OME 912 vs. 913...what's the difference?!?

[PHO2GR4]

So a couple of weeks ago I ordered a set of OME 912's from Rocky Road. Then I sat back, contentedly waiting for delivery. Waiting. Waiting.

Finally, I called them today, just for a friendly update on shipping. Turns out THEY are waiting to receive a shipment of springs from ARB (ironically, ARB is right down the road from me in Seattle).

Rocky Road told me that they have no 912s in stock, but they have a set of 913 springs ready to ship TODAY, and they further claim that the 913s and 912s are very similar. The 913's MAY give a slightly softer ride...which frankly may not be a bad idea for the VX.

So: does anyone have real-world experience with either or preferably BOTH the 912s and the 913s? Should I wait another 2-3 weeks for the 912s, or jump on the 913s now?

[JHarris1385]

I hope I dont hear good reviews of the 913's. I just got the 912's a month ago.

[dkmiller68]

Call ARB and ask them to explain the diff.

[PHO2GR4]

You mean, call them instead of asking in here, or in addition to asking in here? I'm not sure that every ARB rep is required to test all of their OME springs on a Vehicross.

As a matter of fact, I DID call ARB in Renton, WA. Two weeks ago. After digging around for awhile, the sales rep said that they were essentially the same spring, except that the 912s are slightly longer = slightly more lift.

Rocky Road said that the 913s were "softer" = smoother ride. I hope that's the only difference! I also, believe it or not, searched this forum before making my post, and found some conflicting info. Some posts said the 912s were longer, some said the 913s were longer, some said they were the same but with different levels of resistance.

So, to sum up: ARB, Rocky Road and a lot of previous posts all gave different answers.

Which is why I made my post asking for anyone who has tested BOTH to please offer some input. I'm still hoping some kind soul steps forward with opinions, although I did already order the 913s....

[JHarris1385]

I would say the 913's are longer considering the 919's are. It seems to make sense the higher the number the longer the spring.

[uncle_asa]

Quote from official ARB reply: "Unfortunately we have no information on fitting the OME912 or OME913 springs to the Isuzu Vehicross. The OME912 springs were designed for a 2 door Frontera and the OME913 for a 5 door Frontera. Both are variable rated coils with the OME913 having 30mm more free height than the OME912."

[PHO2GR4]

See, now that's just WEIRD.

Rocky Road Outiftters swears that the 912 spring is 1/4" longer than the 913.

I'm stumped. It probably doesn't matter much...especially since I've already placed my order...but it shouldn't be so hard to find out the real difference between springs.

The ARB website is useless in that regard, BTW.

I'll report back when I get the springs installed. Maybe a week, since RR will ship them on Monday. Or Tuesday...isn't Monday a holiday?

[kpaske]

If I had to make an assumption, I'd go with what the manufacturer (ARB) is telling you (see uncle_asa's reply above).

[iceaxe]

October 2004 and June 2006 ARB application guide North American Version both list the specs as follows.

Part #, Free Hight, # Coils, lbf/in spring rate, (application)

OME912, 420 mm, 10.8, 180-300 (medium load Trooper 92-02)
OME913, 390 mm, 9.3, 180-300 (medium Amigo/Rodeo 5door coil spring 98-02)
OME919, 430 mm, 10.8, 200-280 (heavy load Trooper 92-02)

bar diameter is same for each. 913 has lowest coil weight, 912 is + 0.8Kg and 919 is + 0.9Kg.

I verified the application guide is correct as it pertains to the OME912 and OME913 part numbers with a Rep at ARB-USA who cross checked for any updates.
I also cross checked in the Oct 2005 International Application guide and the specs are identical number for number, only the applications are listed as follows;

OME912 (medium load GM Frontera 95-98) and (medium Jackaroo/Monterey 92-2/2001)
OME913 (medium load GM Frontera 99+ 5 door)
OME919 (medium Jackaroo/Monterey 3/2001 - 04, Heavy load Jackaroo/Monterey 92-2/2001)

hope this information is helpful and clears up any confusion about the specs.

[VehiGAZ]

Welcome, Iceaxe! With clear informative posts like that, you will be a very welcome member of our community!

Please keep in mind (as I climb up onto my soapbox again) that the quality of your ride will depend on the BALANCE between your springs and you shocks. You can get softer springs for a smoother ride, but mismatching the shocks to the springs can ultimately give you a harder ride.

Good luck!

[PHO2GR4]

Well, after all was said and done, I went and installed the OME913's. Rancho RS9000s completed the package, and the ride is WONDERFUL. The lift height is just under 3" overall.

OME912s are probably great too...but count me as a BIG fan of the OME913s.

[uncle_asa]

Well, after all was said and done, I went and installed the OME913's. Rancho RS9000s completed the package, and the ride is WONDERFUL. The lift height is just under 3" overall.

OME912s are probably great too...but count me as a BIG fan of the OME913s.

So, 913 is higher than 912, right? Just wondering if someone can measure the height of the fender from the ground with the same tires but with 913 and 912 installed.
I wish to go with 32" tires and wish the minimum suspension lift which allows tires not touch fenders. I believe 1" should be enough, but I definetly don't want to end up with spacers.

[kpaske]

Uncle-asa -

The quote you posted earlier seemed to imply that the 913 was a LONGER spring than the 912, but what iceaxe posted indicates the opposite. Both of your sources were from ARB, but if iceaxe was reading directly from a printed material, perhaps the person that replied to you was incorrect. How confusing...

Most of the Amigos I've seen sit fairly low stock, which would be consistant with a shorter 913 spring, but I think PHO2GR4 may be the first to use them, and his description makes it sound as if they are about the same height as the 912. 30 mm is a pretty small difference anyhow, but if we ever meet up we can compare heights because I have the 912's with Rancho9000's.

[uncle_asa]

Uncle-asa -

The quote you posted earlier seemed to imply that the 913 was a LONGER spring than the 912, but what iceaxe posted indicates the opposite. Both of your sources were from ARB, but if iceaxe was reading directly from a printed material, perhaps the person that replied to you was incorrect. How confusing...

Most of the Amigos I've seen sit fairly low stock, which would be consistant with a shorter 913 spring, but I think PHO2GR4 may be the first to use them, and his description makes it sound as if they are about the same height as the 912. 30 mm is a pretty small difference anyhow, but if we ever meet up we can compare heights because I have the 912's with Rancho9000's.

30 mm is about 1.2" (but it's free height, so been in load it is anyway at least half inch, I think). That would be great if you can meet up and make a shoot of both VXs, so finally we found answer in practice

[PHO2GR4]

See the 'Pacific Northwest VX Meet: Seattle' thread!