Old Man Emu (ARB): Built for the Trail, Installed by Experts
Old Man Emu, manufactured by ARB 4×4 Accessories in Australia, is the world’s most respected name in engineered suspension for overlanding and expedition vehicles. OME takes a fundamentally different approach from American lift kit manufacturers: rather than focusing on maximum lift height, they engineer complete suspension systems optimized for loaded vehicle weight. This means your OME suspension performs at its best when your truck is packed with gear, loaded with cargo, or towing — exactly the conditions where most aftermarket suspensions fall flat. At Godspeed Off-Road, we recommend Old Man Emu for customers who use their vehicles as working trucks, overlanding platforms, or expedition rigs.
Why Godspeed Off-Road Chose Old Man Emu (ARB)
Old Man Emu earns its reputation through suspension engineering that accounts for real-world use. Every OME spring is designed for a specific loaded weight range, and their Nitrocharger Sport and BP-51 shocks are valved to match those spring rates precisely. The result is a suspension system that rides like factory at highway speeds under load and provides genuine off-road capability on fire roads and trails. We also appreciate OME’s conservative engineering philosophy — their lift heights (typically 1.5-3 inches) may seem modest compared to American brands, but they deliver that lift with proper geometry and remarkable ride quality. For Toyota platform owners in particular, OME is often the gold standard.
Vehicle Applications
Old Man Emu (ARB) products are engineered for a range of popular off-road platforms. At Godspeed Off-Road, we regularly install Old Man Emu (ARB) components on the Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Land Cruiser, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Ford Bronco, Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, and Nissan Frontier. OME’s roots in the Australian outback make them especially strong on Toyota, Nissan, and Ford Ranger platforms. Their extensive Toyota product line is regarded as the benchmark for overlanding suspension.
Our Old Man Emu (ARB) Installation Expertise
OME installations require careful attention to spring selection and ride-height measurement. Because OME offers different spring rates for different load configurations (light, medium, and heavy duty), selecting the correct spring for the customer’s use case is critical. Our technicians work with each customer to understand their typical load — gear weight, bumper weight, roof rack load — before selecting the appropriate OME components. After installation, we measure ride height at all four corners under typical load conditions to verify the system is performing as designed.
Popular Old Man Emu (ARB) Products We Install
Our most popular OME installations include their complete suspension kits for Toyota 4Runner (5th Gen) and Tacoma (3rd Gen) with Nitrocharger Sport shocks, BP-51 adjustable bypass shocks for customers wanting premium damping control, Dakar leaf springs for rear-heavy applications, and complete Jeep Wrangler kits for overland-focused builds. We also install OME’s air-spring helper kits and GVM+ (Gross Vehicle Mass) upgrade kits for customers who need additional load capacity for towing or gear hauling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Godspeed Off-Road an Old Man Emu installer?
Yes. Godspeed Off-Road is a knowledgeable Old Man Emu (ARB) installation facility in Sarasota, Florida. We have extensive experience with their full suspension range including Nitrocharger Sport, BP-51, and GVM+ systems.
What makes Old Man Emu different from American lift kit brands?
OME engineers their suspension for loaded vehicle weight rather than maximum lift height. This means your OME suspension performs best when your truck is packed with gear — the opposite of most aftermarket kits that ride well empty but bottom out under load. It is a philosophy born from Australia’s demanding outback conditions.
What is the OME BP-51 shock?
The BP-51 is Old Man Emu’s premium bypass shock absorber with external compression and rebound adjustment. It provides adjustable damping for different driving conditions — stiffen for off-road or soften for highway cruising. It represents the pinnacle of OME’s shock technology.
How much does an Old Man Emu suspension cost?
OME systems represent a mid-to-premium investment depending on the shock line you choose (Nitrocharger Sport vs. BP-51). Call Godspeed Off-Road at (941) 706-0071 for an accurate estimate based on your vehicle and intended use.
Ready to Build Your Rig with Old Man Emu (ARB)?
At Godspeed Off-Road in Sarasota, Florida, we bring decades of hands-on experience to every Old Man Emu (ARB) installation. Whether you’re building a weekend trail rig or a dedicated off-road machine, we’ll help you select the right components and install them to factory-or-better standards. Call us at (941) 706-0071 to schedule your consultation, or stop by the shop at 2858 Clark Road, Sarasota.
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