Thoughts on the Old Man Emu 3" suspension lift kit?

Hey guys,

I'm lifting my '08 DC sometime in the next month. I want something that's good quality but at a reasonable price. I happened to stumble upon this http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/OME-Tacoma-Suspension-lift-kit_p_231.html OME 3" lift kit on ToyTec's website, which is selling for $755, and there's also an option to add an entirely new OME leaf springs (as opposed to the 2" add-a-leaf that it normally comes with) for $469. It comes with the options to get 884, 885, and 886 coils. In terms of off roading, I don't do anything too serious; I usually just go mudding.So I have a couple of questions:

A. For those that are running the kit (or have ran it), how good of a lift is it? Is it a quality lift or am I paying a lower price for lower quality? Also, are there any similarly priced lifts that compete better than the OME lift kit?

B. Besides the diff. drop kit which is included, do I need to purchase anything else along with the lift kit?

C. I plan on putting a grille gaurd, and eventually, a prerunner/baja bumper on the front. Should I get the 885 coils, or just stick to the 884 coils?

D. Is the extra money for the OME leaf springs worth it, or should I keep the stock leafs?

Any input and opinion is much appreciated. Thanks!

 

A. I've had this lift on since last Sep. And I absolutely love it! I've never needed anything more. I along with a lot of other members can attest to the quality of the ome shocks and coils.
B. If you're getting an Add a leaf you'll likely use your stock u bolts. I'd recommend trying to loosen them on your rear axle after hitting them with penetrating spray for a few days. A lot of them are pretty seized up after a few years(one of mine sheared off on my 2012). If they loosen no problem then you won't need new u bolts. You might get new u bolts if you choose the new leaf springs(you can call Toytec and ask)

C. If you have reg cab, go 884. Access cab w/ extra weight or dbl cab then get 885, and if you have double cab with a good bit of extra weight then 886.

D. I can't speak for the ome springs myself, but I did just switch from a block lift to an add a leaf on my truck and have been liking the ride way better.

And as always continue your research on TW.

 

Everything you ever wanted to know: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/old-man-emu-questions-answers-pictures.258245/

 

The OME kit is a lot stiffer than the ride you will get with the stock suspension just so you know. I am very happy with mine and wouldn't change it at the present time. It rides really well on the highway too. It is kinda bumpy at slow speeds. If you are expecting it to ride like the stock truck does then you will be sadly disappointed. If you like the ride of previous 4x4 of the past then it will be similar to them.

My reply is mixed in with the quote so expand it to see my answers.

 

A) I've had one of these on my '12 DCLB for 26,000km now and I love it. I am running the 886's up front and an AAL in the rear. I have quite a bit of extra weight to warrant the 886's. It's a good quality lift, but it's not on par with the much more expensive race shocks (ADS, Icon, King, Fox...)

B) I'd strongly consider aftermarket UCA's. They'll help with your alignment and they have a little more clearance for tires. Good Uniball ones are very strong, but the uniballs are higher maintenance (frequently have to lube them, wear out more quickly)
I didn't install the diff drop. There's a wide range of feelings towards them on here so it's tough to get a definitive answer from reading reviews. The diff drop will result in less ground clearance, put your diff (expensive) closer to harms way, and will make mounting skid plates a PITA. The flip side is that it will help extend the life of your CV's. I haven't had any issues yet, but even if I have to replace a CV a little more often I think it's worth it to go without the diff drop. Depending on how you use your truck you may not feel the same.

C) I'd think 885's, but can't say for sure.

D) My biggest regret is not getting the leaf springs. The stock pack sucks and an AAL just puts a band-aid on it. The OME Dakar leaf pack has really good reviews, and if you plan on carrying a lot of weight I've heard really good things about the AllPro Expo leaf pack.

 

I'd also recommend the aftermarket UCA's and the carrier bearing drop if it's not included in the kit.

The diff drop rotates the diff on the 2nd gens rather than dropping it like it did on the 1st gens.

 

A. For those that are running the kit (or have ran it), how good of a lift is it? Love it. It is a mid range lift both function and price.

Is it a quality lift or am I paying a lower price for lower quality? For the price and quality, you can't beat it.

Also, are there any similarly priced lifts that compete better than the OME lift kit? Not that I am away of.

B. Besides the diff. drop kit which is included, do I need to purchase anything else along with the lift kit? Throw the diff drop away or sell it. It is NOT functional and here is why:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/remove-the-differential-drop-on-your-05-tacoma.118545/

I recommend new UCA's, new bump stops, and extended brake lines.

C. I plan on putting a grille gaurd, and eventually, a prerunner/baja bumper on the front. Should I get the 885 coils, or just stick to the 884 coils?

I recommend 887's. When you get the bumper and extra weight see how it is. 886s ride ROUGH without that extra weight.

D. Is the extra money for the OME leaf springs worth it, or should I keep the stock leafs?

Eventually you will have to replace the leafs. OEM ones suck and anything other than replacing the leaf pack, whether it be Dakars or All-Pro, will just be a bandaid fix until they are completely flat or negative arched.

My motto, do it once, do it right.

 

I have OME 887 coils and shocks on the front of my 14' DCLB and allpro leafs out back, no diff drop. Also have wheelers bumpstops in the rear and extended brake lines all around. I like it for what it is, I would definitely recommend a uniball UCA just for tire clearance, and just go with a full leaf pack if you can afford it. Everyone I know who did add a leaf complained of sagging later on. I just put 275/70R17 MTRs on and had to throw a 1/4" spacer in there on the front to space it out a bit, had about 1/8" from UCA to tire. Other than that minor hickup, the truck stuffs those tires and keeps up with those short wheel based 4runners and takes me to those fishing spots so Im happy.

 

887s are the shiznit!

 

OME heavy love it.