OME vs. Bilstein shocks

[Talyn]

I need to replace the shocks on my XJ. The front is at 3.25" and the rear is at 3.5". Rear has an AAL and front has ZJ V8 springs with spacers. I have heard good things about both bilstein and OME. On the OME I don't think I could fit the OME long travel shocks though so I owuld probably get the OME regular length shocks. Suggestions?

-Chris

 

[Scott Mac]

OME shocks are valved to match there spring rates. If you're not running OME springs I have no idea how they would feel. That being said, I loved the ride of my OME lifted rig.

 

[2xtreme]

I can not help you much with length, you should really find out what lengths they come in (extended and compressed) and compare to what you need depending on your rig and it's flex.

In general OME will be softer than Bilsteins. Both are excellent shocks in my experience.

Michael

 

[woody]

The OME N35L (long-travel front) measure 15.5" closed and 26.5" open.

The N36L (rear) measure 14.5" closed and 24.5" open.

Unclear what the regular length N35/36 measure...

 

[Talyn]

The OME N35L (long-travel front) measure 15.5" closed and 26.5" open.

The N36L (rear) measure 14.5" closed and 24.5" open.

Unclear what the regular length N35/36 measure...

I flexed the suspension on a jack and found that fully compressed (other side tire was begining to lift off the floor) the shock's length measured 15.5" (from center of lower bushing to the lower portion of the upper bushing backing. There was a little over 2" of rod left showing on the shock at that point. At rest the shocks measure 18.25" with 5 5/8" of rod showing. I currently have DT3000s that measure 21.5" extended and 13" compressed (Made for a 0-2" lift). From what I have found the regular length OMEs (front) are 13.7" compressed and 22" extended.

Again, I am at 3.25" in front. However, I have JKS BPEs which locate the lower shock mount up about .5".

I however didn't take notice of the position of the bump stop when it was compressed. Perhaps if I add a hockey puck I can get away with the long travel OMEs?

-Chris

 

[DMMcG]

At 3.5" of lift, I'd try to take advantage of a longer shock. Even with stock control arms and trackbar you should get some additional droop with the added length. The OME N35/N36 will be too short.

Can't help you with comparing the Bilsteins to OME. I've got all OME.

To really get a sense of the length of shock that would be optimal, remove your shocks and measure while cycling the suspension.

Hockey pucks are your friend when it comes to tuning compression .

 

[Talyn]

At 3.5" of lift, I'd try to take advantage of a longer shock. Even with stock control arms and trackbar you should get some additional droop with the added length. The OME N35/N36 will be too short.

Can't help you with comparing the Bilsteins to OME. I've got all OME.

To really get a sense of the length of shock that would be optimal, remove your shocks and measure while cycling the suspension.

Hockey pucks are your friend when it comes to tuning compression .

I didn't remove teh shock, but at the losest point it was fully extended. I think I will go for the Long travels if I go with OMEs... is there a real issue with them and BPEs?

-Chris

 

[Talyn]

btt.. I don't want a soft shock, but nothing harsh like Ranchos

 

[roke40]

BPE = no OME

Check JKS website. They specifically say that the BPE with not work with OME shocks. Thats because OME has a pin that replaces the stock bar pin and preloads the bushing. Therefore you don't need the BPE. Check out those new Bilstein 5150s w/the remote resovior. They look pretty sweet.

 

[2xtreme]

btt.. I don't want a soft shock, but nothing harsh like Ranchos

In my experience (haveing all three on the same truck, but not a xj) the OME's are a wonderfull shock and are nice and SOFT, Bilsteins are FIRM (better on the road if you want less sway in the corners) and Rancho's are STIFF.

My opinion is if you want soft and flex go with the OME's. If you have soft spring rates and you drive alot on the road then the Bilsteins might be a better choice. Just my quick synopsis.

Michael

 

[dave]

i love my bilseitn 5150's they are by far the best shocks i've had.. however i LOVE OME steering stabilizers and i wouldnt use anything else as for the firmness of bilsteins mine are a little firm in the front due to subtracting 180 lbs when i did my motor swap.. they are nice and cushy in the rear and have always been and they brought me up about 1/2 an inch

 

[Talyn]

Re: BPE = no OME

Check JKS website. They specifically say that the BPE with not work with OME shocks. Thats because OME has a pin that replaces the stock bar pin and preloads the bushing. Therefore you don't need the BPE. Check out those new Bilstein 5150s w/the remote resovior. They look pretty sweet.

I have found that to be the general consensus, but Dirk @ DPG offroad says it is possible to use a BPE with a OME shock. He said that he has the OME and the BPEs on his XJ.

So far it looks i will be going with Bilsteins.

-Chris

 

[jeepbme]

Shocks:
Rear N36: 562mm (22.1") extended, 342mm (13.5") collapsed
Rear N36L: 622mm (24.5") extended, 366mm (14.4") collapsed
Front N35: 568mm (22.4") extended, 348mm (13.7") collapsed
Front N35L: 678mm (26.7") extended, 392mm (15.4") collapsed

 

[ECKSJAY]

Shocks:
Rear N36: 562mm (22.1") extended, 342mm (13.5") collapsed
Rear N36L: 622mm (24.5") extended, 366mm (14.4") collapsed
Front N35: 568mm (22.4") extended, 348mm (13.7") collapsed
Front N35L: 678mm (26.7") extended, 392mm (15.4") collapsed

Thanks for inserting this good info into the thread. Sure helps when someone is searching for " OME Old Man Emu shock lengths ". Tossed in some key words there.

 

[LilRedRover]

did anyone else notice this thread is almost 3 years old?

 

[ECKSJAY]

did anyone else notice this thread is almost 3 years old?

Still asking a question concerning shock lengths...and this last guy posted the tech info for the shocks in question. For those who use the SEARCH function it makes complete sense. I noticed right away that this was pretty old, but also understood why it was brought up the very second I saw the shock specs. No worries there, kudos to the guy for doing it.

 

[LilRedRover]

sure... diddo... to keep on subject, I have heard OME shocks have a bad habit of rattling, anyone running them have that problem... Also, which valving on the bilsteins would be the best for our weight vehicle?

 

[ECKSJAY]

sure... diddo... to keep on subject, I have heard OME shocks have a bad habit of rattling, anyone running them have that problem... Also, which valving on the bilsteins would be the best for our weight vehicle?

Have never heard any complaints on the OMEs making noise and I haven't seen any come back once they leave.

As for Bilstein, which valving are you talking about? On the 5125s or any other 'generic' length model, the heavier valving is the one you want. The lighter ones are meant for dual apps and will be way too light in our Jeeps.

 

[raypla]

did anyone else notice this thread is almost 3 years old?

Thats funny

:laugh2:

 

[LilRedRover]

Have never heard any complaints on the OMEs making noise and I haven't seen any come back once they leave.

As for Bilstein, which valving are you talking about? On the 5125s or any other 'generic' length model, the heavier valving is the one you want. The lighter ones are meant for dual apps and will be way too light in our Jeeps.

yeah I was talking about the 5125s probably for rear and 5150s up front I think. I haven't decided for sure yet whether I'm putting resis up front or staying monotube all around. You must be a dealer with your knowledge of OMEs, what would you suggest?