BUILT FOR ADVENTURE : Phase 1 - Suspension #1mile1tree #overlander #explore #overland #adventure
Although the Trail Edition T4R5 in its stock form is an extremely capable platform, our 4Runner needed an upgrade for carrying weight without compromising ground clearance. So it’s a payload thing for us, not so much height even though a lift is the by product. Once we got this rig on the lift, it became clear real quick that you can drive the 4Runner over just about anything straight from the factory, ha!.
When we saw the press release for the OME BP-51 last fall, we reached out to ARB. Even though there wasn’t a confirmed fit for the 4Runner available then, we insisted on an install so we could provide some assistance with an install; however, it wasn’t quite that simple. ARB put a lot of time and money into building this internal bypass shock and we’d have to wait on their engineers to confirm fitment and function on the 4Runner before we could proceed.
Five months later, here we are - an OME BP-51 install on a 2015 TE T4R. With access to mechanics at our local Toyota shop, we had the install knocked out in half a day.
Our BP-51s came preset by ARB for our specific application, i.e. winch, bumpers, RTT, etc. There was also a tool provided for making adjustments on the trail/road. Ours are tuned for on/off road plus lots of weight and the shocks will probably stay that way for the time being.
Since the BPs come set on coils in the front, there wasn’t too much to the install. Simply drop the LCA plus the sway bar and insert. The reservoirs mount to the frame using suppled brackets. Its all very straightforward; however, you’ll have to pay close attention to how the reservoir lines are run. The instructions lay this out nicely, just pay attention.
The sway bar needs to be spaced down along with the brackets under the radiator; you can pick the extra parts at Toytec if I’m not mistaken; if you have questions just hit us up at team@mountainstateoverland.com and we'll get you on the horn with an ARB rep.
On to the rear – we set Pardo springs between the axle and chassis and mounted the rear BPs up with the stone guards in place. Really nothing special here but I can confirm its freaking nice to have a lift and couple 5’ jack stands to get this job done.
All said, we haven’t had enough time behind the wheel to offer any solid “testing” results yet. The most adequate statement I can offer at this point - BP-51s soak shit up and return you back to solid ground real freaking quick and comfortably. With the 4Runner loaded down, it’s a fine tuned machine. The minute the weight comes off, the shocks can be reset to provide the same ride quality at lighter loads. The BPs are built tough and they're designed to last; there’s no doubt about it! The price point really isn’t bad; the saying goes, “you pay for what you get,” right? In my opinion, when you buy BPs, you’re getting a far better product for your money when you choose OME.
Next up, tires.