Mike you have been a wealth of knowledge. I messaged Dobinsons USA a few days ago and have not gotten a response, So I'll ask you.
I have a 2003 4th Gen 4Runner with a V8 limited, stock bumpers. Hub centers to fenders sit currently LF 19, RF 19 1/4, LR 21 RR 21 1/4, with a 1/4 tank of gas and no driver, so lean will get larger. 180,000 miles, and in great shape.
I'm looking to order the following, C59-314 for 2.5" lift (221 Shocks) with no extra weight other than the V8. And for the rear. I can't decide on the rear springs. I'm leaning towards the C59-325. I carry 100 pounds in the rear always and I also tow a trailer numerous times a year with a 200# tongue weight plus cargo. Though I would prefer around 1.25" in rear lift, I would put more emphasis on the ability for the springs to carry a bit more weight in the rear, particularly when towing. Does the 325 have a different constructed spring to suit my need? I could step down to the 505 and then put back in the Air-Lift1000 air bags that I have installed to carry the extra weight when needed, but I'd rather move away from the bags. And was going to go with the GS59-701 rear shocks that indicate medium to heavy loads. I think they would suit my needs. However looking for your advice. Also want the front and rear lean spacers, but it looks like the front is sold out(?). And was looking to take advantage of the Strut caps and assembly promotion. Are there any other specials or coupons? Thank you and look forward to your advice. Gary Bagwell

That was my math as well. It already has over 1000km on this set up, so settling should be out of the equation. I dont get it why else it might be so high other then because of the shocks. Is there any other way to measure the lift?

Yeah, its 4x4.

According to the specs 350 is 380mm vs 302 is 395mm -- thats the difference of 15mm, isnt it?

Hey Gary,

It's been super busy all around, so that's probably why there's been a delay.

No worries on the front.

The 599, 505 and 325 all have the same spring rate, 220LB/IN. The C59-327 would be the better option for the towing and if you don't want to run air bags (260LB/IN rate), but at ~2" of lift, so if you want it to be shorter, you could do the 505's with the air bags like you said, which isn't a bad idea.

Yeah the front spacer is sold out, due mid-June or so, and I'd suggest the rear as well. And 701 rear shocks would be ideal.

If your order gets in this month, you get the promotion even if it doesn't ship right away.

Dobinsons 1" to 3.5" Lift Kit for Toyota 4Runner 4x4 2003-2009

Very different spring rates that affect the calculation.

Hub to fender is the only proper way to measure it, unless you're not running stock fenders anymore? If you can't hold the tape in the middle of the hub perfectly, measure from the lower lip of the wheel up to the fender and deduct the radius of your wheel.

Put up a photo of it.

I have Icon 2" springs on my 4th gen. They ride ok but since adding my hitch tire carrier (Rigd Ultraswing) and 33" spare, while loading absolutely anything including groceries or my doggo and his bag of food, it says pretty hard. I was thinking about the Icon overland springs but have heard nothing but great reviews about you guys. Which are your equivalent of better variable rate springs?

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It gets hard when you add weight? Maybe you're bottoming out? That doesn't sound right.

The 677V rear coils are most similar to the Icon Overland springs but they're at 3" of lift. If you don't need the ling travel coils, the 327 rear coils should work well for you with that weight.

I'm just surprised the existing coils aren't supporting that bit of weight you've added properly. Is there any other constant weight on the rear?

Thanks Mike. I like everything you said. I think I'm going to go with the 505's in the rear. Should net about 1 1/4" lift. I think I'll have a more compliant ride and be closer to level with what I'm doing in the front. I'll keep the air bags in at their lowest pressure and add pressure just when I'm towing. I think that gets me to where I want to be.

I meant to type *sags* hard with any added weight. It has the Rigd tire carrier with the Rago Fab modular plate with the fold out table/cutting board. 17 wheel with 285/70 wildpeak mounted to it as well. Today I had my wife, three young children and dog in the runner.

I went to Sam's, picked up a 38lb bag of dog food and a case of Gatorades. I noticed immediately it sagged quite a bit.

I want to start the camping season soon. Which will include my 2 kids (had my nephew today) wife and dog. Plus cooking disc/propane tank. I'm also thinking of adding at least one drawer back there for storage and an RTT eventually once I get a proper rack. Are the 677's the best route?

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Ah, ok. Hahha, thanks for clearing that up. I was trying to guess but couldn't figure it out.

Yeah if you want to go with that lift height, the 677V's would get that done for you. I'd guess the current coils you're using just don't have a very strong final spring rate, and neither do the 677V's, but they're a lot longer and do a good job of supporting the listed weight. So it should come below 2.5" with all that extra gear you're considering.

I need some guidance on my changing rear suspension / load setup

Current rear load:
Wilco tire carrier / 255/75/17 tire
Gobi ladder
Custom drawers
window Molle panels
~150 lbs of extra gear

Adding later this summer:
~100 lbs more gear
Victory rear bumper w/ tire carrier / table / hilift / dual Jerry can carriers
Custom roof rack (Prinsu style)
RTT someday

I currently have old DR rear shocks / Icon 2" springs. It's sagging a bit as it sits.

I have Icon / Metaltech long-travel shocks sitting here with a set of Dobinsons C59-675V's. I'd like to install the long travel setup ASAP, but I'm concerned that the 675V's aren't up to the task of handling my current load, and the C59-701V's I plan to buy with the bumper will be too heavy for the current setup.

Can I install the 675V's with a 1.5" spacer up top to handle the current setup, and plan to pickup / install some 701V's later this summer when the bumper is here?

Should I install a set of 701V's now with the assumption it's going to sit way too high until I get a bumper?

I'd hate to buy a set of 677V's now to handle the current setup, only to have to scrap them in a couple months.

Thanks
-Rob

Hey Rob.

I think you're right, the 675V's won't be up to the task of the weight you have now. I think if you put them in even with the spacers you'd be disappointed. It would be like adding spacers to what you have now since the 675V's don't have a very strong final spring rate.

I don't think it would be too bad with the 701V's. Should still be around the 3.5" mark with all the weight you have now.

What's your current rear hub to fender measurement? 3.5" would be something like 25.5", stock being 22"

But if you have all those parts there bought and paid for already, and don't mind doing some work to put off buying the 701V's now, you could put those in and see.

Thanks, Mike

Current measurement out back is 22.75".

Thanks
-Rob

Ok, definitely squatting a lot!! You're about 3/4" over stock

What about 677s? Maybe a bit more lift (don't mind a little rake), but it it ride better than the 327/727?