OME 2" Springs - Any word yet?

[Tom Wilk]

FYI, I just talked to ARB-US. As Rick had said, the springs are being shipped to the US. I talked to a rep, but their computer was down for inventory so he could not give me any particulars. Rick already mentioned the part numbers of the shocks, but I also got the p/n of the springs.

Shocks are:
Front - N-16
Rear - N-17
Springs - OME-36

Price is expected to be about $250 per spring, though that is a rough ballpark figure based on similar products. I'll be in contact with them again next week when their inventory is done to find out how to order them.

BTW, Fly-N-Hi said that they do not deal in OME suspension parts.

 

[Tom Wilk]

They're In!!!

The late model Explorer 2" lift rear springs are in stock at ARB! I just talked to their rep, Tim, and he said that they just got 24 of them in stock. Shocks are in stock as well, front and rear. Something tells me these will sell fast.

I just ordered a set along with the shocks, front and rear through a local dealer. They should be drop-shipped to my door either late this week or early next week, so I may have them on in time for the Pine Barrens run.

Yee-Haw!!!

 

[NoBoundaries]

Hey Tom, how much did it come out to? I am planning on making some calls to find out where I can get them asap!!! < That one's for you Ray!

 

[Rick]

That's great news Tom! I'm going to call ARB to see how I can help get the word out.

 

[Ray Lobato]

Well Rick,
You could put my review up on the board for the shocks. I promise I will get you the pictures for the springs here soon. Also if you would. Please ask them for a sticker for my truck so I can advertise that I have them on. I'll even send them a picture of my truck. And could you ask them if infact they have a front locker for a 97 Dana 35. I think it's the reverse cut gears, but not sure. My friendly Ford dealer doesn't seem to know. All I got to say is I LIKE MINE that's why my Edelbrocks and stock springs are collecting dust in the garage.

 

[Tom Wilk]

Noboundaries, the total came to $690 including the rear springs and shocks all around. Springs alone were about $387 so if you have decent shocks, that's what it will run you. This is through a local ARB dealer so your price may vary somewhat. Also, if you have them shipped, the price may be higher. If you can't find a local dealer, call ARB direct and they will help you find a local dealer. Use the number in their ad from any 4-wheel magazine.

Rick, you better announce it quick or they won't be around. I have a feeling that several people are watching this thread. Tim told me that someone else had already claimed one pair of springs and that was before I even made it known on this thread that they were available. It was probably someone on this board!

I'm anxious to try them out!!

 

[Tom Wilk]

Ray and Rick, If you'd like, I'll take some pictures of the installation and perhaps some before and after pics as well. Maybe the new and old springs laying next to one another. Let me know.

Ray, just the fact that your edelbrocks are collecting dust is great testimony to the quality of the shocks. I can't wait to get them. I think I'm going to kidnap the first FedEx driver I find and hold that driver hostage until my springs and shocks arrive. Well, maybe not. They are probably on their way right now.

[Edited by Tom Wilk on 06-07-2000 at 06:51 AM]

 

[Ray Lobato]

Hey Tom and anyone else,
Please don't forget to fill out the warrenty card and put this website as where you found out about them. You could also put my name on there to, but at least put the website.
I already have pictures of the springs and all. I just have to get them developed. Ok, OK, OK I'm on my way to get them developed right now.

 

[Tom Wilk]

The springs and shocks are here!! I got the shocks yesterday, but I've only installed the fronts. I'll give a full testimonial on this thread when I get the springs and rear shocks on, which will be tomorrow or Thursday. The springs look good! They have multiple leaves with overloads, the "military wrap" around the ends for safety (in case you break a leaf, I suppose) and all the features that OME advertises in their catalog (catalogue in Austrailian ).

I had originally stated that the price was considerably lower than the dealer quoted. I was mistaken, as I was reading the invoice from ARB to the dealer. Price was as quoted in the most recent previous post concerning that subject. Anyway, if anyone wants them and they get a higher quote, they can try Peters Off Road, Salem, Ohio. Phone is 330-337-8903. (OK, its a plug for the local store, but I definately want them to stay in business. They are the closest to home at about 1.5 hours away so I want to keep them around I'll need a place to buy my locker next year.)

Ray, I didn't find any warranty card in the package, unless it is stuffed inside on of the rear spring boxes. I'll send you some notes if you want on the installation along with some pics if that'll help you with the article. That could be helpful if something unexpected comes up.


[Edited by Tom Wilk on 06-14-2000 at 12:39 PM]

 

[Ray Lobato]

Hey Tom,
Did your springs come with the spring bushings? Mine didn't and they had suggested that I use the standard Ford bushings. I bought new ones because I couldn't get the old ones off, the old springs. Yes I know they are pressed on. It cost me $74.00 for the new bushings. You have a newer model, so it shouldn't be that hard to get your bushings off.

 

[Tom Wilk]

Thanks Ray. ARB told me the same thing; that I would have to press the bushings out of my factory springs. I'm contemplating just getting a set from the dealer if they're in stock. It sounds like it may be a bear getting the old ones out if they are pressed in. I guess it depends on how tight they are.

 

[jwrezz]

How to contact ARB

I just cancelled an order for an add a leaf kit 'cause of these springs. I went to a place that had connections to ARB, but they weren't sure if they could get the springs. Does any one know of an ARB dealer in the Morris County NJ area? What is this elusive phone # for ARB to find a dealer? Every one has mentioned it, but no one has posted it. Any help would be appreciated 'cause now instead of 31x10.5 R15 I'm looking at getting 16x8 rims and 265 or 285 75 R16's like some of the other late model Explorers on this site. Thanx in advance guys!!



[Edited by jwrezz on 06-15-2000 at 03:17 PM]

 

[Tom Wilk]

Hey, jwres, you going on the Pines run Saturday? It's in Jersey.

Ray, I won't be installing the springs until after this trip. I decided to order bushings so that I wouldn't ruin the old ones trying to get them out. I put the shocks on, though. Ride is about the same, but it is much more controlled now. I'll refrain from describing the performance until I get the springs on and adjust the torsion bars.

 

[Keith]

I got in touch with a local ARB dealer to get me these springs. After talking with them on the phone he continued to push me away from the purchase of these springs. He said that it would look like a hot rod (because the back would be much higher then the front). He also had a nagative view on messing with the torsion bars.(which i have already done). My question is to who ever has installed these springs. Do they lift the back to much?? And do you have any pictures. I am going to call him tomorrow and tell him if he should order them or not.

Thank You

 

[Rick]

Ray has them on his and his Explorer sits perfectly level with the torsion bar adjustment.

Here's a shot of Ray's truck in Moab. Sorry I don't have one on level ground, but you can get a good idea how it will look with 31 x 10.50's.

 

[Tom Wilk]

As further testimonial, I followed Ray up one trail in Moab. His truck sits level, it doesn't look "jacked up" at all. I know that he has adjusted the torsion bars about 1/5", and has suffered no consequences as of yet from doing so. He has done some fairly serious off road driving, much more than I have.

Considering that the warrior shackles that several people here have lift about 1.5" (I think), what's another 1/2". ARB's 2" of lift is not all that much, especially if you suffer from the dreaded "Explorer rear end sag" (mine sagged from the factory a bit, so it wasn't spring fatigue that caused it) in which case 1/2 to 1" will be going to correct the sag anyway.

 

[Ray Lobato]

Geez, That's a really good picture of me.
Thanks Rick!

John, Keith,
The springs will give 2" of lift. My front is sitting at 1.75", so I am just a teeny bit lower in the front than in the back, but not really noticable at all. I don't know who you talked to, but you are supposed to adjust the torsions bars for these springs. As far as the negative view, as long as you DON'T go too high to make the CV's bind, your OK.
I don't baby my truck when I go 4wheelin' and have not had any problems yet.
You will not look like a hot rod, but you will look GOOD!
Here's a pic on level ground.

[Edited by Ray Lobato on 06-15-2000 at 09:25 PM]

 

[jwrezz]

ARB contact??

So?
Does any body have a way to contact ARB? I really want these springs!!

Tom: No I won't be going on the Pine Barrens run. I won't being doing much until I get a new set of tires. The size of the new tires rests solely on my ability to get in touch w/ ARB for these springs. I will be camping up in Narrowsburg, NY the weekend of the 20th. I'll be sure to hit some spots that'll challenge my truck (with it's balding 235 75/15 Goodyears).

BTW: I can keep my Edlebrock IAS shocks in the back w/ these springs, right? I heard that these shocks can handle up to 2" of lift. I really like them, and since I just spent the $200 + for the set, I'd rather not have to shell out an extra couple hundred on the OME shocks. Thanx again,

 

[Rick]

ARB US HQ
206-264-1669

 

[mikefox]

To add to Rick's post of the US HQ number, here is their name, address, phone, fax and email right from http://www.arb.com.au/ :

North, Central & South American Enquiry Centre:
Air Locker Inc.
20 South Spokane Street
Seattle, Washington 98134 USA
tel: 1 206 264 1669
fax: 1 206 264 1670

email: sales@arbusa.com

It's kind of cool to find out that a place like this is in my neck of the woods for a change.

Wow, I feel like one of the gang finally. I got my first little Explorer under my name. Party time.

[Edited by mikefox on 06-16-2000 at 12:08 AM]