Alright, so last year I got an OME 2.5" lift installed on my wife's 2001 Cherokee. It was all new suspension, coils, leafs, shocks, trac bar and Goodyear Duratrac 235/75R-15. Rig looks great, runs on the highway great, really capable for the limited forest service roads and off-roading we do. Only issue was/is vibration around 55mph from what we now know is tire related.

I've got a 2000 Cherokee that is now ready for a lift. I'm leaning towards going with the same O.M.E. Kit but it seems that the shop that did my wife's rig no longer sells OME kits for Cherokee. Having looked around a lot on the interwebz it looks like OME is getting scarce. Probably something to do with coming from Australia. Anyway, I'm really intrigued by the Rubicon Express 3.5" Super-Ride complete lift kit. It supposedly rides really well and would give an extra inch of lift along with allowing me to put 31"s on mine. Oh, and it's made in USA and I assume would be easier to secure replacement parts for it should I need em.

Question is...anyone have experience with both? Feedback? I'm really impressed with the daily drivability of the OME kit in my wife's truck and we didn't have to install a T-case drop or SYE because it's under 3". Any and all wisdom or advice in making the decision is appreciated. We had the OME kit installed by a 4Wheel Parts store in WA and the customer service sucked when bug hunting the problems in the initial install. We've since had it serviced and maintained by a local Les Schwab that we have great relations with. They've done right by us so would probably be our shop doing the work.

Thanks in advance,
Cheers623

 

RE makes a nice kit but it will not ride like OME.

 

No doubt the 3 1/2" kit your looking at is a nice lift kit and lots of people run them. As with most kits you will need a few extras to get the most from them on and off road, shocks always needing upgrading from what comes in the kit.

 

I ran the rubicon 3.5 super flex fit, bilstein 5150 front and 5100 in the rear on some 31 coopers and it is very comfortable daily driver setup.

 

I'm also debating between those two brands (and possibly Zone) for a 2.5-3.5" actual lift. Mine is my DD and will pretty much only be used for that. I've been looking around trying to see what everyone says about the ride comparison between the RE Super Ride 3.5 and the OME. Haven't heard anyone comment that has had both kits, but it seems most lean toward the OME for better ride.

Also FYI it seems that the RE 3.5 seems to be closer to 4" or a little, over if I understand correctly too.

 

OME has high quality leaf springs/coils which is why they ride so nice. Shocks certainly have a little to do with it but I'm sure any high quality shock will do the same for you. (Other than being yellow)

I haven't messed with RE myself but one thing to consider is that IF you need to replace something, RE is going to be cheaper/easier to do so.

If ride quality is what you are after, OME will probably be your best bet at that height.

 

i put the OME lift on my 98 because i wanted lift but the best hiway ride possible , its better then the stock ride now. but i removed a 14 yr old susp. w/ sagging rr springs & wasted shocks. got all my parts from DPG offroad , good service, nice folks.

 

3.5" RE Superflex here on 33" STT's. I love the setup, rides good, and is definitely a little bigger than 3.5" advertised. I'm getting ready to throw Bilsteins all the way around after I get done funding this 8.8 swap.

 

I installed the 3.5" RE Super Ride a few months back (still on stock tires *sadface*) and I am very happy with the kit. I would recommend, however, shims or an SYE /w CV shaft as the Kit will put you over the 3" mark and give you some noticeable vibes. I know I notice mine.

 

Yes, that is about right. Its nice that they do that, incase you decide to get an aftermarket bumper and/or wench.

 

Thanks! That's exactly the kind of feedback I'm looking for, and I've already emailed a couple times with Dirk at DPG. Most likely will go with OME from him.


Yeah that is one nice advantage of it being taller, however I'm hoping that staying closer to 3" I might get away without having to go SYE on mine since it's a 2001. However if I end up needing it with the 3" will I wish I had went closer to 4"??? Plus I'm not wanting to regear just yet either and I know myself all to well. I'd be running 32-33" tires if I went 4ish.
I'm definitely down to the RE kit or the DPG kit now though.

 

RE compared to OME = Apples and Oranges.

RE has decent quality and is budget minded. Unsure of their R&D.
OME is higher quality,designed and engineered to deal with harsh Australian terrain including 1000 mile washboard roads while being loaded with gear (HD option).

 

OME and Dirk at DPG is way to go, that's where I got mine. Later added rear lift shackles and ACOS on top of the OME coils. Looks good, rides good...


Good luck and post pics when your done.

 

hey there, nice looking 2 door, i also used the ACOS on mine they work great to fine tune the front height, my rear use to be that high but it has settled some , so i sit about level now.

 

If you plan to run 33s, its recommended that you re-gear. Do you have to? Nah, but highway mileage is going to kill you. I believe the recommended ratio for 33s is 4.56? Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.