How does OME handle washboard roads?

[Brendon Holt]

Drove the KJ out to a trailhead on a pretty washboardy old dirt road and needless to say on the stock suspension it was pretty insufferable. A lot of my use is going to involve less maintained forest service roads like this and I'm wondering how OME setups handle the washboard type stuff/how is the general ability to soak up rough(er) roads at 25-35MPH? Is the 927/948 setup a bit jarring on these kinds of roads? Is the 926/947 setup a little softer? I'll probably pair any spring setup with Bilsteins since I know a lot of the ability of the suspension to "soak up" bumps comes down to shock choice but spring rate plays a role too. Any input is appreciated!

 

[duderz7]

I'm running 927 and 948 and Bilstein. I regularly run up a washboard road to my local MTB spot. The only vehicle I've been in that rode better up that road was my VW Baja bug, nothing else comes close. Except maybe my 2006 Tacoma TRD.

 

[Brendon Holt]

I'm running 927 and 948 and Bilstein. I regularly run up a washboard road to my local MTB spot. The only vehicle I've been in that rode better up that road was my VW Baja bug, nothing else comes close. Except maybe my 2006 Tacoma TRD.

Good to hear!

 

[LibertyTC]

I know I've seen some pretty bad roads and the 927/948 Ome make a huge difference.
I run GY Wrangler tires with Kevlar. The 2 types MTR & All terrain can be aired down.
Ran them at 14 psi over the bad roads, ahhh the comfort zone again.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

I've ran both the 926s and the 927s, either will do great.

 

[Brendon Holt]

I've ran both the 926s and the 927s, either will do great.

Since you brought it up, quick Q: What's the lift difference between the 926 and 927? From my reading across the forums it seems like the 926/947 setup gives you about 2" while the 927/948 gives you around the 2.5" mark?

 

[LibertyTC]

The main difference is: each OME 926 is rated at 375 lbs & the OME 927 is rated at 400 lbs.
Considering these springs will all settle down a bit & how heavy the front end is, 927 is the best choice IMHO.

 

[Brendon Holt]

Right, but that spring rate translates to a difference in total lift because the 926 will settle more than a 927 right? I'm mostly asking things counter to the prevailing wisdom of the 927/948 setup because I'm not sure I want/need 2.5" total lift when 2" would probably work for what I need. Y'know... The whole "low as possible, high as necessary" approach. Honestly I've even been considering the H&R setup with Bilsteins and adding clevis/iso to make up another half inch. To be fair I'm all over the place as I'm trying to get ideas sorted for how to best build the KJ for what it'll actually do vs going for sheer awesome factor So if I seem to be entertaining oddball ideas that's why!

 

[LibertyTC]

Tom will have a lot more experience re 926/927 settlements, and hopefully comment about the H&R springs.
Mine was not about any awesome factor, I built mine with the thought of best reasonable off road ground clearance in mind.

 

[Brendon Holt]

Tom will have a lot more experience re 926/927 settlements, and hopefully comment about the H&R springs.
Mine was not about any awesome factor, I built mine with the thought of best reasonable off road ground clearance in mind.

Oh, I didn't mean to imply that you only went 2.5+ for awesome factor, sorry! I meant that for my purposes going higher felt like it would mostly be because it looks cooler rather than because I personally actually needed it.

 

[LibertyTC]

No worries Brendon, we are understanding of individual lift needs & totally cool here.
No need for any apologies, it's all just about good conversations in this forum.
Staying lower may have some advantages. Not adding extra clevis can sometimes get you by without the need for JBA.4.5 A- Arms, still with a decent alignment.
My lift was a bit taller than normal, with clevis, 3/8 steel top plates and took a while to really settle in for a decent alignment. Years later it's really good now.
Oh my bonus was I still have a tall coffee holder! (lol)

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Brendon Holt]

Oh my bonus was I still have a tall coffee holder! (lol)

You must be registered for see images attach

Ha! Gonna need it with those two whole cup holders we get stock

 

[Squamish_Steffen]

I'm also curious about the OPs original question; lift and settling aside, can you feel the difference in spring rate on the road? IE does the 927 actually feel stiffer than the 926..? Cheers!

 

[LibertyTC]

I've only run the 927's But HJ..has run both.. Oh HJ does the 927 actually feel stiffer than the 926..?

I've ran both the 926s and the 927s, either will do great.

 

[Brendon Holt]

I'm also curious about the OPs original question; lift and settling aside, can you feel the difference in spring rate on the road? IE does the 927 actually feel stiffer than the 926..? Cheers!

Seconded. @HoosierJeeper, what say you? I mean I know you said both are great but having experienced both is there a difference in ride between the 926 and 927?

 

[Gyro]

I have run both.
If you run mostly empty 926,if you run with a load 927.
Even a light load will smooth out the ride of the either.

Gyro

 

[Brendon Holt]

Long term use plans for the KJ are basically a kind of light overland/expedition setup but also my DD. If I do a rooftop tent and assorted car camping stuff I think I'd probably have to run the 927/948 for the added weight but if I keep it lighter I might be fine with the 926/947. I'll have to get it out for some test runs here soon to see what I actually feel like I'll need to carry onboard to see what my load requirements will be.