How To Choose An Old Man Emu Suspension System

At the top of every 4WDers modification list, you will find suspension. Old Man Emu offers a complete suspension system tailored to prioritize ride quality and control while accounting for the style of driving, type of terrain, and the amount of weight carried in those situations. This approach can be calibrated to suit each vehicle without the sacrifices of one-size-fits-all lift kits.

SPRING SELECTION

When undertaking remote-area travel, the need to carry sufficient fuel, water, vehicle spares, and safety equipment invariably means that your 4×4 will be fully loaded, placing a lot of strain on suspension components. Combine this with punishing off-road conditions, and the limitations of standard springs soon become apparent.

There is a misconception behind the meaning of a light, medium, or heavy spring. Some assume that this refers to the type of strain that the vehicle goes through. For example, a light spring for highway use or a heavy spring for extreme off-roading; this is incorrect. The front spring should account for accessories such as a bumper and/or winch. The rear spring option should account for accessories such as bumpers, tire carriers, canopies, drawers, etc. Rock slides, side steps, and roof racks distribute weight to both the front and rear of the vehicle.

In order to maintain ride quality and control, it is best to base your spring selection around constant weight rather than loaded weight. Accessories that are on your vehicle at all times such as bumpers, winches, roof racks, etc. are considered constant weight. Accessories such as gear, tools, tents, fridges, etc. would be considered loaded weight unless mounted to your vehicle 100% of the time.

SHOCK SELECTION

Old Man Emu offers a shock range that is meticulously engineered to be installed with Old Man Emu springs. Options such as Nitrocharger Sport and BP-51 Internal Bypass shocks are available for certain applications.

Nitrocharger Sport shocks are twin tube, nitrogen filled shocks. The Nitrocharger Sports are valved with more discs which help control the vehicle at all speeds. OME Engineers have precisely valved each shock to match the weight and Old Man Emu spring selection. In the vehicle application guide, firmer shocks are available and are marked with an *asterisk*.

BP-51 Internal Bypass shocks allow for on-vehicle, independent adjustability of both rebound and compression to offer class-leading ride customization that is tailored to an individual vehicle and can be adjusted for trip requirements.

ADDITIONAL PARTS

Old Man Emu suspension systems are designed to work in conjunction with factory components unless noted otherwise in the Vehicle Application Guide.

If additional parts are required in addition to springs and shocks, the vehicle application guide will have a section titled “Required for Installation”. Each of these components will be required to complete the suspension system.

CHOOSING YOUR OLD MAN EMU SUSPENSION SYSTEM

You are now ready to choose an Old Man Emu suspension system that suits your vehicle. Your local authorized ARB retailer can walk you through the selection process.