OME Long Travel Shocks Vs. Regular OME Shocks...

Uttles · **Posted:** Fri Apr 11, 2008 7:58 am

So I am trying to decide between the Long travel shocks or regular shocks for the OME kit on Boulder bars.com

1. Bump Stops are needed for the Long Travel. Exactly what does the long travel give me over regular? ie. How much difference is there in flex? Will I be able to go more places? Or just take cooler flex pictures? Will running 245/75R16's with Long Travel cause more rubbing issues?

2. The Daystar Bump Stops...are they difficult to install??

3. Plan: OME HD's, OME STruts and Shocks and 245/75R16 Tires (still deciding between BFG, ProComp, GoodYear)

Dave08 · **Joined:** Fri Nov 02, 2007 4:17 pm **Posts:** 250

In my mind...

Long travel shocks require bump stops to stop the suspension before the coils stack up on themselves. The flex should a good bit better though because standard OME is only a few mm longer than stock. I'm have the same debate myself.

If you stick with standard OME shocks w/ stock bumpstops there should not be a problem because they're still slightly longer than the stockers and the coils should not be able to stack however flex will be restricted to the stock. BUT MAY overextened the shock (unsure)

To add to this thread:

How much more flex with long travel shocks than standard shocks after bumpstops are added with the swaybar in place? Without the sway bar in place?

Dave

MidnightLiberty · **Joined:** Mon Oct 08, 2007 6:42 pm **Posts:** 270

If you are getting OME HD springs you will need longer shocks because the springs are longer. Same reason you need new bump stops front and rear. They prevent damage from excessive flex, unless you want your fender flares removed. I have heard several people claim the BFG's and Pro Comp tires pop easy. I see a lot of people in my area with Toyo M/T's and Maxxis Big Horn. So for tires you might look in to Toyo or Maxxis.

WoodysKJ · **Posted:** Fri Apr 11, 2008 11:07 am

MidnightLiberty wrote:

If you are getting OME HD springs you will need longer shocks because the springs are longer.

This is not true. The springs are the same length as the MD's just a higher compression rate and thus not as much settle as with the lighter springs. If they were longer then they would be even harder to install than they are.

When I got my HD's I was told by ARB that i did not need the 132L's just because i had the HD springs. As they would give me more articulation, but was not necessary.

The issues you MIGHT have with the "L's" is with the increased articulation you stand a chance of actually allowing the spring to become disloged. I remember a post on here wher a LOSTer had one of his springs actually fall out while flexing so much.

You WILL need longer bumpstops. And IF you Have EPS you MIGHT need longer brake lines also. On models with EPS (My 07 for example) I have 2 rear brakelines so the EPS can independently control each rear brake if needed. Thus I have a right and a left rear brakeline where most of you only have the single one.

Also chrysler shortened the brakelines in the rear at some point.

I also think i rmember seeing on her that IF you get the "L's" then in order to take advantage of the LONG travel then you need to disconect the rear sway bar. and this MAY put uneeded stress on the rear control arm ball joint.

I did not see the need for that kind of rear articulation on a IFA jeep. Limits my offroading some but if i wanted a rock crawler i would have gotten a CJ or something like that.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Fri Apr 11, 2008 11:29 am

The longer shocks allow the suspension to droop more so yes, they do give more downward flex. The only thing is since you must install a extended bumpstop you loose around 1.5in or up travel on the other side.

The bumpstops are not hard to install if you know how to use a drill. Youve got to drill a hole in the center of the spring perch then bolt them in.

Ive had the regular OME 132 shocks with OME HD springs for around 2 years with no problems.

Dave08 · **Joined:** Fri Nov 02, 2007 4:17 pm **Posts:** 250

Then from Jeepers post...

They allow more droop- yes the rear axle going straight down in a situation when the wheels are on a level plane. For instance on a lift in a shop, the rear end would hang lower just for a easy picture.

But if you had 1.5 " bump stops and the long travel shocks are 2"'s longer( unsure, correct me if i'm wrong) in a FLEXING situation like you'd encounter climbing a rock only another 1/2 " of travel is gained correct?

I'm still unsure, Ranchos for 110+ bumpstops for 25( or use a rubber mallet) Or OME standard length for 80

WoodysKJ · **Posted:** Fri Apr 11, 2008 11:42 am

Jeepjeepster wrote:

The longer shocks allow the suspension to droop more so yes, they do give more downward flex. The only thing is since you must install a extended bumpstop you loose around 1.5in or up travel on the other side.

The bumpstops are not hard to install if you know how to use a drill. Youve got to drill a hole in the center of the spring perch then bolt them in.

Ive had the regular OME 132 shocks with OME HD springs for around 2 years with no problems.

I thought the Daystar bumpstops are a direct replacement for the OEM's and they twist into the holes on the chassis?

Marty has the hockey pucks you drill into the axel spring seat.

MidnightLiberty · **Joined:** Mon Oct 08, 2007 6:42 pm **Posts:** 270

When I got my OME HD springs put in I was going to get the stock sized Rancho shocks but Les Schwab Tires said I needed longer shocks for proper dampening. They explained that stock my shocks sit about mid point. With bigger springs they would sit about 2 inches closer to the top of the travel and 2 inches further than the bottom of travel. I think the stock range was 13 to 20 inches. They suggested I get a shock that had a range of 15 to 22 inches.

WoodysKJ · **Posted:** Fri Apr 11, 2008 11:52 am

MidnightLiberty wrote:

When I got my OME HD springs put in I was going to get the stock sized Rancho shocks but Les Schwab Tires said I needed longer shocks for proper dampening. They explained that stock my shocks sit about mid point. With bigger springs they would sit about 2 inches closer to the top of the travel and 2 inches further than the bottom of travel. I think the stock range was 13 to 20 inches. They suggested I get a shock that had a range of 15 to 22 inches.

Alot of times these installers talk a good talk when they really don't have a clue.

The springs are rated as to the compression rate, not size.

I bet the longer shocks were a bit more pricey too. Go figure. I asked ARB and on here for weeks before i installed my own and was fairly informed about most all i thought i needed to know. THEN i discovered the different brake lines and the issues with the EPS.

Always something.

WoodysKJ · **Posted:** Fri Apr 11, 2008 11:54 am

NOW the other point is true, that different manufactures have different size springs. I think the Rancho springs are longer than the OME's, but OME's springs for the KJ all should be the same lenght.

MidnightLiberty · **Joined:** Mon Oct 08, 2007 6:42 pm **Posts:** 270

The shocks that they suggested were RMX Monotube were and actually $24 cheaper than the Rancho RSX shock I wanted. Granted they did say the N132 would work, but it would take an extra 3 to 4 days to get them from ARB (I didn't pay close attention to the first post). In all fairness there is only one other lifted Liberty in my area, so my local Les Schwab might not have any experience with them. They lift mostly full size trucks and SUV's

WoodysKJ · **Posted:** Fri Apr 11, 2008 12:15 pm

I understand. I used to live in Eugene OR and have dealt with the Les Schwab outfit before. Meet Les himself once as i did a piece for the Eugene paper. ALL good people. not trying to cast them in an ill light at all.

Like you said may not have the experience.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Fri Apr 11, 2008 12:48 pm

WoodysKJ wrote:

I thought the Daystar bumpstops are a direct replacement for the OEM's and they twist into the holes on the chassis?

Marty has the hockey pucks you drill into the axel spring seat.

I have taken those out and gotten air bags since so flex is not limited. Those saystar bumpstops are to big.

Looks like you have the right idea Dave.

Uttles · **Posted:** Fri Apr 11, 2008 8:59 pm

Cool....sounds like I will be sticking with the regular OME shocks....also saves a tiny amount of money.

I won't be doing a lot of wheeling....and it's going to perform way beyond what the Original Equipment counterparts do.

Just hope I am going to like the HD springs! Hoping it will ride like a Lexus of course! :lol:

jeepkj02 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 11, 2008 9:10 pm

If you don't like your HD's, I got a set of Mediums. We can swap springs. :wink:

OME Long Travel Shocks Vs. Regular OME Shocks...

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