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ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Grand Vitara, Vitara, Chevy Tracker (Gen. 2 Platform) 1999-2005 => Topic started by: toofaroffroad on June 23, 2007, 04:12:46 PM

Title: OLD MAN EMU strut problems.
Post by: toofaroffroad on June 23, 2007, 04:12:46 PM
I purchased a brand new pair of OME struts for my sidekick about two years ago. I then sold the kick and put them on my 99 Tracker about 7 months ago. They were in use for about a year and a half. As we all know these things are not cheep but there arn't a lot of options out there for us. Anyway my driver side strut is blown out...done and the left sounds like it almost there. I'm not impressed at all. This was from occasional offroad use and daily driving with nothing more then 31's on my truck.My warrently is also up. Are these things really the only option apart from sketchy strut extensions and spacers. those two struts set me back approx $300.00 with shipping and taxes.
Title: Re: OLD MAN EMU strut problems.
Post by: IanL on June 24, 2007, 04:32:33 AM
Most people are very happy with the OME struts.  They are holding up very well on my X-90.

You didn't mention springs.  The OME struts are meant to be used with the OME springs.  If you didn't fit the OME springs, or at least spacers which give 1.5 in lift, I'm wondering whether that could account for the premature failure (short spring/long strut)?
Title: Re: OLD MAN EMU strut problems.
Post by: kingzoo on June 24, 2007, 05:20:38 PM
  that's right.if you ran them without at least 1.5 inches of lift,that is what killed them.They are longer then stock,and runniung them unlifted will kill them in short order.
Title: Re: OLD MAN EMU strut problems.
Post by: JDMCRX on June 24, 2007, 11:19:11 PM
If the bump stop was not extended the shock was bottoming out alot. Thats what probly killed them. Over comression the shock was asorbing the energy instead of the bumpstop.

josh
Title: Re: OLD MAN EMU strut problems.
Post by: toofaroffroad on June 27, 2007, 10:32:57 PM
Yeah guys these struts were installed with a 2" coil spring lift and on my sidekick I was running the Calmini lift. We arn't talking years of use. They were mounted on my 99 tracker for about 6 months. Whatever, I have no other option so i'm gonne get another OME strut.
Title: Re: OLD MAN EMU strut problems.
Post by: AJMBLAZER on June 28, 2007, 04:27:29 AM
Quote from: toofaroffroad on June 27, 2007, 10:32:57 PM
Whatever, I have no other option so i'm gonne get another OME strut.

I've heard your story elsewhere.  Most people seem happy with their OME stuff but I have read other people mentioning their OME struts/shocks failing prematurely.

Have you considered strut extenders like BDS makes?  I used those with some KYB struts on our last GV.  I liked them and especially considering their price ($45 delivered I think) I would use them again.  I really want to use the OME stuff but hell, I can't justify $300 for a pair of struts!  I can have two KYB struts and the extenders for about $160.