Old Man Emu: Reliable 4WD Gear for Adventurers

What This Brand Covers

Old Man Emu, known as OME, is the suspension division of ARB 4x4 Accessories, engineering off road and load carrying suspension systems since the brand's founding in Australia. OME suspension is designed and tested using CAD modeling and finite element analysis, then validated with independent testing partners for vibration, strength, and durability before release.

Platforms Covered

Toyota 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Land Cruiser Prado, Tacoma, and Lexus GX and LX models, Jeep Wrangler JK and JL and Gladiator JT, Ford F-150 and Ranger, RAM 1500, Nissan Pathfinder, and Suzuki Jimny.

Product Categories

Front and rear coil springs, leaf springs and leaf spring accessories, Nitrocharger Sport and Nitrocharger Plus shocks, BP-51 bypass coilover kits, upper control arms, leaf spring spacers, and related bushings and hardware.

OME Coil Springs and Load Ratings

Old Man Emu coil springs are offered in Light, Medium, and Heavy load ratings to match the intended cargo and accessory weight, whether that means winch bumpers, roof top tents, or drawer systems added to a 4Runner or Land Cruiser build. Lift heights typically range from 1 to 3 inches depending on the specific spring rate selected for the application.

Front vs Rear Spring Applications

Front coil spring sets on IFS platforms like the 4Runner and Tacoma are matched to the front axle weight, while rear coil springs on solid axle Land Cruiser and Prado applications are selected based on expected static and dynamic rear cargo load. Choosing the correct load rating prevents sagging under a loaded overland build.

OME Leaf Springs and Spacers

OME leaf springs for the Ford Ranger and similar truck platforms come in Light, Medium, and Heavy load configurations, replacing the factory leaf pack for improved load capacity and a modest lift. Leaf spring spacers such as the F-150 specific spacer add lift height while retaining the factory leaf spring for a simpler and more affordable setup.

Nitrocharger Shocks

Nitrocharger Sport and Nitrocharger Plus shocks are nitrogen charged twin tube designs tuned to match OME spring rates for a controlled ride both on and off road. The Nitrocharger Plus adds larger valving for improved damping control under higher speed off road driving and heavier accessory loads.

Matching Shocks to Springs

OME shocks are engineered as a system with OME springs, meaning damping rates are specifically tuned for the ride height and spring rate of the corresponding kit. Mixing shock and spring brands can result in a harsh or under damped ride, so OME recommends running shocks and springs together as a matched kit.

BP-51 and Coilover Kits

The ARB Old Man Emu BP-51 is a remote reservoir bypass coilover shock offering external adjustability for compression and rebound damping, used on Toyota and Lexus platforms for serious overland and desert running applications. Fully assembled front coilover kits are also available for the Land Cruiser Prado 250 and current generation Tacoma, simplifying installation versus separate spring and shock components.

Control Arms and Alignment

ARB OME upper control arms for the Ford F-150 correct caster and camber geometry after a lift, addressing the alignment issues that can occur with a leveling kit or coil spring lift on factory control arms. These are especially recommended on F-150s without the factory continuously controlled damping suspension.

Top Off Road Suspension Brands

• Old Man Emu / ARB. Coil springs, leaf springs, Nitrocharger shocks, and BP-51 coilovers
• ARB. Parent brand accessories, control arms, and suspension hardware
• Skyjacker. Lift kits and shocks for trucks and Jeeps
• Fabtech. Long travel and lift kit suspension systems
• ICON Vehicle Dynamics. Coilovers and suspension systems for trucks and SUVs
• FOX. Off road shocks and remote reservoir dampers
• Bilstein. 5100 and 6112 series shocks
• King Shocks. Off road and desert racing dampers
• Rough Country. Lift kits and suspension components
• Eibach. Pro-Truck lift and lowering springs
• Rubicon Express. Jeep specific lift and long arm suspension
• Rock Krawler. Long arm suspension for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator

How to Choose the Correct Old Man Emu Suspension Kit

• Confirm the exact year, make, and model of the vehicle
• Verify front and rear axle configuration (independent front suspension or solid axle)
• Select the correct load rating (Light, Medium, or Heavy) based on planned accessories and cargo
• Confirm desired lift height in inches for the front and rear separately
• Match shocks to the corresponding OME spring kit for correct damping calibration
• Check whether upper control arms are needed to correct alignment after lifting
• Confirm tire and wheel size clearance at the target lift height
• Plan for a professional alignment after any suspension height change
• Verify bump stop and brake line length compatibility at increased ride height
• Read the complete OME application guide before ordering coilover kits

Common Questions

What is the difference between Old Man Emu and ARB?

Old Man Emu is the suspension brand within the ARB 4x4 Accessories company, focused specifically on coil springs, leaf springs, shocks, and coilover kits, while ARB also produces bumpers, lockers, air compressors, and recovery gear under the broader ARB name.

How much lift do OME springs typically provide?

Most OME coil spring kits provide 1 to 3 inches of lift depending on the specific spring rate and load rating selected, with the exact lift height varying by vehicle platform and whether the Light, Medium, or Heavy option is chosen.

Do I need to replace shocks when installing OME springs?

Yes, OME recommends installing matched Nitrocharger shocks alongside OME springs since the damping is tuned specifically for the spring rate and ride height of the kit. Running factory shocks with OME springs can result in an under damped and unsettled ride.

What load rating should I choose for an overland build?

Choose the Heavy load rating if the vehicle will regularly carry a winch bumper, roof top tent, drawer system, and camping gear, since this keeps the ride height correct under the added static weight. Choose Medium or Light for lighter accessory loads or mostly unloaded driving.

Is the BP-51 coilover worth the upgrade over standard OME shocks?

The BP-51 offers external compression and rebound adjustability through a remote reservoir design, making it well suited to owners who drive varied terrain at speed and want to fine tune damping without changing shocks entirely. Standard Nitrocharger shocks are a more affordable and simpler option for typical overland and daily driven builds.

Do I need new upper control arms after installing an OME lift?

On IFS platforms like the Ford F-150 and Toyota Tacoma, upper control arms are often recommended after a lift to correct caster and camber angles that shift outside factory alignment specifications with stock arms at increased ride height.

Can OME leaf springs be used with the factory shocks?

OME leaf springs can be run with factory shocks, but pairing them with matched Nitrocharger shocks provides better damping control tuned to the new spring rate and ride height for a more balanced ride.

What is a leaf spring spacer and when should I use one?

A leaf spring spacer sits above the factory leaf spring pack to add lift height without replacing the entire spring, offering a simpler and lower cost alternative to a full leaf spring kit for moderate lift height needs.

Are Old Man Emu coilovers a direct fit or do they require modification?

Most OME coilover kits for supported platforms like the Land Cruiser Prado 250 and current Tacoma are designed as a direct bolt on fitment using factory mounting points, without requiring cutting or permanent modification to the vehicle.

Do OME parts work on both on road and off road driving?

Yes, OME suspension is engineered to balance on road comfort and stability with off road articulation and durability, making it a common choice for daily driven trucks and SUVs that also see regular trail or overland use.

Why Buy Old Man Emu from Black Ops Auto Works

Black Ops Auto Works stocks 283 Old Man Emu SKUs across Toyota, Jeep, Ford, and RAM off road platforms with real fitment data, competitive pricing, and support from staff who build these off road vehicles themselves. Products are filterable by year, make, model, trim, engine, and drivetrain to confirm the correct application before ordering.

For focused shopping, browse our Suspension, Shocks and Struts, Coilovers, Leaf Springs and Accessories, Skyjacker, Fabtech, ICON, FOX, and ARB.