ARB OME BP-51 Shocks Suspension for Toyota Troopy Landcruiser Series 79 - Not quite right

Two year, 30,000km test of ARB Old Man Emu (OME) BP-51 shock absorbers for Toyota Landcruiser Troop Carrier (Troopy). Great shocks however, are they right for my Troopy?
My Troopy, fully loaded with people and gear is around 4,000km (4 tonnes). Is this too much for the BP-51's, even when the shocks are set to maximum compression and rebound resistance.
Welcome suggestions on improvements for my Troopy.
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[@ARB4x4Accessories]

Good afternoon, A few comments for yours and your viewer's consideration. - If you are weighing your vehicle in at over 4t plus 100kg tow-ball weight, there is a strong possibility that you do not have the right springs, and it is important to ensure the store fitting your vehicle is being told of the accurate touring weight. It is worth noting that the legal GVM weight of a 78 Series LandCruiser is 3300kg. ARB offers a GVM upgrade to 3780kg, however, you are still well outside of this. And while stiffer springs will not overcome the issue of your vehicle being over its legal GVM capacity, correctly matched springs will help the shock absorbers perform their job. - As one viewer has mentioned, the BP-51 shocks are completely serviceable and rebuildable, we would recommend anyone who is having issues with their shocks not performing (specifically within the GVM of the vehicle) to contact their local store and check to see if any other valve options are available. - In regards to how the front shock is spinning when you are trying to adjust it, there is a small hole in the top cap of the shock absorber, which nicely fits the end of a medium-sized screwdriver. By inserting a screwdriver, you are able to hold the shock absorber still while you make the required adjustment with the provided tool. We apologise that this was not shown to you during handover. We welcome these open reviews of our product and do ask that anyone who is having concerns about their product ensure that they are talking to their local store. If you have not already opted for an alternative, we would strongly suggest you have a more thorough conversation with your local ARB store to see if the suspension system can not be more suitably configured. P.S. In regards to your response to a comment of not knowing what Nitrocharger shock absorber are, that is the product name for the twin-tube Old Man Emu shock absorber that you had on this vehicle originally, 'Old Man Emu, Nitrocharger Sport' shock absorbers. We hope this helps. Regards, ARB

[@Adventure8]

Thank you ARB for taking an interest in my video on BP51’s. I have been using my local ARB centre since buying my Troopy new back in 2010. I will do a follow up video on how I get to a better result, via tuning the BP51’s and/or changing springs and/or shocks. ARB assistants in this process is of course welcomed. The first task will be to accurately weigh the car. I will update this comment thread once done.

[@Adventure8]

Just a quick update on the Troopy weight. Currently loaded it’s sitting around 3400kg. Add extra fuel, food drinks, people, that could add another 200-300kg. Interesting!!!

[@zchannel5973]

Thanks ARB for your help in this discussion. I am really impressed with the help you have provided to this guys channel. I have been investigating the Old Man Emu B51 to get an idea whether to buy them for a new 4wd I am looking at buying. And your comment has really sealed the deal for me to purchase a suspension system from ARB. Great Job!

[@explorewithmarcus]

My experience with adjustable suspension is in the Offroad dirt bike world. What I can say is the more rebound you wind on, the more the shock will pack over bumps. The rebound control how fast the shock decompress or rebound back to the ground after you’ve hit a bump. So packing happens, because the shock rebounds slowly because you’ve got it fully closed and then when you hit the next bump, the stroke is already 3/4 into the compression stroke, which will cause a harsher ride. This will also cause issues on compression, since you only have the last 1/4 travel left on compression, your suspension geometry is impacted, you hitting bump stop more often than needed on especially larger bumps, etc. Maybe try reducing the rebound, see if that helps in getting the full compression stroke back and maybe you’ll find you don’t need the fully closed compression setting anymore. Because the shock with its full compression stroke now can absorb the bumps better...just my 2c...When I get my BP-51 fitted to the 79 in 2 weeks I’ll have a fiddle as well. On a side note...have you thought about Parabolic leafs. Terrain tamer makes some super heavy duty ones...

[@Adventure8]

Good comment. I also ride, suspension, spring rate and shocks are so important. I suppose its always fine tuning to get it just right for your own driving/riding style, weight etc.

[@craigwoodward4566]

I run Koni 90 Raid on both ends of my 80. OME 850 front coils and 864 rears. Dampers have never got hot Cannot fault them. Expensive but worth every cent

[@Adventure8]

Thanks for sharing your set up.

[@gen3rules57]

Bp51s can be valved to suit your application. You must also get the spring rates correct. Go see an offroad suspension expert. The only shocks that are better will cost 3 times more.... like Kings or Fox. They will also need to be valved to your application. So you might as well get your bp51s set up correctly. When they are right they work really well.

[@Adventure8]

Thanks for your comments. You are the first to mention the BP51’s can be valved to suit. Even ARB never suggested that option. I agree if I want a better setup, I’ll need to go to a suspension specialist to tune the shock spring combo to my application. Looks like, off the shelf solutions only cater for the average scenario.

[@393FORDSTROKER]

Just a guess here I don’t own a set.. maybe the 2nd spanner can hold the shock while you adjust them..? The grove in the tower looks like it could be there for that.. like I said just a guess from watching you adjust them. (looking at buying them for my cruiser ute 3.8T) happy 4wd👍

[@Adventure8]

Yes, I have a second spanner set, however, the body of the shock is a different diameter to the adjustment ring. So the halve ring spanner only works with the adjustment ring. Your idea is correct. Somehow you need to hold the shock body when turning the adjustment rings.

[@robvh3246]

4000kg gvm is bit much, try drop 500kg or drag a trailer with your stuff. I find bp51 great on my Troopy. Suggest you loosen off the C&R of the shock and then rethink your springs. Don't try to get the shockers to do the job of the springs. Also get the weight height down (i.e. centre of gravity) ; are you carrying fuel in jerry cans? On a Troopy spend money on a bigger subfloor tank, the roof is high and is often the only option to carry extra fuel as the Troopy is much like an SUV.

[@Adventure8]

Yes, weight is always the problem. Thanks for your suggestions.

[@auladepiano]

Hello... We have this same concern.. Our troopy weights about 3600kg and we are thinking about Nitrocharger sport 60109 or the Koni Heavytrack Raid... Can you help us on this??? We have the +600kg EL081R OME leaf springs in the back... But we are planning out the EL14XL additional leaf on it. Thanks and best regards

[@richardbarrington4314]

If you're looking for more initial resistance, maybe look at a monotube and/or more digressive valving set up for your rig? Bilstein B60 could be worth a look.

[@Adventure8]

I'll put the Bilstein's onto the shopping list. Thanks

[@richardbarrington4314]

@@Adventure8 Just to elaborate on that... I'm running Bilstein in my Ranger, but my comment was less about the brand and more about the shock type and valving. The B60s are big so should do well without a remote reservoir (one of your comments), and have plenty of piston area to control the weight, and it's the same with Koni 90 series RAID shocks (which seem to have hydraulic bump/rebound stops?) or some big Fox or King or others. Where I reckon you'll be winning is having them valved right for your use, weight, and preferences.

[@tonygreen8221]

Pretty good assessment. In my experience I’ve also found that shock upgrades are more effective with independent systems, I’m guessing due to the reduced unsprung weight making it more noticeable. One consistent issue I’ve had with the BP51’s is the stone shield getting knocked off it’s mounting and then gets stuck up around the shock body, leaving the shaft exposed. All bypass shocks have to be mounted with the shafts down for the packaging of the reservoir and I’ve seen some brands with no stone shields at all. Nonetheless, it’s not an ideal solution and I hope they can improve the stone shields mounting point in some way. I agree that they feel a bit wallowy on the 79’s and that’s exacerbated by that vehicles high centre of gravity. The other thing worthy of note with these is the massive increase in damping that occurs near the top out and bottom out points. That’s a huge advantage over conventional shocks, along with no fading of damping at prolonged high speed. Not perfect, but great shocks and Australian made.

[@Adventure8]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@auladepiano]

Hello... We have this same concern.. Our troopy weights about 3600kg and we are thinking about Nitrocharger sport 60109 or the Koni Heavytrack Raid... Can you help us on this??? We have the +600kg EL081r OME leaf springs in the back... But we are planning out the EL14XL additional leaf on it. Thanks and best regards

[@Adventure8]

I'm not familiar with either the Nitrocharger or the Koni. However, I will investigate in the future when I am ready to change over. I will be choosing a shock that does NOT any external oil reservoir, will NOT have the reservoir in the upper element (ie NOT an upside-down shock) and the test I will do, once installed, is stand on the roof of the Troopy and rock the car side to side and see how much resistance there is compared to what I am experiencing right now with the BP51s. Let me know what you decide to do.

[@auladepiano]

@@Adventure8 I think the same... So no want external reservoir. If isn't enough.. I'll put 2 shocks each side (but I don't want that weight to). I should to think about the OME stronger stabilizer bar. I will keep you informed.

[@dangleeson7917]

I was running ome bp51 in my 76series and had the same thoughts.. I then went back to what I reckon were the best and put in EFS.. Best money I've spent.. old school tech but so durable.. I also put airbags in rear to complete the ride from airbag man 👍. Looking forward to seeing your next adventure

[@Adventure8]

Thanks for sharing. I will check out EFS. I also put airbags on the rear. Good for keeping a level ride. Cheers

[@Adventure8]

Also, I would really appreciate you subscribing to my channel if you haven't already done so. Hope to get out more videos soon. Thanks Peter

[@RD11RT]

I’ve owned/driven both EFS and BP51’s on a 79 Dc. I’m surprised at this comment. EFS imo are “old school” basic entry level product, despite them costing me similar as I went all out. Bp51’s were incredible in difference.

[@trevorbrown5110]

Do you change settings when you drive on highway/ Simpson...you didn't say . What compression/ rebound settings for Simpson..what settings for highway ?

[@Adventure8]

I have the shocks set for maximum resistance on compression and rebound for both off road and on road. To my liking, there is not enough resistance for a car with a GVM of 3300kg. If I could get more resistance, I will increase the resistance for both compression and rebound for one road.

[@trevorbrown5110]

@@Adventure8 thanks for the reply . I have a new troopy . Waiting on bp51 to arrive . Have done the gvm upgrade. 600kg constant rear springs . No weight in back yet . They have put nitro shocks in while waiting for bp51 to arrive ..will then change them over . Do you know how the standard nitro shock compression/ rebound compares to say the Max settings on the bp51 ? I have not been offroad yet. ( not set up in back) . Also read another comment about parabolic Springs. Guy at work has a troopy he has set up recently including gym upgrade . About 3500kg set up .changed the 600kg cl OME springs for heavy duty parabolic springs. He likes the parabolic better at early stages . I'm letting him do the R& D on the parabolic ! Hope not too much of a ramble . Thanks again for reply

[@Adventure8]

@@trevorbrown5110 : It will be interesting to see what you think of the B51's. I had the Nitro's on for 7 years ( for 130,000km). They performed well. The B51's are better on corrugated dirt roads, because the oil bypass tech in the B51 shock body. I think that same tech makes the on road feeling more wishy washy, not as stable as the Nitro's. Otherwise, the B51's max resistance was about the same as the Nitro's pre-set resistance.

[@christurner68]

Did you do adjustment to your different conditions?

[@Adventure8]

Thanks for watching. I have the BP-51's set at maximum resistance to compression and rebound. This gives me best control considering the weight is mostly at max GVM 3300kg. Having said that, I think I would still want greater resistance. I'll have to experiment more in the future.

[@RD11RT]

What’s the latest on this bud? Interesting video and do agree with the body roll. I too experienced this on a 200 series I had with the bp51’s but I did have it tuned / adjusted to ride softly which I liked. One option I noticed hadn’t been mentioned was upgrading of sway bars? Btw, it was great to see ARB provide some advice and input above, but the adjusters really could be so much better making it faster and easier. It’s such a pain. Other than that, I cannot speak highly enough of the ARB dealers who supported me through some issues with my shocks, hence why I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend these to anyone. Nitro charger shocks however, are a major disappointment and would only buy BP51’s again.

[@Adventure8]

Yes, an update is overdue. ARB have been very helpful. My batch of 4 shocks were an early version which have had some oil seal leak issues. ARB have replaced under warrantee. I will be doing an update video later this year on my experience with the BP51's and my old Nitro's. Thanks for watching.

[@themechanicslab]

Just remember a Shock is for absorbing SHOCK, a spring is for carrying weight. You must combine the both to match what your intending your vehicle to do. From my viewing of your video it seems like the shocks are perfect and that you should look at upgrading your leaf or spring packs to something around the 600kg constant or higher, if not already done so. Shocks and Sprigs/ Leafs should always be calculated together at a maximum of intended use even if you do not intend to load or drive the vehicle to those calculated extremes, and it should always be done at point of purchase not post.

[@Adventure8]

Yes the springs got upgrades with ARB springs. The springs are great and do a great job. Verdict is still out on the shocks... ARB did suggest that the BP-51's could be re-valved to offer greater resistance. Also implied that current models are valved with greater resistance. I have no info to substantiate this one way or another. At this stage I'll live with the current set up. Focus more on reducing weight carried.

[@matthewbrasier3034]

What was you're consistent load on the left springs

[@Adventure8]

Not sure what you mean by your question. The load, left/right is fairly balanced. Load more to the rear, rather than the front.

[@matthewbrasier3034]

Sorry spell check what’s consistent load on Rear springs

[@Adventure8]

@@matthewbrasier3034 : Rear axle load is around 2000kg. Front around 1300kg

[@youngjet63]

So what’s the final verdict on these shocks? Buy or no buy? Lexus GX460

[@Adventure8]

Personally I will be looking for an alternative. One with no seperate oil reservoir. Keep it simple. Less things to go wrong. A shock that has good compression and rebound resistance. There is enough flex in large tyres to handle corrugated roads (deflate tyres), and more resistance to movement gives better road handling and woopee bumps on sandy tracks/dunes like the Simpson Desert. I don’t have an alternative to recommend. Any suggestions?

[@Adventure8]

The Lexus is not as heavy as the Troopy. Nevertheless, if most of your kms is on the road, a firmer shock is better than a soft one.

[@overlandperu6084]

Don't loose your money on BP51 . No good at all

[@sergecolicchia7157]

Have you considered the Koni shocks?

[@Adventure8]

I will look into them. I have used Koni for past motorcycles.

[@overlandperu6084]

I have the same suspension set up in a toyota 4runner overland truck . Sadly after lots of hours of testing and not getting anywhere I came into conclusion that the overall system is not good at all for over overlanding . First of all I've seen you're just having the same problem like we had when me wanted to change the rebound or compression settings . The whole shock moves just like in your video and won't let you change settings at all . That's putting aside all the dirt and mud those rotating selectors can collect from your trips an even worsen the ability to change those settings . As an Overlander I bought the setup to be able to change my suspension from a hard dirt road to a highway in seconds and we all know that's not possible in all trucks . Tires get in the way all the time when you want to change your settings . Its probable you're going to be ruining your nice shirt when doing anything to your setup . For me at least It has been a terrible bad experience . To the point of just riding in an unsafe configuration to just avoid all issues . Arb really needs to pay more attention to these comments and clients so they can correct all issues and make a whole new system that works in the real world .

[@Adventure8]

Really appreciate your comments. Interestingly, after making the video, one of the shocks main seal failed, leaking all its oil onto my garage floor. Luckily I wasn't on tour. ARB policy is to replace shocks that fail free of charge (parts and labour) in the first 3 years or 60,000km, whichever occurs first. So far they have replaced 2 of the 4 purchased over the last 18 months. Being upside down shocks, the main seal seams to be more vulnerable to failure than conventional shocks with a mud shield. No doubt, I will be replacing these shocks once I reach the 3 year mark, or maybe earlier. On another note, would love to get to Peru one day in the future. Cheers Peter

[@overlandperu6084]

@@Adventure8 that's sad to hear but thankfully you were covered by warranty ! That's the pro in working with ARB . I sure they are going to come with a better idea in the future. As you probably know the rear shock guards flew away so I'm hoping that doesn't happen to me . At least not far from home . Peru has lots and lots of places to discover . It really has it all . Huge deserts and enormous dunes , amazing jungle and of course the Andes... I'm running a Instagram account as OverlandPeru, check it out ! I hope you can make it one day when all this is over ! Gabriel

[@mienoljianol7203]

Do you want to sell the bp51? I buy it

[@Adventure8]

Good question. Right now I have nothing to replace them with and no alternative to test right now. In due course. No doubt there will be a video when the opportunity presents.

[@mienoljianol7203]

@@Adventure8 cheers mate, just let me know if you going in that Direction, cheers hope to see more overland trips video from you