OME Suspension for '96

Hi all, I have been googling and searching this forum for more than an hour now and I can't seem to find out why I'm only able to find OME suspension kits for '98-'04... Could someone direct me to the thread that likely exists explaining why?

Specifically, I'm having trouble figuring out what leaf pack I need. Looking for a 2" lift. I've seen some vague references to exhaust bracket issues, but nothing detailed. Any help is greatly appreciated!

*edited for clarity

 

@Empty_Lord ?

 

You don't clarify what you're looking for.

1995.5 to 1997 utilize the same exact front suspension.

My assumption is that you're looking at leaf packs, which you failed to mention.

You can find an OME leaf pack for the above years but they differ from 1998 to 2004 as they are a different length, thus have a different part number.

 

Yep, forgot to mention I'm looking for leaf packs for a '96. I found plenty of options for 1998-2004, but nothing for 1996...

If the rear leafs differ in size for '98-04 why am I finding one size fits all full kits that list fitment as '98-04?

@Kwikvette

 

That may be due to individual retailers bundling them up as such.

You should purchase the leaf pack of your liking (that fits, there's only one offered by OME for your model year), and buy the coilovers and shocks outside of a 'complete' kit.

As for the exhaust hanger part, I'm not familiar with older 1st Gens like the one you have but for my old 2001 I opted to just chop off the exhaust when I replaced my leaf pack.

 

The overall job is super simple, and you would benefit from using two complete sets of jackstands (one set for the frame, one set for the axle housing) and a ratchet strap (for pulling the axle housing one way or another to line up the bolts).

As for the coilovers, it really makes things run quick and easy if you use a ratcheting wrench on the top bolts.

Other than that, easy DIY.

 

95-97 leaf’s are shorter and actually the same length as pre taco trucks. The only choices are skyjacker or add a leafs.
The front is identical to 95-04

 

So this complete kit sold by low-range/wheeler is not going to fit without modifications?

@Empty_Lord

Sorry if I'm being dense... I've replaced old leafs with stock before, but this is my first time adding a lift. Just want to make sure I'm not spending $350 to ship the wrong springs to my house.

 

Did you ignore what was already posted?

He and I both told you that a 1995.5 to 1997 leaf pack is a different length than 1998 and above.

Fronts are the same.

Only thing is, it seems what he added to the conversation is that OME seems to not be offering the leaf pack you need anymore.

I tried 3 different vendors and it states either backorder or out of stock with no updates available.

Why not just call OME yourself to see if they're really unavailable everywhere or if you can snag a set from them directly? Much quicker than asking here.

 

Obviously I read your replies... I get that the fronts are the same. That's not my question (I never asked about the fronts, just the leafs).

I'm just confused about the company's listing and seeing if anyone here has any insight on why they would advertise a kit for a model year that the manufacturer does not make (I just called OME and they confirmed they do not, thanks for the tip).

 

Leaf pack question was answered though, even before you clarified it.

The companies in question aren't the manufacturer themselves, they're just resellers bundling stuff as they see fit attempting to offer a "full kit".

Now that you've confirmed OME no longer offers their leaf pack, you can attempt to find a reseller that may have one (new old stock) in stock or go with another company.

Deaver and Alcan offer custom leaf packs that are highly praised for their flexibility (off-road) and payload capacity (based on what you carry).

 

When you called OME did you ask about leaf springs designed for your Tacoma, or did you give them the part number that you are interested in?

The OME leaf pack(s), CS018R
CS019R is not specifically for a Tacoma. It fits and as you have seen, is sold for the 95-97 Tacoma. Not all vendors show them as out of stock or backordered.

Edit- I see that ARB is not showing any suspension parts available at all for the Pickup that those leafs were also sold for.

 

When I called OME they said they do not offer a leaf spring for the '95-97. I asked about the listings I've seen on several websites advertising a fit for those years and the guy who answered basically said what I probably would have in his position, 'I have no idea why they are doing what they're doing because I don't work for that company...' ~paraphrased

Unfortunately, I'm having to go with Dorman springs, which also seem to have been discontinued as I could only find them on Amazon. I called three 'local' parts stores (AutoZone, Napa and Baxter) and none of them had them in stock and special orders would have charged me freight.

For shocks I decided on 5100s (2880 coils for the front). I also have an Icon AAL on the way. Overall I'm hoping for about 1.5-2" of lift. Already bought a diff drop kit, carrier bearing lowering kit, extended brake line and the BPV bracket.

Is there anything else anyone would recommend I do to get the best ride quality/durability? I just ticked over 247k and just had the head gasket/water pump/timing belt done at 235k, so I'm hoping to get well into the 300ks with this truck.

 

Return the diff drop, worthless.

 

Just jumping in here as I have an early tacoma, was looking to replace everything including new leaf springs and recently went down this road. Basically the OME kits you see with CS018R/ CS019R springs are for hilux trucks, which are heavier than a tacoma. If you just bolt them on they return something like 5" of lift which was wayyyyyyy too much. There are examples of this sprinkled in the massive 1st gen OME suspension thread. What folks tend to do is take the leaf pack apart and remove one leaf, which puts it somewhere more reasonable. I didn't want to do this so I skipped buying these springs.

I was about to order a set of the Doorman/ Dayton/ Huskey/ General springs (all the same part number) but got spooked by this thread because the new springs the owner installed look worse than my clapped out stock springs. In the end I just ordered a 3 leaf progressive AAL to go along with OME 880 coils in the front. Bought OME nitro chargers all around too. It's all in the mail so I can't comment on them at the moment.

Oh, might want to change yr lower ball joints while you're in there.