Executive SummaryThe Old Man Emu (OME) lift is indubitably the finest lift system that I've ever encounterd. (see comparisons) The overall ride quality is SUPERIOR to the stock suspension.The most significant part of this suspension is the ride quality. It doesn't sway, bounce or transmit harsh road conditions to the seat of the occupants. There is even less road noise transmitted into the passenger compartment. It is truly better than stock. While the little wagoneer does have 167,000 miles on it, the ride quality prior to the lift was better than most of the XJ's that I've owned (at last count it was over a half dozen... with two xj wagoneers currently in the stable).  The supple nature of the OME springs contribute to this quality and helps the suspension articulate well. Off road I find the feel of the vehicle much to my liking. Again, it felt more like an FSJ than an XJ. Prior to the lift the little wagoneer felt awkward and hard to drive off road. It tended to jostle around out of sync with the occupants. With the OME that feeling is gone and control has returned. I'm looking forward to the next phases of the little wagoneer project where he gets new shoes and his factory trac-lok repaired. Then I'll be able to get real serious about some off-roading... without having to be retrieved by Old Blue...  The Old Man Emu system is something anyone who is dissatisfied with their XJ's ride, off-road manners or current "stiff" lift kit should seriously consider. While it's only a two inch kit, I believe that another two inches may be gained without sacrificing the ride or handling. (see the IDEAS section)
On my little wagoneer I saw a total of 2" of lift in the front and 3" in the rear. (see measurements) It's hard to believe, but the little wagoneer seems to ride better than Old Blue! On the FSJ-List this may be considered a heretical statement, but it's what I'm experiencing! And Old Blue is one of the finest riding SJ's I've ever owned or ridden in! I'm impressed. The quality of the components is far superior to the other brands I've used or seen. I have only one gripe, and that is that the "ars" end feels like it sits up higher than the front. To fix this I have some ideas for more lift. Wait, I have one other gripe, that they don't make this lift for an FSJ! I'm sure that with an OME set of springs and shocks that Old Blue could be made to ride and articulate better than the little wagoneer...
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