http://www.4x4Wire.com/4x4/toyota/4Runner/tech/suspension/ziad.htm

Front:
Old Man Emu Heavy Duty springs and standard shocks

Rear:
Old Man Emu Heavy Duty springs and standard shocks

Old Man Emu makes one of the best suspension kits for the 3rd Generation 4runners.  They have an engineered solution whereby the shocks and the springs were designed to complement each other.  Initially OME didn't recommend mixing and matching, but recently, they started "allowing" for mix and match configurations.  OME has Heavy Duty (HD) and standard (STD) versions of its shocks and springs.  

It is recommended that you get HD shocks and springs if you frequently haul or tow, of if you have aftermarket components like bumpers, winches, skid plates or bigger/heavier tires. The more weight you have on this setup, the more supple and comfortable the ride.  It maybe noteworthy to mention that the HD springs are little bit longer than the STD springs, which could give you a slightly higher lift, maybe 1/4".  The STD and HD shocks differ in their valving values.

The STD option is for a stock vehicle with light modifications. If you want a lift kit to fit slightly larger tires, this is a good way to go.  OME recommends using the HD shocks with the HD springs and STD shocks with the STD springs. They also permit using the HD springs with the STD shocks, but do not recommend the STD springs with HD shocks due to the poor ride that would result.  You would go with HD springs and STD shocks in situations where you may have a slightly modified vehicle with future plans to add more. For example, if you have plans to get an aftermarket bumper, and maybe you'll add a tire carrier. The springs will act to support the new weight, yet it's not too much for the shocks.  There is not a scientific way to explain this. My conversations with the OME guys, I got the impression that there are a million differing ways you can define the mix and match.  From my experience, I can say that if you do most of your driving on the road, and you plan to have some modifications that will not add more than 250lbs to the truck, go with the STD setup all around. You can upgrade to the HD springs if you want about 1/4" more of a lift at the expense of a slightly stiffer ride. If and when you add bumpers, winches, or tire carriers, the added weight will "soften" the feel of the HD springs and you'll get a more supple ride.  

I have the HD springs and STD shocks.  I wish I had the STD kit all around, as I frequently wish for a more supple and softer ride. If the STD springs were the same length as the HD springs, I would probably switch mine out, but I like the height that I get with the HD springs... It's a compromise to be sure.  Remember also that a softer suspension means more flexibility and more articulation, just one more factor to throw in the mix when deciding on a kit for your rig.  So which should you get?  If you're like me and spend 90%+ of your time on the road, get the STD all around. If you want a little extra lift, get the HD springs, but sacrifice a little smoothness.  If you tow or haul heavy stuff a lot, go with the HD all around, it'll be a little rough when you're not hauling, but you'll love it when it's weighed down.  Either way you go with OME, you'll have a ride that is 150% better than the stock ride. OME absorbs bumps, potholes and trail obstacles with ease. It gives you more confidence to take turns without feeling like you're going over. It looks way too cool as your truck will have a new "mean" stance.

OME soaks it up	CO4RJ

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