Finding the right suspension for an old man emu jeep xj is basically a rite of passage for Cherokee owners who actually want to enjoy their time behind the wheel. If you've spent any time in the XJ community, you know the drill: everyone starts out looking for the cheapest way to fit 31-inch tires, usually ending up with a stiff, bouncy mess that makes their kidneys hurt after twenty minutes on a gravel road. But then, you start hearing about Old Man Emu (OME), and suddenly the conversation shifts from "how high can I go" to "how well can I actually drive this thing."
The Jeep XJ Cherokee is a bit of a paradox. It's one of the best 4x4 platforms ever built, but it's also essentially a lightweight unibody box with tractor-era leaf springs in the back. Keeping that balance between off-road capability and on-road manners is where the OME kit really shines. It isn't about looking like a monster truck; it's about making the Jeep feel like a refined machine that can handle a washboard road at 40 mph without shaking your teeth loose.
The Philosophy of the OME Setup
What sets the old man emu jeep xj components apart is that they aren't just generic parts tossed into a box. ARB, the company behind OME, approaches suspension as a complete system. Most lift kits are designed by companies that think "stiffer is better" because it prevents sagging. The problem is that a stiff spring on a light vehicle like the XJ makes for a miserable ride.
OME went the other way. They focused on spring rate and valving that work together. They offer different spring rates based on how much weight you're carrying. If you have a heavy steel bumper and a winch up front, you get one spring. If you're running a stock bumper, you get another. This tailored approach is why people call it the "gentleman's lift." It's subtle, it's effective, and it actually improves the vehicle rather than just making it taller.
Breaking Down the Components
When you start piecing together an old man emu jeep xj build, you're usually looking at a few key parts: the coil springs, the leaf packs, and the Nitrocharger shocks.
The Famous CS033RB Leaf Springs
The rear leaf springs are usually the first thing to go on an old XJ. They sag, they frown, and they make the back end sit lower than the front. The OME leaf packs are legendary because they use thinner, more numerous leaves compared to the thick, three-leaf packs you find in budget kits. This allows for a much more progressive feel. You get small-bump compliance for comfort, but as the spring compresses, it firms up to handle the load. Plus, they include anti-friction pads between the leaves, which stops that annoying squeaking that plagues so many Cherokees.
Nitrocharger Sport Shocks
A lot of people think shocks are just there to stop the bouncing, but with the old man emu jeep xj setup, the shocks are doing a lot of the heavy lifting for handling. The Nitrocharger Sport shocks are specifically valved to match the OME springs. If you've ever driven an XJ that feels "boaty" or wanders all over the lane, it's usually a shock tuning issue. These shocks firm up the handling without making it feel harsh. It's a weird sensation the first time you drive it—it feels tighter and more controlled, yet softer over potholes.
Real World Installation Realities
Let's talk about the install, because it isn't always sunshine and rainbows. Working on an old man emu jeep xj means working on a vehicle that is likely twenty to thirty years old. The biggest hurdle? The rear leaf spring bolts.
If you live in the rust belt, those bolts are likely fused to the internal metal sleeves of the bushings. You'll probably end up using a torch, a reciprocating saw, and a fair amount of profanity. But once you get the old, flat factory springs out, the OME parts bolt right in. One thing to keep in mind is that the OME 2-inch lift often yields closer to 2.5 or even 3 inches on a stock, unweighted Jeep. Don't be surprised if the rear looks a little high at first; those springs are designed to settle slightly once you get some miles on them.
On the Road vs. Off the Road
The real test of the old man emu jeep xj setup is when you finally pull out of the driveway. On the pavement, the difference is night and day. You lose that vague, wandering feeling in the steering. Cornering feels flatter. It's the kind of upgrade that makes you realize just how bad your old suspension actually was. You can actually hold a conversation at 65 mph without feeling like you're fighting the vehicle to stay in your lane.
But off-road is where you get your money's worth. This isn't a kit for extreme rock crawling—if you want to climb vertical walls, you're looking at long-arms and 35s. This is an overlanding kit. It's built for long days on forest service roads, desert tracks, and moderate trails. The articulation is impressive for a short-arm setup. Because the springs are so supple, the tires stay in contact with the ground longer, giving you traction where a stiffer lift would just spin a tire in the air.
Is It Worth the Extra Cash?
There is no getting around it: an old man emu jeep xj kit costs significantly more than a basic spacer and add-a-leaf kit from a budget brand. You could probably lift two or three Jeeps for the price of one full OME setup. So, is it worth it?
If you're planning on keeping your XJ for a long time, the answer is a resounding yes. Budget lifts tend to sag within a year or two. The bushings crack, the shocks leak, and you end up spending the money anyway to fix what broke. OME parts are built to last. I've seen XJs with OME kits that are ten years old and still sit perfectly level.
Moreover, it's about the "joy of use." If your Jeep is a chore to drive, you won't use it. If it's comfortable, capable, and reliable, you'll find yourself taking the long way home or scouting that trail you've been thinking about.
Mixing and Matching
Some guys like to get creative with their old man emu jeep xj builds. You don't necessarily have to buy the "boxed" kit. A popular move is to use OME leaf springs in the back but go with a slightly taller coil in the front from another brand to level out the "rake." Or, some people will use OME springs but opt for different shocks like Bilstein 5100s. While you can definitely do this, there is something to be said for the "engineered system" approach. ARB spent a lot of time on a shock dyno making sure those Nitrochargers worked with those specific spring rates.
If you do decide to mix and match, just be careful with your measurements. The XJ is sensitive to driveline angles. Even with a modest OME lift, you might find you need a small transfer case drop or a slip yoke eliminator (SYE) to get rid of minor vibrations. Every XJ is a little different; some can handle 3 inches of lift with no vibes, while others start vibrating at 1.5 inches.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the old man emu jeep xj choice is for the driver who values quality over quantity. You aren't getting the most height for your dollar, but you are getting the most performance. It turns the XJ from a rugged but crude 4x4 into a balanced, sophisticated adventure rig. Whether you're commuting to work or crossing a mountain range, it just makes the experience better.
It's one of those rare aftermarket upgrades where you don't feel like you're compromising one thing to get another. You don't have to give up street comfort to get trail capability. It's just better, across the board. If you're tired of the "budget boost" life and want to see what your Cherokee is actually capable of, the OME path is the way to go. Your back, and your Jeep, will thank you.