You'll be better off with ome springs. Better quality and better for towing. A lot of people have to throw in a spacer in the rear when towing with the iro springs because they sag so bad

 

I put on the OMEHD springs with 10mm spacers all around no front extended sway bar links. Didn't do a hub to fender measurement but I was able to fit 245/70R17 with no rub and no trimming. On road manners are excellent. Give Kolak a call he set me up with everything I needed.

 

I did OME HD springs with new coil isolators (Kolak is the man!), and fit 245/75r16 DuraTracs with no rubbing or trimming. Most i pulled was a 6x10 enclosed with all my stuff in it and it pulled very nicely. Even right after a blizzard. Sagging was minimal. Only issue i had was that I needed a lower drop hitch, so i had to make a quick run to the store. Also bought Zone Offroad front sway bar links (3In) since my steering was too jumpy. Those brought it back to a stock feel.

Edit: Also, should add: ive done several long distance trips with this setup and it's comfortable.
Ive done 4hr drive up to my cabin, ran sandy/whoopy trails for hours and then drove it home. I drove it 6hrs to Pittsburgh a couple weeks ago at highway speeds of 70 (no hurry for me, conserving gas) and it did just fine. And to really put my faith into this setup- i'm driving it Mississippi tomorrow for work. That's a nice, 13hr drive.

 

Alright, just got to my hotel in Mississippi. 13Hrs and the WJ/OME HD/Bilsteins performed great as usual. Cruise was set at 70 the whole way down, and overhead is showing 17.1 Average. :thumbsup:

 

OME results

I just put an OME 3" HD lift on my 04 Overland. Shortly thereafter, I put a set of 255/75/R17 tires and Moab wheels off of a 2013 JK. ($500, 5 new Goodyear Wranglers and 5 new Moab style wheels, sweet!). The tires just touch the inner fender liner in front, the back are fine. I took her elk hunting after Thanksgiving, the "roads" had turned to gravel soup with shin deep ruts that froze and thawed each day. I aired down the tires to 20 psi, and that vehicle was AMAZING. It went places I would have never dreamed of taking my 4WD Suburban, and never even flinched. I don't think I ever put it in 4 low.

The OME HD springs come highly rated, along with the Bilstein 5100 shocks. It rides a little stiffer than factory, but dead steady as fast as I have ever taken it. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. I got a full 3" in the back, and probably 2 1/2 in the front, but I have the 4.7 V8. I have a set of 3/4 inch spaces I will probably put in the front, just to level it out. I did tow a #3500 camping trailer, it does make the back squat a bit, but not unworkable. It has more towing power than my Sprinter, but the short wheelbase and lighter weight make it twitchy when pulling the trailer.

 

OME Lift

Here is my rig with the 3" OME lift and the JK tires, hooked to my camper.

 

I'm running ome hd's and billys. Nice highway ride. I'm at 21" hub to fender all around. I'm rolling 245 70 17's with spidertrax1.25 wheel spacers and had to trim just a little of the front plastic bumper fascia where you cant even see it. It's firmer than the stock ride but feels more stable and nice around curves for a 3 inch lift. I'm not going to get a bigger sway bar.

 

Thank you all for the input.
Looks like for towing purposes OME HD is a winner. Any IRO running guys to compare?
Since I will be only towing maybe two - three times per year, I was also considering IRO 3" with air bags in rear coils to level the vehicle under load when I need it.
Fitting those JK wheels looks cool but it is very tight as I can see... may rip out my fog lights in some extreme situation...I will probably stick to 255/75/16 to be on safer side. From all pictures I have seen - IRO 3" lift seems to look higher than OME HD, and some folks claimed actual lift netting 3.25" with it. That little difference may help with tight tire fitment without trimming.
I could use 10mm coil spacers over the OME HD springs,to make sure I keep desired lift height - but talked to Nick from Kolak few days ago - and he didn't recomend using them , because spacers are limiting coils articulation, which = harder, stiffer ride .
Would love to hear some IRO users feedback on their setups, before I'll make final choice. Thanks again everybody for all info.

 

OME HD is a good choice BUT; they are not 3", at least mine, I gained only 2" although I did replace all coil spring isolators. Concerning the front sway bar links, if your main purpose is towing, get the IRO, they are better built. What am sure of is either ways Kolak is your man at this stage, he will help you choose and he will get you a good deal.

Sent from ME

 

I have run the IRO equipment on my 98zj @ 4.5" lift with longarms and I did not sag when towing. However, my IRO equipment was purchased years ago before they change to lower quality stuff. I am running the OME 3" hd setup with bilstein's from Kolak on my wj. I do have the adjustable jks sway bar links, IRO 3" extended rear sb links, and jks adjustable tb. I would also recommend a 2" spacer for the a-arm and new isolators while you are doing this. This will improve certain ride and flex characteristics of this wj rear 3 link set-up.

You will need new nuts and bolts to secure the bottom of the front bilsteins. My factory shocks had fixed hardware. You be sure to loosen all CA hardware prior to installing the new equipment. Once everything is installed and the jeep is on the ground supporting its own weight, then torque everything to spec. This will help address certain ride issues.

Also, do not be surprised if the front lower spring perch towers are rusted or rotten. IRO sells nice replacements that need to be welded into place.

 

I run the 3" IRO with a 10mm OME spacer all around. I bought through Kolak. I got the Billys, and the MOOG Trail Boss Stabilizer.

I have an Icleland winch bumper I got used that I plan to get on this spring with a winch. And with a bunch of gear in the back for exploring, I figured I'd add the 10mm spacers.

I run 265-75-16s on the stock Silverblades, no spacers.

I haven't towed with it, but I've got about 10,000 miles on the lift now. I'm pleased with it. I can't say it's sagged any, not that I've measured it though. I did upgrade to the KOR hard bushings in the front IRO adj trac bar. I found IROs bushings too soft, and I could see them move when someone cranked the wheel back and forth. The front end is tighter with the KOR bushings.

My build is more for higway and DD, and Expedition-type trips, so I won't be disconnecting and rockcrawling with the WJ.

I put on what came with the kit -- longer rear sway links I think, stock fronts, IIRC. Highway ride is really good, no complaints. I do get the typical clunk in the rear from the shocks -- the stock bolts and new shock bushings don't fit quite right. There are various bolt and washer tricks to get that to fit better. I just haven't gotten to it yet.

As for towing, with my 3.55s and the 4.0 and the 265s, I'm not thinking I'd tow a lot unless it were to get regeared, or just run it with the OD off. By itself, it does great. I really like the combo, it's just what I wanted for the Wj.

Here's a few shots.

Good luck
Pete

 

I run the 3" IRO with a 10mm OME spacer all around. I bought through Kolak. I got the Billys, and the MOOG Trail Boss Stabilizer.

I have an Icleland winch bumper I got used that I plan to get on this spring with a winch. And with a bunch of gear in the back for exploring, I figured I'd add the 10mm spacers.

I run 265-75-16s on the stock Silverblades, no spacers.

I haven't towed with it, but I've got about 10,000 miles on the lift now. I'm pleased with it. I can't say it's sagged any, not that I've measured it though. I did upgrade to the KOR hard bushings in the front IRO adj trac bar. I found IROs bushings too soft, and I could see them move when someone cranked the wheel back and forth. The front end is tighter with the KOR bushings.

My build is more for higway and DD, and Expedition-type trips, so I won't be disconnecting and rockcrawling with the WJ.

I put on what came with the kit -- longer rear sway links I think, stock fronts, IIRC. Highway ride is really good, no complaints. I do get the typical clunk in the rear from the shocks -- the stock bolts and new shock bushings don't fit quite right. There are various bolt and washer tricks to get that to fit better. I just haven't gotten to it yet.

As for towing, with my 3.55s and the 4.0 and the 265s, I'm not thinking I'd tow a lot unless it were to get regeared, or just run it with the OD off. By itself, it does great. I really like the combo, it's just what I wanted for the Wj.

Here's a few shots.

Good luck
Pete

Awesome looking WJ Pete . That is the height I would like to achieve after my lift. Just to make sure: your 10mm OME spacers over colis didn't make your ride on the the regular road harsh and bumpy , right ?.
Do you have any rubing with 265/75 16 and did you install extended bump stops?
Alaso do you have any vibrations from drive shaft without TC drop with this lift ?
Thanks

 

Thanks again everybody for all info and help. Looks like both versions - IRO 3" and OME HD coil lift - are decent setups. I'm leaning lil bit more towards IRO, due to desired real 3" height even without any coil spacers. Will research everything I can about WJ 3" lifts and make my decision on the end of the week.
What you guys think about these steering stabilizers:
- Kevin's Offroad HD steering stabilizer
- Moog's
- Rough Country HD
- OME SS
or any different suggestions.

 

Subbed for interest I hope to replace my 2" Spacers with either the OME or the IRO kits.

 

I just ordered a ton a stuff from Kolak over the last two weeks for my 02 WJ Limited I6.

I highly recommend Nick at Kolak. He's a straight shooter and will get you a great deal.

I ordered:
OME 3" HD Springs
IRO adjustable track bar
3" drop rear sway bar links
Addco rear sway bar
Moog Trail Boss Steering stabilizer
Bilstien 5100 Shocks
All new tie rod ends, Moog
SuperChip programmer
Moog replacement spring inserts
Kolak Exhaust w/ Magna Flow cat and muffler

I quizzed Nick @ Kolak about all the effects of the lift. My WJ wobbles/sways badly currently. Most likely the track bar bushings. It has 135k miles on it and since I'll be there I'm replacing the tie rods ends. I'm rarely going to offroad this so ride quality with no wondering or vibrations are most important to me. I'm ordering a set of Bridgestone Revo tires in 265/75-16 for the stock wheels, on sale at Tire Rack currently. I'm powder coating the blade split spoke wheels satin black. The WJ is red.

Good luck with you lift! Post pics when finished.

:thumbsup:

 

Quick question about the 3" IRO lift kit.

I was thinking about getting the 3" IRO lift kit to go along with a JK wheel-tire package I recently got my hands on, does anyone know if I would need to run spacers? I figure that I would trim here and there but I wasn't sure if the spacers were needed.

Anyways is there anything in this kit that's no included in order to run my WJ property?
Thanks

 

I'd be happy to chat with you about the IRO lift. Send me a PM or email me at kolak@aol.com - there may be some other things you need depending on how many miles are on your Jeep and also we'd need to discuss shock options.

Quick question about the 3" IRO lift kit.

I was thinking about getting the 3" IRO lift kit to go along with a JK wheel-tire package I recently got my hands on, does anyone know if I would need to run spacers? I figure that I would trim here and there but I wasn't sure if the spacers were needed.

Anyways is there anything in this kit that's no included in order to run my WJ property?
Thanks

 

I'm running jk wheels at 4" with no rubbing at 3 I had to trim the front bumper just a bit

 

I made finally my choice and ordered modified IRO 3" lift from Kolak. Nick is definitely your man if you think about lifting your jeep. Best brand parts, best prices, professionalism and solid knowledge to answer all your questions.
I'll be sitting on about 3.5" lift after its done.
Lift components I ordered:
1. IRO 3 " lift kit without shocks, with adjustable track bar
2. Bilstein 5100 shocks
3. IRO front extended swaybar endlinks (rear ones in kit)
4. IRO rear upper A-arm spacer
5. IRO transfer case drop
6. OME 10mm coil spacers
7. New spring isolator set (all 8)
8. Moog Super Trail Boss steering stabilizer
9. Moog HD tie rod ends (all 4)
10. Addco 1" rear antisway bar with greaseable bushings
Planning on mounting 265/75/16 Goodyear Duratrac with that setup, hopefully without any trimming, and later on maybe adding extended bump stops on front and Air 1000 air bags in rear coils to have some extra stiffness while towing the trailer few times per year. Will post the pics and feedback when I'm done installing the lift .. probably in a month or so.

Thank you all again for feedback and all help and also to pointing me to Kolak. Dealing with him was a pleasure and he didn't ruin my budget ;-).

 

Sounds awesome, I bought through Nick also. :thumbsup: It'll be similar to my setup, except I don't have #3, #4, #5, or #10.

I may do #10 rear sway bar at some point.

I'm curious why the #5 TC drop was needed, most guys recommend to not install one.
I have not done longer front sway links #3. What is the benefit?
I have not done the A-arm spacer #4. Are the only ill effects a possible shorter life of the joint there?

Good luck with the install.
Pete

 

I didn't purchase the front longer sway bar links as Nick @ Kolak stated they have plenty of travel in the stock length and looking at them I would agree. I actually purchased stock replacement ones with new urethane inserts. Mevotech. Really cheap new on Rock Auto.

Also, I asked Nick about the rear upper A-Arm spacer and he stated that it's not needed until you go to a 4" lift. So with a 3.5" list + another 10mm spacer (0.39") your at 4.0" of lift, so I guess it would be needed as well as the T-Case drop kit.

My rear A-arm is looking pretty rough (rust from MI winters, the salt state) so it will most likely need replacement or a good refurbishing in the next coupe of years. Replace the ball joint, sand blast the arm and powder coat it. The rear brake hard lines have already been replaced as the corrosion ate completely through them, which is common here.

Post pics when it done.

 

So what was the deciding factor to go with IRO over OME HD? Just curious as I am thinking about upgrading from my current set up at some point in the future.

 

Main deciding factor to go with IRO was actual lift height.They both very good quality lifts but with OME HD I would get 3 " or little less vs. real 3" or little more all around with IRO. Since I will be adding 10mm coil spacers on top of it (to have better chance fitting those 265/75/16 Duratracs), with new coil isolators -I will be sitting very close to 4" lift. At full 4" and up you need A -arm spacer, as well as extended front sway bar links, to keep bar on desired level. Also infamous rzeppa in 4.0 WJ may start giving you problems at this height. After discussing all of that with Nick I decided to order those parts, as well as TC drop kit - just to stay on safe side and until I replace my rzeppa with double U- joint. After all , those two extra components didn't make significant difference in overall lift cost, so I followed the rule "better safe than sorry" in this case ;-). My WJ project is little bigger than lift only. I'm installing Doug Thorley headers (got them on 2 day ebay sale for $460 shipped), making my own cold intake combined with Spectre cone filter, adding KC fog lights, bull bar, and will try to tune my jeep with Superchips tuner preformance settings. It will take about 2 weeks to lift components to arrive - the rest of parts are ready to install sitting on my office floor and winking at me ;-). Unfortunately - my work schedule is really hectic these days, so I won't have a chance to work on my rig sooner than month or two.
Once everything is put together - I will definitely post some pics and share my feedback how it preforms.

 

when running a 3" lift on a WJ are yall running stock upper and lower control arm?

 

Control arms

I'm still running stock UCA and LCA's with 3" OME HD and 3/4" spacer in front. It rides stiffer than stock, but it's not my DD, so I am less concerned with ride than performance. I just replaced rear A arm and control arms, as it was not much more to just replace the unit than mess with pressing bushings in and out. Haven't tackled the front yet, as I haven't decided to put adjustable short arms to correct castor, or just go long arm. Works fine in the mean while.

 

Check local offroad forums and see if anyone is getting rid of adjustable short arms or home made adjustables to go with long arms, and you might get them cheap. We are planning to buy adjustable mid length arms off another club members XJ because he wants to go bigger/longer arms.
I like the sounds of this build, and hope you throw some pics up soon.

 

Can anyone here link to a video or put some pictures of their rig after the OME or IRO setup is in place. Im looking to do so long awaited updates to my WJ. Thanks a lot!

 

4" IRO critical path and 265/75-16 BFG AT. Very capable off road and rides and handles good on road. Worth the $$ if you plan to wheel it.