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New suspension for my Hilux - Any ideas?
Moderators: toaddog, Elmo, DUDELUX
New suspension for my Hilux - Any ideas?
Hey Guys. Got a 2002 single cab hilux RZN167 and want to know thoughts of replacing the suspension. I have been told that a few parts need to be replaced so i want to do the whole lot. Don't want nothing extreme just general 4wd and trips away.
Question is. Brands????
Ironman, Old Man Emu.....any ideas guys???
Question is. Brands????
Ironman, Old Man Emu.....any ideas guys???
Last edited by Doitch on Tue Jul 01, 2008 6:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Brook read his post again. He is not looking for an extreme replacement. I imagine just a bolt on upgrade.brooksy wrote:Trail Gear front leaf kit & either Trail Gear rear coil conversion or matching leaf kit.
brooksy
Sorry Doitch i cant help you with any advice on this but im sure there will be others that can.
I would reccomend EFS.
Their leaf package for the earlier lux is very good re ride and feel on and off road.
Had OME on before, would never use that again.
Sagged, stiff on road, wandered over bumps etc etc. very poor customer service.
Heard some good reports on EFS torsion bars.
You could go terrain tamer for any ball joints, tie rod ends pitman/ idler arms etc.
Or a trusted suspention place.
Trains
Their leaf package for the earlier lux is very good re ride and feel on and off road.
Had OME on before, would never use that again.
Sagged, stiff on road, wandered over bumps etc etc. very poor customer service.
Heard some good reports on EFS torsion bars.
You could go terrain tamer for any ball joints, tie rod ends pitman/ idler arms etc.
Or a trusted suspention place.
Trains
Save the Whales......Collect the whole set.
My Wife Can't Shear..............But You Should See Her Crutch !
My Wife Can't Shear..............But You Should See Her Crutch !
what vehicle was your ome suspension in trains?
i have personally fitted ome suspension to many ifs hilux's,as well as almost every other model and would rate it the best value for money suspension available.
Ome have vehicle specific shock and spring combinations to suit whatever the customer requires.
the only cause of spring sag in ome springs is overloading,which is solely the fault of the customer.
perhaps you had the wrong suspension selection for your vehicle or misused it or failed to have it serviced correctly.
was it fitted by an authorised ome stockist?or did you fit it yourself?
every ome suspension system that is fitted by ome stockists comes with a WRITTEN 2 YEAR WARRANTY which includes before and after measurements of the vehicle and the spring free heights,if there is an issue with the suspension you have in writing what the vehicle height was at when it was fitted.
no other suspension manufacturer does this.
poor customer service?
the product is made in australia and sold through about 150 authorised stores across australia.
what in specific was your problem?again what model vehicle?
i have driven hundreds of 4x4's,with every suspension system on the market.and not one drove better than one with an ome kit.in fact the worst of the lot would be pedders and efs.i would not recommend these brands to anyone.
nobody spends as much time and money on research and development than ome,its why they have been the market benchmark and market leaders for the last 20 years and will continue long after companies like efs are dead and buried.
i have personally fitted ome suspension to many ifs hilux's,as well as almost every other model and would rate it the best value for money suspension available.
Ome have vehicle specific shock and spring combinations to suit whatever the customer requires.
the only cause of spring sag in ome springs is overloading,which is solely the fault of the customer.
perhaps you had the wrong suspension selection for your vehicle or misused it or failed to have it serviced correctly.
was it fitted by an authorised ome stockist?or did you fit it yourself?
every ome suspension system that is fitted by ome stockists comes with a WRITTEN 2 YEAR WARRANTY which includes before and after measurements of the vehicle and the spring free heights,if there is an issue with the suspension you have in writing what the vehicle height was at when it was fitted.
no other suspension manufacturer does this.
poor customer service?
the product is made in australia and sold through about 150 authorised stores across australia.
what in specific was your problem?again what model vehicle?
i have driven hundreds of 4x4's,with every suspension system on the market.and not one drove better than one with an ome kit.in fact the worst of the lot would be pedders and efs.i would not recommend these brands to anyone.
nobody spends as much time and money on research and development than ome,its why they have been the market benchmark and market leaders for the last 20 years and will continue long after companies like efs are dead and buried.
At a guess i'd say drivers front sagged and how you overload that i'd like to know seen a few diffrent brands sag mate has efs in his first set saged showed them we pulled it out and they swaped it over not a drama just time to swap the packs over been going strong for ages now. Arb wouldn't be my prefrence for springsarb383 wrote:the only cause of spring sag in ome springs is overloading,which is solely the fault of the customer.
plenty of parts on the bench
You spoil sport Tony , I wasn't overly serious but I just threw it on the table.RUFF wrote:Brook read his post again. He is not looking for an extreme replacement. I imagine just a bolt on upgrade.brooksy wrote:Trail Gear front leaf kit & either Trail Gear rear coil conversion or matching leaf kit.
brooksy
Sorry Doitch i cant help you with any advice on this but im sure there will be others that can.
brooksy
C44F-Custom 4x4 Fabrications
0400 443 802
brooksy72@live.com.au
0400 443 802
brooksy72@live.com.au
Mate, Im glad you have had good results with ome and arb.arb383 wrote:what vehicle was your ome suspension in trains?
i have personally fitted ome suspension to many ifs hilux's,as well as almost every other model and would rate it the best value for money suspension available.
Ome have vehicle specific shock and spring combinations to suit whatever the customer requires.
the only cause of spring sag in ome springs is overloading,which is solely the fault of the customer.
perhaps you had the wrong suspension selection for your vehicle or misused it or failed to have it serviced correctly.
was it fitted by an authorised ome stockist?or did you fit it yourself?
every ome suspension system that is fitted by ome stockists comes with a WRITTEN 2 YEAR WARRANTY which includes before and after measurements of the vehicle and the spring free heights,if there is an issue with the suspension you have in writing what the vehicle height was at when it was fitted.
no other suspension manufacturer does this.
poor customer service?
the product is made in australia and sold through about 150 authorised stores across australia.
what in specific was your problem?again what model vehicle?
i have driven hundreds of 4x4's,with every suspension system on the market.and not one drove better than one with an ome kit.in fact the worst of the lot would be pedders and efs.i would not recommend these brands to anyone.
nobody spends as much time and money on research and development than ome,its why they have been the market benchmark and market leaders for the last 20 years and will continue long after companies like efs are dead and buried.
for years when I had my workshop, it was OME that I fitted with great results.
so when I needed it with my LN106 lux, it was a no brainer.
Lets see.
Before I even fitted the kit.
3 sets of shackles that didnt align together, that would chop out bushes, or not fit the opposite plates , ie over 5mm gap, or difference , poor customer service when I returned them.
First set of front springs had such bad misalignment of the leafs that they would foul on the shackles. I returned them before fitting the kit.
OME only have 1 set of springs for the front of the lux, I went for the constant 250kg on the rear as I had long range tank and swing away tyre carrier, dual batts etc.
I spoke to several arb outlets regarding the best setup for the lux.
From first fitment there was a bad lean to the left, ie over 30mm side to side, front and back.
First they said I fitted them on the incorrect side, but they were correctly fitted.
They they wanted to swap them side to side. so after doing so, giving me a car that pulled badly to the left and scrubbed tyres without test driving before they gave it to me. when its been fine for years before, and ok after I fitted the kit.
Long story short,
once they started working on the car, I ended up with stripped nuts, damaged pin plates, second hand parts fitted that were not my original parts, when they fitted new springs, the leafs were so out of alignment that they fouled the front hangers, and the rear shackles at the same time.
I have pictures of the last new leaf pack they fitted with the leaf misaligned 8mm.
The car drove poorly, very nervous on the road etc.
when I removed the kit for a refund, the 4th set of shackles for the front were still not right when I fitted them, but they were not going to replace them again, so I was stuck with them, so upon removal, damage to the bush lip on the shackles where there was incorrect alignment on the shackle, just as I said would happen, but they dismissed it and said they were fine.
Mate, I will never again deal with arb, or OME again after this episode.
I had 4 mates who were also going to fit full spring/ shock kits, they ended up going with different brands after watching this episode unfold.
Im still working on a webpage of the diary of events inc pictures.
Trains
Save the Whales......Collect the whole set.
My Wife Can't Shear..............But You Should See Her Crutch !
My Wife Can't Shear..............But You Should See Her Crutch !
What sort of service work is carried out on Springs/Torsion Bars and sealed Shocks? Are OME shocks still primarily Cofap shocks with OME stickers fitted or do OME actually make their own shocks now?arb383 wrote:perhaps you had the wrong suspension selection for your vehicle or misused it or failed to have it serviced correctly.
Im here for the sausage!
Orderd springs, shackles bushes ubolts etc for the lux.
the 009 fronts 50 to 110kg, and 010 rears 250kg constant load springs.
get the first set, the front spring packs were not aligned correctly, and would have fouled the shackles.
not just something that could be fixed by tapping them flat, if they were aligned at the front of the pack, the rear would splay out, and foul the shackles.
Return them, and get another set.
better, but not perfect.
Go to put the greasable shackles together, and find that the pins would not align up correctly on the front shackles, which are bent for t he chassis/ spring difference.
Get a new set, but upon closer inspection, they were the old ones, with bruise marks on them, arb had just tried to bend them to make them fit.
Even with the pins aligned, there was over 5mm difference on the longer pin, so when it was bolted up, the plate would not be at 90deg, and would cut up the bush.
2 more shackles were returned, untill a set finally fitted but still had 3mm difference, and dosent bolt up 90deg proper,as ive seen others do.
Free camber height was taken of the new springs, and rim to guard of the ride height.
Springs fitted correctly, done up at ride height, torque rod loosened off, and retightend at ride height. All done as per spec.
OK, now we get to fitting them.
Fitted my own ARB dakkar springs just before Christmas last year,
I measured the spring perches, and both were flat.
The lhf spring gave a 10mm lower ride height than the old spring it replaced.
30mm difference side to side at the front.
20ish mm difference side to side at the rear.
Thought they would settle in and didnt worry too much about it after the first test drive.
Days later, its still there.
Go to where I bought them, (not arb, but an arb reseller), they spoke to arb, and said to go out to arb head office and for them to look at it.
Firstly they said I had fitted them to the wrong side, and to go and swap them side to side, but upon returning home, and contacting 3 other arb stores, they all said I had fitted the springs on the correct side.
the higher spring camber on the drivers side.
I rang them back, and asked them if they wanted to try another story on me.
I asked them to give me another A spring (the higher spring cambered spring) and I would fit it and return the B spring to them, but they didnt want to do that.
So after much stuffing around at arb, they orgaised for me to go down to their southern store, where they would swap the springs side to side, and measure the result, and replace the spring if required.
Spend the day down there, surprise surprise, they swapped the springs, and the drivers side was now low, so they fitted another A spring to it, and gave the car back to me after 1700hrs.
Once I drove onto the road, the car was pulling badly to the left, and the steering wheel which was straight before, was now at the 5 and 11 oclock position.
I drove round the block and went back and told them about it.
Workshop was closed, so they said come back tomorrow and they will look at it.
Get home with car driving like shit, and pulling badly, and look at what was going on. Found the front prop shaft mis aligned as well.
Went back next day, and they realigned the shaft, but said there was nothing they could do about it pulling, or wheel being off center.
(the fact that when I first fitted the springs, and the wheel was straight for 30k before doing so, and straight afterwards was overlooked by them).
I asked them to move the diff on the locating dowels of the spring, to fix the mis alignement, but they said it couldnt be done, and to get a wheel alignment.
I them went back to the arb head office out north, and told them what happend, and how I was not impressed at all in the attitude or work done on my car there.
They were busy before Christmas, and said they could not do anything before Christmas, and to go get a wheel alignment.
I went to where I fitted the springs, and moved the diff on the dowels, and gave it a wheel alignment.
The only thing that had changed was the setback of the diff, which now, was 2 1/2 deg -ve.
Car drove better re its pulling, but was still shit to drive, especially over rough road, or cornering.
By now I had missed an important appointment time with my very sick father.
We had Christmas planned, and over 1000kms later we were back at the store with worn tyres and a shitty driving car.
I might also add that the rear LH spring began to sag at this stage too.
arb sent me back to their southern store for the wheel alignment to be checked to see what was going on, even tho I had already done one before.
Initially I didnt want to go back their due to their bad work, and attitude, but was assured they had been spoken to and it wouldnt happen again.
When I dropped the car off, I specifically told them not to alter anything on the wheel alignment, but to only report on what they found.
Pt 2
Upon getting the car back, they had changed the toe, and claimed that my lh camber was well out of spec. Something that 2 other seperate wheel alignments didnt show.
Also they had moved my front track rod, and the locking collar to a point that fouled the lh spring which when turning right would catch against the spring resulting in a loss of turning ability.
We almost had a serious accident due to this a week later.
NOT happy now, and go back to the head office store and tell them what happened.
They then sent me down to their own wheel alignment guru who inpected the alignment, and found that there was nothing wrong with the camber, and his measurements corresponded with my previous ones, including the last 2 mentioned before.
car still pulled to the left, and there was still -ve setback.
They then asked what I wanted to do.
I said I wanted a car that drove right, and had an acceptable ride height.
I suggested that they fit the original spring back in, to get the car driving right, then go from there.
So the original A spring back on ds, and the b on the ps.
Weeks later they did that, but the spring they fitted was not my old one, but a rusted, ungreased, worn one that had more milage on it than my original A spring, a fact that they would not accept.
After further complaining, they said that they would fit a new B spring.
Have that fitted, and check it before leaving, only to find that the leaf pack was so badly out of alignment that it was over 7mm out at the rear and the front leaf was fouling the pin mounting bolt.
They said they would replace it, but couldnt do that now.
The ride height was now 30mm different at the rear, and they tried to blame my spare wheel carrier on it.
After some further negotiations, they agreed to fit a new rear spring, and front spring, and that would be all they would now do.
I told them that they had better fix the problem that their stores had created, and to warranty their product.
Go back for a new rear spring, now it was 15mm different side to side, basically lower than when the last spring was first fitted.
And they didnt do anything to the front spring claiming I needed the fitting kit to the spring perches, and that they kept getting varied ride heights on the front spring.
Yes I was confused at that statement too.
After Purchasing at full retail a fitting kit, prior to this day, but unable to fit it before getting the springs done, I was able to fit it, only to find that my spring perch on the pax side was now bent noticably, and required straightening before fitting of the kit.
Once fitted, there was no noticable difference in ride height at the front.
I was also able to fully move the diff to once again have the wheel straight, and correct the pulling to the left, basically I was able to reposition the diff to its original position.
Of interest is that the locating dowels on the ome springs are 13.3mm, and the locating holes are 15.8mm. I measured them a while back in the story.
The original springs, and some EFS springs I inspected have 14.2mm locating dowels.
thus the reason for the mis alignment.
So there we have it.
I have sagged rear springs, and the front new spring has leaves that foul the shackle, and are not carrying weight correctly.
The rear spring is now back to where the other one was, only a month after fitting, and less than 500kms.
I am still waiting for a new A spring to be fitted to the passenger side, and will be requesting that a new one at the rear be fitted as well.
I mean how can their 250kg constant load springs not cope with the weight of a hilux with a long range tank (most of the weight is on the drivers side), and a canopy, and a swing away tyre carrier. When I removed the contents of the rear tray (cardboard box containing oil, spare hoses, belts and filters), swag, and dual fuel stove. And remove the spare tyre, it makes no noticable difference to the rear ride height.
2mm after driving around the block.
Arb did this too, took everything out, wheel off, drove it etc, and came back with the same sagged uneven figures that it went in with.
Well thats the readers digest version of the whole bloody saga,
Alot more stuffing around has gone on and there is alot more too the discussions with arb
I believe that I gave arb more than enough chances to fix this problem, most of the issues that happened were caused by themselves, and did not directly deal with the first problem that I wanted fixed.
Eventually I lost patience, and had enough. and I believe that I was more than patient, and fair giving them every opportunity to fix the problems they caused.
I now have Terrain tamer springs, and the car drives wonderfully.
Tracks straight, rides bumps well, and is enjoyable to drive again, where as before it was just plain frightening, especially with on coming cars or trucks on an uneven road, I was fighting to keep it on my side of the road, my wife didnt want to drive it after she drove it once saying it was not nice to drive at all.
Ride height is great, less than 10mm difference side to side at the rear, and is more comfortable even tho they are heavy duty springs.
Customer service is wonderfull, and I am no longer treated like someone who dosent know what they are talking about, and they trust my word.
Would you like to have to go thru all that, miss out on planned Christmas travel, Miss special time with family due to them not doing their job correctly, Miss opportunities of further travel due to the car being poor to drive, and having to get it rectified?
ARB has a product quality issue, and the stores that I have gone to also have some serious staff attitude, and work pride/ quality issues.
I have been both a mechanic, and service manager, and manager long enough to see where there are problems that need adressing.
Total kms for the springs was less than 5000 travelled, and I wasted over 8 complete days dealing with arb, and many more kms and phone calls, independant wheel alignment costs etc.
overall, I ended up quite out of pocket and seriously inconveninced with the whole affair.
Im glad its now over.
So thats why I will not reccomend them.
Trains
the 009 fronts 50 to 110kg, and 010 rears 250kg constant load springs.
get the first set, the front spring packs were not aligned correctly, and would have fouled the shackles.
not just something that could be fixed by tapping them flat, if they were aligned at the front of the pack, the rear would splay out, and foul the shackles.
Return them, and get another set.
better, but not perfect.
Go to put the greasable shackles together, and find that the pins would not align up correctly on the front shackles, which are bent for t he chassis/ spring difference.
Get a new set, but upon closer inspection, they were the old ones, with bruise marks on them, arb had just tried to bend them to make them fit.
Even with the pins aligned, there was over 5mm difference on the longer pin, so when it was bolted up, the plate would not be at 90deg, and would cut up the bush.
2 more shackles were returned, untill a set finally fitted but still had 3mm difference, and dosent bolt up 90deg proper,as ive seen others do.
Free camber height was taken of the new springs, and rim to guard of the ride height.
Springs fitted correctly, done up at ride height, torque rod loosened off, and retightend at ride height. All done as per spec.
OK, now we get to fitting them.
Fitted my own ARB dakkar springs just before Christmas last year,
I measured the spring perches, and both were flat.
The lhf spring gave a 10mm lower ride height than the old spring it replaced.
30mm difference side to side at the front.
20ish mm difference side to side at the rear.
Thought they would settle in and didnt worry too much about it after the first test drive.
Days later, its still there.
Go to where I bought them, (not arb, but an arb reseller), they spoke to arb, and said to go out to arb head office and for them to look at it.
Firstly they said I had fitted them to the wrong side, and to go and swap them side to side, but upon returning home, and contacting 3 other arb stores, they all said I had fitted the springs on the correct side.
the higher spring camber on the drivers side.
I rang them back, and asked them if they wanted to try another story on me.
I asked them to give me another A spring (the higher spring cambered spring) and I would fit it and return the B spring to them, but they didnt want to do that.
So after much stuffing around at arb, they orgaised for me to go down to their southern store, where they would swap the springs side to side, and measure the result, and replace the spring if required.
Spend the day down there, surprise surprise, they swapped the springs, and the drivers side was now low, so they fitted another A spring to it, and gave the car back to me after 1700hrs.
Once I drove onto the road, the car was pulling badly to the left, and the steering wheel which was straight before, was now at the 5 and 11 oclock position.
I drove round the block and went back and told them about it.
Workshop was closed, so they said come back tomorrow and they will look at it.
Get home with car driving like shit, and pulling badly, and look at what was going on. Found the front prop shaft mis aligned as well.
Went back next day, and they realigned the shaft, but said there was nothing they could do about it pulling, or wheel being off center.
(the fact that when I first fitted the springs, and the wheel was straight for 30k before doing so, and straight afterwards was overlooked by them).
I asked them to move the diff on the locating dowels of the spring, to fix the mis alignement, but they said it couldnt be done, and to get a wheel alignment.
I them went back to the arb head office out north, and told them what happend, and how I was not impressed at all in the attitude or work done on my car there.
They were busy before Christmas, and said they could not do anything before Christmas, and to go get a wheel alignment.
I went to where I fitted the springs, and moved the diff on the dowels, and gave it a wheel alignment.
The only thing that had changed was the setback of the diff, which now, was 2 1/2 deg -ve.
Car drove better re its pulling, but was still shit to drive, especially over rough road, or cornering.
By now I had missed an important appointment time with my very sick father.
We had Christmas planned, and over 1000kms later we were back at the store with worn tyres and a shitty driving car.
I might also add that the rear LH spring began to sag at this stage too.
arb sent me back to their southern store for the wheel alignment to be checked to see what was going on, even tho I had already done one before.
Initially I didnt want to go back their due to their bad work, and attitude, but was assured they had been spoken to and it wouldnt happen again.
When I dropped the car off, I specifically told them not to alter anything on the wheel alignment, but to only report on what they found.
Pt 2
Upon getting the car back, they had changed the toe, and claimed that my lh camber was well out of spec. Something that 2 other seperate wheel alignments didnt show.
Also they had moved my front track rod, and the locking collar to a point that fouled the lh spring which when turning right would catch against the spring resulting in a loss of turning ability.
We almost had a serious accident due to this a week later.
NOT happy now, and go back to the head office store and tell them what happened.
They then sent me down to their own wheel alignment guru who inpected the alignment, and found that there was nothing wrong with the camber, and his measurements corresponded with my previous ones, including the last 2 mentioned before.
car still pulled to the left, and there was still -ve setback.
They then asked what I wanted to do.
I said I wanted a car that drove right, and had an acceptable ride height.
I suggested that they fit the original spring back in, to get the car driving right, then go from there.
So the original A spring back on ds, and the b on the ps.
Weeks later they did that, but the spring they fitted was not my old one, but a rusted, ungreased, worn one that had more milage on it than my original A spring, a fact that they would not accept.
After further complaining, they said that they would fit a new B spring.
Have that fitted, and check it before leaving, only to find that the leaf pack was so badly out of alignment that it was over 7mm out at the rear and the front leaf was fouling the pin mounting bolt.
They said they would replace it, but couldnt do that now.
The ride height was now 30mm different at the rear, and they tried to blame my spare wheel carrier on it.
After some further negotiations, they agreed to fit a new rear spring, and front spring, and that would be all they would now do.
I told them that they had better fix the problem that their stores had created, and to warranty their product.
Go back for a new rear spring, now it was 15mm different side to side, basically lower than when the last spring was first fitted.
And they didnt do anything to the front spring claiming I needed the fitting kit to the spring perches, and that they kept getting varied ride heights on the front spring.
Yes I was confused at that statement too.
After Purchasing at full retail a fitting kit, prior to this day, but unable to fit it before getting the springs done, I was able to fit it, only to find that my spring perch on the pax side was now bent noticably, and required straightening before fitting of the kit.
Once fitted, there was no noticable difference in ride height at the front.
I was also able to fully move the diff to once again have the wheel straight, and correct the pulling to the left, basically I was able to reposition the diff to its original position.
Of interest is that the locating dowels on the ome springs are 13.3mm, and the locating holes are 15.8mm. I measured them a while back in the story.
The original springs, and some EFS springs I inspected have 14.2mm locating dowels.
thus the reason for the mis alignment.
So there we have it.
I have sagged rear springs, and the front new spring has leaves that foul the shackle, and are not carrying weight correctly.
The rear spring is now back to where the other one was, only a month after fitting, and less than 500kms.
I am still waiting for a new A spring to be fitted to the passenger side, and will be requesting that a new one at the rear be fitted as well.
I mean how can their 250kg constant load springs not cope with the weight of a hilux with a long range tank (most of the weight is on the drivers side), and a canopy, and a swing away tyre carrier. When I removed the contents of the rear tray (cardboard box containing oil, spare hoses, belts and filters), swag, and dual fuel stove. And remove the spare tyre, it makes no noticable difference to the rear ride height.
2mm after driving around the block.
Arb did this too, took everything out, wheel off, drove it etc, and came back with the same sagged uneven figures that it went in with.
Well thats the readers digest version of the whole bloody saga,
Alot more stuffing around has gone on and there is alot more too the discussions with arb
I believe that I gave arb more than enough chances to fix this problem, most of the issues that happened were caused by themselves, and did not directly deal with the first problem that I wanted fixed.
Eventually I lost patience, and had enough. and I believe that I was more than patient, and fair giving them every opportunity to fix the problems they caused.
I now have Terrain tamer springs, and the car drives wonderfully.
Tracks straight, rides bumps well, and is enjoyable to drive again, where as before it was just plain frightening, especially with on coming cars or trucks on an uneven road, I was fighting to keep it on my side of the road, my wife didnt want to drive it after she drove it once saying it was not nice to drive at all.
Ride height is great, less than 10mm difference side to side at the rear, and is more comfortable even tho they are heavy duty springs.
Customer service is wonderfull, and I am no longer treated like someone who dosent know what they are talking about, and they trust my word.
Would you like to have to go thru all that, miss out on planned Christmas travel, Miss special time with family due to them not doing their job correctly, Miss opportunities of further travel due to the car being poor to drive, and having to get it rectified?
ARB has a product quality issue, and the stores that I have gone to also have some serious staff attitude, and work pride/ quality issues.
I have been both a mechanic, and service manager, and manager long enough to see where there are problems that need adressing.
Total kms for the springs was less than 5000 travelled, and I wasted over 8 complete days dealing with arb, and many more kms and phone calls, independant wheel alignment costs etc.
overall, I ended up quite out of pocket and seriously inconveninced with the whole affair.
Im glad its now over.
So thats why I will not reccomend them.
Trains
Save the Whales......Collect the whole set.
My Wife Can't Shear..............But You Should See Her Crutch !
My Wife Can't Shear..............But You Should See Her Crutch !
OME Do you know how many customers i get coming in to put suspension in their latest four wheel drive who say i don't wan't OME, i had it in my last fourby and it was shit! I had one OME dealer try to tell me a Nitrocharger was a far superior shock to a B6 Bilstein...
Go with EFS mate, good quality for the price, awesome warranty (3yrs/100 000km) and they have a nationwide distributor network.
Go with EFS mate, good quality for the price, awesome warranty (3yrs/100 000km) and they have a nationwide distributor network.
was the saddle correction kit fitted when you first fitted the front springs?
if not,this will cause sagging.
there are lots of contradictions and things that just don't make sense in your stories.
1.you say the ome suspension lowered the front lhs by 10mm,these springs give a 50mm lift above standard,ie-when the car was new.what springs were in the car before you started?
2.i have never seen anybody have as much trouble with a set of greasable shackles as you have had.i have never had the alignment issues you speak of.
3.why was the tailshaft removed to fit the springs?
4.you should not be able to move the diff on the locating dowel of the spring enough to change the alignment.if you can the hole in the spring seat is too big.
5.i am really confused as to what they have done to try to fix the problem,in terms of replacing springs,but putting 1 old and 1 new spring in is a waste of time.it sounds like the store you are dealing with has some serious issues as you have mentioned.
i have never had the issues you have had with your car with any of my customers cars.and i ask everyone of them when they come back for their 500km check,is everything alright?and are they happy with the suspension?they always comment on how much better it rides than before.
in my opinion,there are too many things that were done incorrectly by both yourself and the stockist you were dealing with for you to have a suitable outcome.
if not,this will cause sagging.
there are lots of contradictions and things that just don't make sense in your stories.
1.you say the ome suspension lowered the front lhs by 10mm,these springs give a 50mm lift above standard,ie-when the car was new.what springs were in the car before you started?
2.i have never seen anybody have as much trouble with a set of greasable shackles as you have had.i have never had the alignment issues you speak of.
3.why was the tailshaft removed to fit the springs?
4.you should not be able to move the diff on the locating dowel of the spring enough to change the alignment.if you can the hole in the spring seat is too big.
5.i am really confused as to what they have done to try to fix the problem,in terms of replacing springs,but putting 1 old and 1 new spring in is a waste of time.it sounds like the store you are dealing with has some serious issues as you have mentioned.
i have never had the issues you have had with your car with any of my customers cars.and i ask everyone of them when they come back for their 500km check,is everything alright?and are they happy with the suspension?they always comment on how much better it rides than before.
in my opinion,there are too many things that were done incorrectly by both yourself and the stockist you were dealing with for you to have a suitable outcome.
Well I did have those troubles.
And at the time I couldnt believe it either, especially the attitude from arb store regarding them.
Kit was fitted with care, and correctly.
Spring saddle were fine when I first installed the springs, and ok later when inspected, only after a later visit to arb were they not ok.
No mention of needing a saddle kit the 2 times I rang arb head store, nor at their outher outlet, nor their 2 resellers that I spoke to before buying the springs/ kit.
it was not mentioned untill some months into their problems, and when fitted, made no difference.
I just wrote what happened, and why I would not reccomend arb or OME.
Old springs were near 10 years old, sagged all round.
Re front prop shaft, I can only assume that it dropped out when they did the front spring swap, and carelessly refitted it incorrectly aligned.
You can move a diff on a spring locating bolt a small amount.
We used to fine tune suspention by doing this, castor wedges etc when I was a suspention/ aligner specalist.
As mentioned, the ome locating pin was somewhat smaller than what was there, and other springs, I mention only one.
5: Agree
Sounds like I would have been far better off dealing with you, and the issue would have been sorted out correctly the first time with minimal fuss, and a helpfull attitude.
Problem was large difference side to side re ride height.
I asked for another A spring of higher camber, to fit to the low side on the front.
They didnt want to.
They then caused a drivability issue with poor workmanship.
This scrubbed out my tyres.
They tried to blame the car for it re dodgey camber angle.
Their aligner then did poor work. which nearly caused a serious accident.
said they fitted the old spring back in, but it was not the original one I purchased. I had spring numbers as well, but that didnt count.
Rear LHS spring now badly sagged as well.
They replaced that, but it was barely higher than the previous one.
Tried to blame spare wheel carrier, even when I first asked them of the kit needed, made it clear ALL the accessories it had, and those springs would be ok.
Even when car was unladen, the ride height difference side to side was the same
Fitted a new LHF with poorly aligned spring leafs.
Car still driving poorly.
Damage done to car, greasy hand prints left on both sides of roof, steering wheel, and floor, damage done to rear canopy whilst in workshop. Damage done to spring locating pin brackets whilst hammering in pins, damage done to pin, and grease nipples.
I just wiggled it in by hand the first time, and when I replaced them, no need for brute force and ignorance.
By this stage I got another kit from somewhere else, and the car is fine.
Ride height is great, has lift, and drives well and is enjoyable to drive again.
Trains
And at the time I couldnt believe it either, especially the attitude from arb store regarding them.
Kit was fitted with care, and correctly.
Spring saddle were fine when I first installed the springs, and ok later when inspected, only after a later visit to arb were they not ok.
No mention of needing a saddle kit the 2 times I rang arb head store, nor at their outher outlet, nor their 2 resellers that I spoke to before buying the springs/ kit.
it was not mentioned untill some months into their problems, and when fitted, made no difference.
I just wrote what happened, and why I would not reccomend arb or OME.
Old springs were near 10 years old, sagged all round.
Re front prop shaft, I can only assume that it dropped out when they did the front spring swap, and carelessly refitted it incorrectly aligned.
You can move a diff on a spring locating bolt a small amount.
We used to fine tune suspention by doing this, castor wedges etc when I was a suspention/ aligner specalist.
As mentioned, the ome locating pin was somewhat smaller than what was there, and other springs, I mention only one.
5: Agree
Sounds like I would have been far better off dealing with you, and the issue would have been sorted out correctly the first time with minimal fuss, and a helpfull attitude.
Problem was large difference side to side re ride height.
I asked for another A spring of higher camber, to fit to the low side on the front.
They didnt want to.
They then caused a drivability issue with poor workmanship.
This scrubbed out my tyres.
They tried to blame the car for it re dodgey camber angle.
Their aligner then did poor work. which nearly caused a serious accident.
said they fitted the old spring back in, but it was not the original one I purchased. I had spring numbers as well, but that didnt count.
Rear LHS spring now badly sagged as well.
They replaced that, but it was barely higher than the previous one.
Tried to blame spare wheel carrier, even when I first asked them of the kit needed, made it clear ALL the accessories it had, and those springs would be ok.
Even when car was unladen, the ride height difference side to side was the same
Fitted a new LHF with poorly aligned spring leafs.
Car still driving poorly.
Damage done to car, greasy hand prints left on both sides of roof, steering wheel, and floor, damage done to rear canopy whilst in workshop. Damage done to spring locating pin brackets whilst hammering in pins, damage done to pin, and grease nipples.
I just wiggled it in by hand the first time, and when I replaced them, no need for brute force and ignorance.
By this stage I got another kit from somewhere else, and the car is fine.
Ride height is great, has lift, and drives well and is enjoyable to drive again.
Trains
Save the Whales......Collect the whole set.
My Wife Can't Shear..............But You Should See Her Crutch !
My Wife Can't Shear..............But You Should See Her Crutch !
it certainly sounds like you were dealing with a bunch of morons.
can you pm me with the names of the stores you had trouble with?
i am very surprised that nobody mentioned the saddle correction kits.they must be fitted when new springs are fitted,even if the saddle is straight, because the combination of new u-bolts and springs,which have a higher spring rate,clamping around the saddle causes the saddle to bend and puts a bend in the back of the spring.this will cause the spring to sag and as you found out buggers the spring.
i am glad you are happy with your car now,its just a shame it was such a saga.
it shouldn't be that hard.
can you pm me with the names of the stores you had trouble with?
i am very surprised that nobody mentioned the saddle correction kits.they must be fitted when new springs are fitted,even if the saddle is straight, because the combination of new u-bolts and springs,which have a higher spring rate,clamping around the saddle causes the saddle to bend and puts a bend in the back of the spring.this will cause the spring to sag and as you found out buggers the spring.
i am glad you are happy with your car now,its just a shame it was such a saga.
it shouldn't be that hard.
??RUFF wrote:What sort of service work is carried out on Springs/Torsion Bars and sealed Shocks? Are OME shocks still primarily Cofap shocks with OME stickers fitted or do OME actually make their own shocks now?arb383 wrote:perhaps you had the wrong suspension selection for your vehicle or misused it or failed to have it serviced correctly.
Thanks arb383,arb383 wrote:it certainly sounds like you were dealing with a bunch of morons.
can you pm me with the names of the stores you had trouble with?
i am very surprised that nobody mentioned the saddle correction kits.they must be fitted when new springs are fitted,even if the saddle is straight, because the combination of new u-bolts and springs,which have a higher spring rate,clamping around the saddle causes the saddle to bend and puts a bend in the back of the spring.this will cause the spring to sag and as you found out buggers the spring.
i am glad you are happy with your car now,its just a shame it was such a saga.
it shouldn't be that hard.
I agree, it shouldnt be that hard.
Re buggering the springs, They were uneven from the very moment they were fitted. Over time, the rear LHS sagged.
I can see what you mean re the bend in the spring, as I found this out whilst searching this site for others who had issues with arb.
This was not the problem, however the different shape of the springs did take a bit of getting used too.
Re fitting the saddle correction kits.
The A spring from the drivers side was fitted to the LHS, and was there for some months, and when fitted back on the DS had the same ride height as it had before. It didnt seem to affect it at all.
I cant prove, but feel that when it went in for the rear spring to be replaced, they wound up the u bolts so tight that it did just what you mentioned.
Previously I had checked the saddles, and they were ok.
I might also add that I had to replace 2 stripped ubolt nuts after they had worked on it at a later date too. And the front LHS lower mounting plate has been badly bent, and I need to replace it with another one.
Im happy to discuss this event further with you, however im not sure what that would achieve.
I had spoken to the branch manager here at their state head office, and unfortunately, I dont think even that really helped the problem.
I tried to take the approach that they had a product quality issue, and I was trying to help them resolve it quietly, and effectively, I thought it would be good to help them out, and be someone who helped improve the product.
Instead, I was treated like I didnt know what i was on about, and they were doing me a favour by looking at the car.
No apologies for damage done, wear and tear, my time wasted or follow up later on.
I dont think they really got it as to how much it affected them.
Im not sure what they make on kits, but I would assume loosing 4 sales of complete spring shock setups must be worth more than a few iced coffees. And that was just then. Im not sure what those chaps have told others, but they were ready to walk in and start having a go at the store to get it right, I asked them not to, as I didnt think it was the right way to go about it.
Being continually approached for advice re vehicles, Unfortunately I can't reccomend them or their products.
Having been in business in varying positions, I was not filled with any confidence in any aspect of the company that I dealt with or saw.
Cheers mate
Trains
Save the Whales......Collect the whole set.
My Wife Can't Shear..............But You Should See Her Crutch !
My Wife Can't Shear..............But You Should See Her Crutch !
arb383 are you dodging this question for any reason?RUFF wrote:??RUFF wrote:What sort of service work is carried out on Springs/Torsion Bars and sealed Shocks? Are OME shocks still primarily Cofap shocks with OME stickers fitted or do OME actually make their own shocks now?arb383 wrote:perhaps you had the wrong suspension selection for your vehicle or misused it or failed to have it serviced correctly.
I am pretty sure that Monroe makes OME shocks to their specs. Just a budget shock with a good advertising budget. Not a bad shock but can't be said to be great value for money.arb383 wrote: i have personally fitted ome suspension to many ifs hilux's,as well as almost every other model and would rate it the best value for money suspension available.
I rate Lovells shocks to be better and I sell them for $400 for the set which is better value for money.
As far as leafs are concerned, I would generally rate EFS and Dobinsons better but it would depend on the vehicle, they are better value for money.
I rate Dobinsons coils to be better then OME and better value for money with a lot more options to suit the off road enthusiast.
I don't think that OME are crap, just not value for money. You are paying for the peace of mind and the brand name of a big company.
If they don't do the right thing by their customers then the only thing left is a good advertising budget.
Shane
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taps wrote:Doitch,
Are you now clearer on which suspension you want to get ?????
Lovells shocks and EFS leafs.
Shane
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https://www.suspensionstuff.com.au" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Free Freight 1300 048 991
FLEXY COILS - Superior Engineering - TIGERZ11 - Tough Dog - PROCOMP - Polyair - ETC
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Free Freight 1300 048 991
FLEXY COILS - Superior Engineering - TIGERZ11 - Tough Dog - PROCOMP - Polyair - ETC
ruff-ome shocks have never been rebadged unlike many others.
there is only one shock absorber manufacturer in australia and that is monroe.and they are a bloody big company.
they not only build shock absorbers for themselves,but also for holden,ford and old man emu.
ome have their own suspension engineers that design the shocks for their entire suspension range,ie;valving,sizes,lengths,bushing styles etc.these shocks are to suit the springs that ome also design.
this information is sent to monroe and they build the shocks to ome's specs.
patents and confidentiality agreements prevent monroe from using this information to build shocks for themselves or any other brand.
this is why no other shock is the same as an ome shock.
ome shocks are built in australia using quality components,built by a quality company that has been around for a long time.
can you say the same for efs or other indian/china/whoever is cheapest this week,manufactured shocks?
as for servicing suspension,while coil springs and torsion bars are not physicly serviced,almost every other suspension component is.
any bush or leaf spring is serviceable whether it needs to greased,checked for wear or tensioned.most times a small problem that would have failed on a trip can be found and replaced before it lets you down in the middle of nowhere.
there is only one shock absorber manufacturer in australia and that is monroe.and they are a bloody big company.
they not only build shock absorbers for themselves,but also for holden,ford and old man emu.
ome have their own suspension engineers that design the shocks for their entire suspension range,ie;valving,sizes,lengths,bushing styles etc.these shocks are to suit the springs that ome also design.
this information is sent to monroe and they build the shocks to ome's specs.
patents and confidentiality agreements prevent monroe from using this information to build shocks for themselves or any other brand.
this is why no other shock is the same as an ome shock.
ome shocks are built in australia using quality components,built by a quality company that has been around for a long time.
can you say the same for efs or other indian/china/whoever is cheapest this week,manufactured shocks?
as for servicing suspension,while coil springs and torsion bars are not physicly serviced,almost every other suspension component is.
any bush or leaf spring is serviceable whether it needs to greased,checked for wear or tensioned.most times a small problem that would have failed on a trip can be found and replaced before it lets you down in the middle of nowhere.
Where are the OME Leafs made?
Shane
Shane
We sell SUSPENSION - PRICES on
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Free Freight 1300 048 991
FLEXY COILS - Superior Engineering - TIGERZ11 - Tough Dog - PROCOMP - Polyair - ETC
https://www.suspensionstuff.com.au" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Free Freight 1300 048 991
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I have spoken to suspension specialists who have chopped up all the major brands and done component comparisons.
Lovells shocks, Dobinsons shocks, Ridepro shocks, TJM shocks and most EFS shocks are better then OME. OME are still a pretty good shock but they are not a stand out.
Shane
Lovells shocks, Dobinsons shocks, Ridepro shocks, TJM shocks and most EFS shocks are better then OME. OME are still a pretty good shock but they are not a stand out.
Shane
We sell SUSPENSION - PRICES on
https://www.suspensionstuff.com.au" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Free Freight 1300 048 991
FLEXY COILS - Superior Engineering - TIGERZ11 - Tough Dog - PROCOMP - Polyair - ETC
https://www.suspensionstuff.com.au" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Free Freight 1300 048 991
FLEXY COILS - Superior Engineering - TIGERZ11 - Tough Dog - PROCOMP - Polyair - ETC
This is something i would be interested to see, as there are quite a few shocks out there (41mm foamcell especially) that all appear to be the same bar the paint colour and stickers...4WD Stuff wrote:I have spoken to suspension specialists who have chopped up all the major brands and done component comparisons.
Lovells shocks, Dobinsons shocks, Ridepro shocks, TJM shocks and most EFS shocks are better then OME. OME are still a pretty good shock but they are not a stand out.
Shane
Ok so after all this talk all i know is that someone is really jerked off with OME suspension. I have talked to a few people and therefore i think i have made my choice.
I think EFS. It seems to be a local company and there has not been any bad comments with these products.
Does anyone think this is a bad choice for my Hilux?
I think EFS. It seems to be a local company and there has not been any bad comments with these products.
Does anyone think this is a bad choice for my Hilux?
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