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Old 05-06-2012, 09:11 AM   #21
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Re: 2006 SMB 4x4 Shock Replacement

Thanks for the replies, Sportsmobile indicated that the Old Man Emu's were getting too difficult to obtain and made the switch. Now I am hesitant, seems the consensus is that the Rancho's aren't that great. Maybe I will search for some OME's.

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Old 05-15-2012, 02:04 PM   #22
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Re: 2006 SMB 4x4 Shock Replacement

Update: I was able to purchase a set of OME shocks from Sportsmobile and am having them installed on Friday. I will post back with the progress. Thanks all for the information and recommendations.
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Old 05-15-2012, 03:09 PM   #23
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Re: 2006 SMB 4x4 Shock Replacement

OME too difficult to obtain = Ranchos are cheaper... seems like you did just fine gettin' yours
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Old 05-22-2012, 03:17 AM   #24
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Re: 2006 SMB 4x4 Shock Replacement

My OME shocks have over 140,000 miles on them and seem to be working OK.

I was under the impression that the OMEs had a lifetime warranty. If they are not working will OME replace them?

It is a simple (and cheap) job if you only need to replace the bushings.
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Old 05-22-2012, 08:29 AM   #25
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Re: 2006 SMB 4x4 Shock Replacement

Shocks do not last forever - nothing with moving parts does. Seals wear, dry out and crack and then leak. Oil breaks down due to thermal cycles and it becomes contaminated with wear particles, losing viscosity. Moving contact surfaces wear and then have blow by resulting in less damping. Valve stacks become brittle or soft and crack or distort. Nitrogen charges get mixed with the oil allowing cavitation. I could go on, but you get the point.

OEM shocks would be covered by the vehicles basic warranty, most won't even last that long.
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Old 05-22-2012, 11:16 AM   #26
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Re: 2006 SMB 4x4 Shock Replacement

Quote:
Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile
OEM shocks would be covered by the vehicles basic warranty, most won't even last that long.
OEM are shocks that come with the vehicle from Ford..... not to be confused with OME which stands for Old Man Emu shocks that come with a Sportsmobile conversion and made by ARB tuned specifically for the weight of our vans.

I was unaware that the Old Man shocks have a lifetime warranty.... worth looking into for sure. I will write ARB to ask.
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Old 05-22-2012, 12:22 PM   #27
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Re: 2006 SMB 4x4 Shock Replacement

Dyslexics of the world Untie. OEM/OME what's difference anyway.

"OME" are not that great of a shock in the first place, just you basic Twin Tube shock like the OEM shocks. I always and only recommend and use Mono Tube Shocks with a separate N2 chamber, preferably in a separate reservoir.
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Old 05-25-2012, 11:33 AM   #28
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Re: 2006 SMB 4x4 Shock Replacement

As an update, had the work done and shocks installed last Friday. 4 Wheel Parts did a good job and had an installation discount on the web that applied. The new OME shocks are better, the van has less of the "bump steer" now and generally feels more planted. I had higher expectations, but nothing to base those on. I would recommend the Lynnwood location to any local PNW's, although not familiar with Sportsmobiles they were willing to listen and do some homework on their own. Sportsmobile was very helpful in supplying part numbers and guidance to the install guys on a few items (ball joints & tie rod's). Thanks all for the additional guidance.
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Old 05-25-2012, 01:43 PM   #29
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Re: 2006 SMB 4x4 Shock Replacement

I believe you may have gotten the last set of OMEs available from SMB. They are custom valved for the OME spring pack that went on the vans after they stopped doing Quigley. They can't be found elsewhere. Besides perhaps cost SMB also wanted to go to a local source for the springs which is one reason they went to Ranchos. That and some folks like the adjustability. I think I got the 2nd to last set of OMEs last month.

I find it surprising that folks get more than 40 or 50,000 miles out of their shocks on a 10,000 tuna boat that goes off-road. Ball joints don't even last that long.
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Old 05-25-2012, 02:58 PM   #30
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Re: 2006 SMB 4x4 Shock Replacement

I think you are correct, Sportsmobile indicated they only had a "few" left.
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