Alright Guys/Gals! I have exhausted the searches, read a ton on here on lift kits, and I am determined to go with a 2" lift. I just bought 31x10.5x15 BFG KO's and Mickey Thompson Classic Baja 15x8 to be installed this week. I would like to get the lift kit installed as well. I am 90% convinced on the OME 2" Lift kit, but just like anyone else, I had to question the BDS kit cost and the H&R/Bilstein combo "kit" everyone talks about. The OME kit has so many more parts which I guess is why it costs that much more. My question is, do you really need all those extra parts? For those that installed the Shocks and Springs only and achieved a 2" lift, then what's the point of all the extra parts on the OME kit? Or do you have to buy all those extra parts along with the Shocks and Springs in which case it will cost as much as an OME kit?
Question on OME lift vs other lift kits!
- Thread starter BayTJ
- Start date
Hello @BayTJ. The kit I think you are referring to as springs and shocks is the H&R springs and shocks of your choice. That is more of a refresh than a true lift kit. Depending on the weight of your TJ, the actual, realized lift is only 1 to 1-1/2". That is really not enough of a change in suspension geometry to need all of the additional parts required for a traditional lift kit. The OME kits put you just beyond where you need to start correcting other items to compensate for the additional lift.
H&R springs +shocks, no additional parts usually required. Very slight lift. Works well with 31" tires. OME lift, more parts and more lift.
I hope this helps.
H&R springs +shocks, no additional parts usually required. Very slight lift. Works well with 31" tires. OME lift, more parts and more lift.
I hope this helps.
LJ ken
New Member
(subjective) I guess the focus is on the transfer case drop and trac bar? The 2" OME "system" is phenomenal, and gives a great ride on and off road and I think is optimal without needing the changes of a taller lift ( control arms etc.) it's where a jeep should be from factory. On a Rubicon or any TJ with a slip yolk eliminator kit the Tcase drop isn't necessary. Most kits will Include (to my knowledge) Trac bar relocation bracket and the like to keep geometry close to normal. I've personally had and installed the OME kit on a Rubi I had, after much research. The OME is a truly complete kit and provides everything you will eventually need, you just have to foot the initial cost.
Kiwi TJ
Just asked myself if I’m crazy and we all said No
Supporting Member
Ride of the Month Winner
I'm in a similar situation running on 31's stock springs n shock....I'm leaning heavily towards the OME 2in lift just on what's been said here and on other sites..... The Teraflex 2in lift with 9550 Shocks is also on my radar but have yet to look in to those properly.
Every TJ seems to behave a little differently when you lift them. The OME kit should only come with springs, shocks, rear track bar bar relocation bracket, and transfer case lowering pucks. Some don't need to lower the transfer case skid, some do. Only way to know for sure is to install the lift and take it for a drive to see if you get drive line vibes. Sometimes only a few washers to lower the skid is all that is needed. In my case, when I installed my OME lift, I got horrible vibes and had to install the 3/4" spacers that came with the lift kit.
Starrs
TJ Guru
OME HD springs and shocks will net you around 2.5" of total lift. For your 31" tires you will like that combination. I went through the same trials and tribulations as you are. If you don't have the cash right now for the OME setup wait until you do. The worst move you can make is putting on a lift kit that isn't very good. OME all the way...rides amazing. You get what you pay for. Trust me
Starrs
TJ Guru
jmitchell418
Member
I too did all the research and decided on the 2" OME kit. I love the ride now and I'm glad I went for the additional cost for that kit. I'm running sport shocks with 32x11.50 KO2's on Pro Comp wheels.
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I too have the OME 2” lift kit. I’m very pleased with ride which seemed a bit stiff at first when I had the rear tire off. Once I installed the 35”, 100+ pound wheel on it smoothed right out. Off-road, it compares very favorably to a friends 2.5” terraflex lift on a JK by handling the bumps and dips much more smoothly (according to both of us).
I’m trying to decide between these two also, I never hear anyone talking about the teraflex lift.
I settled for a 2" BDS suspension lift for about 1/2 cost of the OME 2" lift I was considering. I also finally got on the Curry AntiRock sway bar kit and so far I do not regret my decision. But I will not really know until I put it on the Colorado mining roads next summer which will test the real flex and ride. I have only had this stuff on 3 weeks but highway ride and height is just the way I like it so far. I only run 31" tires.
The BDS kit lacked a trackbar relocation bracket (but axle location appears good), no bump stop extensions, and no transfer drop case kit but since this is an LJ I do not have vibration. The BDS kit does not lift more than 2" a bit less than the 2.5" that the OME would provide. I also run in the mountains heavily loaded with hiking gear, tools, air compressor, etc, which will change geometry a fair bit from current curb weight.
The BDS kit lacked a trackbar relocation bracket (but axle location appears good), no bump stop extensions, and no transfer drop case kit but since this is an LJ I do not have vibration. The BDS kit does not lift more than 2" a bit less than the 2.5" that the OME would provide. I also run in the mountains heavily loaded with hiking gear, tools, air compressor, etc, which will change geometry a fair bit from current curb weight.
I have the OME light duty kit, and did not use the drop spacers or rear trackbar relocation bracket. I am very happy with the ride and handling. There are several, however, who went with 2" springs and other shocks, Rancho & Bilstein, to name two, and also are completely satisfied. Probably happier to have spent a lot less, also.
The terraflex ride is definitely stiffer, probably due to stiffer spring rate as my friend has not added weight yet. It probably needs a couple hundred pounds of skids, bumpers, etc to smooth out.
UPDATE: After talking to the manufacturers of both ARB and BDS, I made the decision to go with the BDS kit. BDS tech support was fantastic and their knowledge is what really sold me on it. The guy I spoke with had a TJ himself for years and went through the same stage I am at but several years ago. If I ever start getting further into this lifestyle/hobby I would probably change out my setup anyway, but for now the TJ will be 70%-80% on the road and should suit me for several years to come. Bottom line, here is my setup:
BDS 2" Lift Kit
Mickey Thompson Classic Baja Lock 15x4.5 with 3.65 BS to widen the stance a smidge
31x10.5x15 BF Goodrich All Terrain KO's
All parts are ordered and should be here this week!!!! Woohoo! Can't Wait
BDS 2" Lift Kit
Mickey Thompson Classic Baja Lock 15x4.5 with 3.65 BS to widen the stance a smidge
31x10.5x15 BF Goodrich All Terrain KO's
All parts are ordered and should be here this week!!!! Woohoo! Can't Wait
Congratulations BayTJ! Now you have money left over for other stuff- maybe a regear for torque I don't know about you but mine is a 3:73 and I might
Solid choice. Let us know how the ride is once you have it installed. I'm curious to see how BDS's shocks are.
Bob, will do! Your rig was one of the first ones I saw on here and actually used your's as a model for what I wanted to do.
Below is the link from the MFG. I ended up sourcing it from offroadwarehouse.com With Free Shipping and 5% for new customer, it was $385
http://bds-suspension.com/product?ma=7&mo=32&ty=35&yr=1997-2002
The wheels I found at Summit Racing with Free Shipping. 5 of them = $589
The tires were a cyber monday sale I was able to get at National Tire & Battery. 5 of them $762 Installed and Balanced
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