Hi All,

Just got the OME 927 front springs (heaviest avail for CRD) and 947 rears (lightest available for CRD) installed with Rancho 17505 Front Struts and Rancho 17004 rear shocks on my 05 CRD. Also have the ARB bar. See pic below.



After lift measurements are FL720 FR 725 RL 750 RR 750. So the rear is one inch higher than the fronts approx.

I thought the front would have come up a little higher though, as other guys locally have netted 740 front 750 rear measurements. I'm pretty sure that this was a mix of petrol and diesel models and they both worked out about the same.

When I told the ARB guys that fitted the kit that I wasn't impressed, they suggested the Rancho struts were the perhaps responsible for the descrepancy (because they don't sell them I suppose). In fact they told me that they thought the Rancho struts were not as good as the OME ones - but they would! What's everyone elses opinion?

Can anyone tell me if the Rancho front struts are exactly the same dimensions as the OME ones? ie, in length, mount points etc I'm curious to know if this could be the cause.

If they are the same, I suspect then its just a case of the diesel being heavier compressing the front more, especially with the bar work.

My next question is of course what would be the easiest way to level up the fronts? Would a Daystar strut top or puck be suitable and which size?

Sorry you have not seen all the post we have been making on the CRD. We have tried just about every combo and kit on the CRD and the only front we have seen to stand up to the extra weight is the Daystar 2.5 puck in the front. We found that in less then 2 weeks the front ends starts to bounce up and down very bad like the front springs are worn out. The Rancho struts are some of the best we have used on any Jeep out there. Sorry you have not seen the post...there has been tions of questions and comments on this. later...Clint

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Yes, I saw the post, but also saw some from a later date saying ARB had released a new spring for the CRD? They advertise that the springs I used are suitable and the ARB shop confirmed this here in Oz for a CRD - so I wonder what ARB think of all this? There's a guy on the board (Seth?) that works for ARB - would you care to comment?

As for bouncing, it doesn't seem too bad yet, there is definitely more articulation though, as you would expect. Is it worth trying to use the ARB spring and a daystar puck or strut top then to fix it up?

Struts and shocks do not add or subtract height, only a spring will. Anybody who says different is wrong. The purpose of a strut or shock is to dampen (or lessen) the bumps in the road to give the driver more control. A strut and a shock do the same thing, the advantage to a strut-takes less space, advantage to a shock is that it's easier to work on.

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'02 KJ Sport V6 4x4
3/8" Clevis lift
Rusty's 2.5 lift
255/70/R16 Fleet Farm All Terrain (yes they work)
Class 3 hitch
Hellas
Police Scanner/CB radio
LOST #: JH061986

The spring sits on a collar on the strut. If this collar is placed at a different position relative to the length of the strut to where the clevis attaches, then the ride height will be affected (ie same principle as the Clevis lift). So I hear what you are saying, but struts CAN make a difference. The distance between the collar and the end of the strut on the stock struts and also on the Rancho ones is approx 47mm. If the OME one's are any longer, then this could mean that the lift height is increased. I seriously doubt that the OME struts are any longer in this distance though. But if someone can confirm this would help.

I think those springs would work fine on the CRD with/out the ARB bumper, or with the ARB on a gas KJ. I think they are still to weak for the CRD with an ARB, That's a lot of weight!!!

i just orderd the franklin lift from all js. i will be using the old man emu front struts and rear shocks. all j told me that with the ome struts it will make the front a little higher but only about 3/8 inch. if you want to get another 1/2 inch up front rustys sells that 1/4 medal spacer plate that goes on top of the strut. easy install.

Yes, I'd read about that Rusty's spacer plate, but have read reports that people are having trouble fitting them cause the holes don't line up? Anyone fitted one recently and had any problems?

I had them on my KJ. They holes don't quite line up, but a drill easily fixes it. 2-min fix.

ARB spring brochure for anyone that's interested - says 1inch lift instead of 1.5 for a CRD with the 927 fronts - so they expect it will be less than the petrol models.

http://arb.com.au/Seattle/UVAG_PDF/jeep_kj.pdf

my rusty's spacer lift needed a little persuasion from an old hammer. But once the nuts were on the studs and tightened down, everything was fine. I suspect the powder coating (good quality on Rusty's) had something to do with the improper fitment. I'd rather have a tight fit then a loose fit anyways.

_________________
'02 KJ Sport V6 4x4
3/8" Clevis lift
Rusty's 2.5 lift
255/70/R16 Fleet Farm All Terrain (yes they work)
Class 3 hitch
Hellas
Police Scanner/CB radio
LOST #: JH061986

Bear in mind that those measurements are for the old CRD, the 2.5 engine one, lighter than the 2.8CRD.
I'm afraid that the 927 for the 2.8CRD+bull bar is not a wise move ( in my opinion not even for a 2.5+bull bar).
I think that there is a lot of people waiting for a TRUE front OME spring for the 2.8CRD. We can say it louder but not clearer, ARB guys...

Cheers

Yes, I can see that the fronts are a little soft since going wheelin today on them - I think its time to have a chat to ARB Head Office here in Australia about this next week. If they won't work 100% then they shouldn't sell or recommend them period for the CRD. Will keep you posted.

Having said that, you could probably live with it if you weren't doing really tough off-roading, as long as they don't sag. My car corners acceptably, and it sure does cruise on the highway nicely. So for now I'm going to have to live with it anyway.

As I understand it though, if I fitted a Daystar 1.5inch spring spacer (not the strut top) in the front as well now, wouldn't that pre-load the front OME spring and stiffen up the front a little as well as give another inch of lift? You read posts on this forum all the time that spacer lifts stiffen the front......