the little wag climbs the 198 in 2wd...





 OME followup 

It's become apparent from email that I've been receiving and
questions on the xj-list that I need to provide a brief follow up
of what's happening with Old Man Emu.

In a nutshell, "nothing".  

The only thing I've done since installing the OME lift kit was to
tighten down the rear axle U-bolts when I was having the
BFG's installed.  Other than that absolutely no problems whatsoever.

After installing the Detroit Locker, True Trac, and BFG's, the little
wagoneer is pretty amazing.  The trail report from Evans Creek 
speaks to some of how well everything worked together.

IN fact, my earlier complaints about the "ars" end have sort of 
settled out... literally.  The springs have settled in some and 
I don't get that down hill feeling any more, even when swapping
between my two xj wagoneers, one lifted, and one stock. So, I've
not plans to add any spacers or blocks.  I chose 30x9.5 inch
tires with 4.10 gears, and only had to move one tooth on my 
speedo gears to make everything work properly.  

ON the issue of blocks, add-a-leafs and springs, I'm of the 
experienced opinion that the best way of going is the correct
spring.  Add-a-leafs are on Old Blue (my FSJ), but only because
of budget constraints and are gonna be history some day.  The
are much more preferable than blocks.  In fact,  Ed Stevens
provided some input on blocks after listening in on the list.
  Ed's not the only
one that doesn't like blocks.  But sometimes we do what me
need to to make things work and just live with the results.

Even the OME lift, I've yet to experience any kind of rubbing. 
My goal was to put together a solid daily
commuter that was capable on the trail.  I also did not want to
mess around with dialing in a lift or replacing bearings and 
u-joints because I went to far.  Believe me, I've been there.  
I went through a lot of pain setting up Old Blue, not fun, or 
inexpensive.

Which brings up an issue raised by a reader when making the comparison
between a Rubicon Express and the Old Man Emu lift kits.  He has
researched the supplied parts with both kits and the related costs.
While the OME kit looks to be a bit more expensive, $675 (2") versus 
$599 (4.5") and $499 (3.5"), he discovered that the costs to have
the other items installed drove the costs up.

I'll listen for more input from the reader and report in another
OME followup what he decides to do.  For some folks, the more lift
the better.  Tire clearance becomes an issue on some types of trails.
I got hung up on my differentials on the 198 at Evans Creek because
I was only on 30 inch tires.  On the Cavanaugh Trail it is recommended
that you have at least 31 inch tires.  I can believe and respect that
advice.  However, it's not gonna stop me from wheelin' there, it's 
just gonna force me to scare up a winch.  :-)

Well, that's all for now. The reader's research and comments
are below.  He's done an excellent job of identifying the 
issues.  Enjoy the fruits of his research.

later,
john

the little wagoneer, lifted, locked,
but riding on the stock 205's, right up the hillside, in 2wd...






From: LWalborg@aol.com
Date: Sat, 6 Sep 1997 23:30:45 -0400 (EDT)
To: john@
Subject: Re: [Fwd: Project OME vs Rubicon Express]

John -

According to the RE ad, the kit comes with:

     2 custom spec 4-1/2" coil springs 
     2 full length add-a-leafs
     4 doetsch tech DT3000 shocks
     1 extended rear brake line
     2 sway bar end links
     1 adjustable chrome-moly track bar
     2 super-flex chrome-moly lower control arms

This 4-1/2" version runs 599.00 according to the staff.  The 3-1/2" .....
499.00.

My plan is to completely change out the coils, leafs, and shocks in
conjunction with  enough lift to handle 31s.  The OME option the article
discussed appealed to me because it appears to have everything I'm attempting
to do in one simple package ..... thus my immediate interest.  Throughout my
research, I've been paying close attention to other possible necessities
(because I can't afford a bottomless pit!) ..... so the locker was a welcome
tip as well as the engineering problems above 3".  I'll read up on the
different locker versions for my '93 and let you know what I find.

I appreciate your candor because (1)  salesmen have something to sell and (2)
my friends all claim whatever they bought is the best, yet, it seems, they're
always trying to "improve" (read "fix") something.  I'd rather get it right
the first time!  Obviously, there's never a guarantee, but I'll attempt to
narrow the odds. :-)   

Thanks again!

lwalborg@aol.com




From: LWalborg@aol.com
Date: Sat, 6 Sep 1997 20:46:02 -0400 (EDT)
To: john@
Subject: Re: [Fwd: Project OME vs Rubicon Express]

John -

I haven't gotten back with RE to find out if the 3-1/2" kit requires the
brake line extension, but certainly, if it does, I'm looking at an added
expense because I'd rather pay someone than bleed and mess with brake lines.
 The advantage I see with the RE kit is the added equipment to eliminate tire
rub (supposedly!).  That's still a concern of mine once I move up to 31s.  In
addition, I too was impressed with the staff.  The downside for me is either
add-a-leaf  to existing worn out leafs or purchase new ones on top to the
kit. :-( 

I felt much better looking seriously at the OME kit once you confirmed the
"leveling out" aspect and the more than ample clearance for the 31s. :-)
 However, tire rub is still a concern.  Have you run larger than 30s?

I understand your point about the inexpensive 2".  The problem is it's all
worn out and needs to be changed ..... so, lazy man that I am, I'll change it
all in one job.  The RE kit complete runs $499.00 plus shipping (plus the
cost of new leafs for me). Overlander offers the OME kit AB93000 (2 leafs, 2
springs, 4 shocks) for $675.00 plus shipping.  I'll shop around a bit to see
if there's a better price to be had or if I can find it locally.  I still see
the roughly $675.00 as money well spent if it'll solve all my concerns/wants
in one fell swoop.  The brake mechanic alone could surpass the additional
$175.00!  Not to mention the new leafs.

Thanks for the tip on the locker.  I'll price them to see if it'll fit into
the annual family budget.  I've already lobbied heavily and won bipartisan
support for the suspension upgrade!  :-)  We'll see if I can push through
some additional funding for  ...... let's see ..... what's a good name for a
rear locker?  Hopefully not homeless!!! :-)  Take care.

lwalborg@aol.com
  
Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 18:25:21 -0400 (EDT)
To: john@
Subject: Project OME vs Rubicon Express

John-

Greetings from Tennesseee.  Just a short note to follow-up.

I talked to Rubicon Express about their 3-1/2" kit last week.  The staff is
great but the 3-1/2" is a significantly different setup than the 4-1/2" kit
(i.e. blocks, add-a-leafs, etc.) at a not so reduced price ($499.00 + $90.00
shipping + $? brake mechanic).

I see many Cherokee owners have gone with Explorer ProComp.  Comments
included that the kit is good but that it actually equates to approx. 2-1/2"
overall lift and that the ride is somewhat stiff.  I saw no major complaints.
 Kits run in the $450.00 to $550.00 range.

Rough Country - Heckethorn kits run about the same.

Tomken's 3"-4" kit runs approx $700.00 but includes new coils, leafs, sway
bar mounts, bump stop extens., brake hose extens., bushings, tapered axle
shims and upper and lower control arms. With shocks approx. $830.00 +
 shipping + $? brake mechanic.  It's upgradable, but I'd really have to count
beans to afford it.  

Are any of these additional items something I'll need to consider as add-ons
to the OME kit?  The OME kit I've seen includes 2 coils, 2 leafs, and 4
shocks.  And I'm still concerned about tire rub and articulation with 31s.
 Most responses I've received have been negative concerning the 31s.  I'm
awaiting the catalog, but thought you might shed some additional light on the
subject.

I haven't read any comments on Black Diamond and very little on Tomken and
Rough Country.  Again, ProComp seems to have the highest percentage of kits
purchased by Cherokee owners.

I've written Dynatrac ref: my '93 and am awaiting a response.  I'll pass on
their guidance specific to my '93 once received.  Marc pretty much covered
the issue in Diff Types for your Cherokee, but I'll get specific guidance
from Dynatrac.

Anyway, I'd appreciate any comments you have on any of the kits listed here.
 My e-mail responses consist predominantly of people with the same questions
I have, not answers.  I direct them to the Cherokee America page!  I'm sure
you and the staff would love to do a series on the pros/cons of specific
equipment, but I understand the whole "hand that feeds you" aspect.  Pros are
great, but Cons can become a bit dicey for marketing!!!!!  :-)     

Here's a couple of funnies I received ...... enjoy!  :-)

Everyone has a photographic memory, some don't have film.

When the chips are down, the buffalo is empty.

You have the right to remain silent, anything you say will be misquoted, then
used against you.

Honk if you like peace and quiet.

Been there, done that, can't remember most of it.

Nothing is fool-proof to a sufficiently talented fool.

He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

Take care,  

Eric
lwalborg@aol.com