Old Man Emu Installation Tips

The complete Old Man Emu Suspension range incorporates more than just 4×4 shock absorbers and springs. At ARB, we take integration to the highest level with our own selection of bushings, U-bolts, center bolts, spring liners, trim packers, and suspension fitting kits.

Each Old Man Emu Suspension System is precisely designed and engineered to work alongside the vehicle’s factory components. When choosing an Old Man Emu Suspension System, it is important to understand which parts are required or optional. Check out our recent post about how to choose the Old Man Emu Suspension System to suit your specific needs.

Now that you have chosen and ordered your Old Man Emu Suspension System, the following will take you through the installation process.

PRE-INSTALLATION

1.  Before installing your new Old Man Emu suspension components, it is recommended to take initial height measurements at each corner. Measure the distance from the bottom of a flare to the bottom of the wheel rim. This will allow you to track the overall height gained with the new components, along with showing any preexisting lean that might need to be addressed.
   
2. Check the ARB Vehicle Application Guide for additional footnotes regarding the install.
   
   
3. Open each package and ensure that all of the parts have been supplied and correct for your vehicle.
   
   
4. Inspect all suspension mounting points such as shock towers, chassis mounting points, coil seats, top hats, etc. for signs of excessive wear, rust, or damage and replace if needed.

INSTALLATION 

1.  Identify Component Labels
   
   Certain Old Man Emu coil and leaf springs are labeled “A” or “B”. In most cases, the “A” springs have a higher free height than the “B” spring. This is designed to compensate for existing lean, driver weight, aftermarket accessories, fuel tank, and weight distribution. Pre-installation measurements will allow for a more accurate A/B spring fitment.
   
   All leaf springs will be labeled with either a “+”, “0”, or “-“ which signifies a tolerance of up to 3mm. “0” is exact, “+” is slightly above up to 3mm, “-“ is slightly below up to 3mm.
   
   Each spring goes through the proper tests to ensure that they meet the tolerances specified by the Old Man Emu Engineers. All leaf springs will have an arrow marked on the top of the spring. The arrow is meant to point towards the fixed end on the frame opposite of the shackle.
   
   
2.  Grease bushings, sleeves, and interleaf liners prior to installation using ARB part number TB1001. Alternatively, 3.0 NLGI classification grease with low percentage loss (3.5% max) to water washout test D1264 will provide the best results. Fit the remaining parts according to the vehicle fitment guide or provided OME instructions.
   
   
3.  Once the vehicle is on the ground and the load is on the suspension, torque the components to the factory specifications unless noted otherwise. Old Man Emu U-Bolt torque specifications can be found in the Old Man Emu Guide or HERE within our knowledge base.
   
   

POST INSTALLATION

After the suspension has been installed and the vehicle is returned to the ground, check the following and adjust as needed.

1.  Shackle Angles: Ensure they are at least five degrees forward on the front and rear shackles.
   
   
2. Trim: Measure each corner and ensure the vehicle is within 10mm from the left to the right. Install trim packers if needed.
   
   
3. Road test: Check brake performance, steering response, ride quality, and vibrations.
   
   
4. All Wheel Alignment: An alignment must be done to ensure the vehicle specifications are within the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation.
   
   
5. Headlight Alignment: Your vehicle's headlights will now aim slightly higher, adjust the headlight according to the factory service manual.

300-MILE CHECK

1.  Visually check all components of the suspension for damage or premature wear.
   
   
2. Physically check and re-torque all bolts and nuts that were removed or loosened to fit the suspension.
   
   
3. Ensure that nothing is contacting brake lines, sway bars, shocks, struts, springs, driveshaft, etc.
   
   
4. Check vehicle heights as suspension will settle. In general, up to 10mm is acceptable unless additional weight has been added to the vehicle.