Dobinsons 5th Gen T4R Suspension options - from Exit Offroad

[Crikeymike]

Thank you! when you said "4runners will still not use a piggy back mount for the reservoir," did you mean it will be mounted on the chassis vs the strut?

I have KDSS with full metal front bumper and would like to go with the 3" lift. Would you suggest 3" front-heavy duty and 2" rear-heavy duty? I would like to keep it level as much as possible but want to prevent reverse rake when all loaded up in the rear for our trips.

Correct. Reservoirs mount to the frame. Some vehicles have room for a piggyback reservoir. meaning mounted to the shock itself (Jeeps, etc) but they won't fit on 4runners.

Yes, 3" front and 2" rear is what I run on mine with KDSS and just choose the appropriate springs to match the weight you have.

 

[Crikeymike]

Can you elaborate on this a little? I was told if doing a self install for the rear, its suggested to keep a jack under the rear KDSS piston. Do you have anything to add to this? I haven't found much on the site and I'm just trying to get a better understand. Thank you

In this thread I have my own version of kdss instructions listed. You would just need to search back and see. There's also plenty of other threads on the forum that break it down.

 

[a_hartman]

You can't assemble them without a strut coil compressor. the coils are too long to use the "do it without the compressor tool" installation.

From the bare stud, upwards
Washer
Bushing
Locating washer
Strut plate
Top bushing
Top washer
Top nut

Edit, scroll down on this page to download the sequence diagram
Instructions – Dobinsons Direct

Mike

Thank you for the reply! IÂ’m using a compressor. My issue seems to be with the KYB bushing being glued in.

 

[Anand]

Mike

Thank you for the reply! IÂ’m using a compressor. My issue seems to be with the KYB bushing being glued in.

When I just redid my front's a few weeks ago w/ KYB strut mounts I noticed the same thing, just place the washer below it, then the bushing/mount over it

 

[a_hartman]

When I just redid my front's a few weeks ago w/ KYB strut mounts I noticed the same thing, just place the washer below it, then the bushing/mount over it

Sweet! So you’re saying washer>top mount>bushing>washer>nut.

Does that sound right?

 

[Anand]

Sweet! So you’re saying washer>top mount>bushing>washer>nut.

Does that sound right?

That's how I remember it, and I'm fairly certain that lines up with Mike's explanation. All that being said, to compress the 314s to fit on the 574 struts took a lot... quite a bit more than taking the 300's off of them (with factory strut mounts)

 

[a_hartman]

That's how I remember it, and I'm fairly certain that lines up with Mike's explanation. All that being said, to compress the 314s to fit on the 574 struts took a lot... quite a bit more than taking the 300's off of them (with factory strut mounts)

I appreciate your help! Thanks for the heads up on compressing the 314s.

 

[Mutant138]

I never got around to ordering new springs to level. I moved and that must have done the trick because now the truck is sitting much better.

Very please with the ride. Won't be swapping springs till I add steel. Just need a fresh alignment.

 

[caskew13]

Can someone verify the rear shocks' bushing/washer configuration? Just wanted to triple check, even though it seems to be riding just fine.

 

[nimby]

Still waiting for all the stock to arrive so that we will be able to sell it for all the major models. But here's the lowdown.

10 stage high speed compression adjustment
20 stage slow speed compression adjustment
15 stage rebound adjustment

On the struts, rebound adjustment is from the top stud, quite simple to get to above the strut tower.

On the shocks, rebound adjustment is in the lower mount.

High and slow speed adjustment is both handled at the reservoir front and rear.

All in all, they look a lot like the standard MRR shocks we have had for some time, but they include full swivel fittings on the reservoir hose, both ends, to avoid it becoming loose and ease of installation and orientation. But with all the adjustment, you could literally tighten them up so much to essentially stop all movement or soften then up to suit it however you like. The range of adjustment is massive which is excellent for those going from no load to heavy loads, or those that want it softer on the highway than while offroad.

4runners will still not use a piggy back mount for the reservoir.

When will the rear shocks with adjusters be available Mike and can you give us a price?

 

[Simon2150]

Put in order 1223 today and just found out the UCAs are out of stock until January. Darn!!!!

I already have the 300 and 325 springs front and rear. I ordered the 574 front shocks and 705 rear shocks along with UCAs and diff drop. I was told the 300 and 574 will yield 2.5” of lift in front and the 325 and 705 will yield 2” of lift in rear.

I will try to wait for the UCA or may look to another brand like SPC or Camburg.

 

[Crikeymike]

Can someone verify the rear shocks' bushing/washer configuration? Just wanted to triple check, even though it seems to be riding just fine.

Same as stock. From the bottom up, it's washer, bushing with lip and washer with lip facing up, then shock mount, on top is bushing and washer then nut

 

[Crikeymike]

When will the rear shocks with adjusters be available Mike and can you give us a price?

Early 2020. No solid ETA yet. Email in for pricing

 

[ben_stewart72]

Decisions.... looking to lift 2” front (300) and rear (505) cause we will be towing a 3000lb trailer around the country, up to Canada and Alaska. Tongue weight of the camper is 400lb. Will be unhooking to go adventure frequently.

Is this an appropriate setup? 300/505? Also, any recommendations on which struts to use? Trying to Ofer before the end of the Dobinsons sale.

 

[DaveH6531]

About to install dobinsons 3/2 kit in couple days. Ordered the diff drop, wondering if people have gone without it and if it has helped your CV angles. Looking to add rci integrated skid and afraid the diff drop will interfere.

 

[Crikeymike]

Decisions.... looking to lift 2” front (300) and rear (505) cause we will be towing a 3000lb trailer around the country, up to Canada and Alaska. Tongue weight of the camper is 400lb. Will be unhooking to go adventure frequently.

Is this an appropriate setup? 300/505? Also, any recommendations on which struts to use? Trying to Ofer before the end of the Dobinsons sale.

325 rear coils would be 2". The 505 would be 1.5", so with the trailer on, it would drop it about 1" approximately below unloaded ride height.

I'd suggest 300 front with 325 rear, as long as the 400LB tongue weight is all you'll be carrying in the back. If you carry more gear, you might need the 327's.

 

[Crikeymike]

About to install dobinsons 3/2 kit in couple days. Ordered the diff drop, wondering if people have gone without it and if it has helped your CV angles. Looking to add rci integrated skid and afraid the diff drop will interfere.

The diff drop is more to do with the extended length of the GS59-574 struts which extend to the point that the CV's start to bind at full extension, unlike what happens with the GS59-700.

I recommend once you get the suspension on, hang the front wheels and spin and see if you feel any resistance. If you do, you really should add the diff drop. If you don't, you'll be ok without it.

CV angles in these trucks at 3" isn't really that bad, but over extension of CV's when the tires get up in the air is a bad thing.

 

[Simon2150]

Mike:
Is this correct, a 300 & 574 front combo will yield 2.5" lift and 325 & 705 rear will give about 2.0" lift? I'm pairing these with the dobinson UCAs which are not in stock until January. Order 1223. In that order, you will not see the 300 and 325 springs as I already have them.

Thanks.

 

[Crikeymike]

Mike:
Is this correct, a 300 & 574 front combo will yield 2.5" lift and 325 & 705 rear will give about 2.0" lift? I'm pairing these with the dobinson UCAs which are not in stock until January. Order 1223. In that order, you will not see the 300 and 325 springs as I already have them.

Thanks.

300 & 574 will be more like 2.75" to 3" with no front weight. Yes that rear combo will be 2" with stock weight.

 

[16RedRunner]

300 & 574 will be more like 2.75" to 3" with no front weight. Yes that rear combo will be 2" with stock weight.

If the 300&574 is 2.75"-3" the what is the 302 & 574 then?I thought the 302/574 was 3". I have coming 302/574 front and 505/705 rear with Dobinson UCA coming in.