Unless you’re buying from a specialist source, chances are your 4×4 vehicle will be naturally geared towards something of a compromise between on-road comfort and off-road ambition.
If you’re going to be spending the vast majority of your time taking the kids to and from school then that’s probably not an issue.
But most serious off-roaders are going to want to consider customisation. Top of that list (alongside tougher tyres) is going to be the suspension system.
For sheer durability and adjustability, the suspension upgrade that we keep coming back to is the Old Man Emu BP-51 bypass shock absorbers.
In terms of reliability and performance, the BP-51 range is something of a flagship line for OME and these shocks might be the crown jewel within that range.
No modification – The beauty of the BP-51 range is that OME makes a specific system for every popular make and model of 4×4, so there is no vehicle modification required to get that perfect fit.
Flexibility – These shocks allow on-vehicle, independent adjustability of both rebound and compression. This lets you tailor the system individually to your needs.
Bypass – As the name implies, the bypass system allows fluid to pass through and around the piston.
This means that, alongside providing greater damping as speed increases, the piston slows as it reaches maximum compression, reducing the harsh bump stop effect so you get a more controlled ride.
Tight and confident handling – The BP-51s are engineered to flex over undulating terrain to give greater wheel articulation and retain traction even in the deepest dips and slipperiest hills.
Built to last – These shocks have been designed, developed and tested in-house to guarantee every product is built to the same exacting standards.
They are manufactured using aircraft grade aluminium that not only dissipates heat more effectively than steel but is more resistant to corrosion.
They have been extensively tested in both the lab and the real world, so you know that what you’re getting is going to work.
Ultimately, shock absorbers are there to make tougher vehicles feel more comfortable. The BP-51 is, at its core, a consumer version of race shocks, which means they are designed for extended use.
The large fluid volumes keep the shock absorber cool and performing well and the bypass allows for far more damping than with a standard setup. So, you’re rarely going to feel all but the most aggressive bumps.
The main selling point, however, is just how easy and elegant these shocks are to install. They are also mounted neatly out of the way of everything and are built to last.
So, if your suspension feels a little lacking, check out our range of Old Man Emu BP-51 bypass shock absorbers today and you’ll be tearing up the great outdoors before you know it.