Need advice from anyone running with Old Man Emu 2" lift on a 2dr JK.

I've got Warn Elite Bumper and Warn M8000 winch on the front and haven't put a steel bumper/tire carrier on the back yet. Also, have a softtop. And, probably will stay under 35" for the tires.

Looking at the Old Man Emu kit. The front probably needs the heavy kit because of the bumper/winch weight (added about 160lbs). But, not sure that would work on the rear since I don't have a hardtop/heavy bumper. Any thoughts on OME or should I go a different route.

I did put a 2.5" spacer in the front and 1" on rear to level the JK out while I figure out what to do -- but really want to have that off by this summer.

 

Ome is a great lift. However I'm a fan of teraflex because of their service after the sale. I would seriously look at them for your lift. They are a sponsor on here. Pm them and they will give you a recommendation. Then, goto Northridge and buy. Free shipping from them and great service after the sale too.

 

I have the OME heavy springs in my 2 door. If I did it over again I'd go with a lighter spring rate. You still get 3" of lift it's just a softer ride. HD is hella stiff.

I can put a 400 lb motorcycle on the rear reciver and it droops about an inch.

We've had 3 big guys climb on the front ARB bumper and it sags about inch and a half. Added winch and bull bar, didn't make any difference at all.

After 5 years and 50,000 miles my springs have sagged zero. Upside it I never hit my bump stops and have lots of droop with the OME LT series shocks.

 

I have ran the hd coils on the front and rear and ended up swapping out to the no load on the rear since I use to drive a relatively light jeep. I had a stubby bumper with stinger made from 1/4" plate with a warn 8000 lb winch in the front. The hd front with the no load rear coils gave a pretty level lift height. I ran those coils with the ome nitro sport shocks and the 5100's and the ome shocks rode better on road and off.
I thought the no load rode a bit nicer and I still got about 2.5" of lift from them.

 

I too have heavy springs in the front and light in the rear. AEV tubeless bumper with winch in the front and no mods to the back.
I think you can rely on the load ratings OME provides for the springs and it's okay to have different springs on front and rear axles.

 

Thanks for the advice.

Especially the feedback on running HD front and Lite rear. Was thinking about that ... but, was concerned the spring rates between the front/rear would be an issue.

When we go hunting/camping/extended 4-wheeling trip, we'll have all our camping gear/coolers/tent/etc in the back (200-250 lbs). With the OME Light (no load) springs on the rear, did you notice much rear sag when you if you put a bunch of gear in the back (or had a couple of 'big old boys' in the back seat)

 

If you are going to trail with that much gear and people I would opt for the hd all around. My rig would carry about 150lbs of tools and gear but no back seat passengers. I also don't wheel with a top or doors on so my rig was pretty light back then.

Any coil is going to sag some with added weight the hd coils will just not sag as much.

 

Does the HD front and Light rear give you a level ride or is the rear higher?

Higher would be great to allow for sag when loading up the back with camping/hunting gear (200-250 lbs) ... or, if we have the seat and a couple of folks in the back. (Normally, run w/o the rear seat.)

 

Running HD coils here too. As stated, "Hella Stiff" I would 100% agree. But I don't really care all that much, it is a Jeep after all. I cal mine a 3" lift because that's definitely what I got out of it.

Here's a pic of stock front, and no spare tire in back or even carrier to PS BFH Trail stinger, Smittybilt XRC 8k (synth line) and Genright Steel carrier and spare tire.

 

Great visuals ... really great for seeing the differences!!!