rate (medium or heavy) should I go with? I do
> have a hardtop, but heavier bumpers, skid plates and winch is in the plan
> within the next 12/18 months.

Not sure. Heavy will be very harsh if you don't need it.

> 5) Do I need to replace the lower control arms with something after market
> to gain maximum benefit? Somebody in our club was commenting that TJs tend
> to twist their stock LCA out of shape once lifted.

Longer LCAs will restore a good caster angle and most aftermarkets are
much stronger than the OEMs. Aftermarkets will usually have better
joints for more flex.

> 6) Do I need front bumpstops extensions as well?

Yes. 2" in front, 1.5" in rear.

> 7) What happens to the sway bar links (front and rear) and the front track
> bar, shouldn't they be extended or adjusted somehow to compensate for the
> lift?

Probably not enough lift to worry about extending the links, but
adjustable JKS Quickers or similar would be nice for the front.

I would think you would want to drop or re-drill the track bar bracket
on the front too, but you may only be out by an eighth without it.

> 8) Is there anything else I should be thinking about changing at the same
> time? SYE and diff & t/c regearing are my next priority (another 6/12
> months).

Extensions for brake lines & axle breather tubes. Make sure your slip
yoke arms don't bind the shaft at full rear drop. Don't forget to do a
front end alignment after the install.

Heavy-duty adjustable track bars and control arms would be a nice
add-on. Better joints for more flex and adjustability for fine tuning,
especially if coil spacers are in your future.

> 9) Am I better off with importing a kit from another manufacturer with a
> more complete list of parts. OME can be sourced locally with a 2 year
> warrantee.

Go OME and supplement as required/desired.

Steve

Re: The time has come (lift questions)
 

Thanks. My comments are inline as well.

> >1) Is OME a reliable enough maker of quality products?
> I've heard nothing but good things about OME.

Great.

> >2) Is anybody running OME? What are their experiences?
> Not personally, but again, I've never heard anyone say anything bad
> about OME.

Good to know.

> >
> >3) Given that it would give me 2-2.5 inch lift, is transfer case drop
kit
> >necessary? I don't want to do it, unless absolutely necessary.
> Does the OME kit include one (I think it does)? I'd be willing to bet
> yes, it is necessary. I ended up having to drop my transfer case about
> 1/4" when I added Tera's 2" coil spacers anyway. But it really seems
> to come down to hit or miss, and also what tranny and rear axle combo
> you have. Dana 44 with 5sp manual seems to be more prone to driveline
> vibes from what I've been able to determine. Worst case, install the
> lift and drive it. Determine for yourself if you need to drop the
> transfer case.

I can chose not to get the kit. But if I do need it, its relatively
inexpensive and easy to install. I have a Dana 44 rear with 3-spd
automatic tranny.

> >4) Which shock and spring rate (medium or heavy) should I go with? I do
> >have a hardtop, but heavier bumpers, skid plates and winch is in the
plan
> >within the next 12/18 months.
> Hmmmm again, no personal experience here, but with the hardtop plus
> the accessories you plan on adding, my inclination would be to lean
> toward the heavy.

It would have been great to hear from somebody who is running heavy setup.

> >5) Do I need to replace the lower control arms with something after
market
> >to gain maximum benefit? Somebody in our club was commenting that TJs
tend
> >to twist their stock LCA out of shape once lifted.
> Need? No, I don't think so. Although I do think you would possibly
> benefit if you did. That said, if it was my rig, I'd leave the
> stockers on, and if they *did* twist out of shape, *then* I'd consider
> replacements.

Whats the worst that can happen if I do twist one of the LCA out of shape
on a trail? Would I be able to drive back? I do like your logic.

> >6) Do I need front bumpstops extensions as well?
> Dunno.... the bumpstops are to keep the shocks from over compressing,
> and considering OME includes the shocks, in theory they probably
> wouldn't over compress since they don't find a need to include the
> front stops in their kit. However, they may not take into account that
> you may have your front swaybar disconnected, so front bump stops may
> be a good idea. I know I like the fact that I have fronts anyway.

Okay.

> >7) What happens to the sway bar links (front and rear) and the front
track
> >bar, shouldn't they be extended or adjusted somehow to compensate for
the
> >lift?
> Under optimum conditions, yes. But probably not really necessary with
> a lift of this size. Kinda like the LCA's in my opinion... would be
> nice, but not a 'must have' with a lift of 2" or so.

I am thinking about putting front disconnects for trail use. But what
about on-road driving? I personally think the lift would put some strain
on the sway bar links.

> >8) Is there anything else I should be thinking about changing at the
same
> >time? SYE and diff & t/c regearing are my next priority (another 6/12
> >months).
> Not that I can think of.

I am relieved.

> >9) Am I better off with importing a kit from another manufacturer with a
> >more complete list of parts. OME can be sourced locally with a 2 year
> >warrantee.
> I'd stick with the OME, especially if your location in NZ affords you
> a better price on it than other brands. Like I mentioned before, I've
> never heard anything but raves regarding them.

Its more a case of local support in case things don't go as planned and I
need to use my rights under the warrantee.

> >I understand that with 32x10.50 inch equivalent tyres, I should be okay
> >with a 2-2.5 inch lift.
> Every advertisement I've seen here in the US says that OME lifts
> accommodate a maximum of 31x10.5 tire. Never understood that... I
> think you'd be fine with 32x10.5's as you mention.

Its all so confusing.

Thanks for all your input.

TW