Old Man Emu suspension is an aftermarket system that raises your vehicle's ride height and improves off-road capability

Old Man Emu (OME) is an Australian suspension manufacturer owned by ARB that makes coil springs, shock absorbers, and complete suspension kits for trucks, SUVs, and four-wheel-drive vehicles. Their products are designed to handle rough terrain while maintaining on-road comfort — they're not race-focused or purely off-road-only systems. OME suspension sits between stock setups and extreme rock-crawling gear.

The core idea is straightforward: OME replaces your factory springs and shocks with heavier-duty components that can support added weight (like roof racks, winches, or cargo) and absorb impacts from rocks, ruts, and uneven ground without bottoming out. The system typically raises your vehicle 1 to 3 inches depending on the kit, which also improves approach and departure angles — the ability to climb over obstacles without scraping the undercarriage.

Key Takeaways

  • Old Man Emu suspension kits include coil springs and shock absorbers matched to your specific vehicle model and intended use.
  • Installation requires removing your factory suspension components and bolting in OME parts, a job that takes 4 to 8 hours at a shop or longer if you do it yourself.
  • OME suspension costs between $1,200 and $3,500 for a complete kit, depending on your vehicle and whether you include extras like adjustable shocks.
  • The system improves ground clearance and load capacity but does not change your vehicle's engine power or fuel economy significantly.
  • OME is one of several aftermarket suspension brands; others include Bilstein, King, and Dobinsons, each with different tuning and price points.

How Old Man Emu suspension differs from factory suspension

Factory suspension is engineered for comfort on paved roads and designed to meet a price target. It uses softer springs and lighter shocks tuned to absorb highway bumps while keeping the vehicle level. Factory suspension also assumes your vehicle will carry only its rated payload — a few passengers and light cargo.

OME suspension uses stiffer springs that don't compress as easily, so they support heavier loads without sagging. The shocks are also heavier-duty: they have larger pistons and more internal passages to dissipate heat during repeated impacts. This stiffness means OME suspension will feel firmer on smooth pavement, but it won't bottom out when you hit a pothole or drive over a boulder. OME kits also come in different spring rates — you choose based on how much weight you plan to carry and how rough your typical terrain is.

What's included in an Old Man Emu kit

A basic OME suspension kit includes four coil springs (one for each corner) and four shock absorbers. Some kits also include bump stops, which are rubber or polyurethane blocks that prevent the suspension from compressing fully, and new mounting hardware if your factory bolts won't work with the new components.

OME offers several shock options within each kit. Standard shocks are non-adjustable and tuned for a specific vehicle weight and use case. Adjustable shocks let you change the damping (how quickly the shock absorbs and releases energy) without removing the shock from the vehicle — you turn a dial on top of the shock to stiffen or soften the ride. Adjustable shocks cost more but give you flexibility if your vehicle's weight changes or you want to fine-tune the feel.

Some kits also bundle in a new sway bar or sway bar links, which control body roll when you turn. OME may recommend upgrading these because stiffer springs can increase body roll if the sway bar isn't stiff enough to match.

Installation: what to expect at a shop or at home

Professional installation at a shop typically takes 4 to 8 hours and costs $400 to $1,200 in labor, depending on your vehicle and whether the shop needs to order parts or do extra work like adjusting wheel alignment afterward. The shop will lift your vehicle, remove the wheels, unbolt the factory springs and shocks, install the OME components, and reinstall the wheels. Most shops will also check and adjust your wheel alignment, because changing suspension height can throw off your toe and camber angles.

If you install OME suspension yourself, you'll need a hydraulic jack, jack stands, a socket set, and a spring compressor (a tool that squeezes the coil spring so you can safely remove it). The job is doable for someone with mechanical experience, but mistakes can be dangerous — a spring under compression can cause serious injury if it's released suddenly. Many DIY builders rent a spring compressor and take their time, spreading the work over a weekend or longer.

After installation, your vehicle will sit higher and may need a wheel alignment check. Some shops include this; others charge separately. You should also check your headlight aim, because the higher ride height can point your headlights upward and blind oncoming drivers.

Cost breakdown for Old Man Emu suspension

A complete OME kit for a mid-size truck or SUV typically costs $1,200 to $2,500 for the springs and shocks alone. Adjustable shocks add $300 to $600 more. If you add accessories like new sway bar links or bump stops, add another $100 to $300.

Labor at a shop ranges from $400 to $1,200 depending on your vehicle and location. Wheel alignment after installation usually costs $100 to $200. So a full installation with alignment might total $1,800 to $4,000 out of pocket.

OME suspension does not typically change your fuel economy in a measurable way, though the stiffer springs and higher ride height create slightly more wind resistance. You may notice a 1 to 2 mile-per-gallon drop if you drive mostly on highways, but off-road driving is already fuel-intensive, so the suspension itself is not the limiting factor.

When Old Man Emu suspension makes sense for your vehicle

OME suspension is worth considering if you regularly carry heavy loads (roof rack, cargo box, winch, spare tire), drive on rough roads or trails, or want to improve ground clearance without a full lift kit. It's also a good choice if you want a suspension that handles both highway driving and light off-roading without being extreme in either direction.

OME is less necessary if you drive mostly on paved roads, rarely carry extra weight, and don't plan to go off-road. In that case, factory suspension or a lighter aftermarket option like Bilstein shocks alone might be enough. OME is also overkill if you're planning serious rock crawling or high-speed desert racing — those applications need specialized suspension tuned for extreme conditions.

Vehicle age and condition matter too. If your factory suspension is already worn out (bouncy, bottoming out, or sagging), replacing it with OME makes sense. If your factory suspension is still in good shape and you're just looking for a small lift, you might get by with OME springs alone and keep your factory shocks for now.

Old Man Emu versus other aftermarket suspension brands

OME competes with several other well-known suspension makers. Bilstein makes shocks and springs for many vehicles and is often cheaper than OME, but Bilstein's off-road tuning is less aggressive — better for light trails than serious terrain. King suspension is premium-priced and designed for high-speed off-road racing; it's stiffer and more expensive than OME. Dobinsons is another Australian brand similar to OME in price and capability, with a strong reputation in the four-wheel-drive community.

The choice between them often comes down to your vehicle model (not all brands make kits for every vehicle), your budget, and whether you want adjustable shocks. OME has a wide range of vehicle coverage and a good balance of price and performance, which is why it's popular for overlanding and light off-roading. If you're shopping, get quotes from shops that carry multiple brands — they can tell you which kit fits your vehicle and driving style best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Old Man Emu suspension make my truck ride rougher on the highway?

Yes, noticeably. Stiffer springs transmit more bumps to the cabin. On smooth pavement, you'll feel every expansion joint and pothole. On rough roads, this stiffness is an advantage — it prevents bottoming out. If you drive mostly highways, OME may feel too firm. Adjustable shocks help; you can soften them for highway driving and stiffen them before off-roading.

Can I install Old Man Emu suspension myself if I've never done suspension work?

It's possible but risky. Coil springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury if mishandled. If you're mechanically experienced and have the right tools (especially a spring compressor), you can do it. If you're new to suspension work, pay a shop. The labor cost is worth the safety and the assurance that everything is installed correctly.

Does Old Man Emu suspension void my vehicle's warranty?

Aftermarket suspension typically does not void your entire warranty, but it may void the suspension and drivetrain portions. Check your vehicle's warranty document or call your dealer before installation. Some dealers are more lenient than others. If warranty coverage matters to you, ask the shop whether they've installed OME on your vehicle model before and what warranty issues they've seen.

How long does Old Man Emu suspension last?

OME shocks typically last 50,000 to 100,000 miles depending on how rough your driving is. Springs last longer — often the life of the vehicle — but can sag over time if you regularly carry heavy loads. Inspect your shocks every 20,000 miles for leaks or loss of damping. If your vehicle bounces excessively after bumps, your shocks are likely worn and need replacement.

What's the difference between OME and a full lift kit?

OME suspension raises your vehicle 1 to 3 inches and improves load capacity and ground clearance. A full lift kit typically raises you 4 to 6 inches and may include longer control arms, new brake lines, and other structural changes. Lift kits are more expensive and more invasive. OME is a simpler upgrade if you only need modest height and better off-road capability.