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Jeep TJ Shocks: Old Man Emu or DT3000's for 3.5" lift???

Ive been running a 2" lift with dt3000's on my 97 TJ for more than a year, I am now upgrading to a RE 3.5" super-flex. Im trying to decide whether to go with DT3000's again or step up to Old Man Emu shocks. I want the best handling and on-road ride I can get, but cost is a factor. If Old Man Emu shocks blow the Dt3000's away in the ride and handling department I will buy them. However, I still would rather the cheaper cost of the DT3000's (I can get 4 for $118) over the Old Man Emu's ($280+). Which would you do? Are the OME shocks worth the huge price tag? Is there anywhere on the internet I can get Old Man Emu shocks for really cheap? I would prefer the DT3000's and use the extra cash for a RE track bar. But, if the OME's are worth it, I'll save longer. Oh and my TJ is a daily driver with lots of highway use. It also sees the trails once a month.

Derek

Reply to
Derek Proctor
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I may be wrong, but I didn't think OME made shocks for a 3.5" lift. I thought they're max was 2.5". That extra 1" might make a difference, might not. It could affect your axle travel when the swaybars are disconnected -- maybe bust the shock.

Eric

Reply to
Eric

Hi Derek,

I've got the OME shocks on my XJ and they're great (reduced lateral body roll, no fade or bottoming out), but I'd say go for the track bar instead. Your biggest improvement in ride will come from the new suspension.

One thing about the standard RE 1600 track bar: several dealers I spoke to when shopping for my XJ lift said that it has a rather weak tie rod end that is known to fail prematurely. The heavy duty track bar and bracket (RE1610 & RE1611 for the TJ) is a much, much better option. That bar has a super flex joint for reduced binding and increased durability and the heavy duty bracket is a big strength improvement over the stock bracket. The RE1610 is, however, listed for 4"+ lifts so ask RE or your dealer if you can use it with the 3.5" kit. If you can't, maybe research some bars from other manufacturers (tera, currie, etc.) or consider the

4.5" superflex kit.

Another tip: ask your dealer to upgrade the rattleclank RE front swaybar disconnects for something quieter and easier like greaseable jks quickers.

Steve

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Derek Proctor wrote:

Reply to
Steve

Hi Eric,

You're thinking of the 2.5" springs. OME makes a 'long travel' size nitro shock for lifts 3-5"

Steve

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Eric wrote:

Reply to
Steve

Is there a disadvantage to running the stock track bar after drilling a new hole in the track bar mount on the axle? Would a new adjustable track bar improve the handling significantly? Thanks

Reply to
Derek Proctor

Hi Derek,

Adjustable is nice if you need to do some tweaking to center the axle in order to get the handling just right. Offroad, the longer RE bar on the original axle mount hole will give a greater range of axle articulation so your tires stay grounded.

You could always try the stock bar first and upgrade later.

Steve

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Derek Proctor wrote:

Reply to
Steve

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