If you're building an off-road or overland rig, chances are you've come across the name Old Man Emu. Designed by ARB and trusted around the world, OME suspension kits are built with serious travel in mind—from rocky mountain passes to long-haul desert crossings.

But does it live up to the hype?

We combed through feedback from real drivers on off-road forums, YouTube builds, and 4WD communities to find out what people actually say about Old Man Emu suspension. Here’s what we learned.

Ride Comfort: Firm, Not Harsh

One of the most common takeaways is that Old Man Emu shocks ride firmer than stock, but not in a punishing way. Many 4Runner, Tacoma, and Land Cruiser owners report that while the initial feel may be stiffer, it settles into a smoother, more planted ride—especially when carrying gear.

“It’s not Cadillac soft, but it tracks better on pavement and doesn’t bounce all over the trail.”

OME’s Nitrocharger shocks and BP-51 adjustable shocks are both tuned specifically for vehicle weight, so most of the comfort gains come when the system is properly matched to how much gear you’re running.

Load Handling: Built for Heavy Rigs

Where Old Man Emu really shines is under load. Overlanders running rooftop tents, rear drawer systems, bumpers, winches, and sliders often report significantly better control once they switch to OME constant-load coils or progressive-rate springs.

“Once we added our RTT and fridge, the stock suspension sagged hard. Swapping to OME heavy-duty coils brought everything back into line.”

Whether you're driving a fully loaded GX470, a built-out Tacoma, or a diesel Land Cruiser, OME suspension is designed to handle extra weight without compromising balance.

Off-Road Control: Predictable and Confidence-Building

Trail performance is where many users say Old Man Emu proves its worth. The ride stays composed on washboard and technical terrain, especially with the BP-51’s adjustable compression and rebound damping.

OME isn’t built for high-speed desert racing like some performance-focused kits, but it delivers stable, predictable movement that gives drivers more confidence.

“It doesn’t bottom out on ledges, and articulation is way better than stock. You feel more in control on technical climbs.”

Long-Term Durability: Built for Abuse

OME was developed in the harsh outback of Australia, and it shows. Multiple forum posts mention putting tens of thousands of miles on OME shocks without major degradation. From Alaska to Baja, these kits hold up well in wet, dusty, and remote conditions.

“Three years in and the ride still feels tight. No leaks, no sag, no regrets.”

Rust resistance and seal integrity are frequent highlights. Drivers who live in salty or muddy climates give OME high marks for longevity.

Install Experience: More Effort, but Worth It

OME suspension kits are more complex than a simple shock swap, especially when spring selection depends on your vehicle weight and intended use. But that complexity is also what makes them so effective.

“It took some extra time to get the right spring rates dialed in, but once it was on the truck, I haven’t touched it.”

DIY installers say the install isn’t hard—just a little more involved than bolt-on spacer lifts. That said, choosing the correct components for your build is key to getting the results OME is known for.

Is Old Man Emu Worth It?

Absolutely—if you're building a rig for real-world adventure.

Here’s who benefits most from Old Man Emu:

  • Overlanders with heavy gear setups

  • Daily drivers that hit the trails on weekends

  • Expedition vehicles that need reliability over flash

  • Toyota owners (Tacoma, 4Runner, Land Cruiser) looking for proven fitment

If you’re after comfort, load support, and long-distance reliability—without diving into custom coilovers—Old Man Emu is one of the best options on the market.

Shop Old Man Emu Suspension at Shockwarehouse

Need help choosing the right springs, shocks, or full OME kit for your build? Shop Old Man Emu suspension at Shockwarehouse for expert support and vehicle-specific fitment.

Your truck or SUV deserves more than a quick lift. Build it right with Old Man Emu.