Old Man Emu Suspension Review: Is OME the Right Lift Kit for Your Truck or SUV in Mesa AZ?

If you've been researching suspension upgrades for your Toyota, Jeep, or truck, you've almost certainly come across Old Man Emu (OME). Built by ARB, this Australian brand has earned a serious reputation for producing capable, street-friendly suspension systems that hold up in some of the harshest terrain on the planet. But is OME the right choice for your rig — and does it make sense for the Arizona desert, rocky terrain, and daily driving conditions around the East Valley? Let's break it down straight, no fluff.

What Is Old Man Emu and Why Does It Have a Loyal Following?

Old Man Emu has been engineering suspension systems since the 1970s, originally designed for the brutal outback conditions of Australia. That background matters. When a suspension system is engineered to survive the Australian Outback's corrugated dirt roads, extreme heat, and heavy load demands, it naturally translates well to Arizona wheeling — whether you're crawling Bulldog Canyon, running the Apache Trail, or hammering through the desert on your way to Four Peaks.

OME products are engineered as a complete system. That means their springs and shocks are tuned and matched together from the factory. This is a critical distinction. A lot of budget lift kits mix unmatched components and call it a day. OME doesn't play that game. Their coil springs, leaf springs, and shock absorbers are designed to work together, giving you predictable handling, controlled body roll, and a ride quality that doesn't beat you to death on the highway.

OME Suspension Strengths: What It Does Well

Ride Quality: Old Man Emu suspension systems are widely regarded as some of the best-riding lifted setups in their price range. If you're daily driving a 4Runner through Scottsdale or a Tacoma through Gilbert, OME gives you that lifted stance without the harsh, choppy ride that cheap spacer lifts deliver. Spacer lifts, by the way, are not a suspension upgrade — they're a compromise. Buy once, cry once.

Load Carrying: OME springs are available in multiple rates — standard, medium, and heavy load. If you're running a rooftop tent, full overlanding gear, or a heavy steel bumper on your Tacoma or 4Runner, OME can be spec'd accordingly. This is one area where OME genuinely outshines a lot of competitors at a similar price point.

Durability in Heat: Arizona heat is no joke. We see sustained temperatures that destroy cheap suspension components. OME is engineered for high-temperature climates. The monotube and twin-tube shock designs hold up well under the kind of heat cycling you get when you're on-road in Mesa in the summer and then hitting Usery Mountain or Four Peaks on the weekend.

Lift Range: Most OME kits deliver 1.5 to 3 inches of lift depending on the platform. That's a functional range for most daily-driven overlanders and trail rigs. It's enough to run 33s or 285s without rubbing, which is the sweet spot for a lot of Toyota and Jeep owners in the East Valley.

How Does OME Compare to ICON, Fox, Bilstein, and Carli?

This is the honest conversation most shops won't have with you. At Underdog Motorsports in Mesa AZ, we carry ICON, Fox, Bilstein, Carli, BDS, King, Eibach, and Old Man Emu — and we recommend based on what fits your budget, your build goals, and how hard you actually wheel. Here's the real picture:

OME vs. Bilstein: Both are excellent daily-driver-oriented systems. Bilstein's 5100 series is a proven performer for mild lifts. OME competes well here, especially when you factor in load capacity and complete system matching.

OME vs. ICON: ICON is a step up in adjustability and performance at higher speeds. If you're running aggressive trails or desert racing, ICON's remote reservoir shocks outperform OME in that environment. But ICON costs more — sometimes significantly more. OME is the smarter choice for overlanders who prioritize loaded vehicle stability over high-speed desert performance.

OME vs. Fox: Fox Performance Series shocks are excellent and adjustable in some configurations. Fox tends to shine on faster desert runs. OME wins on load management and long-haul durability for heavy-loaded touring rigs.

OME vs. Carli: Carli suspension systems are purpose-built performance setups, often for Ram trucks, that are in a completely different price tier. If you're ready to spend serious money on a high-end suspension overhaul, Carli is worth every penny. If your budget sits in the mid range, OME delivers exceptional value.

Why Professional Installation Is Non-Negotiable

We cannot say this enough: suspension installation is not a Saturday afternoon driveway project. OME kits require proper torque specs, alignment, and in many cases, UCA or control arm consideration to maintain correct geometry after lift. A bad install doesn't just void your warranty — it creates dangerous handling characteristics that can get you or someone else hurt. If you're looking for the best lift kit shop in Mesa AZ, Underdog Motorsports at 1845 S Power Rd specializes in professional suspension upgrades for Toyota, Jeep, and Ford vehicles, and we do the job right the first time.

After any suspension install, your alignment must be rechecked. Caster, camber, and toe all shift with lift height. Skipping alignment after a lift is one of the fastest ways to destroy your new tires and compromise handling on the highway. Our team at Underdog Motorsports near Chandler and Gilbert handles the full process — from kit selection to install to post-lift alignment coordination.

Who Should Buy an Old Man Emu Suspension System?

OME is an excellent choice for Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia, and Land Cruiser owners who want a well-engineered, durable suspension upgrade that handles real-world Arizona conditions — loaded or unloaded, on-road and off. It's also a strong option for Jeep owners who want a reliable, tuned system without jumping to a top-tier price point. If you're planning serious high-speed desert running or competitive off-road use, we'll have an honest conversation with you about whether ICON, Fox, or King makes more sense for your goals.

Get Your OME Suspension Installed at Underdog Motorsports in Mesa AZ

Underdog Motorsports near Scottsdale and Tempe carries a full range of Old Man Emu suspension systems and installs them on Toyota, Jeep, Ford Bronco, F150, Ram, and GMC/Chevy platforms. Our team knows these kits inside and out. Stop guessing on forums and get a straight answer from people who install this stuff every day.

Call us at 480-269-2833 or visit underdogmotorsports.com to schedule your consultation. We're located at 1845 S Power Rd, Mesa, AZ — easy to reach from Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, and Tempe.

FAQ: Old Man Emu Suspension in Mesa AZ

Is Old Man Emu a good suspension brand for Arizona conditions?

Yes. OME is engineered for high-heat, high-load, and rough-terrain environments — all of which describe Arizona driving perfectly. Whether you're navigating the Apache Trail, running Bulldog Canyon, or just daily driving in Mesa summer heat, OME suspension systems are built to handle it. Underdog Motorsports in Mesa AZ stocks and installs OME kits for Toyota, Jeep, and truck platforms.

How much does an Old Man Emu lift kit cost installed in Mesa AZ?

OME kit pricing varies based on vehicle platform and specific components selected. Generally, a complete OME suspension system installed professionally at Underdog Motorsports will run more than a cheap spacer kit — and that's exactly the point. You're getting a matched, engineered system with professional installation that keeps your truck driving safely and correctly. Call 480-269-2833 for a quote specific to your vehicle.

Can I install Old Man Emu suspension myself?

Technically some people do, but we strongly recommend against it. Suspension installation requires proper torque specs, geometry knowledge, and post-install alignment to be done safely. A bad suspension install creates serious handling problems that put you and others at risk. Let the professional team at Underdog Motorsports handle the install — it protects your investment and your safety.