Dobinson springs and 5100s vs Dobinson springs and shocks

[jpratt847]

If you are running Dobinson springs with Bilstein 5100s, how do you like the setup? Do you wish you would have gone with the complete Dobinson springs and shock setup?

Also what was your reason for going Dobinson/5100s over the Dobinson setup?

My 4runner is mainly used for daily driving, hauling motorcycles to the track, and bikes to trails. Eventually want to get it offroad on some trails.

 

[badattitude]

also interested in dobinson spring/bilstein 5100 feedback

 

[pDubs]

I have Bilstein 5100s front and rear with Dobinsons 302/505 (2.5/1.5") springs.

The front Bilsteins are set at the very bottom clip setting as the lift is coming from the spring.

My reason for going with the Bilsteins was simply the popularity of them, and got the front and rears for $372: Bilstein 5100 Complete Set | 5th Gen 4Runner | FJ

Also, the 5100s are Monotube, and the Dobinsons are twin tube. Didn't know much about the differences but someone here posted this article: The Difference Between Twin-Tube and Monotube Shocks - Strutmasters.

The Bilstein 5100s apparently corrode pretty easily (see someone elses pic here: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/atta...00-after-6-months-img_20130710_193333_725-jpg

so I sprayed them with a few coats of clear before installing

 

[SpeedyKevin]

I'm running an all Dobinsons set up and have been pleased. Haven't had any issues with where I take my 4runner. Has handled ruts and corrugated roads without overheating (40-50mph over them).

Other than differences in shock type (Twin vs. Monotube), they are also valved differently with Bilstein being digressive and Dobinsons being progressive. A factor that may affect your choice.

 

[jpratt847]

I have Bilstein 5100s front and rear with Dobinsons 302/505 (2.5/1.5") springs.

The front Bilsteins are set at the very bottom clip setting as the lift is coming from the spring.

My reason for going with the Bilsteins was simply the popularity of them, and got the front and rears for $372: Bilstein 5100 Complete Set | 5th Gen 4Runner | FJ

Also, the 5100s are Monotube, and the Dobinsons are twin tube. Didn't know much about the differences but someone here posted this article: The Difference Between Twin-Tube and Monotube Shocks - Strutmasters.

The Bilstein 5100s apparently corrode pretty easily (see someone elses pic here: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/atta...00-after-6-months-img_20130710_193333_725-jpg

so I sprayed them with a few coats of clear before installing

Are you happy with the setup? Do you wish you would have gone all dobinson?

 

[pDubs]

Are you happy with the setup? Do you wish you would have gone all dobinson?

I am very happy with the setup. Big upgrade from stock suspension I had been running. I am sure I would have been happy either way though. Lots of folks run the Dobinsons and like them as well.

 

[Sundy]

Are you happy with the setup? Do you wish you would have gone all dobinson?

I'm sure the 5100's are a great setup, but I saw this post today - granted I don't think you're looking at jumping up to the IMS shocks, so not quite an apple to apples comparison.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3507320-post2334.html

 

[jpratt847]

I'm sure the 5100's are a great setup, but I saw this post today - granted I don't think you're looking at jumping up to the IMS shocks, so not quite an apple to apples comparison.

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3507320-post2334.html

The IMS looks good. But more than what I will need. And the cost

 

[RumRnr]

I purchased the dobinson ims setup, and extremely happy with it. GF has icon stage 2 on hers and has a more plush ride, but I went for the medium firmness.

 

[Fermn]

I have a full Dobinson set up with UCAs ... I’m happy with my set up. Rides comfortably... I haven’t taken it off-road yet.

 

[Jeff_DML]

>If you are running Dobinson springs with Bilstein 5100s, how do you like the setup?

Just installed and so far so good. Ride seems similar to stock suspension comfortwise but less brake dive. I have not noticed the 5100 harshness that people have mentioned. I do drive performace cars too so might judgement might be skewed/

>Do you wish you would have gone with the complete Dobinson springs and shock setup?

Only regret of not going complete dobinson is I was going to buy the front strut preinstalled by them. I could not find a proper spring compressor so ended up taking it in instead of doing it myself.

>Also what was your reason for going Dobinson/5100s over the Dobinson setup?

Guess the twin-tube info go into my head, didn't feel like paying more for dobinsons for supposedly inferior shocks,.

 

[FishNerd]

>Guess the twin-tube info go into my head, didn't feel like paying more for dobinsons for supposedly inferior shocks,.

New to the suspension game, but can you please elaborate on what you mean? Is monotube preferred over the twin? a lot of the suspensions im looking at all seem to be twin (ironman, dobinson).

Thanks!

 

[Jeff_DML]

New to the suspension game, but can you please elaborate on what you mean? Is monotube preferred over the twin? a lot of the suspensions im looking at all seem to be twin (ironman, dobinson).

Thanks!

see pDubs post above, he posted a link about it. Pretty sure that is the same thing I saw

https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3506582-post3.html

 

[SpeedyKevin]

New to the suspension game, but can you please elaborate on what you mean? Is monotube preferred over the twin? a lot of the suspensions im looking at all seem to be twin (ironman, dobinson).

Thanks!

On paper, the monotubes will offer better cooling and dampening as the piston will be larger and have more oil in a monotube. That being said, I have never had an issue with heat on my twin tubes after a long corrugated washboard road trip like the route to Racetrack La playa in death valley. Was able to sustain 50-55mph on it.

If you're just doing low to medium speed offroading, you should have no issues with twintubes. One benefit of them is the the rod/shaft doesnt get beat up as bad as a monotube. However, you could mitigate that issue with a monotube by using a boot.

 

[Doza615]

I have Bilstein 5100s front and rear with Dobinsons 302/505 (2.5/1.5") springs.

The front Bilsteins are set at the very bottom clip setting as the lift is coming from the spring.

My reason for going with the Bilsteins was simply the popularity of them, and got the front and rears for $372: Bilstein 5100 Complete Set | 5th Gen 4Runner | FJ

Also, the 5100s are Monotube, and the Dobinsons are twin tube. Didn't know much about the differences but someone here posted this article: The Difference Between Twin-Tube and Monotube Shocks - Strutmasters.

The Bilstein 5100s apparently corrode pretty easily (see someone elses pic here: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/atta...00-after-6-months-img_20130710_193333_725-jpg

so I sprayed them with a few coats of clear before installing

I’m looking to get this same set up. Do you have any photos of the truck from the side? Does it sit pretty level or is there any rake? How about with a a full trunk any sag?
Thanks In advance!

 

[pDubs]

I’m looking to get this same set up. Do you have any photos of the truck from the side? Does it sit pretty level or is there any rake? How about with a a full trunk any sag?
Thanks In advance!

Here are some pictures. It sits pretty much level, maybe a tad higher in the rear when the truck is unloaded. I am still very happy with the setup, I went wheeling and camping this weekend with the truck all loaded up and had a roof top tent on (last few pics were from this weekend).

Here it is with the TRD Pro wheels and 265/70 Wildpeaks

Then here it is with the SCS F5s and 285/70 Wildpeaks

 

[mifarris]

Does anyone know is there are limits on which Dobinsons coils can be run on 5100s? I will be adding about 190 lbs of winch and bumper so was looking at 352s which are 700+ spring rate.

I currently have the ome 885 on the 5100s but concerned if that will be enough to maintain a decent lift height or not. Have also heard of OMEs sagging over time...

 

[tm965]

Does anyone know is there are limits on which Dobinsons coils can be run on 5100s? I will be adding about 190 lbs of winch and bumper so was looking at 352s which are 700+ spring rate.

I currently have the ome 885 on the 5100s but concerned if that will be enough to maintain a decent lift height or not. Have also heard of OMEs sagging over time...

i think thats too much spring for that much weight, would aim for 650 prob

 

[Crikeymike]

Does anyone know is there are limits on which Dobinsons coils can be run on 5100s? I will be adding about 190 lbs of winch and bumper so was looking at 352s which are 700+ spring rate.

I currently have the ome 885 on the 5100s but concerned if that will be enough to maintain a decent lift height or not. Have also heard of OMEs sagging over time...

I've seen guys run all different Dobinsons coils on the 5100's, but always at the lowest clip height. I think that's the main thing, you don't want to add preload to them. I've also seen the bases snap on them if too heavy of a coil is added. You won't break the coils, but you could end up ruining the struts.

And as an FYI, Bilstein only recommends stock/OE coils on their struts, or coils they provide, otherwise they don't provide any warranty with them from what I've seen in their documentation.

 

[mifarris]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I understand the warranty issues for 5100s. What are some other options for coils other than OME or Dobinsons? I didn’t see any 650 lb lift coils for those brands