Dobinsons IMS Struts and Shocks - Adjustable Height Monotubes - 5th Gen 4Runners
The cat got out of the bag recently about the new Dobinsons IMS shocks, so I'm starting this thread to give the details about these new struts and shocks from Dobinsons that are arriving in March 2020, and some versions coming after (long travel, no ETA yet, but probably some time in June 2020).
IMS Internal reservoir Monotube Shocks
I guess IRMS sounded silly, and considering the already existing MRR (Monotube Remote Resi), a non-resi version didn't sound right either, this is the wording Dobinsons are going with.
In a nutshell, the IMS struts and shocks are almost the same as the MRR/MRA but with an IFP (Internal Floating Piston) inside the shock body with a small gas reservoir, and no external hose or reservoir. Same monotube body size, piston diameter, shaft thickness, and also the struts are height adjustable thanks to the fully threaded body. Super easy installation.
These do not have any valving adjustment.
From the manufacturer: Dobinsons IMS Monotube Shock Absorbers are designed for next level performance over Twin Tube Shocks in those hot, harsh, demanding conditions. By utilising the Monotube design, Dobinsons IMS Shock Absorbers are able to resist fade far longer on corrugated roads, long or hard working 4WD trips, towing or racing conditions.
The larger 50 and 60mm high flow pistons reduce internal pressures, reduce the heat generated, transfer heat to the body for faster cooling and offer improved damping performance and vehicle control at higher shaft speeds on rough terrain and during big impacts. Threaded bodies on struts allow for fine tuning of height and offer further improvements in cooling.
The micro-polished, hard chromed and heat treated shock shaft, CNC aluminium high flow race inspired piston, and DOM seamless tubing body provides the ultimate in performance and off-road durability.
Composite piston wear bands and a race style 3-stage sealing system offer the lowest levels of friction whilst maintaining durability and longevity. Dobinsons team of engineers spend hundreds of hours of testing and tuning
the shim stacks and damping characteristics in each IMS Shock to ensure a balance of comfort, handling, vehicle control and offroad performance - Enjoy the ride
Features
Fully re-buildable and re-valvable
Zero shock fade in all terrains with full load
Direct, bolt-on replacement for easy fitment
Progressive valving
Uses existing full range of coil springs and top mounts
Highest quality rubber bushings top and bottom for maximum NVH dampening
Corrosion resistant (EDP Surface Protection)
Heavy duty single piece lower leg
Enormous oil capacity
Heavy Duty 3 Stage FKM HNBR Sealing System for the ultimate in reliability
Race inspired hi-flow CNC 6061 Billet alloy piston – for the ultimate in offroad handling
The body size is 56mm with a 50mm piston for these vehicles:
4th/5th Gen 4Runner
2nd/3rd Gen Tacoma
Lexus GX470 and GX460
The body size is 66mm with a 60mm piston for these vehicles:
Land Cruiser 80, 100, and 200 series
Part numbers for 5th Gen IMS struts and shocks. Click on part number to see pricing and further details of each item. **SOLD IN PAIRS** IMS59-50700 - IMS Front Struts - suits 0-3" lift - 560mm ext, 420mm comp IMS59-50574 - IMS Front Extended Travel Struts - suits 2-3.5" lift - 574mm ext, 430mm comp
IMS59-50705 - discontinued and replaced by newly revalved IMS59-50701 IMS59-50701 - IMS Rear Shocks standard valved - suits 0-3" lift - 598mm ext, 389mm comp IMS59-50575 - IMS Rear Long Travel Shocks - suits 3"+ lift (not for KDSS models) - 720mm ext, 438mm comp
Setting coil seat height
The IMS59-50700 and IMS59-50574 come with a full threaded body, and the coil seat height needs to be set prior to installing the coils onto them. A proper strut coil compressor is required. Regular rental compressors can have teeth that hold the coil which are too thick, they won't work, as you probably won't be able to get the teeth out once the coil is on the strut. We offer the assembly of the front coilovers with new top mounts for an extra charge.
2 base options:
213mm - Base setting, same as OE, for coil seat height. Use this with lifted coil springs to let the coils do the lifting only
226mm - Taller setting, adds 1" of lift to whatever coil springs you're using. Use this setting with a 2" coil to produce 3" of lift, for example.
Spin both collars down on the strut almost to the bottom. Never use any locktight, it will gum up the threads and it's not necessary once you see the step below.
Slide the coil seat onto the strut, with the flattest side facing down (notch facing upwards for coil to sit against)
Using a tape measure, hold the tape against the lip/notch of the coil seat (where the pigtail of the coil will sit) and measure down to center of the lower mounting hole. Raise or lower the top adjuster collar until the coil seat is in the correct position.
Once the height is set, take both adjuster tools that were supplied. Hold the top adjuster in place, and bring the 2nd adjuster up to the top one, and lock them together. This is the same as "double nutting". This is insurance to keep the top adjuster in position and keep the height where it is.
If ever you need to adjust the coilover up or down, ALWAYS undo the lower adjuster FIRST, slide it down out of the way, then adjust the upper adjuster to the correct position. If you try to move both adjusters at once, the threads will most likely get damaged and you won't be happy.
I'll be making a video and posting it up when I get a chance, as it's a pretty simple process, but worth getting a visual for too.
Threaded Mode
