Suspension Upgrade - ARB/OME MT64 Discussion (1 Viewer)

[DJ’s Sled]

I’ve been asked to start this specific thread for the ARB/OME MT64 Suspension Lift kit. Thank you ColoradoOutdoors for the suggestion! As I guessed there will be a fair amount of interest in this lift kit, depending on your budget and needs.
Please weigh in with any corrections or insights to what I or others post here.

After a reasonable amount of discussion with Slee Offroad, in Golden, CO, I’ve decided to go with the ARB/OME MT64 suspension upgrade. They confirmed that all parts and options are already in stock and have reserved them for my install late this month. I’m going with the normal/mid-weight rear springs, the optional UCAs, and the optional DuroBump bump stops for my 2024 Overtrail. This kit is ARB’s ‘mid-range’ suspension offering.

Here is the kit. You can work thru each of the component tabs to get a quick understanding of the kit, and parts pricing. Installation is separate, and is provided via an emailed quote. I will have Slee do the full install. I previously used this same approach with them for my Slee Rock Sliders.

OME - 2.5" MT64 Suspension LiftLC 250 / GX 550 - Slee Off Road

IMPORTANT: Spring rates must be selected based upon the current weight of the vehicle (stock or aftermarket armor), not in anticipation of weight. Selecting spring rates for anticipation of added weight will create drivability issues. Use tabs to step through component selections - certain...

sleeoffroad.com

You can see this kit is marketed for both the LC250/GX550 trucks. Slee just finished an install on a pretty new (it appears) LC250 3 weeks ago:

This LC still sits on its OE wheels and tires in these pictures. It has a heavier, non-stock front bumper. Slee dialed in the front to leave a very small amount of rake for heavier loads on the rear. I’m not sure of the exact trim of that LC 250. The resulting lift looks perfect for what I’m trying to do. Plus, I hope to improve the ride over stock.
You can clearly see they used the 3rd or 4th setting to accommodate the heavier than stock front end. Seems to work well. I don’t know if the owner chose to keep the OE UCAs or upgraded, or which rear springs were used.

I’ve had a couple comments, questions about why I’m going this route. It boils down to trying to improve the day-to-day ride (aka, the ‘vibration’ issue that my 2024 OT still has), handling heavier loads with more control, and cruising rough roads with greater comfort and reasonable speeds. And..at the moment, my wife has become more and more disenchanted with the ride.
I don’t expect to fully, perfectly address each of those wants. But after discussions with Slee I feel I may get very close.
It’s a bit of a swing for sure!

On the ride and vibration concerns, I’m still not sure what the issue is..I’m currently suspecting the OE shock and spring combination, where the engineers tried to dial them in to match the AVS and sensors programming, but kinda missed the mark in some regard.
Maybe someday we’ll have an after market solution that plugs into and directly utilizes the Lexus AVS. But that would require some special work and coordination with Lexus engineering.
I generally like the AVS idea and system too, it’s really cool. I want it to work.
But I’m not sure how compatible the current AVS and related components are with the desired goals some of us have.
More and more recently I’ve found myself disappointed with the suspension no matter which drive mode I select. I would describe it as wanting a somewhat more robust, confident and capable feeling set of components underneath. To match an otherwise robust truck.
I want more of the increased stability and confidence I felt when I installed the upgraded tires a few months back. That was a nice and simple upgrade.

So with a few goals in mind, and some thinking, reading and discussion I’ve decided to give it a go. I’m actually trying to improve a really, really good vehicle.
I really love the car. It’s almost always my first choice out of the garage. I’ll still be able to dial up the power, the eco mode, and retain essentially all the off-road goodies, and hopefully address what I want.

 

[cilles]

Link to the ARB info? Between things I've added and towing I've been thinking I should have something a bit beefier I suspension and seems this can do that as well as give me a small lift.

 

[ColoradoOutdoors]

Thank you for taking the time to document this! Watching all the way and I have the same goals for my GX.

 

[DJ’s Sled]

Yep, smallish lift.
More towing robustness.
More unladen plushness around town.
Keep No. 1 happy .
Lose most or all of the vibration thingee.

It’s a reach.

Old Man Emu MT64

The MT64 is an overlanding specialist. It’s designed for the traveller who wants plush comfort both on and off road.

www.arb.com.au

..and one of their significant US dealers:

OME - 2.5" MT64 Suspension LiftLC 250 / GX 550 - Slee Off Road

IMPORTANT: Spring rates must be selected based upon the current weight of the vehicle (stock or aftermarket armor), not in anticipation of weight. Selecting spring rates for anticipation of added weight will create drivability issues. Use tabs to step through component selections - certain...

sleeoffroad.com

 

[DJ’s Sled]

I’m heading over to Slee Offroad early 7/28. They’ll do the MT64 kit install on 28th, 29th.
They will do an alignment there, and re-aim the headlights as necessary. They are aware of the headlight sensor on the rear axle. We will also do an eKDSS disconnect test, demo of sorts before I leave.
After I leave I’ll run a couple quick errands in Denver area and see how it feels on city streets, make sure the alignment feels good. (I’m still on 275/70-18 tires for the moment).
Then I’ll be coming home via 285 and 50. I’m staying off I-70 at this time.

Will let everyone know my initial impressions once I’m rolling!

 

[nonamex]

I’m heading over to Slee Offroad early 7/28. They’ll do the MT64 kit install on 28th, 29th.
They will do an alignment there, and re-aim the headlights as necessary. They are aware of the headlight sensor on the rear axle. We will also do an eKDSS disconnect test, demo of sorts before I leave.
After I leave I’ll run a couple quick errands in Denver area and see how it feels on city streets, make sure the alignment feels good. (I’m still on 275/70-18 tires for the moment).
Then I’ll be coming home via 285 and 50. I’m staying off I-70 at this time.

Will let everyone know my initial impressions once I’m rolling!

Wishing you much luck in the journey.

 

[DJ’s Sled]

In a word, OUTSTANDING new ride!
I’m working on some good in-depth descriptions for everyone..so keep an eye on this post as I add edits, etc.

EDIT 1:
In one word UNBELIEVABLE!
Please excuse my ‘kid with a new toy’ enthusiasm, but that’s really what this MT64 suspension upgrade is for me!

The truck has been transformed. It’s like I drove across Colorado to Slee Offroad with a so-so riding vehicle, and then traded it in for something more fun, safer and smoother. I’m super happy I ponied up the $$ to do this. I didn’t totally trust or understand I’d get this much improvement, but I was wrong. It’s outstanding.

My 2024 Overtrail now steers with essentially perfect response and precision; there is no longer any lag or body movement waiting for the AVS system to respond. Everything on the road is now a true one-handed operation. I was able to drive as fast as I wanted..within common sense bounds of course, but could easily have gone much faster no matter the road surface. Yes, I gave the new suspension a good test.

It never waivered, the truck never jumped around in severely bad sections of road at speed (as it did previously, regardless of AVS setting), all the dramatics are gone. I was able to dive into high and low speed sweepers with complete aplomb and near abandon, and quickly learned I could go even faster than I had previously. It was a quick learning curve!

I drove over on US 50 and 285, with about 33.5 psi cold on a hand gauge (not the TPMS or Viair gauge) on the same SL Terra Grappler G3 tires I’ve had the past several months, 275/70R18. I returned the same way with the same tires and same psi.

I intentionally began driving through and over all kinds of badly deteriorated road sections. Through many of the high speed sweepers I did everything you’re typically not suppose to do while cornering: I was braking, downshifting and intentionally hitting torn up surfaces - all at the same time. At first I was in disbelief..so I did that over and over again. No nose dive, no sudden shift of vehicle weight, no abrupt change of course. Just total composure and float and holding the line. Much safer.

I did have some time on city streets too, running errands at Stevinson Lexus and a local Costco. I had to dial back my speeds there too; the GX now seems to want to go faster and faster. It’s far more plush now on crappy local streets.
And it seems the vibration issue is virtually gone. I no longer felt it yesterday. I will confirm over the next few days.

Slee did a great job. Their installer has now done several of these kits; he is basically their LC250 and GX550 guy. They did the realignment, checked the headlight adjustment. We also talked about a few other things, and took a quick test drive including on some rutted dirt in MTS Dirt mode. Everything was normal, but the ride is more pleasant now.

I was fearful that I might miss ‘having’ the AVS; that I might miss fiddling with the mode selector every time I wanted to go faster, or get a softer ride in town, or make a change for a really broken stretch of road. That fear went out the window really fast.

It’s as if the MT64 has its own internal brain. Softer and plush on city streets, instant response driving over junk, and excellent, confident composure at higher speeds. It’s great not having to think about the suspension anymore!

Absolutely amazing! Again, I’m super happy with this upgrade!

EDIT 2:
Some of you may have wanted some before and after measurements, which I failed to do.
I can do some post-install measurements later though. But Slee aimed to accommodate my towing needs also. So we ended up with a little bit of designed-in rake to handle occasional bigger rear loads. I hope to get the trailer hooked up in a couple weeks and try it out.
However I can definitely see and feel the lift. It’s a very welcome change.

IMO this is how the Overtrail trims should come. Or at least this should be offered as either a PIO or DIO. It just makes the truck that much nicer.
I’m also contemplating larger tires and new wheels in the future. However, my GX now handles and rides so well..that I’m a bit afraid to change anything!

 

[nonamex]

Looking good! I'm sure you will enjoy the truck a little bit more now that the vibration issue is a thing of the past. Too bad you had to spend good money for the problem to go away.

 

[Bluegill]

In a word, OUTSTANDING new ride!
I’m working on some good in-depth descriptions for everyone..so keep an eye on this post as I add edits, etc.

I can't quite tell from your post....do you like the new suspension? Ha ha ha.

Glad to hear that you are so impressed with it! Now you have me seriously considering the ARB/OME suspension along with King, Icon, and Bilstein (although who knows when Bilstein will have a system for the GX550). I did full ARB/OME suspensions on two Land Rover Discoveries (1996 and 2004) and it did indeed transform the ride. Those were pretty basic shocks, though, and I can only imagine what today's technology does for these trucks.

Just to be clear, did you purchase and install the following components?

• Front OME MT64 coilover struts
• OME Upper Control Arms
• Rear OME MT64 shocks
• OME Coil Springs - Medium Rear
• Brakeline Spacer Kit
• Sway Bar Spacer Kit Rear
• Front DuroBumps Stop Kit
• Rear DuroBumps Stop Kit
• Total price on website $3,681.58

 

[jclaffee]

Sounds like it worked!

To be sure I understand:

• You gave up the AVS, meaning you no loger have the Comfort, Normal, Sport modes etc? (do you get error codes on the display? What do you see when you twist the mode knob?)
• Is your EKDSS still fully functional?
• Do you still have the Terrain Select, crawl control settings available as stock?
• Any change to any of the pano/offroad camera functionality? (I'd guess no, but who knows)
• Diff and locker functionality unchanged?

 

[DJ’s Sled]

I can't quite tell from your post....do you like the new suspension? Ha ha ha.

Glad to hear that you are so impressed with it! Now you have me seriously considering the ARB/OME suspension along with King, Icon, and Bilstein (although who knows when Bilstein will have a system for the GX550). I did full ARB/OME suspensions on two Land Rover Discoveries (1996 and 2004) and it did indeed transform the ride. Those were pretty basic shocks, though, and I can only imagine what today's technology does for these trucks.

Just to be clear, did you purchase and install the following components?

• Front OME MT64 coilover struts
• OME Upper Control Arms
• Rear OME MT64 shocks
• OME Coil Springs - Medium Rear
• Brakeline Spacer Kit
• Sway Bar Spacer Kit Rear
• Front DuroBumps Stop Kit
• Rear DuroBumps Stop Kit
• Total price on website $3,681.58

Bill,
I don’t think they needed or used the Brakeline Spacer kit or the Sway Bar Spacer kit. Neither of those is listed on my work order invoice.
The Slee rep I worked with mentioned there were a couple parts not needed; I’m guessing it’s those. I believe he stated that those not used items are only needed for an LC250 install…
To be sure.. I sent him an email tonight. I will let you know his answer.

Yes on the other parts, a couple minor notes:

• yes, the rear springs, for my install the Medium rating is what we are using.
• DuroBump front, the invoice PN matches.. DBF17T.
• DuroBump rear, the invoice PN is DBRTOY4. Described as a +2 Inch Extended version for 2024-2025 Tacoma, LC250 & GX550. But it’s not clear that what’s on the invoice is exactly correct..

The price for my rear bump stops is 249.99.
* You would need to reconfirm which rear DuroBump model/PN is best for you *
(in my case we did discuss towing needs a couple months ago..and they chose the most appropriate length.)
My total price comes up about a $100 less than shown on the website.

I did look at some of the other brands and options. I considered the Dobinson kits, but had a little trouble communicating with them.
I was comfortable with the MT64 being a good choice for my needs. I wanted something modern and aimed at all around use. And something with a good chance of surpassing the stock AVS system.

 

[DJ’s Sled]

Sounds like it worked!

To be sure I understand:

• You gave up the AVS, meaning you no loger have the Comfort, Normal, Sport modes etc? (do you get error codes on the display? What do you see when you twist the mode knob?)
• Is your EKDSS still fully functional?
• Do you still have the Terrain Select, crawl control settings available as stock?
• Any change to any of the pano/offroad camera functionality? (I'd guess no, but who knows)
• Diff and locker functionality unchanged?

So those are great questions!
Yes, I gave up the AVS..so the different suspension modes are gone when you twist the mode selector. But with my 8 hours in the GX yesterday..it is seemingly a better and more composed ride no matter the speeds, surface conditions, etc. I was somewhat worried I would lose some ‘high speed cornering ability’ without the Sport suspension option. In fact it seems just as fast, but it’s easier and more composed than before. As you load up the MT64 springs and shocks they immediately hunker down and don’t give up.
I really put it to the test going up and down Monarch Pass . I did a lot of down shifting with both the paddle and selector in Manual. Everything was normal there.

I didn’t have any error codes or warnings.
When I twist the knob it behaves as usual. It reacts as usual when I choose Eco, Normal, the 2 Sport modes. You can feel the engine power and transmission and rpm changes just as usual. * I will need to go into the Custom setting and see if it gives a code when I choose different suspension modes *. That might be interesting.

I specifically asked Slee about the EKDSS and they stated there ‘shouldn’t be any impact’. I didn’t get a chance to fully test it but I will. While still in 4H I put the MTS in Dirt mode, it seemed fine.
I will play around with 4L settings, and also the Diffs and watch for any warnings. Same with the cameras. However, my daily normal use of them on pavement was normal yesterday.

I also want to plug in my Carista scanner and check all the ECUs.
I will let all of you know what I find out.

Please keep your questions or suggestions coming. Also, I think we have one or 2 other members who have just installed the same kit, so we should be able to get some good data and additional knowledge. Admittedly this is a bit of a test.

I’m going to raise the tires back up to about 35 or so. I have a trip coming up to C.Springs so I’ll get to play around some more. Carefully of course!

 

[S SUBERI]

Thank you for all the input

 

[Garauld]

Nice write-up. I'd like to know if they made any changes to disable the EKDSS and if so, what needed to be done to prevent error codes.

 

[RPMSTL]

So are you saying only the suspension aspect of the AVS Modes are deleted? The dash still shows all the settings, but nothing happens.

So when you select sport mode, you retain all the other attributes of the setting, except for the suspension portion?

What did the installer do with the wire that was connected to the top of the original strut?

 

[DJ’s Sled]

Nice write-up. I'd like to know if they made any changes to disable the EKDSS and if so, what needed to be done to prevent error codes.

Good one.
I will ask that today too, right away for you. Since I’m an amateur on all this (as most of you can tell..), I’ll be sure to get a more clear understanding of how, what was done during the install to accommodate the EKDSS.
Okay I just sent off some questions on this.
Thanks again Garauld.

 

[DJ’s Sled]

So are you saying only the suspension aspect of the AVS Modes are deleted? The dash still shows all the settings, but nothing happens.

So when you select sport mode, you retain all the other attributes of the setting, except for the suspension portion?

What did the installer do with the wire that was connected to the top of the original strut?

Yes. That’s correct..I failed to clearly spell that out. It’s readily apparent that only the suspension portion of each factory drive mode is gone. Driving home I used Eco mode a fair amount where traffic was light and I was able to cruise at high speeds and didn’t need to pass anyone.
When I did need to..I rotated the selector knob to one of the Sport settings and had the instant power I needed. I flew up Monarch Pass with Sport power this way..accompanied with the occasional (temporary) downshifting of the left paddle. Just as usual.
On moderate hill climbs with traffic I used Normal mode for enough power and transmission responsiveness to easily keep up; when there was no need or use in trying to pass.
In the instrument cluster it all appeared routine as I rotated through the different drive modes.
All other attributes seem to be retained.
I don’t recall if I even used my Custom Mode (previously with Sport power, Sport steering, Comfort suspension…). I’m going to double check that mode for everyone as it is; THEN I’ll make and test a change to the Custom mode and see what happens.

The wires coming out of the bottom (or top) of each OE Tokico shock or strut are unplugged and the MT64 kit has provided retainer clips to keep them safely out of the way; in case you ever need to access them again. You can see example in the pic below.

Again, I have not seen any codes thrown from the AVS system itself. If I do I’ll let everyone know, and let you know what/how to clear them, and whether it becomes a repetitive issue.

 

[RPMSTL]

Thanks for clarifying.

I have had about had all I can take with the washboard effect on the highway I take to and from work every day.

This seems like a fine solution as long as it addresses that issue like it sounds like it may.

 

[DJ’s Sled]

Thanks for clarifying.

I have had about had all I can take with the washboard effect on the highway I take to and from work every day.

This seems like a fine solution as long as it addresses that issue like it sounds like it may.

I totally get it.
Several weeks ago one of the Denver dealers still had me on their purchase wait list, and made me a fantastic offer to trade up to a 2025 OT. I REALLY wanted to do that, mainly in hopes of losing the damn jittery vibration shortcoming..that would have been a significant gamble.
My wife was seriously adamant that we would NOT do that . Uhmm..okay
In the longer run..that ‘discussion’ mitigated and opened the door for me to go the MT64 route. YAY!!

I’m particularly going to be paying very close attention to confirm that I have lost virtually all of that jitteriness. Specifically on my local roads that I know.
I’ll certainly let everyone know how it is.

 

[Bluegill]

Thank you for your reply, DJ!

A few of my thoughts:

E-KDSS should be fine with all these suspension systems, unless you're really lifting the truck high which seems like it would be beyond about 2.5 - 3 inches or so. Maybe E-KDSS is fine no matter how high the lift, I'm not exactly sure. E-KDSS is the computer-commanded yet still mechanical disconnecting and reconnecting of the sway bars so you get the connected sway bar benefit on-road and the disconnected longer-travel benefit off-road.

The King 2.5 suspension system uses new sway bar links so the King 2.5s must lift enough to require extended links, or maybe they are the same length as stock but just beefed-up (and blue). I really don't know but I'm trying to figure it all out with this new truck!

The AVS system is purely for the harder or softer suspension settings available with the OEM shocks. The aftermarket shocks don't have Lexus AVS so the AVS plug from the truck's computer isn't plugged in to the new shocks and therefore no more harder/softer selectability via the knob on the dash.

To be perfectly honest, the only difference I can feel with AVS is that the truck rolls a lot more in Comfort mode if you hit some big bumps or wavy pavement. There's a truncated off-ramp on my local highway due to construction and I almost lost it while in Comfort mode cruising along at about 60 mph and I had to yank the wheel to the right to hit the off-ramp opening. I've taken it dozens of times in Normal mode and it's perfectly fine. Other than that, Comfort mode is not like you are suddenly riding in a 1969 Cadillac Coupe de Ville when you rotate the knob to Comfort. Similarly, Sport+ mode certainly sharpens cornering but it doesn't seem to make any noticeable difference on broken asphalt, highway expansion joints, etc.

I've also tested Comfort vs. Normal vs. Sport+ while running along at 60 mph through long desert straights on dirt that's relatively flat but also has washboards and ups & downs. No major differences noted. The washboards seem to rattle just as hard in Comfort vs. Sport+. If you hit a big dip or a long stretch of really tight washboards, the stock suspension can't handle it no matter what mode you're in and you'll drift off course.

This is exactly the reason I want to upgrade the suspension. The aftermarket's superior shock technology completely eclipses the stock system so AVS is no longer needed. The aftermarket shocks can act like Comfort mode and then act like Sport+ in an instant. The stock suspension is a compromise that does pretty darn good on-road as well as off-road and the masses of people are fine with it and the price-point is right for the bean counters at Lexus. Aftermarket suspension is expensive and not needed for the vast majority of the masses. If Lexus offered an Overtrail with the OME or King suspension already fitted, the increase in cost would probably be >$10,000. There would also be incredible liability as people drove off the lot and immediately rolled their GX550 while thinking they could drive with reckless abandon.