OME 896's and Total Chaos UCA Modifications

CO-Jeff · 08-18-2006, 08:56 PM

Well after waiting on DR for almost 4 months, they advised me to go with a different spring, mainly due to the weight of my rear bumper and that I plan to carry 200 lbs all the time.

So after looking around (Many thanks to Doug at Toyteclifts) he recommended that I go with the OME 896's, very cheap from ARB and available, custom springs are 6 weeks.

We tried the OME 74E Shocks but no joy too much travel for the springs, would need a 3 1/4 lcustom spring.

So going with the DR rear shocks to match the front coilovers when they come out in two weeks.

So after 8906 miles riding the front coilovers and rear spacers on stock springs the ride after the 896's is amazing but the REAL BIG difference is the Total Chaos upper control arms, my front coilovers are now raised 3 inches.

The FJ has never driven this good since I bought it, worth every dime.

The back still sets a little high but after the springs settle and the Fab Fours rear bumper is installed I think it will be just perfect.

Also I want thank and highly recommend the guys at All Phase Offoad in Longmount CO they do excellent work, I also purchased the rear diff skid from them like tisilversFJ.

And finally got around to switching out the cable for a synthetic rope as well.

I will take some better pictures tomorrow in the daylight, been a long day.

Jim_D · 08-18-2006, 09:35 PM

If I had known you were going with 896's I would have sold you mine for a song. I only had them on for about two weeks while waiting for the ToyTec springs. I've got a whole lot more thread showing on my Donahoe's (necessary to level the vehicle). I guess my front end must weigh more than yours, or my rear end sits higher, or both.

Jim

CO-Jeff · 08-18-2006, 09:38 PM

Thanks Jim, should of posted something but did this last minute, trying to get all my mods done before I get my rear bumper next week.

I may crank the front up more but going to wait until the rear bumer is on and the springs settle.

Which rear shocks did you go with ?

Oh those pics were before we leveled it will take some tomorrow in the light.

Jim_D · 08-18-2006, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Which rear shocks did you go with

I went with the OME N71e's, and they seem to match up with the ToyTec springs extremely well. I just installed some of Steve's lower links, which should help the rear articulation some. I also installed a MagnaFlow exhaust, which is awfully nice; except for the rather large tip, which I predict is destined to get dinged up. I figure when I get a rear bumper installed (whenever that might be) I'll get a muffler shop to raise it up some and try to get it out of harm's way a bit. You can definitely tell there's an increase in power off idle. I've currently got the Total Chaos UCA's, but I'm going to get the Dohanoe UCA's when they become available (they tell me the first of September). Graham (gsgmac) is going to take my Total Chaos UCA's. Don't ask me why I'm doing it, except maybe to help Graham get the TC's at a very good price.

Jim

CO-Jeff · 08-18-2006, 10:18 PM

Yeah, I was waiting ont he DR UCA's but they are delayed again and will my final setup before the moab trip.

I have the TRD exhaust but getting ready to make the mods that re-route by the gas tank. The Guys at all phase offroad are making custom skid plates.

I am going with the airplane alumium amazing weight difference and I like the work they are doing up there.

Jim_D · 08-18-2006, 10:38 PM

I'd like to see your skids when you get them on. I was waiting on Bud to finish his skids for the FJ, but there's a guy here in Dallas that does very nice work and Graham is going to see him next week. Maybe he'll come up with something we both like and that way we can get them locally. I also need to make sure any skids I decide on will work with my ARB. I'm mulling over the idea of heading out to Moab for the weekend of the 6th of October (I assume that's when you'll be there), and then maybe staying for an extra week or so to do some mountain biking. I'm trying to talk a buddy of mine into coming with me, since he used to have a couple of H1's and has been to Moab numerous times and done all the trails. I told him we could take turns driving the FJ (maybe that'll entice him into coming).

Jim

CO-Jeff · 08-18-2006, 10:43 PM

yeah, I am going that weekendm arriving late weds staying until Sunday, I have to be back in Denver Monday.

bandi · 08-18-2006, 10:54 PM

I am going with the 896's for the rear setup to get rid of the spacers in the back... plus my headlights point in the sky right now, could use a beefier spring...

I wil PM JIm...

***4RnrJ*** · 08-20-2006, 10:06 AM

Jesus guys, you don't waste any time. Going from stock to TC UCA's to DR UCA's in like 7 months? Wow, most of us offroading guys have to wait a LONG time between those upgrades to self justify them. Jim_D, when you get the DR UCA's, you must must do a BIG writeup on them. $1000 for a pair of UCA's, wow.

Oh btw, I'm not dissing, just extremely jealous of your apparent cash flow!

***Landrover*** · 08-20-2006, 10:51 AM

Quote:

4RnrJ previously said:

Jesus guys, you don't waste any time. Going from stock to TC UCA's to DR UCA's in like 7 months? Wow, most of us offroading guys have to wait a LONG time between those upgrades to self justify them. Jim_D, when you get the DR UCA's, you must must do a BIG writeup on them. $1000 for a pair of UCA's, wow.

Oh btw, I'm not dissing, just extremely jealous of your apparent cash flow!

No kidding....a grand is a bunch of cash! Is there a realized benefit of the DR UCA's being billet aluminum as opposed to tubular steel? Or is it just bling factor? Either way...they are the shizzle...