old man emu versus iron man

[hansbaeten]

I'm about to have new springs installed on my 2003 Hilux D/C 3 L Diesel 4X4
Does anyone have an opinion on whether to go for old man emu versus iron man?
I've been calling around and on average the price difference is about 2000 ZAR (Iron man cheapest)

[Toybox]

I've had both and don't have a bad word to say about either.... The OME was slightly softer but I'm not sure how much that had to do with the springs.

My pops also fitted IM, and in about 18 months his one rear shock sprung a very slight leak. Ironman replaced it no questions asked....

Sorry I cant really help you with an answer though, they're much of a muchness. Is it worth the price difference? I'm honestly not sure...

[Suidwes1]

Hans
I am a dealer for both and both are very good. The Ironman is cheaper, but also very good.

[OOOOMS]

OME was started by x2 brothers in Aus years ago. They then split up after some differences.

I have been supporting of Iromman for 6 years no problems. And yes cheaper!

Ironman have x3 different leafspring sets: comfort (no load) medium, and heavy duty.
Shocks, you have a choice of x2 soft and stiff, I preder the harder ones

[CasKru]

I currently have IM on my bakkie. I can't tell you how many times people have asked me what suspension I have as they were in awe with the amount of flex I get. If I replace I would like to either try OME or Mikem as I do have one or two gripes with IM.

[ThysdJ]

The last time I said anything about OME suspensions systems Cassie put a knife in my back. That wound has now healed...

Kaspaas is fitted with OME springs and Monroe shocks,and they make for a formidable suspension setup. I am extremely happy with the performance of that setup,as it has seen in excess of 60000 km's of (serious) use and is still in mint condition.

Will I go OME again? It will purely be a matter of financial implications vs proven track record of alternative products. If I can find a setup that is as durable (proven) and as usable (proven) and cheaper than OME then I will definitely consider it. For now I will use the OME untill they say bye-bye... (that might take another 60000 km/s or 6 years)

[Gunta]

This is going to be a very interesting thread as we go along. I have the full OME and its been in for 5 years now. I drive on very bad corrugated roads without my ass getting jumpy. When I drove my Kzte on the standard setup I was all over the road. I have not driven one with the Iron Man yet. At the time when I enquired I was told that nothing compares to OME. I have spoken to a few guys with IM and they say it is a harder ride. Being stiffer I would guess that the articulation would be less than the OME. Maybe some of you guys have some answers to this as well.

[OOOOMS]

Ironman have x3 different leafspring sets: comfort (no load) medium, and heavy duty.
Shocks, you have a choice of x2 soft and stiff, I preder the harder ones

Gunta, what setup did they have in their vehicles?

[CasKru]

I currently have IM on my bakkie. I can't tell you how many times people have asked me what suspension I have as they were in awe with the amount of flex I get. If I replace I would like to either try OME or Mikem as I do have one or two gripes with IM.

Okay... have to add this. The IM on my van is probably around 8 to 10 years old. It has had a hard life (anybody that have seen my playing can confirm this). I've now had my bakkie for 3 years. Before that it did about 7 years in Swazi mostly offroad (not just dirt roads - serious stuff) bundu bashing etc. It's probably gone places where no other bakkie has gone before.

PS: ride quality also has a lot to do with the bushes you fit. The rubber bushes gives a much harsher ride but better flex where as the poly bushes gives a much softer ride but does not flex as much. So before you go spending thousands of rands, maybe replace your bushes with the poly ones and feel the difference in the ride.

[Muz]

i bought a set of front springs from Van Zyl's 6 pack i think. and had the back re-tensioned. nice ride without the shocks fitted but obviously bounces a around. only problem is i need to find shocks for the increased height and hydraulic only. The Gabriel gas riders give it a very stiff ride and are virtually fully extended.

[Castos]

My OMU suspension is going on 8 years and 150 000km. The back is starting sage now and I'm replacing the shocks now for the first time. OMU, for comfort, IM for value and TJM for new kidney's.

[LouisZ]

If the budget allows go for the Ome leafsprings, you get 4 options for load. Just qualify the weight you have permantly on the Hilux above std, this will help with the qualification of the blades.

But like Cassie says, "Bushes,bushes, bushes..." and make sure they are greased properly. This affects the comfort and the performance of any suspension. You will be suprised how many "out of the box" Hiluxes, Frods an Cruisers come for Suspension replacements and their bushes is as dry as the Sahara Desert.

Louis

[Gunta]

Ironman have x3 different leafspring sets: comfort (no load) medium, and heavy duty.
Shocks, you have a choice of x2 soft and stiff, I preder the harder ones

Gunta, what setup did they have in their vehicles?

Mark they also had the stiffer ones but compained about onroad comfort and poor articulation. To me the obvious thing to remember is with any suspension, the stiffer it is the worse the articulaion is going to be because the springs will always be pushing in the opposite direction. I guess you cant have your cake and eat it so OME make a setup that gives you the best of both. I am sure if you are going offroad most of the time you would want a softer suspension.
That is my thought on the subject.

[Mud Dog]

My OME has been in for in excess of 10 yrs and 100k km's ..... not a squeak .... well maybe once when I did'nt grease the shackle bushes for a year .... and the ride is still smooth as a baby's bum.