Dobinsons 5th Gen T4R Suspension options - from Exit Offroad

[squareman]

All this chat about it but not a single photo. Can you borrow a digital camera from someone to take a photo of your truck and post it up here?

Happy to but seems irrelevant since I’ve measured and the the product isn’t as advertised. Was sold as 1.75-2” front lift, 1-1.25” rear lift. Not sold as “it’ll look ok in a photo”

I’ll take a photo when I get home tonight.

 

[Crikeymike]

Ahh bummer to hear, have you tried reaching out to Mike (if you ordered via exit offroad) about it? I'm sure he can help you with it.

He didn't order it from me. No one has ever reported that low of a front lift with those coils with stock weight (he has no signature and is new to the forum, so I don't know what he has), so I'd question the front strut height, and front accessory weight, and raise it up. No reason to change a full suspension or the coils if all he needs to do is raise the front up a little bit.

But hey, if he wants to sell you the IMS for cheap, I'm all for it!!

 

[squareman]

He didn't order it from me. No one has ever reported that low of a front lift with those coils with stock weight (he has no signature and is new to the forum, so I don't know what he has), so I'd question the front strut height, and front accessory weight, and raise it up. No reason to change a full suspension or the coils if all he needs to do is raise the front up a little bit.

But hey, if he wants to sell you the IMS for cheap, I'm all for it!!

You’re right, didn’t buy them from you but should have. Used this thread to make my decision and realized after the fact that you and Dobinsons were not one in the same. I’m not trying to put you down at all or this thread, but merely providing my experience with this product. Let’s say the perch height is off (which it’s not), what would be the reason for the excessive rear lift?

I have a 2020 4runner TRD off-road. Zero accessory weight front or rear. Titan7 wheels, 285-70-17 ko2’s, BMC, and the Dobinsons suspension. No history here cause it’s my first 4x4 build and I’ve had the rig about a month.

 

[Sundy]

You’re right, didn’t buy them from you but should have. Used this thread to make my decision and realized after the fact that you and Dobinsons were not one in the same. I’m not trying to put you down at all or this thread, but merely providing my experience with this product. Let’s say the perch height is off (which it’s not), what would be the reason for the excessive rear lift?

I have a 2020 4runner TRD off-road. Zero accessory weight front or rear. Titan7 wheels, 285-70-17 ko2’s, BMC, and the Dobinsons suspension. No history here cause it’s my first 4x4 build and I’ve had the rig about a month.

Do you have KDSS? I only ask as I got the IMS setup and my rear is on the tall end and front on the short end, but not too concerned as there is the adjustment on the fronts for ride height. The rear is firm with the IMS but I did notice things calmed down / settled down after I got a couple hundred pounds back there and really drove it. I'm sitting at 2.25" (the coils I have are rated for 2-2.25" for an unloaded rear) but before I got the weight in they were a little over 2.5" and that was with almost 2k on them.

At the end of the day you need to be happy with what you bought, just make sure you weigh out the pros and cons. Does a front collar adjustment and getting a different rear coil (Dobinsons if it needs to match the rest) suffice or does ditching the entire system make you happy? Seems like a waste of money for something which is mostly fixable with your current products.

One thing to note from my research, the OEM style bushings on the IMS were and are a huge selling point for me with ride quality and longevity between rebuilds. I've read enough on Icons having short rebuild windows I didn't even want to mess with them.

 

[squareman]

Do you have KDSS? I only ask as I got the IMS setup and my rear is on the tall end and front on the short end, but not too concerned as there is the adjustment on the fronts for ride height. The rear is firm with the IMS but I did notice things calmed down / settled down after I got a couple hundred pounds back there and really drove it. I'm sitting at 2.25" (the coils I have are rated for 2-2.25" for an unloaded rear) but before I got the weight in they were a little over 2.5" and that was with almost 2k on them.

At the end of the day you need to be happy with what you bought, just make sure you weigh out the pros and cons. Does a front collar adjustment and getting a different rear coil (Dobinsons if it needs to match the rest) suffice or does ditching the entire system make you happy? Seems like a waste of money for something which is mostly fixable with your current products.

One thing to note from my research, the OEM style bushings on the IMS were and are a huge selling point for me with ride quality and longevity between rebuilds. I've read enough on Icons having short rebuild windows I didn't even want to mess with them.

Non KDSS. The longevity of the IMS are what sold me. As far as ride quality, it’s fantastic. I originally wanted the adjustability of a front Coilover but ultimately the short rebuild intervals are what turned me away from those options. Like previously mentioned, I’d be willing to throw more money at this setup and try the 302/505 combo but I can’t get them right now so it’s not an option.

A front collar adjustment is fine by me although I’ve yet to read anything in this thread, or Dobinsons literature that says anything beyond a micro adjustment is ok. To compensate for the low front and high rear I think we’re talking about a pretty significant adjustment. Somewhere in the .75-1” range

 

[SpeedyKevin]

Non KDSS. The longevity of the IMS are what sold me. As far as ride quality, it’s fantastic. I originally wanted the adjustability of a front Coilover but ultimately the short rebuild intervals are what turned me away from those options. Like previously mentioned, I’d be willing to throw more money at this setup and try the 302/505 combo but I can’t get them right now so it’s not an option.

A front collar adjustment is fine by me although I’ve yet to read anything in this thread, or Dobinsons literature that says anything beyond a micro adjustment is ok. To compensate for the low front and high rear I think we’re talking about a pretty significant adjustment. Somewhere in the .75-1” range

Based on other brand set ups, I feel like adjusting preload to get .75 to an inch more lift should be fine but I'll leave that to Mike to confirm. In the end, not sure why you got that amount of lift :/. When I got my 302s I thought I had gotten a smaller amount of lift but after finally finding some flat ground (alignment rack), it was just at the height I was looking for.

Regarding the rears, it took my 725s quite sometime to settle (few trips on the bumps). I think they ended up settling quite a bit from original lift height. They are now at around 2 but I think they were in the high 2s near 3 when I had them installed. Maybe the same can be said for yours?

How long did they say itd take to get 302/505s? If you really like the ride, I'd say wait it out unless you need another system asap. Just remember Icons are digressive valved so the ride could be different. Hopefully it all works out for you!

 

[Crikeymike]

You’re right, didn’t buy them from you but should have. Used this thread to make my decision and realized after the fact that you and Dobinsons were not one in the same. I’m not trying to put you down at all or this thread, but merely providing my experience with this product. Let’s say the perch height is off (which it’s not), what would be the reason for the excessive rear lift?

I have a 2020 4runner TRD off-road. Zero accessory weight front or rear. Titan7 wheels, 285-70-17 ko2’s, BMC, and the Dobinsons suspension. No history here cause it’s my first 4x4 build and I’ve had the rig about a month.

Thanks for the breakdown.

Rear coils might have been mislabeled during production, which isn't impossible, it's just really rare since they make a bunch of the same coils at the same time. Taking one off and checking the free height of the coil against the specs in post 1 of this thread would verify that. The rear height you have based on the hub to guard is what the C59-505 would give, so I'd see no reason to change those out if you were considering going a little taller.

The front adjustment is a 1:2 ratio, so adding 1/4" of preload will gain 1/2" of lift at the wheel, so it doesn't need to go up very much to add additional height.

Here's the measurement again of how to see the 213mm. I had another guy just this morning who measured from the top of the adjuster down, not from the notch where the coil sits, so he ended up with more lift than he should have.

And the 2nd photo shows the rear coils not seated properly, this adds easily 1/2" to the lift height, so that's something else worth checking on the rear.

 

[squareman]

Thanks for the breakdown.

Rear coils might have been mislabeled during production, which isn't impossible, it's just really rare since they make a bunch of the same coils at the same time. Taking one off and checking the free height of the coil against the specs in post 1 of this thread would verify that. The rear height you have based on the hub to guard is what the C59-505 would give, so I'd see no reason to change those out if you were considering going a little taller.

The front adjustment is a 1:2 ratio, so adding 1/4" of preload will gain 1/2" of lift at the wheel, so it doesn't need to go up very much to add additional height.

Here's the measurement again of how to see the 213mm. I had another guy just this morning who measured from the top of the adjuster down, not from the notch where the coil sits, so he ended up with more lift than he should have.

And the 2nd photo shows the rear coils not seated properly, this adds easily 1/2" to the lift height, so that's something else worth checking on the rear.

Thank you for the photos. I’m 100% sure the front is measured correctly. I’m 99% sure the rear is seated properly but will crawl under tonight and verify

It’s getting pulled apart Saturday so I’ll be able to take full spring measurements at that time.

 

[SpeedyKevin]

Thanks for the breakdown.

Rear coils might have been mislabeled during production, which isn't impossible, it's just really rare since they make a bunch of the same coils at the same time. Taking one off and checking the free height of the coil against the specs in post 1 of this thread would verify that. The rear height you have based on the hub to guard is what the C59-505 would give, so I'd see no reason to change those out if you were considering going a little taller.

The front adjustment is a 1:2 ratio, so adding 1/4" of preload will gain 1/2" of lift at the wheel, so it doesn't need to go up very much to add additional height.

Here's the measurement again of how to see the 213mm. I had another guy just this morning who measured from the top of the adjuster down, not from the notch where the coil sits, so he ended up with more lift than he should have.

And the 2nd photo shows the rear coils not seated properly, this adds easily 1/2" to the lift height, so that's something else worth checking on the rear.

Just to note, i think he has the 599s and wanted to try the 505s

 

[Crikeymike]

Just to note, i think he has the 599s and wanted to try the 505s

Yes, I saw that. That's why I thought either his coils are mis-labeled or possibly installed incorrectly, as the heights he's measuring are what the 505's give, not the 599's (as he has).

So my point was that there'd be no reason to change those rear coils that seem to be 505's for 505's, when raising height up front would be the easiest solution.

 

[Trygve]

Bought the Dobinsons IMS shocks with C59-300 and C59-599 springs. Ride quality is fantastic, ride height not so much. C59-599 gave far more than the advertised lift. Unfortunately availability of an alternate Dobinsons setup is a challenge right now so will likely rip it off for another brand setup altogether

I’m interested in seeing how this plays out. I have the same setup about to go in. (Control arms which arrive today, assembled by EO and KDSS being the exception.)

 

[squareman]

I’m interested in seeing how this plays out. I have the same setup about to go in. (Control arms which arrive today, assembled by EO and KDSS being the exception.)

I'll keep you posted. My Dobinsons arms arrived today too. I double-checked the rear springs were seated correctly last night and they are. I'll be pulling everything apart on Saturday and will give full pre-removal hub to fender heights, as well as measuring all springs to verify they're what they should be.

Again, the ride is great. The product seems to be very good quality.

 

[squareman]

I’m interested in seeing how this plays out. I have the same setup about to go in. (Control arms which arrive today, assembled by EO and KDSS being the exception.)

Well... Per Dobinsons, my front springs “are definitely not lifting enough. I would think it’s mislabeled.”

Rear shocks/rear height. Apparently I’m at fault for buying 50701’s instead of the 50705’s even though their website makes no mention that they’re for constant rear load and they’re medium/heavy valved. Crazy that the first post in this thread has that information and is more detailed than Dobinsons own website. I definitely should’ve consulted Mike prior to buying and wish I read the product descriptions here. (I used this thread for pic to part number comparisons, not product data in the first post)

In the end my situation stays the same. My Dobinsons arms will go on with my Toytec stuff Monday and I’ll toss my $1300 of Dobinsons trash in the trash

 

[SpeedyKevin]

Well... Per Dobinsons, my front springs “are definitely not lifting enough. I would think it’s mislabeled.”

Rear shocks/rear height. Apparently I’m at fault for buying 50701’s instead of the 50705’s even though their website makes no mention that they’re for constant rear load and they’re medium/heavy valved. Crazy that the first post in this thread has that information and is more detailed than Dobinsons own website. I definitely should’ve consulted Mike prior to buying and wish I read the product descriptions here. (I used this thread for pic to part number comparisons, not product data in the first post)

In the end my situation stays the same. My Dobinsons arms will go on with my Toytec stuff Monday and I’ll toss my $1300 of Dobinsons trash in the trash

ahh sorry to hear it didn't work out for you. Hopefully the toytecs do the job! I have heard good thinks about the boss set up from friends.

No shade meant to dobinsons but yea I agree, their website is so so. Exit Offroad's website (and lift build page) is sooo much easier to use.

That being said, I call dibs on the front IMS

 

[Trygve]

Well... Per Dobinsons, my front springs “are definitely not lifting enough. I would think it’s mislabeled.”

Rear shocks/rear height. Apparently I’m at fault for buying 50701’s instead of the 50705’s even though their website makes no mention that they’re for constant rear load and they’re medium/heavy valved. Crazy that the first post in this thread has that information and is more detailed than Dobinsons own website. I definitely should’ve consulted Mike prior to buying and wish I read the product descriptions here. (I used this thread for pic to part number comparisons, not product data in the first post)

In the end my situation stays the same. My Dobinsons arms will go on with my Toytec stuff Monday and I’ll toss my $1300 of Dobinsons trash in the trash

Gotcha. Thanks for the update. I went with the comfort valved 705s for the rear but would love to see where you land on whether or not the fronts were mislabeled. Bummer that this happened.

 

[Sundy]

Well... Per Dobinsons, my front springs “are definitely not lifting enough. I would think it’s mislabeled.”

Rear shocks/rear height. Apparently I’m at fault for buying 50701’s instead of the 50705’s even though their website makes no mention that they’re for constant rear load and they’re medium/heavy valved. Crazy that the first post in this thread has that information and is more detailed than Dobinsons own website. I definitely should’ve consulted Mike prior to buying and wish I read the product descriptions here. (I used this thread for pic to part number comparisons, not product data in the first post)

In the end my situation stays the same. My Dobinsons arms will go on with my Toytec stuff Monday and I’ll toss my $1300 of Dobinsons trash in the trash

Seems like a pretty rash and expensive decision for something as simple as adjusting the coil perch up on the front and calling it a day or contacting Dobinson's to provide you with the correct front coil, but if it will make you happier than resolving the current setup and it's within the budget go for it, your money your choices.

Labeling issues can happen - I'm surprised the coils won't be warrantied/swapped out if they are incorrect. The rear shocks shouldn't have added any lift, they would just ride firmer than the 705s with my understanding.

I really do hope the Toytec's solve the issues for you - they are very popular and people like them a lot. I would be VERY INTERESTED to hear how the ride difference is between the two / would be good for general baseline comparisons!

 

[Ufheh123]

Yeah, it'd be great to hear a direct comparison from someone who has had both. I was debating between Dobinsons IMS and Toytec Aluma for months before deciding on Dobs.

 

[squareman]

Yeah, it'd be great to hear a direct comparison from someone who has had both. I was debating between Dobinsons IMS and Toytec Aluma for months before deciding on Dobs.

I’d probably do a comparison but not here. I don’t feel this is the appropriate thread for that.

 

[squareman]

Seems like a pretty rash and expensive decision for something as simple as adjusting the coil perch up on the front and calling it a day or contacting Dobinson's to provide you with the correct front coil, but if it will make you happier than resolving the current setup and it's within the budget go for it, your money your choices.

Labeling issues can happen - I'm surprised the coils won't be warrantied/swapped out if they are incorrect. The rear shocks shouldn't have added any lift, they would just ride firmer than the 705s with my understanding.

I really do hope the Toytec's solve the issues for you - they are very popular and people like them a lot. I would be VERY INTERESTED to hear how the ride difference is between the two / would be good for general baseline comparisons!

I haven’t asked Dobinsons for anything. They’re about the furthest point in the country away from me. Best case, they’re 6 days away ground shipping. 6 days there, inspect and decide if anything can be done, 6 days shipping back. Labor is getting expensive and personally time consuming and I can’t leave my car without suspension for a few weeks. In this case it just made more sense for me to buy Toytec Aluma and move on (Toytec was really great to deal with). I don’t feel the Dobinsons were as advertised and the descriptions of shock options weren’t made clear on their site. In a perfect world I’d like my money back. In the real world I won’t even ask.

On a more positive note, I am going to use the Dobinsons arms still. They look great and hopefully are as good as they look.

 

[Crikeymike]

Just edited post #1, the TRD Pro coils C59-748R DO FIT the Fox TRD Pro suspension. It seems that Fox kept the same dimensions as the Bilstein Pro struts were and the coils fit on there just the same and still lift 1" over stock. Had a customer recently bite the bullet to see how they'd work and confirmed that everything was the same.

Dobinsons C59-748R Front Lifted Coils for Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro