Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Plus Front Shock | 4WD (1979-95 Pickup)

ARB | Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Plus Front Shock 

For 1979–1995 Toyota Pickup 4WD

Overview

The ARB Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Plus Front Shock provides vehicle-specific damping for Toyota Pickup 4WD front suspensions. This listing combines the 1979–1985 solid-front-axle shock and the 1986–1995 independent-front-suspension (IFS) shock into one product with clearly separated year-range choices.

The early solid-axle option is intended for matched Old Man Emu front leaf springs and approximately 2 inches of front lift. The later IFS option is intended for stock-height through approximately 2-inch-lift front suspension. These two shocks have different travel and mounting applications and must not be substituted for one another.

Key Features

• Vehicle-specific valving tuned for the applicable front suspension and spring system.
• Heavy-duty twin-tube steel construction with nitrogen gas charge.
• High-flow piston and multi-disc damping control help maintain predictable suspension response on paved roads, rough roads, and trails.
• Rubber / polyurethane mounting bushes selected for the applicable shock.
• Sold as one front shock or a matching front pair.

Nitrocharger Plus Design

Nitrocharger Plus shocks use a protective twin-tube steel body and application-specific compression and rebound damping. Their high-flow internal design and gas charge help maintain damping control through repeated suspension movement on uneven roads and trails.

For an older leaf-sprung solid axle, shock length and damping must work with the matched leaf-spring travel. For the later torsion-bar IFS suspension, the shorter front-shock application retains the factory mounting arrangement.

Stock Height & Lift Compatibility

The 1979–1985 solid-front-axle shocks are designed for matched Old Man Emu front leaf springs at approximately 2 inches of lift. The 1986–1995 IFS shocks support factory front ride height through approximately 2 inches of front lift.

For 1986–1988 Pickup 4WD IFS models, the matching Old Man Emu Heavy-Duty Front Torsion Bars support the front suspension and additional accessory weight. Front ride height is determined by the springs or torsion-bar suspension and its adjustment; the shock itself does not create vehicle lift.

Vehicle Fitment

Toyota Pickup

• 1979–1983 Toyota Pickup – 1st Gen – 4WD – Solid Front Axle – Matched OME front leaf springs / approximately 2-inch lift
• 1984–1985 Toyota Pickup – 2nd Gen – 4WD – Solid Front Axle – Matched OME front leaf springs / approximately 2-inch lift
• 1986–1988 Toyota Pickup – 2nd Gen – 4WD – Independent Front Suspension – Stock height to approximately 2-inch lift
• 1989–1995 Toyota Pickup – 3rd Gen – 4WD – Independent Front Suspension – Stock height to approximately 2-inch lift

Fitment Notes

• 4WD Pickup only; does not fit 2WD Pickup.
• 1979–1985: Factory solid front axle with matched Old Man Emu front leaf springs. Confirm the OME spring system and required shock travel before ordering. Do not select this longer shock for a stock-height vehicle without that suspension setup.
• 1986–1995: Factory independent front suspension. The standard IFS front shock can be used at stock height or with approximately 2 inches of front lift when its travel and original mount locations are retained.
• Not interchangeable across the 1985 / 1986 solid-axle-to-IFS break.
• Not for Toyota Tacoma, solid-axle-converted IFS trucks, long-travel setups, or relocated shock mounts.
• Both driver and passenger front positions use the same shock within the correct year-range choice.

Product Specifications

Brand: ARB / Old Man Emu
Series: Nitrocharger Plus
Position: Front left or right
Construction: Nitrogen-gas-charged twin-tube steel body
Damping: Vehicle-specific; non-adjustable
Drivetrain: Toyota Pickup 4WD
1979–1985 Solid-Axle Extended Length: 479 mm / 18.86 in.
1979–1985 Solid-Axle Compressed Length: 294 mm / 11.57 in.
1979–1985 Solid-Axle Mounts: Upper threaded pin / lower bushed eye
Warranty: Three-year limited warranty

Which Front Shock Should You Buy?

KYB Excel-G — Best for Factory-Style Comfort & Value

Choose KYB Excel-G for an affordable, factory-style replacement that prioritizes comfortable everyday driving and original-style ride quality at stock height. Its gas-charged twin-tube design emphasizes smooth, predictable damping.

KYB Gas-a-Just — Best for Firmer Stock-Height Control

Choose KYB Gas-a-Just for firmer, more responsive monotube damping without stepping up to Bilstein. It provides a more controlled ride feel without changing suspension height or vehicle payload capacity.

Bilstein B6 4600 — Best for Overall Stock-Height Performance

Choose Bilstein B6 4600 for premium monotube damping with velocity-sensitive digressive valving that provides controlled, responsive handling during daily driving, highway travel, and light off-road use.

ARB / Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Plus — Best for OME Suspension Builds & Demanding Use

Choose OME Nitrocharger Plus for matched OME suspension setups, frequent rough-road use, or vehicles carrying additional equipment weight. The 1979–1985 solid-axle version is intended for matched OME front leaf springs with approximately 2 inches of lift, while the 1986–1995 IFS version supports stock height through approximately 2 inches of lift.

Our Recommendation: For most stock-height Toyota Pickup 4WD owners, Bilstein B6 4600 is our preferred all-around choice. Choose KYB Excel-G for comfort and value, KYB Gas-a-Just for firmer budget-friendly control, or Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Plus for compatible OME suspension builds and more demanding use.

On 1986–1988 Pickup 4WD IFS models, these front shocks also appear in the Old Man Emu Complete 2-Inch Suspension Lift Kit, which pairs the shocks with matching suspension components.

Available Configurations

Choose your preferred configuration using the available vehicle-year and quantity options.

1. Vehicle Year

• 1979–1985: Toyota Pickup 4WD with factory solid front axle and matched Old Man Emu front leaf springs with approximately 2 inches of lift. Not intended as a standard stock-height replacement.

• 1986–1995: Toyota Pickup 4WD with factory independent front suspension (IFS), compatible with stock height through approximately 2 inches of front lift using factory-style shock mounts.

2. Quantity

• Single: Includes (1) ARB / Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Plus front shock with manufacturer-supplied mounting bushings, washers, and fittings for one shock.

• Pair: Includes (2) matching ARB / Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Plus front shock with manufacturer-supplied mounting bushings, washers, and fittings for both shocks.

Not Included: Front leaf springs, torsion bars, factory lower mounting bolts, or other suspension-lift components.