Old Man Emu Suspension for the Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984–2001)

If you own a Jeep Cherokee XJ and are looking to upgrade the suspension, Old Man Emu (OME) is one of the most trusted names in the game. Known for building suspension systems that balance ride quality, durability, and off-road performance, OME products are a go-to choice for XJ owners around the world. Here’s a look at the history of the brand, their product line, and the exact part numbers available for the Cherokee XJ.


A Brief History of Old Man Emu

Old Man Emu was founded in 1976 in Australia, born out of the need for tougher, better-handling suspension for the rough conditions of the Australian outback. The goal was simple: improve comfort, control, and load handling beyond what factory systems could offer.

In 1988, ARB, the well-known Australian 4x4 accessories company, acquired Old Man Emu. This gave OME access to larger-scale R&D and expanded their reach worldwide. The name comes from the emu bird—known for keeping its body steady while its legs absorb the bounce, just like a properly tuned suspension should.

OME Product Lineup for the Cherokee XJ

Old Man Emu builds more than just lift kits. Their suspension components are designed to work together as complete systems. The main products for the Jeep Cherokee XJ include:

Front Coil Springs

• OME 2930 – Medium load front coils (~1.5–2" lift)
• OME 2934 – Heavy load front coils (~2" lift, supports bumpers/winch)

Rear Leaf Springs

• OME CS033RA – Medium load rear leaf springs (~2.5–3" lift)
• OME CS033RB – Heavy load rear leaf springs (~3" lift, extra gear/armor)
• OME CS035RA – Alternative medium-duty rear spring option with overload leaf

Shocks (Nitrocharger Sport)

OME’s Nitrocharger Sport shocks are specifically valved to match their coils and leafs. For the XJ Cherokee, the part numbers are:

Front Shocks

• OME 63052 – Front Nitrocharger Sport, standard/mild lift (0–2.5")
  
  
• OME 63052L – Front Nitrocharger Sport, extended length (3–5")

Rear Shocks

• OME 63053 – Rear Nitrocharger Sport, standard/mild lift (0–2.5")
  
  
• OME 63053L – Rear Nitrocharger Sport, extended length (3–5"

Steering Stabilizer

• OME SD40 – Heavy-duty steering damper for XJ

Complete Suspension Kits

OME also offers complete suspension systems, pairing matched coils, leafs, and shocks into one package. A common XJ setup includes:

• OME 2930 front coils
• OME CS033RA rear leaf packs
• OME N35/N36 Nitrocharger shocks
• U-bolts, bushings, and hardware

This results in a balanced ~2–2.5" lift that clears 30–31" tires with excellent road manners and trail capability.

Why XJ Owners Choose OME

• Ride Quality – Springs and shocks are matched to work together, so you don’t get the harsh, bouncy feel common with budget lifts.
• Load Options – Medium and heavy load spring rates let you build your suspension around your Jeep setup.
• Durability – OME springs are shot-peened, scragged, and built with anti-friction pads to reduce sag and extend life.
• Reputation – Jeepers have been running OME on XJs for decades, with proven reliability and comfort.

Final Thoughts

Old Man Emu suspension has earned its reputation for good reason. For the 1984–2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ, OME offers a complete range of parts—from front coils and rear leaf packs to shocks and full lift kits—all engineered to work as a system.

Adding OME 2930 coils, CS033RA leaf packs, and N35/N36 shocks is one of the most popular XJ upgrades, giving a clean 2–2.5" lift that works for both daily driving and off-road use. And if you need more load capacity or higher travel, OME has you covered with heavy-duty springs and extended-length shocks.

For Jeep Cherokee XJ owners, Old Man Emu Suspension remains one of the best suspension upgrades available—reliable, proven, and built for the trails.