An un-official "OME lift" thread.
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JK Super Freak
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,095
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From: Raleigh, NC
An un-official "OME lift" thread.
Well, I have read many of the threads on the 2" OME lift for the JK and have reasonably concluded three things:
1. The effects of the OME lift on your JK's suspension will vary widely depending on the type of OME coils you use (i.e. HD vs light/medium-duty) and the size tires you run (33s vs 35s).
2. The standard OME lift, HD or otherwise, is designed to be used with 33" tires. Running 35" tires is possible, but will require additional modifications.
3. At a minimum, adjustable trackbars (or relocation brackets) are recommended for any OME lift (HD or otherwise).
Here are some of the conclusions I've summarized from all of the threads: (please feel free to correct me and I can modify or adjust the information as needed)
HD lift with no additional weight (bumpers, winches, etc):
- Lift will be closer to 3" rear and 4" front.
- Additional recommended components:
- Lift will be closer to 2.0-2.5" rear and 3.0-3.5" front.
- Additional recommended components:
- Lift will be closer to 2.5" rear and 3.5" front.
- Additional recommended components:
- Lift will be closer to 2.0" rear and 2.75-3.0" front.
- Additional recommended components:
Cause = excess flex since lift is designed for 33" tires, not 35"
Solution = 2" bumpstop extensions to reduce flex
Concern = flighty steering, mild
Cause = reduced caster angle (2-3 degrees) as a result of excessive lift due to HD coils and insufficient additional weight to reduce total lift increase
Solution = adjustable upper control arms to adjust caster to 4-5 degrees
Concern = flighty steering, severe
Cause = same as mild, except more severe reduced caster angle <2 degrees
Solution = adjustable upper & lower control arms, new front driveshaft, possibly rear on SWB models
Concern = flighty steering, Jeep not tracking properly
Cause = axles may be off-center
Solution = adjustable track bars; brackets
I hope this helps more than it confuses.
1. The effects of the OME lift on your JK's suspension will vary widely depending on the type of OME coils you use (i.e. HD vs light/medium-duty) and the size tires you run (33s vs 35s).
2. The standard OME lift, HD or otherwise, is designed to be used with 33" tires. Running 35" tires is possible, but will require additional modifications.
3. At a minimum, adjustable trackbars (or relocation brackets) are recommended for any OME lift (HD or otherwise).
Here are some of the conclusions I've summarized from all of the threads: (please feel free to correct me and I can modify or adjust the information as needed)
HD lift with no additional weight (bumpers, winches, etc):
- Lift will be closer to 3" rear and 4" front.
- Additional recommended components:
1. Adjustable front & rear trackbars
2. Brake line relocation brackets or extensions
3. Adjustable upper control arms (possibly lower CA for SWB models)
4. Possibly a new driveshaft for SWB models
5. 2" bumpstop extensions (if running 35s only)
HD lift with after-market bumpers, winch, roof racks, etc.:2. Brake line relocation brackets or extensions
3. Adjustable upper control arms (possibly lower CA for SWB models)
4. Possibly a new driveshaft for SWB models
5. 2" bumpstop extensions (if running 35s only)
- Lift will be closer to 2.0-2.5" rear and 3.0-3.5" front.
- Additional recommended components:
1. Adjustable front & rear trackbars
2. Brake line relocation brackets or extensions
3. Possibly adjustable upper control arms (if additional weight is not substantial and flighty steering is encountered)
4. 2" bumpstop extensions (if running 35s only)
Light/medium duty lift with no additional weight2. Brake line relocation brackets or extensions
3. Possibly adjustable upper control arms (if additional weight is not substantial and flighty steering is encountered)
4. 2" bumpstop extensions (if running 35s only)
- Lift will be closer to 2.5" rear and 3.5" front.
- Additional recommended components:
1. Adjustable front & rear trackbars
2. Brake line relocation brackets or extensions
3. 2" bumpstop extensions (if running 35s only)
Light/medium duty lift with additional weight - bumpers, winches, etc.2. Brake line relocation brackets or extensions
3. 2" bumpstop extensions (if running 35s only)
- Lift will be closer to 2.0" rear and 2.75-3.0" front.
- Additional recommended components:
1. Adjustable front & rear trackbars
2. Brake line relocation brackets or extensions
3. 2" bumpstop extensions (if running 35s only)
Concern = 35" tires rubbing against fenderwell2. Brake line relocation brackets or extensions
3. 2" bumpstop extensions (if running 35s only)
Cause = excess flex since lift is designed for 33" tires, not 35"
Solution = 2" bumpstop extensions to reduce flex
Concern = flighty steering, mild
Cause = reduced caster angle (2-3 degrees) as a result of excessive lift due to HD coils and insufficient additional weight to reduce total lift increase
Solution = adjustable upper control arms to adjust caster to 4-5 degrees
Concern = flighty steering, severe
Cause = same as mild, except more severe reduced caster angle <2 degrees
Solution = adjustable upper & lower control arms, new front driveshaft, possibly rear on SWB models
Concern = flighty steering, Jeep not tracking properly
Cause = axles may be off-center
Solution = adjustable track bars; brackets
I hope this helps more than it confuses.
Last edited by nclehmann; Jun 24, 2008 at 04:25 PM.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,623
Likes: 5
From: Lawrenceville, NJ
The essential problem is they are selling a "Suspension System" which is essentially merely coils and shocks, appropriate for the advertised 2" of lift its SUPPOSED to produce.
But, as it seems to actually lift most users more like 3" or so...it simply doesn't have the needed components a 3" lift needs to compensate for the new suspension, drivetrain and steering angles, etc.
And it has very little wheel travel compared to the competition...making it a poor choice for most people, unless they are willing to get the coils alone, and custom make a lift kit with that as a starting point....with longer shocks, and the other components listed above....to make it actually WORK.
But, as it seems to actually lift most users more like 3" or so...it simply doesn't have the needed components a 3" lift needs to compensate for the new suspension, drivetrain and steering angles, etc.
And it has very little wheel travel compared to the competition...making it a poor choice for most people, unless they are willing to get the coils alone, and custom make a lift kit with that as a starting point....with longer shocks, and the other components listed above....to make it actually WORK.