You didn’t buy a Toyota to keep it in the driveway. Whether it’s a Tacoma, 4Runner, or Tundra, these trucks are built to outlast the competition. But stock suspension has its limits, especially when you start adding steel bumpers, winches, and rooftop tents. When the time comes to upgrade, the market is flooded with "budget" options that promise the world but deliver a harsh ride and leaking shocks within a year.
At Sexton Offroad, we believe in the "buy once, cry once" philosophy. Spending your money on a high-quality system today saves you the headache of paying for labor twice and replacing failed parts tomorrow. Two names consistently dominate the conversation for Toyota builds: ARB Old Man Emu (OME) and ICON Vehicle Dynamics.
Both brands offer incredible performance, but they serve different masters. Choosing the right one depends on how you use your rig, how much weight you carry, and where you plan to take it. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, we’ve installed hundreds of these kits in our Salt Lake City and Park City shops. We’ve seen what works on the rugged trails of Utah and what falls short.
1. ARB Old Man Emu (OME): The Overland Workhorse
Best For: Heavy-load hauling, long-distance overlanding, and set-it-and-forget-it reliability ($ to $$).
ARB is an Australian powerhouse. Their Old Man Emu (OME) division designs suspension systems specifically for the harsh, corrugated roads of the Outback. Their philosophy isn't just about height; it’s about integration. An OME kit is a complete system where the springs and shocks are engineered to work together as a single unit.
Performance Impact
OME is famous for its variety of spring rates. When you order an OME kit, you don't just get "a lift." You choose your springs based on the weight of your vehicle. If you have a heavy steel front bumper and a winch, you get "Heavy" constant-load springs. This prevents the "nose-dive" common in stock Toyotas and ensures your suspension actually has travel left when the truck is fully loaded.
The newer MT64 and BP-51 lines have pushed OME into the premium territory. The BP-51, in particular, features internal bypass technology that allows for independent adjustment of rebound and compression, giving you a plush ride on the highway and firm control when the trail gets technical.
Pros
- Load Management: Unrivaled ability to handle constant weight (bumpers, tents, gear).
- Durability: Uses high-quality rubber bushings that require zero maintenance and handle road salt/grime exceptionally well.
- Global Support: Parts are available almost anywhere in the world.
- Complete Kits: Usually includes everything from leaf springs to U-bolts and trim spacers.
Cons
- Less Adjustability: Standard OME kits (Nitrogen or MT64) are not height-adjustable; you get the lift height the spring provides.
- Ride Quality when Empty: If you choose "Heavy" springs but run an empty truck, the ride can feel stiff.
2. ICON Vehicle Dynamics: The Performance Specialist
Best For: Aggressive trail riding, high-speed desert sections, and precision adjustability ($$ to $$$).
ICON is a performance-first company based in California. While ARB focuses on the weight of the gear you're carrying, ICON focuses on the speed and terrain you're tackling. Their systems are built around high-quality, CNC-machined aluminum components and race-proven shock technology.
Performance Impact
Most ICON systems feature 2.5-inch diameter shock bodies, which hold more oil than standard shocks. This extra volume helps dissipate heat, preventing shock fade during long, fast runs over washboard roads or through the desert.
ICON uses Digressive Valving. This means the shocks are firm at low speeds (to reduce body roll and brake dive) but become softer as the shock piston moves faster (to soak up big bumps and rocks). Furthermore, ICON coilovers are height-adjustable. If you want exactly 2.75 inches of lift to level your Tacoma perfectly, you can dial it in with a spanner wrench.
Pros
- Premium Ride Quality: Provides a sporty, "connected" feel on the road and exceptional damping off-road.
- Height Adjustable: Allows you to fine-tune the stance of your vehicle or compensate for side-to-side "lean."
- Rebuildable: Unlike entry-level shocks, ICONs can be serviced and rebuilt, extending the life of your investment.
- Spherical Bearings: Many kits use heims (spherical bearings) instead of rubber bushings for maximum articulation and zero bind.
Cons
- Maintenance: Spherical bearings provide better performance but can become noisy and require more frequent cleaning/lubrication than rubber bushings.
- Price: Higher entry point than standard OME kits.
- Lead Times: Due to their popularity and specialized manufacturing, lead times can sometimes be longer.
Head-to-Head: Which One Wins?
Load Capacity vs. Articulation
If your Toyota is a dedicated overland rig with a constant 600 lbs of gear in the back, ARB OME is the winner. Their leaf spring options for the Tacoma and Tundra are legendary for their ability to hold weight without sagging.
If you use your truck as a daily driver during the week and want to go fast on the trails on the weekend, ICON takes the trophy. The adjustability allows you to keep the truck level even if you add or remove gear occasionally.
Maintenance and Longevity
For Utah drivers, road salt is a major factor. OME systems utilize rubber bushings and durable finishes that stand up well to the winter slush in Salt Lake City and Park City. ICON shocks are beautiful aluminum pieces, but the spherical bearings (heims) can catch salt and grit, leading to squeaks if you don't spray them down regularly.
Ride Comfort
Ride comfort is subjective. OME tends to feel more "truck-like" and stable: very predictable. ICON feels more "active" and responsive. If you hate body roll and want your Toyota to handle like a sports car (relatively speaking), ICON is the way to go.
Why Professional Installation Matters in Utah
Buying the parts is only half the battle. A lift kit changes your vehicle’s geometry, affecting your alignment, braking, and electronic safety systems. If you're looking for lift kit installation places in the Mountain West, you need a shop that understands more than just turning bolts.
At Sexton Offroad, we’ve spent three decades refining our process. We don't just install the kit; we ensure your brake lines have enough slack, your driveline angles are corrected to prevent vibrations, and your alignment is dialed in for Utah's highway speeds. Whether you are in SLC or Park City, our team provides the expert touch that "big box" tire shops simply can't match.
For the DIY crowd, we offer free shipping on orders over $100, ensuring you get the same high-quality parts we use in our own builds delivered right to your door.
Final Thoughts: Making the Choice
Choosing between ARB Old Man Emu and ICON isn't about which kit is "better": it's about which kit is better for you.
- Choose ARB Old Man Emu if: You want a bulletproof, reliable system for a heavy overland build and you value a "set-it-and-forget-it" maintenance schedule. It is the gold standard for global travel.
- Choose ICON if: You want the highest level of performance, height adjustability, and a suspension system that can keep up with aggressive off-road driving. It’s for the enthusiast who wants to tune their ride to perfection.
Don't waste money on a "spacer lift" that will blow out your factory struts and leave you stranded on a trail in Moab. Invest in a real suspension system. If you're ready to upgrade your Toyota with a lift kit in Utah, contact us today or swing by the shop. Let’s get your rig trail-ready.