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I went over to Man-E-Fre last Friday and picked up the OME Heavy Suspension Kit. I selected that setup due to cost and written satisfaction from many other FJC owners with the same kit. I originally wanted something more "race" inspired but the added cost wasn't that inspiring :-\ Some of the popular FJC builds that I follow use the OME Heavies without complaint. I also chose to get 'heavies' since I'll plan to get a bumper/winch (probably ARB) this year.
My called up my brother-in-law (FJ60 owner) and asked for his help. He is the grease monkey of the family. He said he was free to help me this weekend. I emailed him the install thread from the blue room and printed it out myself to review multiple times.
StepbyStep OME Install
I ran over to AutoZone to rent spring compressors. They loan tools for FREE ;D I got back around 9AM and we got started. The install thread was valuable but not everything always goes as planned. After following the steps of the thread, we got to the point of compressing the new springs on the new struts. The compressor I rented worked with the OEM coils but did not fit at all on the OME coils. We headed over to his mechanic and used their professional spring compressor. It had always been advised to get the coil overs assembled at a shop and I'd have to suggest that is planned for as well for future do-it-yourself folks. I tipped($) the shop owner for letting us use his tools.
Everything else in the thread was straight forward. Putting the strut back in the LCA was a b**ch but using the tire iron of the FJC helped out a lot to move it all back into position. In the beginning, the thread was very detailed with torque specs but torque specs started to disappear closer to the end. I just found the torque specs for the rest of the bolts and will double check my bolts later today.
Due to having to drive to the mechanic and having lunch, the install ended in the afternoon. I think the entire thing could take between 3-4 hours with all the right tools (even less time with more experience). I used air tools a few of times but it's not a necessity.
We ran the rig through the city and a short fire road in the Santa Monica Mountains. It's a bit stiffer over speed bumps compared to stock. The increased height is visually evident. I see bigger tires in my future. Brake dive and cornering is tighter just like many others have said. Overall, it's hard for me to describe absolute differences between stock and new suspension. I think it's good. You get the height without severe change in ride quality.
So I need check the torque on my bolts and determine if I should be getting my alignment done.
During the test drive, the FJ wasn't straying to the left or right. Do I still get it aligned soon or can I wait?
The stuff:
![]()
These were removed to get started. That's Mudloving's old bling plate by the way:
![]()
How we moved the LCA around:
![]()
Installed:
![]()
Lifted:
![]()
![]()
....the more I see it the more I want bigger tires ASAP!
My called up my brother-in-law (FJ60 owner) and asked for his help. He is the grease monkey of the family. He said he was free to help me this weekend. I emailed him the install thread from the blue room and printed it out myself to review multiple times.
StepbyStep OME Install
I ran over to AutoZone to rent spring compressors. They loan tools for FREE ;D I got back around 9AM and we got started. The install thread was valuable but not everything always goes as planned. After following the steps of the thread, we got to the point of compressing the new springs on the new struts. The compressor I rented worked with the OEM coils but did not fit at all on the OME coils. We headed over to his mechanic and used their professional spring compressor. It had always been advised to get the coil overs assembled at a shop and I'd have to suggest that is planned for as well for future do-it-yourself folks. I tipped($) the shop owner for letting us use his tools.
Everything else in the thread was straight forward. Putting the strut back in the LCA was a b**ch but using the tire iron of the FJC helped out a lot to move it all back into position. In the beginning, the thread was very detailed with torque specs but torque specs started to disappear closer to the end. I just found the torque specs for the rest of the bolts and will double check my bolts later today.
Due to having to drive to the mechanic and having lunch, the install ended in the afternoon. I think the entire thing could take between 3-4 hours with all the right tools (even less time with more experience). I used air tools a few of times but it's not a necessity.
We ran the rig through the city and a short fire road in the Santa Monica Mountains. It's a bit stiffer over speed bumps compared to stock. The increased height is visually evident. I see bigger tires in my future. Brake dive and cornering is tighter just like many others have said. Overall, it's hard for me to describe absolute differences between stock and new suspension. I think it's good. You get the height without severe change in ride quality.
So I need check the torque on my bolts and determine if I should be getting my alignment done.
During the test drive, the FJ wasn't straying to the left or right. Do I still get it aligned soon or can I wait?
The stuff:
These were removed to get started. That's Mudloving's old bling plate by the way:
How we moved the LCA around:
Installed:
Lifted:
....the more I see it the more I want bigger tires ASAP!
