OME Install in-progress. Thoughts and pics included
JK Freak
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 703
Likes: 0
From: Great Lakes
Had a week to test the suspension on and off-road now. 
On-road - Much better drivability than stock. The ride is form but smooth and soaks up bumps well. Lateral movement around turns/curves is unchanged, even though the Jeep is lifted. Road feedback through the steering wheel is improved (which I found suprising)
Off-road - Took the Jeep into the Va mountains (thanks to 8" of fresh snow). The Jeep was very controlled. I had the Jeep tilted up to 20 degrees laterally going around some obstacles and never felt like it was going to roll. I cleared 2x trees that had fallen down (about 18" in diameter each) with no difficulty. I had 2x adults and 3x kids in the car when wheeling.
One other thing I learned: Be sure to measure everything when installing this lift kit (twice). When I origonally finished the install....the driver side front was 1" higher than the passanger side front.
Took the systematic approach: Found that the passenger side front tire was at 25PSI (Driver side-was at 33PSI). Filled both tires to 37PSI.... and gained 1/4" lift on the passenger side. Remeasured both swaybar endlinks. I realized I had a bad measurement on the passenger link. Lengthened that link to match the driver-side (within 1/16") - gained another 1/2" on the passenger side.
So....2x stupid little things and I made up 3/4" of "difference" concerning my post-lift lean. As for the last 1/4" difference....... couldn't figure it out. Everything was identical when the Jeep was on jacks. Went wheeling all day..... now it sits level.
Guess it needed to settle.......
In conclusion: Measure everything 2x, get some aftermarket endlinks, and enjoy a great suspension
Oh, final lift gains were 3 5/8" front and 3 1/8" rear.
On-road - Much better drivability than stock. The ride is form but smooth and soaks up bumps well. Lateral movement around turns/curves is unchanged, even though the Jeep is lifted. Road feedback through the steering wheel is improved (which I found suprising)
Off-road - Took the Jeep into the Va mountains (thanks to 8" of fresh snow). The Jeep was very controlled. I had the Jeep tilted up to 20 degrees laterally going around some obstacles and never felt like it was going to roll. I cleared 2x trees that had fallen down (about 18" in diameter each) with no difficulty. I had 2x adults and 3x kids in the car when wheeling.
One other thing I learned: Be sure to measure everything when installing this lift kit (twice). When I origonally finished the install....the driver side front was 1" higher than the passanger side front.
Took the systematic approach: Found that the passenger side front tire was at 25PSI (Driver side-was at 33PSI). Filled both tires to 37PSI.... and gained 1/4" lift on the passenger side. Remeasured both swaybar endlinks. I realized I had a bad measurement on the passenger link. Lengthened that link to match the driver-side (within 1/16") - gained another 1/2" on the passenger side.So....2x stupid little things and I made up 3/4" of "difference" concerning my post-lift lean. As for the last 1/4" difference....... couldn't figure it out. Everything was identical when the Jeep was on jacks. Went wheeling all day..... now it sits level.
Guess it needed to settle.......In conclusion: Measure everything 2x, get some aftermarket endlinks, and enjoy a great suspension
Oh, final lift gains were 3 5/8" front and 3 1/8" rear.Gas tank is on Pass side, 6lbs. per gallon might make it lean a little...
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Halls Crossing, Ut
Thats what I feel is your problem too. I don't remember if you installed the HD springs all the way around or not. But I just ordered the same lift with the Hd springs from Norhtridge 4x4 and we'll see if I get the same. I'm getting the disconnects for the sway bar on the front so that is going to be different in that aspect. Saturday I should have mine done I'll make sure I measure it first. I'm going to measure mine from the floor to the frame the fenders being what they are might not be the same any way if they were steel I would trust the measurement.
JK Freak
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 783
Likes: 3
From: Southeast
My 2 door Rubicon with the OME HD kit (3/4" front & 10mm rear spacers), has always set about 1/4 to 3/8" lower at the driver's rear, all other corners are the same.
Now that I installed the soft top, all four corners are at 40 1/4" pavement to bottom fender lip with a full tank of gas, no driver/passenger.
Now that I installed the soft top, all four corners are at 40 1/4" pavement to bottom fender lip with a full tank of gas, no driver/passenger.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Halls Crossing, Ut
I installed my OME lift today. 
I went with Hd springs on the front. 
Also I went with HD springs on the rear. 
Measured the Frt fender to the ground at 34 7/8" before and 38 5/8" after. 
I measured the rear at 35 1/2" before and 38 5/8" after. 
Measured the Frt frame to ground at 20" before and23 5/8" after. 
Measured rear frame to ground at 20 1/4" before 23" after. 
This is a picture of the passenger side completed. 
This is the drivers side completed. 
This is a head on shot with a Rough Country steering dampner installed also I have the JKS track bars front and rear. 
This is the rear completed.
The next thing I need to do is add the JKS discos on the front and some new swaybar links on the rear. After centering the steering wheel I took it out for a test drive, I had no problems and the ride was very good for having HD springs all the way around. I have a total of $1110.00 in this lift and did all the work myself. I would like to thank the people who wrote the forum on installing this lift. Also I would like to thank David at Northridge 4X4 for his great service and getting my lift to me so fast. Later I add the pictures of before and after. I'll see you all in Moab!!!!!!
The next thing I need to do is add the JKS discos on the front and some new swaybar links on the rear. After centering the steering wheel I took it out for a test drive, I had no problems and the ride was very good for having HD springs all the way around. I have a total of $1110.00 in this lift and did all the work myself. I would like to thank the people who wrote the forum on installing this lift. Also I would like to thank David at Northridge 4X4 for his great service and getting my lift to me so fast. Later I add the pictures of before and after. I'll see you all in Moab!!!!!!
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 378
Likes: 1
From: Ft. Irwin, CA (But Willamsburg VA is home)
I've thought of swapping the endlink to the inside of the swaybar (vs the stock outer connection) and seeing if that might make a difference. Haven't checked the lower mount clearance though.....so it's only a thought till I have a chance to measure it.
BTW, lift kooks great on your Jeep
Sponsoring Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,892
Likes: 6
I've noticed that too. With the Currie endlinks, they can rotate on the Heim joint. Depending how they are rotated, they will tap on the inside of the rear wheel when making a sharp turn. It's intermittent and isn't causing any damage...... just an annoyance at times.
I've thought of swapping the endlink to the inside of the swaybar (vs the stock outer connection) and seeing if that might make a difference. Haven't checked the lower mount clearance though.....so it's only a thought till I have a chance to measure it.
BTW, lift kooks great on your Jeep
I've thought of swapping the endlink to the inside of the swaybar (vs the stock outer connection) and seeing if that might make a difference. Haven't checked the lower mount clearance though.....so it's only a thought till I have a chance to measure it.
BTW, lift kooks great on your Jeep
Wheel spacers or aftermarket wheels will fix this issue.
David
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Fort Carson, CO
Your OME lift looks great.
Said I would post some pictures of it showing flex so dropping them here to consolidate all the OME threads! The snow ruined our trail day so took some suspension shots.
Looks like I have a fender chop mod coming my way... and taking off the endcaps!
Said I would post some pictures of it showing flex so dropping them here to consolidate all the OME threads! The snow ruined our trail day so took some suspension shots.
Looks like I have a fender chop mod coming my way... and taking off the endcaps!