Australian-based global aftermarket 4WD suspension specialist Old Man Emu (OME) offers a range of tuned and matched integrated suspension systems to ensure the right suspension is available to suit how the vehicle is outfitted and the conditions it will encounter.
The company’s latest engineered solution – available now from OME/ARB outlets around the country – is for Suzuki’s new Jimny.
OME notes that the Jimny is a unique vehicle with suspension development for it presenting a number of different challenges to what is normally seen by the OME engineers more used to working with SUVs and Dual Cab Utilities.
The Jimny has a short wheelbase, narrow track, is lightweight and subsequently has its own set of unique handling characteristics, prompting OME’s engineers to focus on a package to accentuate a fun and spirited driving experience.
The factory original suspension set-up gave reasonable on road manners more targeted at city driving, presenting opportunities to improve highway control, off road stability and off road capabilities particularly as the road surfaces got rougher.
To that end the engineers have developed a complete suspension solution with a new range of springs and specially tuned shock absorbers while ensuring correct vehicle geometry is maintained, the end result a vastly improved overall ride experience (balanced, predictable and enjoyable) on and off the road.
Included in the package are springs shock absorbers, a castor correction kit for the front end, Panhard Rod Extension Bracket for the rear, plus a new headlight sensor bracket
Springs
Factory geometry allowed for a 40mm lift whilst still maintaining an adequate level of droop. Two front spring options and a trim packer were chosen to cater for no accessories, bar and bar/winch vehicle set-ups.
Spring rates have been retuned from the previous model for a better balanced ride and overall comfort whilst providing a more confident driving experience. For bar/winch set ups the trim packer is required to be fitted. The 10mm trim packer is also available to assist with fine tuning of ride heights.
Rear springs were developed as part of the complete suspension solution with a 40mm lift achieved to match the front height and a spring rate was selected to complement the front set up options.
As the payload ability is minimal the one spring option will cater for all applications. A 10mm rear trim packer is also available to assist with fine tuning of ride heights.
Shock absorbers
The updated shape of the Suzuki Jimny has allowed for the larger bore Nitrocharger Sport Shock Absorber to be fitted, where the previous model Jimny was developed using the smaller bore Nitro Gas range.
This allowed the OME Engineers more fine tuning options, so a total re-valving exercise was conducted. An extensive development and tuning project was undertaken to correctly match the ride quality to the spring rate, achieving a more refined and controlled feel.
Caster correction
A Caster Correction Kit was developed for the front end to restore caster to the correct spec at the increased ride height, resulting in an improvement in steering response, feel and drivability.
Rear panhard rod
extension bracket
At the rear (end) meanwhile, some unfavourable ride qualities such as fatiguing lateral movement and unwanted head toss presented themselves during the ride development program due to the increased angle of the rear panhard rod. The development of a rear panhard bracket addresses the rear roll centre resulting in reduced lateral movement and a flatter, more stable ride.
An extended bump stop is also included in the kit to ensure adequate clearance between the panhard rod bracket and body components.
Headlight Ssensor bracket
Finally, to account for the raised ride height a headlight sensor bracket was developed to address headlight alignment.
