What Old Man Emu suspension systems are

Old Man Emu is an Australian suspension manufacturer owned by ARB Corporation that makes coil springs, shock absorbers, and complete suspension kits for four-wheel-drive vehicles, trucks, and some passenger cars. Their products are designed to handle rough terrain, towing, and heavy loads — not just street driving. You'll find Old Man Emu parts on vehicles that spend time off-road or carry weight that stock suspension wasn't built for.

The company has been making suspension since 1974 and sells through retailers, shops that specialize in four-wheel-drive upgrades, and online distributors. Their kits come in different stages: some replace just the shocks, others include new springs and ride-height adjustments, and the most complete versions redesign how the whole suspension connects to the frame.

Key Takeaways

  • Old Man Emu makes coil springs and shock absorbers designed for vehicles that tow, carry heavy loads, or drive on rough ground.
  • Their suspension kits come in stages from shock-only upgrades to complete systems that change ride height and load capacity.
  • Installation requires removing the old suspension parts and bolting in new ones — a job that takes a few hours at a shop or longer if you do it yourself.
  • The cost varies by vehicle and kit type, but a complete system typically runs several hundred to over a thousand dollars before installation labor.
  • Old Man Emu suspension changes how your vehicle handles bumps, corners, and weight, so test-driving after installation helps you understand the difference.

Why vehicles need different suspension

A vehicle that comes from the factory is built for average conditions: typical road surfaces, normal passenger weight, and no towing. If you regularly tow a trailer, carry tools and equipment, drive on dirt roads, or load your truck bed, the factory springs and shocks compress too much and wear out faster. The vehicle sits lower, corners less predictably, and the ride becomes bouncy.

Upgrading suspension addresses this by using stiffer springs that don't compress as far under load and shocks that absorb bumps without letting the springs bounce back too quickly. Old Man Emu kits are tuned for vehicles that do these heavier jobs, so the springs and shocks work together to keep the ride stable and controlled even when the vehicle is loaded or on uneven ground.

The main types of Old Man Emu kits

Old Man Emu offers several levels of upgrade, and which one makes sense depends on what your vehicle does. A shock-only kit replaces just the dampers (the cylinders that control bouncing) and keeps your factory springs. This is the cheapest option and works if your springs are still in good shape but the shocks are worn out or too soft for your use.

A spring-and-shock kit replaces both at the same time. This is the most common choice because springs and shocks wear together, and matching them ensures they work as a pair. These kits usually raise the vehicle slightly, which increases ground clearance and load capacity.

A complete suspension system includes springs, shocks, and sometimes new control arms, sway bars, or frame brackets. These are for vehicles that need major changes — usually serious off-road use or very heavy towing. They cost more but redesign how the suspension connects to the frame.

What happens during installation

Installation means removing the old springs and shocks and bolting in the new ones. The vehicle has to be lifted, the wheels removed, and the old parts unbolted from the frame and suspension arms. New parts go in the same mounting points, and everything is torqued to the manufacturer's specifications — meaning tightened to a precise tension so nothing loosens while driving.

A shop with suspension experience can do a basic spring-and-shock kit in two to four hours. If you do it yourself, plan for longer because you need a lift or jack stands, the right tools, and time to figure out which bolts go where. Some vehicles have parts that are easier to remove than others — older vehicles and trucks are often simpler than newer cars with complex suspension geometry.

After installation, the vehicle should be aligned. Alignment means adjusting the angles of the wheels so they point straight and wear evenly. Changing suspension height can shift these angles, so a shop will measure and adjust them back to spec. This usually takes an hour and costs between $100 and $200.

How the ride and handling change

After Old Man Emu suspension is installed, you'll notice the vehicle sits higher, corners more flatly, and doesn't bounce as much over bumps. The stiffer springs mean less body roll when you turn, which makes the steering feel more responsive. The shocks keep the springs from oscillating — bouncing up and down repeatedly — so the ride settles faster after hitting a pothole or bump.

The trade-off is that the ride becomes firmer. Factory suspension is tuned for comfort on smooth roads, so it absorbs small bumps gently. Upgraded suspension prioritizes control and load capacity, so you feel more of the road. On a smooth highway, this feels like a slightly stiffer ride. On rough ground or when towing, it feels like the vehicle is more planted and stable.

If you're used to your vehicle's original suspension, test-driving after installation helps you adjust. Most drivers find the new handling worth the slightly firmer ride, especially if they tow or load their vehicle regularly.

Cost and where to buy

Old Man Emu suspension parts are sold through four-wheel-drive shops, online retailers that specialize in truck and SUV upgrades, and some general automotive suppliers. Prices vary by vehicle and kit type. A shock-only kit might run $300 to $600 for a pair of shocks. A spring-and-shock kit typically costs $600 to $1,500 depending on the vehicle. Complete systems can exceed $2,000 before installation labor.

Installation labor at a shop usually runs $200 to $500 for a basic kit, depending on how difficult your vehicle is to work on and what the shop charges per hour. Alignment adds another $100 to $200. If you install it yourself, you save labor but need the tools and time.

Before buying, confirm that the kit is made for your specific vehicle year, make, and model. Old Man Emu makes different versions for different vehicles, and using the wrong one can cause fitment problems or poor handling.

Maintenance after installation

Old Man Emu suspension requires the same maintenance as any other suspension: periodic inspection and eventual replacement. Shocks typically last 50,000 to 80,000 miles before they lose their damping ability and need replacement. Springs can last much longer — often the life of the vehicle — unless they're damaged or overloaded consistently.

Have a shop inspect your suspension annually if you tow or drive off-road regularly. They'll check for leaks in the shocks, cracks in the springs, and loose bolts. Catching wear early prevents damage to other parts like tires, bearings, and the frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on your vehicle's warranty terms and what the manufacturer says about aftermarket suspension. Some warranties exclude suspension changes; others only exclude damage directly caused by the modification. Read your warranty paperwork or contact the dealer before installing. If you're concerned, ask the shop whether they've installed Old Man Emu on your vehicle model before and what warranty issues they've seen.

Can I install Old Man Emu suspension myself?

Yes, if you have a lift or jack stands, the right tools, and mechanical experience. Spring removal and installation requires care because springs are under tension and can cause injury if mishandled. Many people do it themselves on trucks and older vehicles, but shops recommend professional installation for safety and to may support proper torque and alignment afterward.

Does Old Man Emu suspension improve towing capacity?

It improves how your vehicle handles while towing by reducing sag and keeping the suspension stable, but it doesn't change your vehicle's actual towing capacity — that's set by the engine, transmission, frame, and hitch. Upgraded suspension makes towing feel more controlled and safer, especially on rough roads, but check your owner's manual for the maximum weight your vehicle is rated to tow.

How do I know which Old Man Emu kit is right for my vehicle?

Start by identifying what your vehicle does: daily driving only, occasional towing, regular off-road use, or heavy loads. Then contact a four-wheel-drive shop or check Old Man Emu's website to see which kits are made for your vehicle year and model. Shops can also recommend a kit based on how you use your vehicle and what you want the suspension to do.

Will my fuel economy change after installing new suspension?

Slightly, usually downward. Stiffer suspension and the weight of new components add a small amount of rolling resistance and weight, which can reduce fuel economy by 1 to 3 percent. The effect is small enough that most drivers don't notice it, and the improved handling and load capacity usually outweigh the difference.