Dobinsons 5th Gen T4R Suspension options - from Exit Offroad
- Thread starter Crikeymike
- Start date
SpeedyKevin
New member
Ahh I debated this awhile back when the MRAs were announced. Eventually opted for an IMS set up as I mainly do slow speed/crawling so no need for the big stuff. Here were some things I found:
Rubber Bushing vs Heim Joint:
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3441338-post20.html
Not exactly the MRA but some insights on the IMS choice of bushing over heim joint (which is based on the MRA). I have seen a few cases now where folks with other 2.5 options wishing they had rubber bushings for the lower eyelets instead of having heim joints. They don't seem to last long when being pelted with rocks. I believe forum member JSparky had ADS custom build his shocks to use rubber bushings for the lower eyelet and heim joint for the top.
What my old twin tubes looked like after 25k miles (90% on road/10% off road)
Pricing wise for similar options:
When pricing out the MRA fronts with coils, it comes out to 1200ish. The Kings are priced at $1830 with compression adjusters (not default option). The MRAs have adjusters for high and low speed compression. Also, unlike a King 2.5 set up, the MRAs give you the ability to adjust rebound (King has only compression). For me that is a big plus as that is the only aspect I'd like to adjust on my IMS shocks.
A full set up with rear shocks would be:
Kings w/ compression adjusters with Coils - $3125 (quoted by Filthy Motorsports)
MRAs with Coils - $2280 (quoted by Exit Offroad, doesn't include T4R discount)
That being said, pricing isn't entirely comparable as the King pistons are actual 2.5in pistons while the MRAs are 2in pistons (2.2 body/2 piston). It's possible that some of gains in performance offered through the number of adjustments provided by the MRAs could mitigate the drawbacks of the 2in piston. I'd take a smaller but ideally valved shock over a larger less ideal valved shock. Not saying King valving isnt ideal but each car is different and I'd prefer to make my own adjustments. That being said...see below on valving options from King.
Custom Options:
Now hows the valving? Not sure as I only have the IMS shocks. Someone else could probably chime in on their thoughts. One benefit though when ordering is that you could have (at an extra cost) the Kings valved based on your vehicle set up. The Dobinsons can be re-valved too but not from factory. Would have to rebuild to revalve it but haven't heard of that option yet. Another nice option from King is that (with extra cost) you can custom order a shock and specify lengths like a 25.5 extended length rear shock (max extended length a kdss can go). The MRA 701 rears are 23.97 inches extended but have a similar stroke length/extended length to the Kings 2.5 rears. There is the option of the MRA 575 rears which are 28.74 extended but that doesn't work with KDSS.
Hope that helps with your decision making!
Edited to add pricing and a few other points.
Last edited:
Crikeymike
Senior Member
Yeah bud, you can definitely do that, just change the coils and use the stock struts.
Crikeymike
Senior Member
The 296/599 combo would set you up the best I think. Most people don't regret going with a little more height, but some have a problem if they don't add lift to start with, and it's the same price either way.
Crikeymike
Senior Member
That's such a great post Kevin!!Ahh I debated this awhile back when the MRAs were announced. Eventually opted for an IMS set up as I mainly do slow speed/crawling so no need for the big stuff. Here were some things I found:
Rubber Bushing vs Heim Joint:
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3441338-post20.html
Not exactly the MRA but some insights on the IMS choice of bushing over heim joint (which is based on the MRA). I have seen a few cases now where folks with other 2.5 options wishing they had rubber bushings for the lower eyelets instead of having heim joints. They don't seem to last long when being pelted with rocks. I believe forum member JSparky had ADS custom build his shocks to use rubber bushings for the lower eyelet and heim joint for the top.
What my old twin tubes looked like after 25k miles (90% on road/10% off road)
Pricing wise for similar options:
When pricing out the MRA fronts with coils, it comes out to 1200ish. The Kings are priced at $1830 with compression adjusters (not default option). The MRAs have adjusters for high and low speed compression. Also, unlike a King 2.5 set up, the MRAs give you the ability to adjust rebound (King has only compression). For me that is a big plus as that is the only aspect I'd like to adjust on my IMS shocks.
A full set up with rear shocks would be:
Kings w/ compression adjusters with Coils - $3125 (quoted by Filthy Motorsports)
MRAs with Coils - $2280 (quoted by Exit Offroad, doesn't include T4R discount)
That being said, pricing isn't entirely comparable as the King pistons are actual 2.5in pistons while the MRAs are 2in pistons (2.2 body/2 piston). It's possible that some of gains in performance offered through the number of adjustments provided by the MRAs could mitigate the drawbacks of the 2in piston. I'd take an undersized but ideally valved shock over a larger less ideal valved shock. Not saying King but each car is different and I'd prefer to make my own adjustments. That being said...see below on valving options from King.
Custom Options:
Now hows the valving? Not sure as I only have the IMS shocks. Someone else could probably chime in on their thoughts. One benefit though when ordering is that you could have (at an extra cost) the Kings valved based on your vehicle set up. The Dobinsons can be re-valved too but not from factory. Would have to rebuild to revalve it but haven't heard of that option yet. Another nice option from King is that (with extra cost) you can custom order a shock and specify lengths like a 25.5 extended length rear shock (max extended length a kdss can go). The MRA 701 rears are 23.97 inches extended but have a similar stroke length/extended length to the Kings 2.5 rears. There is the option of the MRA 575 rears which are 28.74 extended but that doesn't work with KDSS.
Hope that helps with your decision making!
Edited to add pricing and a few other points.
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 
SpeedyKevin
New member
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
How much more did it give? Have you let it settle in? I know Mike recommends 500 miles but I found mine didn't settle till I pummeled it on the trail lol.
Also if the height didn't work out...why not just take out the rear coil and choose another brand? You don't have to take out the shocks and it'll save you on the install.
I’m at 350 miles with weight in the back. Even if it does settle, I can’t imagine it doing so enough to bring me even close to the advertised lift. If the parts were available I’d do the 302/505 setup but they’re not right now.
While throwing in a different brand spring seems like the most logical and simple solution, the thought of it being mismatched doesn’t compute well in my brain. I’ve built a lot of cars but this is my first 4x4. I like the assumed balance from a shock and spring of the same brand, or at a minimum, a mix and match setup well vetted by other owners.
Forgot to answer how much height. With a full tank of gas, my center hub to bottom of arch is 23.9”
SpeedyKevin
New member
I wouldn't be too concerned, many folks run set ups with different springs. Even Filthy Motorsports (Top tier King Shock dealer) offers/recommends a variety of rear springs (Toytec, Dobinson, or OME) to run with the King rear 2.5s.
See here under spring options -->
2010 + Toyota 4Runner King Shocks Kit - Starting at $1,520 w/ Free Shipping!
But hey..if you're still going to remove the IMS, ill buy the fronts off of you
SpeedyKevin
New member
Loving the stance!
Yours looks great! I’m jealous! Still can’t help but be disappointed in this product. Less than minimum advertised front lift, far more than advertised rear lift. For now I think I’ll crank up the collars on the front shocks to raise it up a little. Would rather preload the spring than drive around looking like a nose-heavy dragster until I can find the replacement product I want to try.Loving the stance!
Thank you for your input!
SpeedyKevin
New member
Ahh yea increasing the preload could help! I originally had the 300s/700s for a 2inch front lift and while the ride was comfy, I also can't say I was entirely pleased with the lift height. That being said, if I had the IMS, I would have just increased the preload to desired height. Been really happy with the lift height I got out of the 302s + lopro bumper/winch. Hopefully your situation can be resolved!
But really...if you do dump the IMS fronts...Ill buy em hahah
carlodonz
Member
I have installed this for about 3 months now. This was my first lift kit so I don't have anything to compare to.
So far, so good. The adjusters are a nice addition as I can fine tune the ride based on the terrain. It's a bit annoying because you need to remember the settings and need to reach with your arm under the wheel well. Not a big deal since I'm not adjusting everyday.
If I can get 302/505’s this week, I’ll go that route. (Seems unlikely since they show out of stock) If I can’t, I’m going to go Icon and I’ll sell you my IMS fronts cheap.
Took measurements again today.
The lift I got: (with a full tank)
300’s
LF: 1.2” RF: 1.425”
599’s
LR: 1.625” RR: 1.75”
Glad I spent $2000 with Dobinsons to make my car look worse and increase rake.... Really excited about it
SpeedyKevin
New member
Forgot to ask, did you have Dobinsons set the front coils? or installer did it?
Installer (I was right there). It was set right at 213mm. Center of lower mount point to lowest part of the spring perch as specified. We checked it multiple times. I have super OCD (real ocd) and we were very confident in its setting prior to install. (I work at a high-end dealership and install was done by our top technician, who I’ve worked with for six years)
Crikeymike
Senior Member
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?
northstarSP
New member
I pulled the trigger on a Dobinsons setup and it should be arriving in the next few days! As everyone has said, Mike was great to deal with. Ended up with:
C59-314 front coil
IMS59-50700 front strut
C59-505 rear coil
IMS59-50705 rear shock
Dobinsons UCAs
Looking forward to the install and getting some pics.
C59-314 front coil
IMS59-50700 front strut
C59-505 rear coil
IMS59-50705 rear shock
Dobinsons UCAs
Looking forward to the install and getting some pics.
SpeedyKevin
New member
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.
