[Dogman]

I'm seriously considering replacing my BB with a coil lift. I will go to 33s after my 31s wear down, so that needs to be taken in to consideration - but that will probably be another 2 years.

I know that OME and BDS both have a really good reputation. I'm torn because the BDS kit is ~$375 and the OME is ~$625.

For context, I would go with the HD OME springs because I do have a couple hundred pounds of armor.

A couple questions:

1.) Is the OME that much better?
2.) Is 2" BDS + my 1" BL good for 33s? My buddy runs the OME + 1.25" BL and it seems just right.

My main reason for doing this will be on road ride quality. I figure I'll enjoy this upgrade every time I drive the rig - my RE twin-tubes are really bugging me lately.

I want to make the right decision because I'm planing on riding 33s for a long time.

Help me out here!!!

EDIT: Is the BDS kit a compromise?

[planman]

Why wait to go with 33s?

Sell your 31s, and buy the BDS 2". With the proceeds from the sale of the 31s, and the lower cost of the BDS over the OME, buy the 33s. If you are on a budget, buy the 33s used, or look at Maxxis or Kumho tires. (I see you are running Kumho tires now.)

If you need more height, add 1/2" spring spacers or add extended bumpstops. If you are on a budget, you can use JB weld and hockey pucks for extended bumpstops.

BDS is no compromise. OME and BDS are equally praised on this and other forums.

If you have the funds, consider the BDS 3" kit (costs about the same as the 2.5" OME HD kit). With your 1" MML, you likely can get away without a TC drop to avoid driveline vibes.

Here is the 3" BDS kit on 33s, with a 1.25" BL/1"BMML:

[Dogman]

Originally Posted by planman

Why wait to go with 33s?

Because you're talking about regearing and my regear plans will include at least one selectable locker. I'm content with 31s until they wear out...or get chunked to death. They're already pretty torn up

[lupinsea]

I've not run the BDS so I can't make a direct comparison but. . .

I was a little disappointed in the OME shocks I got. After hearing nothing but rave reviews of them I was looking forward to a much smoother on-road ride more than anything. If anything they seem to be only slightly softer than the dented, beat up, 2 year old, cheap DT3000 schocks that they replaced (originally spec'd for the RE BB).

Off-road is another story. . .the OMEs are awesome offroad, very controled, and definitely smooths out the trails. So much so I'm finding that I can comfortably run rough trails and washboards at a significantly faster pace (not that I'm really trying to race on the 4x4 trails).

But on the street there seems to be some axle hopping when hitting rough pavement joints or patches (as if the wheel is poorly controled).

[Dogman]

Hmmm...I might just consider buying the BDS shocks and seeing how that goes. That would still leave me the option of going with the HD OME coils. The last thing I want to do is purchase a kit and be disappointed with the on-road characteristics. I'm a realist here...I've owned my TJ for 3 years and I'm not expecting a miracle solution, just something a little smoother.

I do have one shock that's really dented, maybe that's why things have gotten harsh. It's not leaking or anything, just dented up. Also, they're a litte over 2 years old.

[Dogman]

Bump...Any other opinions?

[bigj1974]

I have the 2 inch BDS and I LOVE it. I run 32s

[bman9089]

Well, as for coils, I run DPG coils and the OME kit and they're very nice. Dirk from DPG says that his coils won't sag as bad as others, including OME,. So far so good. But my rig is pretty lightweight.

One reason I would go through him is that he has many different coils to choose from. So if your rig is heavy, he'll set you up with the appropriate coils.

The best riding shock I've heard of is Walker Evans, but you're looking at some serious bills for those. OME is the best alternative option, and they work wonders on dirt roads and washboard roads. Offroad they're very smooth and the DPG coils flex really well disconnected.

That would be one reason to go OME. You can get coils specifically for your rig. Yes, the ride is great! On road it's about like stock, a bit smoother. You'll still feel those bumps, but they don't rattle the rig as bad as they did before when I was stock.

But in the end, don't settle. Why? Because you'll regret it. If you want BDS, go for it! Just pick what you want. No sense in spending money if you'll sit back wishing you had chosen something else. Both are great companies so I have no doubt you'll be happy either way.

I got the 'Ultimate Kit'. Couldn't be happier! I look forward to hopping into it everyday.

33s fit perfectly.

[dallasjetfan]

I plan on going with the 2"BDS and 32's. I am choosing BDS because of their warranty and I can exchange locally if needed.

[Dogman]

Shoot...it's tough. In the end, I'll probably just go with the OME for the slight extra height. I've been keeping my eyes out for a used kit which would bring the cost down just a bit.

[maddiver]

Dogman,
I put the OME HDs on about 2 months ago. In short - WOW! Smooooooooooooth as silk on the road. I was really thinking the HD would be rough but it's not at all. My wife used to prefer the ride of her plush pick-up truck but now says the Jeep rides smoother than it. On and off the road. No more need for his and her neck braces.
I'm running a hardtop, GROUND POUNDER bumper/tire carrier (See link below) and Hi-lift in the back and it still runs smooth. Up front I've got a T-max winch on a Bestop High Rock bumper and still the HDs keep it up nice and high off the 31s.
If I had to spend the money all over again - I'd do it. Well worth the money.
2 cents for ya.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JEEP-REAR-BUMPER-W-TIRE-CARRIER-TJ-YJ-WRANGLER-TOUGH_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33640QQihZ013QQit emZ230162061297

[Rule303]

I started out with a 2" BB and OME shocks. I didn't find the ride any better either. Better control though. Then I got the OME heavy duty springs. The ride was even stiffer, but the handling felt a lot better. But the rear axle hop I was getting made me try switching to light duty springs in the rear. Now it rides like a cadillac on the road, but I think it may end up being too soft on the rough stuff. Haven't really had a chance to try it on anything more than some rutted dirt roads since I added them.

So the ride is really a combination of springs and shocks. The OME shocks may be a little stiff on a Jeep with stock coils, or lightly loaded down. But if you end up adding bumpers, armor, etc, I'd think a OME HD would be perfect.

I've heard good things about BDS also.

[Rule303]

I started out with a 2" BB and OME shocks. I didn't find the ride any better either. Better control though. Then I got the OME heavy duty springs. The ride was even stiffer, but the handling felt a lot better. But the rear axle hop I was getting made me try switching to light duty springs in the rear. Now it rides like a cadillac on the road, but I think it may end up being too soft on the rough stuff. Haven't really had a chance to try it on anything more than some rutted dirt roads since I added them.

So the ride is really a combination of springs and shocks and the weight of your TJ. The OME shocks may be a little stiff on a Jeep with stock coils, or lightly loaded down. But if you end up adding bumpers, armor, etc, I'd think a OME HD would be perfect.

I've heard good things about BDS also.

[bman9089]

not sure if this is a somewhat practical approach or not. But I can sit on the front bumper and it doesn't hardly budge. I figure I weigh at least as much as a winch or other heavy accessories.

Not exactly sure which springs Dirk sent me (as I said, he'll send you what he knows is best for your application), but I told him that I plan on doing some serious mods in the future, and it might really end up heavy. But I would give him a call before you decide on anything.

If you have any doubts or specific questions that you can't get your mind around, post them up or give him a call because he'll be able to help out.

[McLovin]

Dogman you have been on here for awhile and I know you read the threads. I'm very surprised you haven't considered the full traction 3" econo kit. Then buy some mono tubes, sky jacler hydros or some OME shocks. Best bang for your buck right there.