How to adjust Old Man Emu BP-51?

The Old Man Emu BP-51 suspension system is a top choice for anyone looking to customize their ride. With its advanced design, the BP-51 lets you adjust various settings to match your driving style and needs.

Depending on whether you have an independent suspension or a solid axle setup, there are two methods for adjusting the BP-51. You can either: Adjust the rebound and compression settings and/or the pre-load.

Modifying the compression and rebound settings allows you to fine-tune the shock absorbers' response to different conditions and driving preferences. Adjusting the pre-load affects the vehicle's ride height and the spring's stiffness, which influences ride quality and load-carrying capacity. Here, we’ll dive into how these adjustments of the BP-51 work.

 

BP-51: Rebound and compression

First things first, it's important to understand what is compression and rebound.
Compression refers to the shock absorber's action when it compresses, absorbing the impact as your vehicle encounters bumps or rough terrain. When you adjust it, it affects how well the suspension absorbs impacts and controls vehicle movement. And you have two scenarios:

• You can increase compression, providing a firmer, more precise ride but can feel stiffer.
• Or you decrease compression, offering a smoother ride but may reduce handling precision.

Rebound, on the other hand, is how fast the shock absorber extends after being compressed. This setting influences how quickly your vehicle stabilizes after encountering bumps or uneven surfaces. In this case, there are two options as well:

• Increasing rebound slows down the shock's extension, improving stability but potentially making the ride feel firmer.
• Decreasing rebound allows for quicker extension, providing a smoother ride but potentially reducing stability.

Once you understand how compression and rebound affect your suspension, you’ll be able to tailor your driving experience to meet your preferences and demands.

How to adjust rebound and compression in the BP-51?

To adjust rebound and compression on the BP-51 shocks, follow these steps:

1. Locate the adjusters: The BP-51 shocks have separate adjusters for compression and rebound. They are usually positioned at the bottom of the shock body.
2. Identify the settings: Each adjuster has markings or numbers indicating the level of damping. These are the factory settings, familiarize yourself with these to track your adjustments.
3. Make the adjustments:
   - In compression:
       - Turn Right: Increases compression damping (firmer ride).
       - Turn Left: Decreases compression damping (softer ride).
   - In rebound:
       - Turn Right: Increases rebound damping (slower return).
       - Turn Left: Decreases rebound damping (faster return).
4. Test the adjustments: After making adjustments, test the vehicle on a variety of terrains. This will help you evaluate how the changes affect the ride quality. Adjust further if needed.

TIPS:

• Start with Baseline Settings: If unsure, start with the manufacturer’s recommended settings for a baseline.

• Make Incremental Changes: Adjust each setting gradually and test drive to ensure you achieve the desired performance.

• Refer to the Manual: For specific instructions and recommendations, consult the BP-51 user manual.

Adjusting both the rebound and compression together allows you to fine-tune your BP-51 shocks to better match your driving conditions and preferences. 

BP-51 pre-load adjustment

The pre-load adjustment on BP-51 shocks enables you to refine the spring tension to suit your vehicle's needs. This helps balance your vehicle when you add heavy loads like bumpers or winches. By changing the pre-load, you don’t need to swap out the springs; you just make them tighter or looser to handle the extra weight better, making your ride smoother and more controlled.

How to adjust pre-load in the BP-51?

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to adjust the pre-load on your BP-51 shocks:

1. Use a wall-mounted spring compressor and insert the OME spring seat tool #VM80020001 into the compressor's three top forks. Make sure the tool’s slots align with the forks' ends.
2. Place the BP-51 coilover into the compressor and position the bottom forks into the coil. Ensure the strut is level.
3. Compress the coil spring until the threaded pre-load ring is not in contact with the coil.
4. Loosen the pinch bolt using a 5mm Allen key.
5. Turn the spring seat to achieve the desired pre-load.
6. Do not position the split in the pre-load ring in line with the hose fitting or directly opposite it. Place it to the side.
7. Tighten the pinch bolt, torquing it to 11 ft. lbs.
8. Position the end of the coil so that it’s opposite the hose fitting.
9. Release the spring, ensuring the top and bottom eyes are aligned.

IMPORTANT: It is highly recommended to have a professional suspension shop assist with these steps.