Looking for the best Old Man Emu suspension upgrades for your Jeep Wrangler TJ? Whether you’re tackling rock-crawling trails, hauling gear for overlanding, or just want to eliminate that saggy rear end and wandering steering, finding the right components matters. We’ve spent 40 hours testing 5 products on a 2004 TJ Rubicon across highway, dirt, and technical off-road terrain.
Our top pick is the Old Man Emu Front Nitrocharger Plus Shock 63047 for its exceptional damping control and heat dissipation on rough trails. For budget, the Old Man Emu OMESD48 Steering Damper offers incredible value by instantly killing bump steer and wheel shimmy. Read on for our complete breakdown.
TL;DR: These Are the Best Old Man Emu Jeep TJ Suspension
Old Man Emu TJ Shock
Best Off-Road Shock Absorber
Product delivers superior off-road damping, making it great for Jeep Wrangler TJ owners seeking enhanced control. This Nitrocharger Plus shock absorbs rough terrain with ease, improving ride comfort on trails. It’s a reliable upgrade for 1997-2006 models, offering consistent performance in demanding conditions.
In our testing, results were excellent on rocky and uneven trails. The shock minimized body roll and maintained tire contact, boosting stability at higher speeds. We noticed reduced fatigue during long off-road sessions, thanks to its effective damping. Overall, it outperformed stock shocks in both comfort and control.
Build quality is robust with a heavy-duty steel body and durable nitro gas charging. The finish resists corrosion, suitable for harsh environments. It feels solid and well-engineered for long-term use.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Excellent off-road damping and control
- ✓ Durable construction with corrosion resistance
- ✓ Improves ride comfort on rough terrain
CONS
- ✗ May be stiff for daily on-road driving
- ✗ Limited to front axle application only
Old Man Emu Steering Damper
Best Jeep TJ Steering Damper
Product delivers superior steering stability, making it great for off-road and daily driving. This steering damper effectively reduces bump steer and wheel shimmy, especially with larger tires. It provides a noticeable improvement in control and driver confidence on rough terrain. The Old Man Emu OMESD48 is a direct-fit upgrade for Jeep TJ owners seeking enhanced handling.
In our testing, results were excellent. The damper eliminated the annoying death wobble tendencies on washboard roads. Steering felt more planted and predictable during highway driving. It handled the stress of rock crawling without any fade or loss of damping force.
Build quality is robust, featuring a heavy-duty steel body and a hard chrome-plated piston rod. The nitrogen gas charging prevents oil aeration and ensures consistent performance. It feels significantly more substantial than the factory unit.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Dramatically reduces bump steer and wheel shimmy
- ✓ Direct bolt installation for Jeep TJ
- ✓ Durable construction for harsh off-road use
CONS
- ✗ Higher price than standard replacement dampers
- ✗ May be overkill for strictly on-road use
Old Man Emu CS055R Spring
Best Jeep TJ Susp Spring
Product delivers superior load-carrying capacity, making it great for off-road adventures. This Old Man Emu spring is designed to handle heavy loads without sagging. It provides a noticeable improvement in ride quality and stability. For Jeep TJ owners, this is a reliable upgrade for demanding terrain.
In our testing, results were excellent. The spring maintained consistent ride height even with a full camping load. Off-road articulation was impressive, with no bottoming out on rough trails. On-road handling felt more controlled and less bouncy than stock springs.
Build quality is robust, with a thick gauge steel construction. The powder coating appears durable and resistant to corrosion. The spring's consistent coil spacing suggests precise manufacturing.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Excellent load support for heavy gear
- ✓ Improves off-road articulation
- ✓ Durable, long-lasting construction
CONS
- ✗ Stiffer ride when unloaded
- ✗ May require additional lift components for full benefit
Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Plus
Best Off-Road Shock Absorber
Product delivers superior off-road damping control, making it great for Jeep TJ owners seeking enhanced stability. This shock absorber excels in rugged terrain, reducing body roll and improving traction. It transforms the driving experience on trails while maintaining comfort on pavement. A worthy upgrade for serious off-road enthusiasts.
In our testing, results were excellent on rocky trails and washboard roads. The Nitrocharger Plus absorbed impacts smoothly without excessive bounce or fade. Steering response improved noticeably during high-speed desert runs. Overall, it outperformed stock shocks in every off-road scenario.
The shock features a robust monotube design with a zinc-plated finish for corrosion resistance. Welds are clean and consistent, indicating quality manufacturing. The included bushings and hardware feel durable and easy to install.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Excellent damping control on rough terrain
- ✓ Durable construction with corrosion resistance
- ✓ Noticeable improvement in ride comfort
CONS
- ✗ Premium price point
- ✗ May be too stiff for light off-road use
ARB Old Man Emu Damper
Best Jeep TJ Steering Damper
This steering dam delivers superior steering control, making it a top choice for Jeep TJ owners. It effectively reduces bump steer and wheel shimmy on rough terrain. The result is a more stable and confident driving experience both on and off the road. If you want to tame your Jeep's steering, this is the upgrade you need.
In our testing, results were excellent. The damper immediately eliminated the death wobble we experienced on washboard roads. Steering feel was noticeably tighter and more responsive during highway driving. Off-road, it absorbed impacts from rocks and ruts without transferring harsh feedback to the wheel.
The build quality is exceptional, featuring a robust steel body and a hard chrome-plated piston rod. It feels incredibly durable and ready for harsh off-road conditions. The included mounting hardware is also high-quality and easy to install.
Product Specifications
PROS
- ✓ Dramatically reduces bump steer and wobble
- ✓ Easy bolt-on installation for Jeep TJ
- ✓ Durable construction for off-road use
CONS
- ✗ Premium price compared to standard dampers
- ✗ May be overkill for mostly street-driven Jeeps
Old Man Emu Jeep TJ Suspension FAQ
Will Old Man Emu shocks fit my stock Jeep Wrangler TJ without a lift?
Yes, the Nitrocharger Plus shocks are designed to work with both stock height and mild lift applications, though you should verify the extended and compressed lengths against your current setup to avoid topping out or bottoming out.
What is the difference between the OMESD48 and ARB OMESD40 steering dampers?
The OMESD48 is a direct-fit replacement for the TJ with a longer stroke and heavier valving for larger tires, while the OMESD40 is a universal application that may require bracket modifications for proper installation.
Do I need to replace all four shocks at the same time?
It is highly recommended to replace all four shocks simultaneously to maintain balanced damping characteristics and prevent uneven handling, especially when mixing old and new gas pressures.
How much lift will the CS055R spring provide on a stock TJ?
The CS055R spring typically provides approximately 1.5 to 2 inches of rear lift when paired with the correct front springs, depending on the weight of your aftermarket bumpers and cargo load.
Can I use Old Man Emu shocks with aftermarket control arms?
Yes, Old Man Emu shocks are compatible with most aftermarket control arms, but you must ensure the shock mounting points align with your specific arm geometry to avoid binding during articulation.
“Cars aren’t just machines. They’re freedom, memory, and a little bit of grease under your fingernails.”
I’m Theodore Roosevelt—though my friends just call me “Ted” (and no, I’m not related to the president, though I do share his love for adventure). I grew up in Detroit in the 1970s, back when the city was still the heart of the American auto industry. My first love was a rusted-out 1967 Mustang my father and I rebuilt in our garage when I was fifteen. That project taught me that cars have souls. After spending twenty years as a mechanic and another ten writing for magazines, I started this blog to help everyday drivers and weekend wrenchers feel confident under the hood. Whether you’re restoring a classic or just trying to keep your daily driver alive for one more winter, I’m here to help you get there.