Which ARB Suspension Kit Is Right for Your Bronco Build?

[Marie_ARB]

There’s a lot of chatter online about “what suspension is best for the Bronco,” but what really matters is what’s best for your Bronco build. Whether you’re daily driving, building an overland rig, or just looking to level out your stance with some extra support, ARB’s Old Man Emu (OME) suspension kits are built for exactly that real-world use, with real load handling.

If you’re shopping for suspension for your 6th Gen Bronco, ARB 4x4 deserves a spot on your list, and here’s why!

One Shock That Does It All: OME Nitrocharger Sport

Every ARB 4x4 suspension kit for the 6th Gen Bronco starts with the OME Nitrocharger Sport shocks and struts. These were built to make your Bronco ride smoother, handle better, and feel more stable no matter what you’re driving on.

The Nitrocharger Sport is designed to reduce body roll, smooth out uneven ground, and help keep your tires on the ground, giving you better control and comfort in all kinds of conditions. Here’s why it performs so well:

• Twin-tube design with nitrogen gas and high-quality oil keeps the shock cool and consistent, even when you're pushing your Bronco hard on long drives or rough trails.
• High-flow piston and multi-disc valving work together to give you smoother control over bumps, helping your rig feel stable without being stiff.
• The 18mm chrome piston rod is built to handle repeated off-road impacts, and it’s protected by a triple-seal system that keeps internal components safe and helps prevent leaks.
• Finished with a thick steel outer tube and a durable dirt shield, for even more protection against debris and long-term wear.

What really sets the Nitrocharger Sport apart is that it’s valved specifically for each vehicle, and in this case, the 6th Gen Bronco. ARB has taken the time to fine-tune each shock to match the vehicle’s weight, geometry, and handling. You’re not just getting a basic lift kit, you’re getting a complete suspension system built for your Bronco.

For those who want a solution that’s ready right out of the box, this is it. There’s nothing to adjust or dial in, it’s just ready to go.

Spring Rates: The Key to Customizing Your Setup

Where ARB really gives Bronco owners control is in the spring rate selection. All of ARB’s kits are paired with coil springs that match your build’s constant weight (not just the occasional weekend load).

Spring rates are all about load handling, specifically, what’s bolted to your Bronco 100% of the time. To have the smoothest ride possible you need to make sure you are getting springs rated to your current setup, or the setup you plan to have in the future. Let me break it down.

Spring Rate​	Front Additions ​	Rear Additions​
Light	No aftermarket bumper or constant weight. Best for: daily drivers or those looking to gain ride height without added accessories.	No roof rack, RTT, drawers, or heavy gear. Best for: weekend setups that stay mostly unloaded or rigs with removable gear.
Medium	Steel bumper without winch, or lightweight bumper with winch. May include dual batteries or auxiliary lighting. Best for: moderate front-end builds where weight is added.	Moderate, part-time loads like an empty bed rack, light RTT, or light camping gear. Best for: Broncos with part-time overland setups or light rear gear.
Heavy	Full-width steel bumper with winch and/or tire carrier. Best for: full-time overland or trail rigs with a consistently heavy front load.	Constant weight in the rear from a loaded drawer system, roof rack with RTT, fridge, or recovery gear. Best for: fully built rigs that are always loaded and trail-ready.

**Having rock slides, side steps, and roof racks will distribute the weight to both the front and rear of your vehicle.

A Quick Guide to Selecting the Right ARB Suspension Kit

Aesthetic Lift (No Added Weight)
For drivers who want added ride height but aren’t running a bumper, winch, RTT, or drawer system.

• Kit: BRONLK1
• Ideal for: Stock Broncos or those just looking for a lift without added load.

Weekend Warrior
Light trail use, occasional gear. Maybe a bumper or RTT but not both, and no full-time drawer system.

• Kits: BRONMK1 or BRONLK2
• Ideal for: Aluminum or stubby steel bumper or rooftop tent or bed rack.

Overland Build
Regular trail use, with constant weight like an RTT, roof rack, fridge, and/or recovery gear.

• Kits: BRONMK2
• Ideal for: Full-time roof load + drawer/fridge setup, but not full armor.

Fully Built Adventure Rig
Heavier accessories mounted full-time like a steel bumper, winch, RTT, fridge, drawers, tire carrier, etc.

• Kits: BRONHK1, BRONHK2, BRONHK3
• Ideal for: Full overland build with front and rear constant load.

Not Sure Where to Start?
Start by asking yourself a few questions:

1. What are my goals for my build?
2. Do I have any added weight, or do I plan on adding anymore?
3. Is the weight temporary or constant?

If you’re still unsure, share your build and goals below, and I can help you figure out the best kit.

Already running an ARB setup? Post it below! Bonus points if you include your suspension setup and why you chose it!

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[Snacktime]

You guys screwed up and didn't get the suspension out to real users to test early on. Going on 2-3 years and there is very little information of springs and heights. Let alone the lack of ability to really dial in the height without complete disassemble and buying different springs. ARB really needs to prove their products are better than stock parts at this point.

 

[Bigmoose]

i was hoping they would be a little beefier. I’m not sure i want a spot weld holding up my vehicle.

vs a one piece machined lower at the same price point.

 

[ICEMAN1]

I don’t know … How do these stack up against 8112s? These seem like a nice setup if you have SAS recalled shocks, and don’t want to break the bank. I would assume pricing and total customization is the difference between these and 8112. What do these ARB setups run?

 

[Willub]

I don’t know … How do these stack up against 8112s? These seem like a nice setup if you have SAS recalled shocks, and don’t want to break the bank. I would assume pricing and total customization is the difference between these and 8112. What do these ARB setups run?

These are not in the same universe as the 8112. Click the links provided. These look cheap for a reason.

 

[EgreenBadSquatch]

I don’t know … How do these stack up against 8112s? These seem like a nice setup if you have SAS recalled shocks, and don’t want to break the bank. I would assume pricing and total customization is the difference between these and 8112. What do these ARB setups run?

I think these are a lot closer to the 6112s since they are a similar price point. So I wonder how they compare to those.

 

[Punchy]

i was hoping they would be a little beefier. I’m not sure i want a spot weld holding up my vehicle.

vs a one piece machined lower at the same price point.

I am so glad you pointed that out. That is horrifying. No way I'd buy these.

 

[OverBudget]

i was hoping they would be a little beefier. I’m not sure i want a spot weld holding up my vehicle.

vs a one piece machined lower at the same price point.

Man, i was looking at getting these OME because they're well regarded for other platforms, but seeing that small spot weld does have me second guessing.

also wonder whatever happened to the OME BP51's from like 2 years ago that were in development.

 

[Snacktime]

OME Nitrochargers are a 5100 Bilstien competitor. My last experience 15+ years ago was when the Nitorchargers hit the market and Rancho Adjustable 9000s were hot shit. Bilstien hit the market with the adjustable height 5100s around the same time and stole the market. OME still had good luck in the coil spring suspension market were you had to buy springs to get lift.

These are double wall, small piston shocks. I would want to test the ride these with some heavy 37s before passing judgement on our platform.

 

[Bigmoose]

Man, i was looking at getting these OME because they're well regarded for other platforms, but seeing that small spot weld does have me second guessing.

also wonder whatever happened to the OME BP51's from like 2 years ago that were in development.

Don’t get me wrong. It might hold up fine. Im sure the OEM bilsteins look the same, its cheaper to make. However at this price point i want more.

 

[OverBudget]

Don’t get me wrong. It might hold up fine. Im sure the OEM bilsteins look the same, its cheaper to make. However at this price point i want more.

fully agree. should clarify i'm second guessing simply because id love to see them at least fully welded, not because i think they'll fail or anything, just kind of disappointing to see for the price point when compared to others.

 

[SoDak1623]

Don’t get me wrong. It might hold up fine. Im sure the OEM bilsteins look the same, its cheaper to make. However at this price point i want more.

From a picture I dug up on the forum, the front OEM Bilsteins appear to be welded all the way around, with the rears being spot welded. Although, the spot welds on the OEM rears appears to be more comprehensive than the ones pictured in the OP.


https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...-sasquatch-shocks-and-coil-springs-700.73946/

 

[popo_patty]

OME is widely regarded in the Land Cruiser/Overland family. A cheap shock that’s a good replacement for the stock stuff if you’re adding weight. They arnt go fast shocks and never claim to be. They just are for the guy that is adding weight and wants a replacement shock, maybe a slightly bigger tire.
In the Bronco world, I’d say this concept isn’t really needed as you can fit a pretty big tire on the stock suspension and Broncos live in the go fast world.

 

[JediMcMuffin]

Thanks for this thread, its nicely informative. My plans for next year to go from ESC-V to 6100s seem to be holding. I don't go hard enough to justify the 8100s but would love a nicer ride for daily driving and slower speed trail use. The only other ones in my head that are in play still could be the Dobinsons, but those require new UCAs and I think with 6100s that is unnecessary. I have no plans to increase tire size past OEM (sasquatch). That is, after I get the steering rack upgrade sorted.

 

[OverBudget]

Thanks for this thread, its nicely informative. My plans for next year to go from ESC-V to 6100s seem to be holding. I don't go hard enough to justify the 8100s but would love a nicer ride for daily driving and slower speed trail use. The only other ones in my head that are in play still could be the Dobinsons, but those require new UCAs and I think with 6100s that is unnecessary. I have no plans to increase tire size past OEM (sasquatch). That is, after I get the steering rack upgrade sorted.

I've been seeing a lot of guys suggest not even upgrading the rack or tie rods. Something about most commonly rack failures are due to beefing up tie rods and moving the weak point to the rack. Just keeping the tie rod as the week point and carrying spares Incase they break was what I've seen being recommended.

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