Dobinsons 5th Gen T4R Suspension options - from Exit Offroad

[30338]

Got mine installed today. Stock SR5 4x4 2018 4runner. Added 5100s to all corners. Front set to lowest setting. 300 coil springs front and 505 rear.
Before heights from ground to fender:
PF - 34.5"
PR - 36.5"

DF - 34.25"
DR - 36.25"

After heights:
PF - 37"
PR - 39"

DF - 36.25"
DR - 38.75"

The passenger front went up .5" higher than the driver front. Will watch it over next 30 days. Loaded up a few hundred pounds in rear to help with break in as well. It seems like it needs an alignment after that but going to let springs settle a bit first. Hoping PF settles a bit more evenly.

 

[Johnnyg182]

Got mine installed today. Stock SR5 4x4 2018 4runner. Added 5100s to all corners. Front set to lowest setting. 300 coil springs front and 505 rear.
Before heights from ground to fender:
PF - 34.5"
PR - 36.5"

DF - 34.25"
DR - 36.25"

After heights:
PF - 37"
PR - 39"

DF - 36.25"
DR - 38.75"

The passenger front went up .5" higher than the driver front. Will watch it over next 30 days. Loaded up a few hundred pounds in rear to help with break in as well. It seems like it needs an alignment after that but going to let springs settle a bit first. Hoping PF settles a bit more evenly.

Any thoughts on why you ended up with 2.5” of lift with the 505 in the rear vs 1.5” as advertised?

 

[30338]

There was a post earlier in this thread talking about that. It sounds like they tend to settle down after around 500 miles. Just took it out on some washboard roads by home and running 45 mph it was really nice. As in a lot better than the OEM shocks. I'll do that a few more times and check height and post again. Betting they settle right down to what they are advertised at.

 

[Crikeymike]

Got mine installed today. Stock SR5 4x4 2018 4runner. Added 5100s to all corners. Front set to lowest setting. 300 coil springs front and 505 rear.
Before heights from ground to fender:
PF - 34.5"
PR - 36.5"

DF - 34.25"
DR - 36.25"

After heights:
PF - 37"
PR - 39"

DF - 36.25"
DR - 38.75"

The passenger front went up .5" higher than the driver front. Will watch it over next 30 days. Loaded up a few hundred pounds in rear to help with break in as well. It seems like it needs an alignment after that but going to let springs settle a bit first. Hoping PF settles a bit more evenly.

Any thoughts on why you ended up with 2.5” of lift with the 505 in the rear vs 1.5” as advertised?

There was a post earlier in this thread talking about that. It sounds like they tend to settle down after around 500 miles. Just took it out on some washboard roads by home and running 45 mph it was really nice. As in a lot better than the OEM shocks. I'll do that a few more times and check height and post again. Betting they settle right down to what they are advertised at.

Glad you got it all installed!!

Freshly installed suspension is all preloaded, and the measurements you just took will be different even after a few days.

Measurements should really be taken from the center of the hub to the fender. Ground to fender doesn't account for tire size, air pressure differences, and uneven ground.

Best to wait a few days if you can for an alignment so that things settle into place properly, but definitely do get an alignment after any suspension changes are done to the front end.

 

[MRT’s Haircut]

So I’m sold on Dobinsons. I want a minimum 2.75 front and 1-1.5 rear lift. I have an SR5 premium and I have installed a Southern off-road slimline bumper without a winch. SSO has the weight of front bumper listed at 80lbs
I want 2.5 - 3.0 inch front and it to be level in the rear. I have a prinsu 3/4 roof rack. Don’t usually haul much and no 3rd seat. Want a level look and feel. So what should I do for a set up? I will go to 255/75/17 general grabber X3 on my original rims.
I want dobinsons UCA as part of my lift.
Recommendations?
I’m thinking 3.0 front and 2.0 rear?
Thanks!
ETA: first post goes to Dobinsons!

 

[Crikeymike]

So I’m sold on Dobinsons. I want a minimum 2.75 front and 1-1.5 rear lift. I have an SR5 premium and I have installed a Southern off-road slimline bumper without a winch. SSO has the weight of front bumper listed at 80lbs
I want 2.5 - 3.0 inch front and it to be level in the rear. I have a prinsu 3/4 roof rack. Don’t usually haul much and no 3rd seat. Want a level look and feel. So what should I do for a set up? I will go to 255/75/17 general grabber X3 on my original rims.
I want dobinsons UCA as part of my lift.
Recommendations?
I’m thinking 3.0 front and 2.0 rear?
Thanks!
ETA: first post goes to Dobinsons!

Hey man. 3" front and 2" rear is super common and a great setup for these.
C59-302 would be the front coils and GS59-574 twin tubes, or IMS59-50574 or MRA59-A574 struts, depending if you want the monotube with or without adjustment options or not.
UCA's - I normally sell Dobinsons because they're maintenance free, super strong, and bolt right up easily.
I do recommend a diff drop kit with the 574 front struts because at full droop, the CV's can start to bind due to their extended travel.
C59-325 should be fine for you with that light weight rack and nothing else in the back, and use GS59-701, IMS59-50701 or MRA59-A701 shocks to match that.

If you're looking for a great ride but not breaking the bank or getting divorced, the twin tubes are a great option for the price, as most on here are running them. The IMS and MRA's are new in the USA this year, and offer better performance, but you wouldn't benefit from those if you don't go offroad a lot and require that better performance.

 

[MRT’s Haircut]

Dobinson

Mike, Thanks for the info. I’ll be in touch.

 

[shaun]

Got my suspension installed Sunday afternoon.
Stock tire size

Fronts:
C59-300
GS59-700

Rear:
C59-505
GS59-705

Stock height:
Front 20"
Rear 22"

After install of 55-60 pound front skid plate, new suspension and about a hundred miles of hwy driving and 7 miles of dirt I now have. (measured with tired been in the sun working all day hands, but pretty close to what I expected/hoped for.

Front: 21 3\4"
Rear: 23 3\4"

Drives fine so far before alignment, waiting for Monday to take it in to a reputable place after some mileage and a little more bumpy roads to get her settled.

This is my wife's daily driver and she said it drives so much better. Roads are smoother, cornering is tighter, greatly reduced nose dive. Neither of us has driven a 4x4 with "proper" suspension, though in my research I told her the benefits. She said if she new it would have changed that much for the better it would have been the first modification.

In any case, you should have seen her face when during her install of the apex front recovery points I ran out to the fed ex store to bring home a surprise. I laid it all out on the floor and told her to come. Jaw, meet floor lol.

Also, mike is great answered my questions here a dealt with me trying to change the order to and back. I know what I will be using for my Tacoma. Heck I know what I will be using once we aad a bumper and winch to the 4runner next year, and maybe a rear bumper.... ever changing but awesome for now.

Stock (forgot to a take a nice level shot, closest I got)

Dobinsons installed (just dropped of the jack stands)

After about a 100 miles (I will remeasure after our trip next week and play in some OHV areas)

 

[Crikeymike]

Got my suspension installed Sunday afternoon.
Stock tire size

Fronts:
C59-300
GS59-700

Rear:
C59-505
GS59-705

Stock height:
Front 20"
Rear 22"

After install of 55-60 pound front skid plate, new suspension and about a hundred miles of hwy driving and 7 miles of dirt I now have. (measured with tired been in the sun working all day hands, but pretty close to what I expected/hoped for.

Front: 21 3\4"
Rear: 23 3\4"

Drives fine so far before alignment, waiting for Monday to take it in to a reputable place after some mileage and a little more bumpy roads to get her settled.

This is my wife's daily driver and she said it drives so much better. Roads are smoother, cornering is tighter, greatly reduced nose dive. Neither of us has driven a 4x4 with "proper" suspension, though in my research I told her the benefits. She said if she new it would have changed that much for the better it would have been the first modification.

In any case, you should have seen her face when during her install of the apex front recovery points I ran out to the fed ex store to bring home a surprise. I laid it all out on the floor and told her to come. Jaw, meet floor lol.

Also, mike is great answered my questions here a dealt with me trying to change the order to and back. I know what I will be using for my Tacoma. Heck I know what I will be using once we aad a bumper and winch to the 4runner next year, and maybe a rear bumper.... ever changing but awesome for now.

Stock (forgot to a take a nice level shot, closest I got)

Dobinsons installed (just dropped of the jack stands)

After about a 100 miles (I will remeasure after our trip next week)

Hahaha, that's great to hear. Whatever makes the wife happy is always a big win!!! It's been a regular trend of the years for the prettier half to be really happy with the changes to the truck with the new suspension installed. I try to tell everyone that, so that they can pass it on to their other half, but it doesn't always work out that way!! hahahaha. Maybe someone should make a "I'm a wife with Dobinsons suspension on my truck" thread or group and get them all to join so they can chat together!!

 

[shaun]

Hahaha, that's great to hear. Whatever makes the wife happy is always a big win!!! It's been a regular trend of the years for the prettier half to be really happy with the changes to the truck with the new suspension installed. I try to tell everyone that, so that they can pass it on to their other half, but it doesn't always work out that way!! hahahaha. Maybe someone should make a "I'm a wife with Dobinsons suspension on my truck" thread or group and get them all to join so they can chat together!!

Hahaha, well she aint the chatty type, but the best part about it is after all the money going into her 4runner... I can spend whatever on my Tacoma in the future. Plus she is going to have a blast next week in some of Oregon's OHV areas.

 

[Ufheh123]

I was told by an unnamed source that a combo of either 300 or 302 coils and 574 IMS struts, would provide a better ride than 314/700 IMS struts. As the 314/700 combo would be much more firm. Both with stock weight. Is there any truth to that? They also said the adjustable IMS struts were not adjustable, so....

 

[Crikeymike]

I was told by an unnamed source that a combo of either 300 or 302 coils and 574 IMS struts, would provide a better ride than 314/700 IMS struts. As the 314/700 combo would be much more firm. Both with stock weight. Is there any truth to that? They also said the adjustable IMS struts were not adjustable, so....

I wouldn't be taking advice from people with no name. You should talk to his/her parents and find out why they're unnamed.

All 3 coils you just listed have exactly the same spring rate. See post #1
700's and 574's have different valving, but the longer travel struts are intended for bigger lift heights, 2.5" to 3.5".

Watch this to learn how they are adjustable in height, so.... Dobinsons IMS Strut unboxing - How to set coil seat height - YouTube

 

[Trygve]

@Crikey Mike

What is your recommendation for a 2020 TRD ORP w/kdss? Looking for a slight lift and level. No weight added at either end and it spends 90%+ of its life on the highway. Noise free reliability is the priority.

 

[CollinJ]

Hey Mike, finally got the IMS setup installed and I have to say, I’m impressed in the first 130 miles I’ve put on it (all highway coming back from the shop).

I got a great wheel balance and good alignment to do that sure helped make her ride smooth.

Quick question, I didn’t see them on your site but I need some adjustment wrenches as mine didn’t come with any? I did have you guys install and set everything up so I’m not sure if they were or weren’t supposed to come with them or not?

Anyways, here are some pictures!

 

[SpeedyKevin]

[MENTION=148378]Crikeymike[/MENTION]

Hey Mike,

I'm planning for the future and could use your insights! Was considering lowering my lift (I'd like more down travel) by going with the C59-238s + Long Travel IMS front shock. Should this combo net me a 1-1.5inch lift With a lopro in the front + synthetic line winch? Also, would like to keep the current rake I have (302s + 725s on normal twintubes). Which rear coil would you recommend?

Also would you have an idea of how much travel would be gained using the long travels? (574s?)

Thanks!
Kevin

 

[aye_dre]

I've had my lift from Dobinson installed for a few months now and definitely happy I went with them! (lift specs in signature)

 

[Crikeymike]

@Crikey Mike

What is your recommendation for a 2020 TRD ORP w/kdss? Looking for a slight lift and level. No weight added at either end and it spends 90%+ of its life on the highway. Noise free reliability is the priority.

Hey bud,

2" front and 1" rear is a very common setup without adding too much lift. I'd say the twin tube struts and shocks would also be ideal, as they're maintenance free and long-lasting too.

C59-300
GS59-700
C59-599
GS59-705
Rear KDSS spacer isn't usually needed with a 1" rear lift.

Dobinsons 1" to 3.5" Build-A-Kit Toyota 4Runner 2010-20 | Exit Offroad

 

[Crikeymike]

Hey Mike, finally got the IMS setup installed and I have to say, I’m impressed in the first 130 miles I’ve put on it (all highway coming back from the shop).

I got a great wheel balance and good alignment to do that sure helped make her ride smooth.

Quick question, I didn’t see them on your site but I need some adjustment wrenches as mine didn’t come with any? I did have you guys install and set everything up so I’m not sure if they were or weren’t supposed to come with them or not?

Anyways, here are some pictures!

The wrenches should have been included with the shipment, as they come with the IMS struts. They're black, should have been 2. Send me an email, reply to your order confirmation and I can track some down for you.

Truck is looking great, and glad you're happy with the results!!

 

[Crikeymike]

[MENTION=148378]Crikeymike[/MENTION]

Hey Mike,

I'm planning for the future and could use your insights! Was considering lowering my lift (I'd like more down travel) by going with the C59-238s + Long Travel IMS front shock. Should this combo net me a 1-1.5inch lift With a lopro in the front + synthetic line winch? Also, would like to keep the current rake I have (302s + 725s on normal twintubes). Which rear coil would you recommend?

Also would you have an idea of how much travel would be gained using the long travels? (574s?)

Thanks!
Kevin

Hey Kevin,

I wouldn't suggest running those coils on the 574's as they would be too short and could become a little loose at full extension. The minimum length coil to run on the 574's is the C59-300's. The other thing is if you're running low lift height with longer travel struts, you risk bottoming those out more often, so even though you'd get about an extra 1.5" of travel, you risk damaging the struts by bottoming them out. It's not really ideal.

If you go with the IMS59-50574 and use the existing 302 coils and set to 2.5" of lift, you'd gain some down travel (I think you're running 700's now?), so that would be a good option I think. Then you could keep the front and rear coils and just change to IMS front and rear if you want.

 

[DeserT4R]

Hey man. It would depend on how high you set the front to.

2" front and 1" rear leaves 1" of rake. Any more lift up front, you're reducing your rake more and more.

Took me a while to get back. The 14” coils are going on stock pro bilsteins... should be about 2.5-3” over stock. Aside from the slightly higher spring rate, they would be comparable to your 14” pro coils. What would you suggest to pair so there is still a slight rake without any added constant weight?


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