Choosing the Right Old Man Emu Shocks: Nitrocharger vs. MT64 vs. BP-51
Posted by Sean Law-Bowman on
OME's Commitment to Upgrading Your Vehicle as a Whole
OME is known for its comprehensive approach to vehicle upgrades, and suspension is just one piece of the puzzle. Their parent company, ARB, offers a variety of off-road gear to help you conquer tough terrain. This makes OME's suspension a great choice for those who want a cohesive upgrade package for their vehicle.
Understanding the Differences: Nitrocharger Plus vs. MT64 vs. BP-51
Nitrocharger Plus:
- Budget-friendly option
- Twin-tube design (lesser performance)
- Good for moderate off-roading and added weight
- Limited adjustability
- Costs around $1000-$1500
The honest take here is that the Nitrocharger comes with a price tag usually reserved for popular monotube options in the current market, like Bilstein, Eibach, and Nitrocharger. What these shocks lack in bore (piston) size they make up for in build quality. But like many twin tube dampers for light trucks and SUVs, these shocks run into their limitations quickly offroad.
MT64:
- Sweet spot in terms of value and performance
- Monotube design with larger piston (better performance)
- More supportive and comfortable than Nitrocharger Plus
- Internal hydraulic rebound stop for smoother ride
- Circlip adjustable for fine-tuning ride height
- Costs around $2150-$2850
After testing these on our staff 2024 Toyota Tundra, we knew these MT64 shocks were going to earn a spot in our recommendation list. While it was hard to tell a difference between the MT64 and Bilstein 6112 shocks (unless you're real nerdy like us) on the daily commute, the differences came
BP-51:
- Top-of-the-line performance and comfort
- Internal bypass design for exceptional control
- Adjustable compression and rebound damping
- Ideal for serious off-roading and heavy loads
- Threaded body coilovers for infinite height adjustment
- Costs around $3200-$4500 (depending add-ons)
We were early to the Old Man Emu BP51 shock game with our 2006 Tacoma, and regularly hailed it as one of the best high performance shocks available for the Tacoma platforms. The shock settings make a dramatic and noticeable difference in ride quality, whether you're pursuing extreme comfort on-road, or high performance handling off-road.
See our Tacoma BP51 Shocks Review
Choosing the Right Option for You
- Budget: Nitrocharger Plus is the most affordable option, but may not be ideal for serious off-roading.
- Performance: MT64 offers a good balance of performance and comfort for most enthusiasts.
- Ultimate Comfort: BP-51 provides the best comfort and control, but comes at a premium price.
Additional Considerations
- Durability: BP-51s seem to have a longer lifespan than other high-performance dampers.
- Adjustability: BP-51s offer the most comprehensive adjustability for fine-tuning your ride.
The Verdict
While the MT64 is the sweet spot for most, any of these options can be a good choice, depending on your budget and needs. The Nitrocharger Plus is a good starting point, but the MT64 significantly improves on the performance and comfort. The BP-51 is the ultimate choice for those prioritizing comfort and control on the toughest trails.
