Ok, I've decided upon a few upgrades for my 2000 Rodeo 2wd and I'm almost ready to break open the piggy bank to getthe lift done.
Done so far...
1) Bridgestone Dueler AT Revo 255 70r16 (really needed tires so they had to come first)
2) Proline 139 alloy's (fairly cheap at PepBoys, and the ride already looks better)
... coming next, the lift...
3) OME912's
4) Calmini upper control arms
5) Goodridge SS brake lines

I can't decide on which shocks to go with. Thinking about going with OME's it seems that there would be a better performance match with the coils. Thinking about procomps as alternative (and half the cost). I've read posts that seem to say that just about everything but the calmini shocks rub on the calmini UCA's.
What doesn't rub besides them?
Does anyone have outside dimensions on the different shocks to compare to stock/check for clearance?
I only remember seeing one reference to the OME shocks; Does anyone have an opinion on them?

As for the Calmini lift kit, are the new rear upper trailing arms necessary, as well as the track bar and rear sway bar extension brackets? I know at least a new rear brake line or extension bracket will be necessary. I have also read that the poly bushings fail, should I use different ones than supplied for UCA? If all is necessary, I will try to order the lift kit without the springs and shocks.

I know I have a lot of questions but I'm trying to do this right the first time. I don't want to say that money is no object because it is, but I'm willing to pay a little extra for quality parts etc. But I am ready to start putting down the money to get it done.

I think my eyes are bleeding from staring at the computer screen for so long searching the web and reading all the posts. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

The issues I've had with UCA shock contact may be partially to blame on worn bushings. I've replaced the Calmini poly bushings with the OEM rubber ones. Next time I will probably go back with the poly. I've blown out two sets of rubber bushings since I switched. I think the poly ones are stiffer, and would allow less movement, thus less contact. I've looked at other shock tube diameter, but I'm not sure about OME. I think they might be smaller than the ProComps I'm running.

It looks like the Calmini arms are the same for 1st and 2nd gen Rodeos. I'm assuming that the rest of the geometry (ie shock location) would be similar.

The contact consists of some rubbing on the shock tube, which progressed to a nice dent when the bushings went. I just turned the shock around so the UCA didn't make racket when popping in and out of the dent. The shock still works fine.

HIH
Andre

I found the OME Nitrochargers to be wonderful shocks on my Trooper. Not adjustable, but they were so good I never found the need to adjust them. And, according to ARB, they are designed to work with the OME coils, and are also individually calibrated for each model vehicle. But they aren't cheap.

I also have no idea if they will rub the Calmini UCAs on a Rodeo. How much are you lifting? Maybe new UCAs are not really needed...

If you think about it, OME shocks are not worth the money. Ive had a talk with a certain sombody, and he said, since they get passed around so much, the price goes up with person it gets distributed by. OME is not from here. If you are willing to pay that much, id suggest you getin Rancho 9000x's, they are sweet. You dont need new ones for the front because of the lift, only the back

kevan

Yeah, be sure to buy American...for your Japanese truck <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Ranchos are good shocks, but IMHO the OMEs are more durable and ride better. But there is no black and white answer - it's a matter of opinion and perspective...I'm sure alot of people think the Rancho 9000s are "not worth it" too. A 2WD doesn't need adjustable shocks much anyway, except maybe for towing.

I'm just glad that ARB and OME support our Isuzus with their swell bumpers, shocks, air lockers, etc <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> .

My truck is over 75% american..... more american than most american cars...

Call Matt with Independent4x ask him his personal opinion. OME vs rancho 9000x's. . LOL it doesnt matter if an australian (i think) shock with a thialand truck (lol i think) please correct me on homes of the shocks and our trucks. Well my 93 rodeo was built with subaru here in america, so i dont know if you can still call it foreign

Another thing, with rancho 9000x's, you can adjust your rear vs front shocks for the perfect ride. Example, payload, you might want something a little stiff.
Matt taught me a lot about shocks (awsome guy)

New rear upper trailing arms, track bar, and rear sway bar extension brackets are nice, but not necessary. I did not change these and I have great rear articulation. Calmini is trying to offer a "complete" kit like other truck lift kits. But, just changing the coil springs, shocks (if lift is 2" or more) and a brake line extension is sufficient. I have done some really hard wheeling (broke my front CV axle last month) and I never had an issue with the setup in the rear. I love my Revos - great wear and traction. They have 25K on them. I also like my Ranchos.
Pete

Thanks for the replies.

I had jacked up my rodeo a few months ago and really liked the way it looked when up 3" so that is about what I am going for.

New shocks are definitely a must (way way overdue for replacements) and am leaning toward the OME's, but I'll give Matt a call tomorrow and see what he has to say.

I got their brake lines already as I figured as I was going to do a brake flush, I'd install the new brake lines next. Chris at Calmini told me he'd take off the cost of the brake lines when I ordered either the kit or UCA's. Maybe I'll see how much he'll knock off if I don't want the coils and springs.

How is that 75% measured? Number of parts? By weight? Volume? Just curious...

Not to get too far OT, and I could be wrong, but I think the only "American" thing in your Amigo drivetrain is the rear axle. Maybe the driveshafts, too.

Whatever, I don't have an axe to grind here, I just thought it was a bit silly to avoid OME shocks because they "aren't from here", when Isuzus use parts from around the world. French or Japanese trannys, Japanese engines, American and Japanese axles...it's all good.