Upgrading your vehicle’s suspension is one of the most impactful modifications you can make for both on-road comfort and off-road capability. A quality suspension kit from a trusted brand like ARB can dramatically improve handling, stability, and control, turning a rough ride into a smooth, confident journey. Whether you’re navigating city streets or tackling rugged trails, the right components make all the difference.
This roundup focuses on ARB’s renowned lineup, including their Old Man Emu series, which is engineered for durability and performance. We’ve compiled a selection of complete kits and individual components to help you find the perfect solution for your needs. From lift kits that provide essential ground clearance to advanced shock absorbers and supporting accessories, these products are designed to enhance your driving experience and get you where you need to go with improved control.
Top ARB Suspension Kits for Superior Handling
- ARB ARB Leaf Spring Suspension Kit
- ARB Emu Dakar Leaf Spring Front Suspension Lift Kit
- ARB High Performance Twin On-Board Compressor Kit
- ARB FK29 Old Man Emu Fitting Kit
- ARB USA Airbag Suspension Isolation Kit
- OLD MAN EMU 303003 Torsion Bar Hilux
- ARB Old Man Emu Rear Nitrocharger Sport Shock
- ARB Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Sport Shock Kit
- ARB Old Man Emu BP-51 Bypass Shock Kit
ARB ARB Leaf Spring Suspension Kit
This comprehensive leaf spring kit is engineered for a straightforward installation and a noticeable improvement in vehicle stance and handling. It provides a modest 19mm lift, which is ideal for leveling a vehicle or compensating for added weight from accessories. The kit is constructed from durable steel and includes all the necessary hardware for a complete installation.
You receive leaf springs, bushes, U-bolts, centre bolts, spring liners, trim packers, and a full suspension fitting kit in one package. This all-in-one approach saves time and ensures component compatibility, offering a reliable solution for refreshing your rear suspension. It’s a solid foundation for anyone looking to restore ride quality and add a slight lift.
ARB Emu Dakar Leaf Spring Front Suspension Lift Kit
For those seeking a more substantial lift, the Old Man Emu Dakar Leaf Spring Kit offers a 2.25-inch front lift. This vehicle-specific kit is designed to provide increased ground clearance, which is crucial for off-road adventures. The use of aluminum components helps manage weight while maintaining strength and durability.
As part of the respected Old Man Emu line, this kit is built to handle challenging conditions. The vehicle-specific design ensures a proper fit and optimal performance for your particular model. It’s a key component for a suspension system upgrade focused on serious off-road capability and improved approach angles.
ARB High Performance Twin On-Board Compressor Kit
While not a suspension component itself, this twin compressor is a critical supporting accessory for any serious off-road vehicle. It provides the reliable air source needed to re-inflate tires after airing down for better traction on sand or rock. This directly contributes to handling and safety once you return to paved roads.
The CKMTA12KIT is a complete solution from a leading manufacturer, known for its high-quality and user-focused design. Its powerful twin-head design allows for faster inflation times, making post-trail recovery quick and efficient. Having this system onboard adds a layer of versatility and preparedness to your vehicle.
ARB FK29 Old Man Emu Fitting Kit
This fitting kit is an essential companion for many Old Man Emu suspension installations. It contains the specialized bolts, nuts, and washers required to securely mount new suspension components. Using the correct hardware is vital for safety and ensures the suspension functions as intended.
The FK29 kit takes the guesswork out of sourcing individual parts, providing peace of mind that everything you need for a proper fit is included. It’s a simple yet crucial part of a successful suspension upgrade, helping to guarantee the longevity and reliability of your new system.
ARB USA Airbag Suspension Isolation Kit
This innovative airbag isolation kit allows for precise control over your vehicle’s air ride suspension. It enables you to adjust the air pressure in each airbag independently, which is perfect for leveling the vehicle when loads are added unevenly. This helps maintain proper handling characteristics and a level ride height under varying load conditions.
As an optional upgrade, this kit provides full control, moving beyond simple on/off functionality. It’s an excellent solution for vehicles that are frequently used for towing or carrying heavy, uneven cargo, ensuring stability and comfort are maintained regardless of how the vehicle is loaded.
OLD MAN EMU 303003 Torsion Bar Hilux
This torsion bar is designed as a direct replacement or upgrade for specific Hilux models, strengthening the front suspension system. Torsion bars are a key component in independent front suspension setups, affecting ride height, spring rate, and overall handling. Upgrading to a heavy-duty bar can improve load-carrying capacity and resistance to sag.
As a genuine Old Man Emu component, it is built to the high standards required for off-road and heavy-use applications. Replacing worn or under-spec torsion bars can restore factory ride height and improve the vehicle’s stability and control on and off the road.
ARB Old Man Emu Rear Nitrocharger Sport Shock Absorber
The Nitrocharger Sport shock absorber is engineered for enhanced ride and handling performance. Its advanced design features six valving discs and multi-deflective disc stacking, which allows for infinite tuning options to match specific vehicle and driving needs. This technology provides a comfortable ride on smooth surfaces while maintaining control on rough terrain.
This model is specifically designed for the rear of a Toyota Tacoma (2005-on), ensuring a perfect fit and optimized performance. The improved oil flow and temperature operating range ensure consistent damping performance, which is critical for maintaining handling precision during extended use.
ARB Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Sport Shock Kit
This kit bundles a full set of Nitrocharger Sport shocks for a complete vehicle upgrade. Replacing all four shocks at once ensures balanced damping characteristics across the entire vehicle, which is key to achieving predictable handling and a uniform ride quality. The Nitrocharger Sport is known for its robust construction and refined valving.
Ideal for daily drivers and weekend adventurers alike, this kit offers a significant improvement over stock shock absorbers. It provides better control over bumps and corrugations, reducing body roll and improving driver confidence both on and off the highway.
ARB Old Man Emu BP-51 Bypass Shock Kit
The BP-51 Bypass Shock Kit represents the pinnacle of Old Man Emu’s off-road suspension technology. These are externally bypass shocks that feature adjustable rebound and compression damping, allowing you to fine-tune the ride to your exact preference and load conditions. This level of adjustability is typically found in professional racing applications.
With a distinctive piggyback reservoir design, the BP-51s manage heat more effectively for consistent performance during demanding, high-speed off-road use. This kit is for the enthusiast who demands the ultimate in control, comfort, and tunability from their suspension system, regardless of the terrain.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right ARB Suspension Kit
So you’re thinking about upgrading your vehicle’s suspension with an ARB kit. I’ve been there, and I know it can feel a bit overwhelming with all the options. The goal is to find a kit that genuinely improves your handling for your specific needs, whether that’s daily driving comfort or conquering rough trails. Let’s break down what you should be looking for.
First, you need to be honest about how you use your truck or SUV. Is it your daily driver where on-road comfort is key? Or are you a weekend warrior who needs maximum articulation and durability for rock crawling? ARB offers different series, like the Old Man Emu (OME) line, which has specific kits for light, medium, and heavy-duty applications. A heavy-duty kit might be overkill and give you a harsh ride if you’re not constantly carrying a lot of weight or towing. Matching the kit to your vehicle’s actual use is the most critical step.
Next, consider the components. A full suspension kit is more than just springs and shocks. A comprehensive kit will include things like new coils or leaf springs, shock absorbers, and often crucial items like urethane bushings and caster correction bushes. These extra bits are vital for a proper installation and for getting the intended alignment and handling characteristics. Don’t forget about the lift height. While a bigger lift might look cool, it can introduce new problems like driveline vibrations that require additional, costly parts to fix. Sometimes, a more modest lift is the smarter choice for overall drivability and reliability.
Finally, think about the brand’s reputation and your own mechanical skills. ARB has a stellar reputation for a reason; their products are engineered for durability and performance. However, a suspension upgrade is a significant job. If you’re not confident in your ability to install it correctly, factor in the cost of professional installation. A poorly installed suspension kit won’t deliver the improved handling you’re after and could even be dangerous. Reading through various 9 Best ARB Suspension Kit Reviews for Improved Handling can give you a great sense of how these kits perform in the real world on vehicles similar to yours. Pay attention to long-term feedback on ride quality and component longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main benefit of installing an ARB suspension kit?
The primary benefit I’ve found is a significant improvement in vehicle control and stability. The stock suspension on many 4x4s is designed for a compromise between comfort and capability. An ARB kit, especially from their Old Man Emu line, is built with off-road performance and load-carrying in mind. This translates to less body roll on corners, a more planted feel on rough roads, and increased confidence when you’re carrying heavy gear or towing a trailer. It’s about making the vehicle feel more secure and predictable in a wider range of situations.
Will an ARB suspension kit give my vehicle a lift?
Yes, most ARB suspension kits are designed to provide some level of lift, typically between 1.5 to 3 inches. This lift serves a functional purpose beyond just looks. It increases ground clearance, which helps prevent your chassis and differentials from hitting obstacles off-road. It also creates more space for fitting larger tires. It’s important to choose a kit with a lift height that matches your goals without going overboard, as extreme lifts can complicate other vehicle systems.
How does the ride quality change with an ARB kit compared to stock?
This is a common concern. If you choose the correct kit for your vehicle’s weight and usage, the ride quality is often much better than stock, especially when loaded. A stock suspension can feel bouncy and wallowy when you add weight. A properly specified ARB kit will feel firmer and more controlled. It soaks up bumps and impacts more effectively without the unsettling body movement. For a daily-driven vehicle with no extra weight, it might feel slightly firmer on small pavement imperfections, but the trade-off is vastly superior control and stability.
Are these kits difficult to install myself?
The difficulty of installation really depends on your mechanical experience, your specific vehicle, and the tools you have available. Replacing shocks and springs is a straightforward job for a seasoned home mechanic with a good set of hand tools, jack stands, and a spring compressor. However, it can be physically demanding and, on some vehicles, require dealing with seized bolts or needing an alignment immediately afterward. If you have any doubt, I strongly recommend having a professional shop handle the installation to ensure your safety and that the kit performs as designed.
Can I mix and match ARB components with other brands?
While it’s technically possible, I generally don’t recommend it. ARB designs their springs and shock absorbers to work together as a matched system. The damping rates of the shocks are calibrated specifically for the spring rates they supply. Mixing a shock from one brand with a spring from another can lead to a poor ride, poor handling, and even premature component failure. For the best and most reliable results, it’s wise to stick with a complete kit from a single manufacturer.