Flyer Posted January 14, 2005 Share Posted January 14, 2005 I'm thinking of getting Old Man Emu springs for my 2002 Path and I'm going to get the stock replacement ones for the front and meduium duty ones for the back. They say it raises the ride height by 1/2"- 3/4". How will it affect the ride if I keep everything else stock? Anyone else do this? Anyway, I may also replace the shock (rear) with OME shocks which I think are probably the best next to Bilstein. I'm trying to avoid a harsh ride here. Do you guys recommend any struts though? I have NO idea about struts and maybe the stock ones will be fine but I know many of you have modded your supensions in many ways. Any input will be greatly appreciated. I'm also trying to find a local shop that will do the swap. The dealer isn't getting any of my $$- not at $90/hr. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96pfinderSE Posted January 14, 2005 Share Posted January 14, 2005 Im going with the rancho struts and shocks. Ive heard there pretty good from a buddy that is a expert at truck suspensions. KYB's also get great reviews from people. Its all personal preferance on the shocks and struts. I also heard the pep boys will do the work for you for about $60. 4wheel parts wants 280 bucks just to install my struts. RIP OFF!!!!!!!! :X Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyer Posted January 14, 2005 Author Share Posted January 14, 2005 I'll call around for installation prices but to choose the springs/shocks/struts, I did the following: Call local off-road shops, online retailers, and exclusive off-road parts shops. I emailed a bunch of enthusiasts too. Here's what I found: Old Man Emu and Bilstein were very highly regarded. The came Rancho, which is the most popular overall. After thre weeks of this, I decided to go with : OME springs OME shocks with Bilstein a second Struts- still up in the air- need advice Plus, since OME springs only lift the truck less than 1", I can still use my OEM shocks/struts till I can afford new ones. I already got a bit of a lift going with the taller 245/75/16 tires. The disadvantage is that my spare in that size will not fit under the truck- at least teh Tire Plus guys couldn't do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trialsin26 Posted January 15, 2005 Share Posted January 15, 2005 I just finished installing my OME shocks in the rear and reinstalling my OME springs (long story). Nothing like doing a job, and then realizing half way that you could have done it easier and faster. Well doesn’t matter, I got it done. Anyway as far as the ride goes with OME shock and springs in the rear, it’s excellent. The OME shocks really smooth things out. It feels kind of like riding on air. I haven’t done the front yet (saving up the money) but I’m pretty sure I will be just as satisfied. Click my path hist in my signature for some pics.,. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trundle Posted January 15, 2005 Share Posted January 15, 2005 So it sounds like you do not recommend the Pro Comp Shocks in the rear then. Anyting specific? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trialsin26 Posted January 15, 2005 Share Posted January 15, 2005 The pro comps do not fit very well, at least not the ones I got at first. Plus they made a popping noise. The OME are good bit more $$$$ but worth it. They are gas, have poly bushing and fit like stock. Plus they have a 2 years warranty. There are not much options out there for a 96 and up PF, so I would spend the extra $$$$ and get a good product. I think you can get front and rear OME springs plus rear shock for around $400.00. If you do it yourself you will save a lot of money, and after what I went through I plan to do as much myself as I can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyer Posted January 15, 2005 Author Share Posted January 15, 2005 Where did you buy your OME springs/shocks from? Also, if I decide to do it myself, could an inexperienced DIY like myself get some things-to-avoid tips from you? BTW, how long did the rear shocks/springs take you to install? Any special tools needed? What about the front springs? How long did those take? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trialsin26 Posted January 15, 2005 Share Posted January 15, 2005 Flyer, Here are the answers to some of your questions, and if anyone would like to add please do. As for ordering the parts, I know 4 Wheel Parts can get them or Rocky Road Outfitters at http://www.rocky-road.com/Pathfinder.html is a good source. I got my springs from Rocky Road and my shock from 4 Wheel Parts. Don’t be surprised if it takes awhile. Rocky Road took almost a month and 4 Wheel Parts took almost 2 months. I would go with Rocky Road. Some Tips: Be sure to get a set of good jack stands. I purchased a pair of 6 ton stands and felt very secure with them. Also purchase a good jack. I used a 3.5 ton jack and it worked great. A suggestion to make it a little easier would be to have a second jack handy. This makes it possible to remove the springs without using spring compressors and will save you a lot of time. Here is what you do. Once the car is up on jack stands and everything is removed, with the main jack under the center of the rear end lower it about 6 inches. Once you get worried about the brake line, then it’s a good time to stop lowering it. With your second jack (you could use the one that came with the PF) place it under the left or right side (which ever you want to do first) and jack that side up until you can pull the spring out on the other side. This will save you a lot of time, because messing with spring compressors can be a B. :furious: Couple more tips. I would purchase a Haynes manual and follow the section on replacing springs step by step. Some people may disagree but I found it a lot easier. Second, make sure you turn the springs the correct way. And finally make sure you tighten everything to spec. Don't forget the beer, beer helps -alcohol- Time: The rear springs and shocks took me about five hours. 1.5 hours was wasted with the spring compressors, and I also repainted the spring perches and had to wait for them to dry. Front Springs: I don’t know yet. I haven’t done them. They are next on my list. I will say this, I have replaced springs on my old Honda and Ford Escort and I hope that it will be a lot easier on my PF. Would anyone else like to add a page to my book? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyer Posted January 18, 2005 Author Share Posted January 18, 2005 I'm surprised there are no other guys who have put on OME springs/shocks. Almost every place I call says they are their #1 choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
herm Posted January 19, 2005 Share Posted January 19, 2005 I have the Old Man Emu suspension (coils/shocks) with KYB struts on my 97XE. Very happy with it - much firmer than stock, but not at all harsh. Minimal lift - they say an inch or less. I don't notice the lift much when empty, but really notice that it doesn't droop in the rear when fully loaded. I suppose the lift aspect would be more noticeable if I didn't have EGR flares, those take up a lot of space in the wheelwells. My website has pics and the places I ordered the parts from www.purplelizard.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96pfinderSE Posted January 19, 2005 Share Posted January 19, 2005 On the rocky road website it says it ships free to US. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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