Thread: Old Man Emu suspension kit

OME are crap for Defenders and have a rep of breaking mounting rings, I would go Koni or Billies. I have had all 3 on various vehicles.
I looked at the OME kit and it was ridiculously priced.
I went Billies on my Defender with King Springs. I bought the Billies from Shock warehouse in the US and 1/2 price to buying here inc US air freight and were at my door in 4 days. King springs I got from Coventry's (ask for trade price).
By doing this I purchased the shocks, springs and polyairs for around the same price as just buying the shocks in Australia, King Springs and Polyairs bought in Australia.
Then if you want them fitted you can double the price.
I had Koni adjustables on my old RR and they are the best but a lot more expensive and then there are the ultimate Koni Raids.
Not hard to fit.
Cheers
CraigE

Just fitted a set of Raids on the rear, replacing TerraFirma Expeditions. The differece is substantial.

As once (or twice) said you get what you pay for.

What I found when I went suspension shopping was that OME cater for touring with the kitchen sink crowd, i.e. they only do firm. Also, I wasn't after a lift, just comfort. I ended up with Dobinsons (springs and shocks) with a mild 25mm lift. They have spring rates to suit whatever you are after. Shop around and you will get what you want at probably a better price and/or quality.

Originally Posted by CraigE

OME are crap for Defenders and have a rep of breaking mounting rings, I would go Koni or Billies. I have had all 3 on various vehicles.
I looked at the OME kit and it was ridiculously priced.
I went Billies on my Defender with King Springs. I bought the Billies from Shock warehouse in the US and 1/2 price to buying here inc US air freight and were at my door in 4 days. King springs I got from Coventry's (ask for trade price).
By doing this I purchased the shocks, springs and polyairs for around the same price as just buying the shocks in Australia, King Springs and Polyairs bought in Australia.
Then if you want them fitted you can double the price.
I had Koni adjustables on my old RR and they are the best but a lot more expensive and then there are the ultimate Koni Raids.
Not hard to fit.
Cheers
CraigE

Sorry totally disagree and have had OME's on three 90's I have had

One was a winch challenge trucks and they took a beating with no problems

And still have them on my 90 which has been 45,000ks around Australia on all the worst tracks with out a problem

This might be worth a read regarding springs and rates:

Understanding Spring Rates

As far as shocks go, Koni raids are going to be about the best bolt on shock, but wont allow for much extra travel over stock.

I agree with Reads90.

Had OME shocks on my 110 which was a tourer...no kitchen sink but went more places than most in some of the remotest and harshest conditions including cross desert.

The shocks took an absolute hammer. So much so that the paint turned from yellow to burnt black and the shocks still worked perfectly. Pretty sure I posted pics in my 110 build thread.

No broken mount rings either and they did over 50,000kms. Changed them just to be on the safe side before going on another trip for a new set of OME's and used the old ones as spares. Another 25,000kms and still no broken mount rings.

That the shocks still worked perfectly after getting that hot was a pretty good recommendation for me.

I bought my 94 disco in 95 put OME under it straight off - they have worked perfectly and I have clocked up 300 000km on her.

It is just starting to sag on one side - far as I'm concerned i could not have asked for more than that

Got a reply to my price enquiry on the OME suspension kit, $1968.00, back to plan A at this stage which is Koni Raids, and springs from LRA. LRA are happy to trial-and-error the springs until they're 'just right', and the Konis can be adjusted, so should be difficult to go wrong that way.