OME HD Install

[Matt]

Well, I'm going to be putting my OME on this weekend so I figured I'd start my thread off with some pics/measurements.

I'm going 100% fresh: struts/springs/mounts/seats. So unless I get bored, i won't be disassembling my OME struts; however I will be doing a side-by-side measurement when I have them out of the vehicle.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/09/20110915171940-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/10/20111001104814-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/10/20111006193108-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/10/20111012183249-1.jpg

10" from bottom of strut to bottom of lowest section of spring perch:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/10/20111012183010-1.jpg

12.5" from bottom of lowest section of spring perch to strut mount edge:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/10/20111012183053-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/10/20111012183047-1.jpg

Another measurement that may come in handy (since the bottom of the strut is not a true reference point for overall length since it sticks out below the strut fork):

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/10/20111012183133-1.jpg

[Matt]

And im not screwing around with those crappy spring compressors I have.... got myself a loaner from a friend.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/10/20111012190830-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/10/20111012190843-1.jpg

[07JeepXK]

I hope that spring compressor works for you with those HD springs. I took my OME HD springs and OME struts to a mechanics shop at the end of my street and almost broke there shop spring compressor. It was a HD one that is all hydralic. Those springs are stout!

[superacerc]

And im not screwing around with those crappy spring compressors I have.... got myself a loaner from a friend.

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

https://theultimatejeep.com/notfound.png

Wow those are pretty! I'm used to the crappy ones (two metal bars with holes on the end and a bolt on each side).

[Matt]

Yeah.... there was no way in hell i'd try doing it with these!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/09/20110923130854-1.jpg

[superacerc]

Used some like that to swap springs on my saturn SC1 back in high school ( i hated that car).

[Matt]

They're OK for car springs. But when you get in to SUV and truck springs, especially HD springs like the OME's.... that's a whole different world.

[Matt]

holy crap these springs are STRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/10/20111013174820-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/10/20111013190054-1.jpg

To anyone planning on doing this install.... DONT use a cheap spring compressor!! The unit I have goes for around $500 and it was a struggle!!

[EvilJager]

Get it installed already!

[Matt]

For anyone installing new struts, this trick works great. Flip the bolt around and put a washer in there. Then snug the bolt up to "separate" the fork. This not only makes it easier to take off, it makes it as simple as it gets to get the fork on the new strut.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/10/20111014161535-1.jpg

You guys want to know a little secret to get an extra 1/4 of lift height? Well, the hole for the strut fork bolt is greatly oversized. So you want to make sure that when you install it, you have the fork as low as possible on the strut; increasing the overall length of the assembly.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/10/20111014175508-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/10/20111014175643-1.jpg

[Matt]

With my RC kit + JBA Spacers:
Front left = 36-1/8
Front Right = 36-3/16
~21.5 From hub to fender

With my OME HD kit + JBA Spacers:
Front left = 36-1/2
Front Right = 36-7/8
~22" From hub to fender

Overall, i've gained 1/2" over my previous setup. Hopefully they don't settle too much, but right now it's EXACTLY where i wanted it:cool:

Angles:

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/10/20111014185219-1.jpg

[Matt]

This is what we've been waiting for!!!

Stock struts with RC kit have 1.75" LONGER extended length than OME struts. (This is about 3.5" more down travel than OME struts... but the UCA will hit the strut first at about 2" over stock.)

OME struts are about 3/8" LONGER (closer to 5/16) extended length than stock struts. (This is about .75" (max) more down travel than stock)

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/10/20111014162143-1.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/10/20111014161826-1.jpg

Also, as the one picture shows but it may not be obvious, the lower spring seat is also in the stock position....

I see absolutely no reason why someone couldn't use stock springs with OME struts as a strut-only upgrade if they want to retain stock height. This should FINALLY put all that to rest.

[hoaxci5]

But how to do you feel about OME springs with OEM struts?

[Matt]

i haven't driven it much..... for the driving i have done, they feel good. Not as stiff as i expected.

Honestly, i was expecting to feel more of a drastic difference. I'll see when i hit some of the old railroad tracks on my way to work.

[Sal-XK]

Some pretty useful tips bro thanks for sharing man..

[Matt]

Quick update... its been 2 weeks and the fronts haven't settled at all. Measured the same tonight as they did when i put them in.

Here's a link to the thread where I put the rear springs in:
http://www.theultimatejeep.com/showthread.php?1323-Rear-lift..-brainstorming-ideas...

[AJeepZJ]

Yeah.... there was no way in hell i'd try doing it with these!

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/09/20110923130854-1.jpg

Those are what I used for my WK, and Sal and I used for my ZJ.... Requires a little man power, but none-the-less, just as effective.

[Matt]

The ones I have are for a smaller diameter coil wire... you can see in the pic how they don't seat well. If I had a set that was designed for the OME HD spring wire diameter I'd consider it..... but for the force required to compress those HD springs and the likelihood of those popping off, no way.

[06blkhemi]

Try driving it without the sway bars connected either one or both? I wouldn't mind getting rid of the rear one!

[Matt]

Na, I have no desire to remove the sway bars for on-street driving. I like the current ride and don't desire any more body roll, so there's no benefit for me.