Dobinsons 5th Gen T4R Suspension options - from Exit Offroad

[gjcarving]

Thanks for the mention. I know I've said it before but I love this setup. By not going with 33" tires I have no power loss, no loss in braking performance, and the vehicle drives like stock. I can conquer some impressive trails with a 1.5" lift, good skid plates and sliders for protection.

I just ran out to the garage and measured the suspension again. At 2,300 miles after the lift I did have 2" of lift in the rear rather than 1.5" like the spring advertised. I removed the KDSS spacer which helped a little. Actually, because the lift wasn't extreme the suspension is perfectly leveled left to right without this spacer.

At 15,000 miles after the lift and adding an additional ~150lbs drawer system I am sitting at exactly 1.5" of lift over stock on all 4 corner. In total, including this drawer system, I have ~250lbs over stock on the rear axle.

Not sure why I have to load them with this weight to achieve 1.5", but it worked out well for me. I'd be curious to hear what other people are seeing.

Trying to upload a picture but it's not working.

Your truck caught my attention on the IMS thread I believe. I am kind of in the same boat while looking at Dobinsons. They are definetly what I am going with, but as mentioned it seems that the spring heights vary from what the listings say. This may be due to the fact that the springs are made for three different vehicles I believe. 4Runner, FJ, GX and the Prado. I might be wrong on that and someone chime in if so. The different weights in the front and rear of each of those vehicles alongg with options such as third row seat etc. are most likely factors.

I am looking at what you are running for springs but still trying to decide between the twin tube or IMS. I think I am leaning towards the IMS as there are many washboard roads here in NM and I think they may be better.

I am also looking at a slightly lower lift with the C59-238 for the fronts, and the C59-599 rears. I have seen varying heights with these springs also. I REALLY would like to keep the factory rake of 2" regardless of which kit I go with. I don't want to add or subtract a difference on either side. I don't plan on carrying the extra weight you have at all times. By the way, are you still running 265's? I have seen a few pics on the IMS thread but if you have some different ones that would be greatly appreciated!

On a side note, it looks like prices have increased from a week or two ago when I last looked. Is this due to shortages or a set price increase?

 

[Crikeymike]

Your truck caught my attention on the IMS thread I believe. I am kind of in the same boat while looking at Dobinsons. They are definetly what I am going with, but as mentioned it seems that the spring heights vary from what the listings say. This may be due to the fact that the springs are made for three different vehicles I believe. 4Runner, FJ, GX and the Prado. I might be wrong on that and someone chime in if so. The different weights in the front and rear of each of those vehicles alongg with options such as third row seat etc. are most likely factors.

I am looking at what you are running for springs but still trying to decide between the twin tube or IMS. I think I am leaning towards the IMS as there are many washboard roads here in NM and I think they may be better.

I am also looking at a slightly lower lift with the C59-238 for the fronts, and the C59-599 rears. I have seen varying heights with these springs also. I REALLY would like to keep the factory rake of 2" regardless of which kit I go with. I don't want to add or subtract a difference on either side. I don't plan on carrying the extra weight you have at all times. By the way, are you still running 265's? I have seen a few pics on the IMS thread but if you have some different ones that would be greatly appreciated!

On a side note, it looks like prices have increased from a week or two ago when I last looked. Is this due to shortages or a set price increase?

Toyotas all vary in height at the dealership, especially 4runners. 3rd row seats sit about 1/4" lower than those without it. I've seen brand new 5th gens measure anywhere from 21" to 22" hub to fender in the rear. 22" is the baseline Dobinsons use, so if your vehicle starts out lower, of course the same coils will show you as giving more lift. And I've seen 19-20" up front. 20" is the front baseline we use.

The same springs used on a GX470, GX460, 4th Gen, 5th Gen and FJ Cruiser will all give different lift heights since all of those vehicles are different weights. That's why I have a thread for each different model and the specs on my website are different for each when the vehicle is selected.

We announced the price rise a month before. See here: Dobinsons Price Increase May 1, 2021!! | Exit Offroad

 

[BlueRidge77]

Your truck caught my attention on the IMS thread I believe. I am kind of in the same boat while looking at Dobinsons. They are definetly what I am going with, but as mentioned it seems that the spring heights vary from what the listings say. This may be due to the fact that the springs are made for three different vehicles I believe. 4Runner, FJ, GX and the Prado. I might be wrong on that and someone chime in if so. The different weights in the front and rear of each of those vehicles alongg with options such as third row seat etc. are most likely factors.

I am looking at what you are running for springs but still trying to decide between the twin tube or IMS. I think I am leaning towards the IMS as there are many washboard roads here in NM and I think they may be better.

I am also looking at a slightly lower lift with the C59-238 for the fronts, and the C59-599 rears. I have seen varying heights with these springs also. I REALLY would like to keep the factory rake of 2" regardless of which kit I go with. I don't want to add or subtract a difference on either side. I don't plan on carrying the extra weight you have at all times. By the way, are you still running 265's? I have seen a few pics on the IMS thread but if you have some different ones that would be greatly appreciated!

On a side note, it looks like prices have increased from a week or two ago when I last looked. Is this due to shortages or a set price increase?

Do you have KDSS on your 4Runner? Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but if you go with the IMS shocks, you can go below the 213mm minimum distance from spring seat to bottom bolt hole. Whatever conflict exists on non-KDSS doesn’t apply. This would allow you to go with a slightly longer front spring like the 296 and adjust down a bit if you end up with too much lift...

 

[Crikeymike]

Do you have KDSS on your 4Runner? Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but if you go with the IMS shocks, you can go below the 213mm minimum distance from spring seat to bottom bolt hole. Whatever conflict exists on non-KDSS doesn’t apply. This would allow you to go with a slightly longer front spring like the 296 and adjust down a bit if you end up with too much lift...

Yes, that's right. You can't go too low to where the spring would be loose at full extension (that would be really bad), but there's no contact issue with the coil seat being below 213mm because the KDSS sway bar is nowhere near the coilover.

 

[dhoang]

There are hundreds of pages devoted to Dobinsons lifts. I’ve read a lot but not all of them. The rear spring I’m looking at isn’t super popular because most lift more than 1.5” or they are loaded with more weight. The C59-505 is a standard weight 1.5” lift. I saw only one comment on another thread from [MENTION=107981]mountainbiker42[/MENTION] that this spring settled at 2” of lift rather than 1.5”. Any other experience with this spring? I’d prefer to stick with no more than 1.5” but if I go down to the C59-599 I may not end up with enough... thanks guys.

I ended up with 2" in the rear with 505's.

 

[Seattle206]

Looks like a fun time!! Thanks for posting. I love seeing installation and getting a calming feeling that I didn't have to do it. hahaha

Did you measure the height difference before and after by chance? I've had a lot of guys ask that, and it's hard to say

[MENTION=148378]Crikeymike[/MENTION]

Here it is after settling in the 701v. Measurements are center hub to bottom of fender.

Driver side = 25"
Passenger side = 25.25"

Rear is loaded with a Shrockworks steel swingout + full size spare, Hi-Lift, drawer system + an additional 70lb of random tools and knick knacks. Rotopax and water can are currently empty.


I must say that the 701v is a vast improvement over the 677v. So far I've had it loaded up with camping gear, food/water, and two passengers. Kept the ride height really level.

 

[Crikeymike]

[MENTION=148378]Crikeymike[/MENTION]

Here it is after settling in the 701v. Measurements are center hub to bottom of fender.

Driver side = 25"
Passenger side = 25.25"

Rear is loaded with a Shrockworks steel swingout + full size spare, Hi-Lift, drawer system + an additional 70lb of random tools and knick knacks. Rotopax and water can are currently empty.


I must say that the 701v is a vast improvement over the 677v. So far I've had it loaded up with camping gear, food/water, and two passengers. Kept the ride height really level.

That's awesome. The truck looks great, and those wheels are perfect with the color of the truck and everything.

 

[BlueRidge77]

Thanks for the mention. I know I've said it before but I love this setup. By not going with 33" tires I have no power loss, no loss in braking performance, and the vehicle drives like stock. I can conquer some impressive trails with a 1.5" lift, good skid plates and sliders for protection.

I just ran out to the garage and measured the suspension again. At 2,300 miles after the lift I did have 2" of lift in the rear rather than 1.5" like the spring advertised. I removed the KDSS spacer which helped a little. Actually, because the lift wasn't extreme the suspension is perfectly leveled left to right without this spacer.

At 15,000 miles after the lift and adding an additional ~150lbs drawer system I am sitting at exactly 1.5" of lift over stock on all 4 corner. In total, including this drawer system, I have ~250lbs over stock on the rear axle.

Not sure why I have to load them with this weight to achieve 1.5", but it worked out well for me. I'd be curious to hear what other people are seeing.

Trying to upload a picture but it's not working.

One last question, did you ever raise up the front to get it back to factory rake? You had mentioned a final lift of 1.5 front and 2.0 rear. If you did, how did that affect your ride?

 

[Whitemoose]

Dobinsons Options

[MENTION=148378]Crikeymike[/MENTION] Hey Mike! I see you on here all the time and appreciate the help that you give everyone. I have not yet seen the exact suspension option I am looking to run. I am wanting to end up with a 2.8 lift in the front and 1.25 in the back. I was looking at the C59-300 with the GS59-574 extended travel in the front to achieve this. With the C59-599 in the rear with the comfort shock. Let me know what you think! Thanks

 

[LazerDanger]

Thanks for the mention. I know I've said it before but I love this setup. By not going with 33" tires I have no power loss, no loss in braking performance, and the vehicle drives like stock. I can conquer some impressive trails with a 1.5" lift, good skid plates and sliders for protection.

I just ran out to the garage and measured the suspension again. At 2,300 miles after the lift I did have 2" of lift in the rear rather than 1.5" like the spring advertised. I removed the KDSS spacer which helped a little. Actually, because the lift wasn't extreme the suspension is perfectly leveled left to right without this spacer.

At 15,000 miles after the lift and adding an additional ~150lbs drawer system I am sitting at exactly 1.5" of lift over stock on all 4 corner. In total, including this drawer system, I have ~250lbs over stock on the rear axle.

Not sure why I have to load them with this weight to achieve 1.5", but it worked out well for me. I'd be curious to hear what other people are seeing.

Trying to upload a picture but it's not working.

I just got my SR5 a few weeks ago and have been researching suspensions since I started shopping for a 4Runner. I've 99% landed on the same setup you're running (296/505 on IMS struts and shocks). Right now I don't have any extra weight, but I'm planning to add some typical stuff in the near future.

Since your truck settled at 1.5/2" did you consider adding 1/4" preload to the front?

Would it be possible to drive a couple hundred miles after the install to let things settle, measure, then jack the truck up and dial in some preload? I mean summer, pavement driving on clean dry roads so the threads don't get fouled up.

 

[Crikeymike]

[MENTION=148378]Crikeymike[/MENTION] Hey Mike! I see you on here all the time and appreciate the help that you give everyone. I have not yet seen the exact suspension option I am looking to run. I am wanting to end up with a 2.8 lift in the front and 1.25 in the back. I was looking at the C59-300 with the GS59-574 extended travel in the front to achieve this. With the C59-599 in the rear with the comfort shock. Let me know what you think! Thanks

Yep, that's exactly right. I've sold that combo many times to forum members here, but I don't recall anyone's names.

 

[Crikeymike]

I just got my SR5 a few weeks ago and have been researching suspensions since I started shopping for a 4Runner. I've 99% landed on the same setup you're running (296/505 on IMS struts and shocks). Right now I don't have any extra weight, but I'm planning to add some typical stuff in the near future.

Since your truck settled at 1.5/2" did you consider adding 1/4" preload to the front?

Would it be possible to drive a couple hundred miles after the install to let things settle, measure, then jack the truck up and dial in some preload? I mean summer, pavement driving on clean dry roads so the threads don't get fouled up.

Perhaps, but you won't see if there's dirt or grit in there when raising the adjusters up. I'd suggest setting them to a higher setting first, then adding the weight like you said and it will come down then. Then you'll only need to set them during the first install and not have to adjust them afterwards.

 

[LazerDanger]

Perhaps, but you won't see if there's dirt or grit in there when raising the adjusters up. I'd suggest setting them to a higher setting first, then adding the weight like you said and it will come down then. Then you'll only need to set them during the first install and not have to adjust them afterwards.

Hi Mike, I placed my order for the IMS kit this afternoon. I missed your response here but worked it out over email to just have the preload dialed in at install. Thanks for all your help, I'm really looking forward to getting it installed and will report back with some numbers and pictures.

 

[SSLICKTRD]

Finally got my complete IMS kit installed this past weekend. After a long wait for springs I went with 302 springs in the front with standard travel shock and 505 springs in the rear with the comfort valved shocks. I went from a Bilstein 6112/5150 set up so I dont have measurements over stock but the ride is more stiff and a much more controlled feeling and i am enjoying them so far. Thanks to Exit Offroad for the help and quick replies to any questions I had.

 

[Crikeymike]

Finally got my complete IMS kit installed this past weekend. After a long wait for springs I went with 302 springs in the front with standard travel shock and 505 springs in the rear with the comfort valved shocks. I went from a Bilstein 6112/5150 set up so I dont have measurements over stock but the ride is more stiff and a much more controlled feeling and i am enjoying them so far. Thanks to Exit Offroad for the help and quick replies to any questions I had.

That's great to hear!!

You've got to raise your post count up so that you can post some photos of it. A lot of people ask for the comparison of the 6112's to the IMS, so you'll probably get a lot of people ask you about it in the future.

 

[Krayziekid]

Hey Mike, looking to swap my 675vs with some 677vs now that I've got my drawers in the back full time. The 675v was great but sagged a fair bit when loaded down for a 10 day trip.

I saw they're available for backorder on Exit Offroad, but had a question. If I order a set on backorder now, is there any way to know/guarantee that they will be part of this June/July shipment you've mentioned previously?

 

[Crikeymike]

Hey Mike, looking to swap my 675vs with some 677vs now that I've got my drawers in the back full time. The 675v was great but sagged a fair bit when loaded down for a 10 day trip.

I saw they're available for backorder on Exit Offroad, but had a question. If I order a set on backorder now, is there any way to know/guarantee that they will be part of this June/July shipment you've mentioned previously?

As long as you order teal, as of right now there are plenty coming that aren't sold so you would get a set of those. First in, best dressed.

That is of course unless the ship doesn't sink from a megatsunami or something else. No guarantees for that reason.

 

[Krayziekid]

As long as you order teal, as of right now there are plenty coming that aren't sold so you would get a set of those. First in, best dressed.

That is of course unless the ship doesn't sink from a megatsunami or something else. No guarantees for that reason.

Excellent! Thanks for the quick reply. I think I can handle teal springs haha. Currently have red, but they'll be covered in mud soon enough.

Any more info on that exclusive pricing in your signature.... eep:

 

[SSLICKTRD]

That's great to hear!!

You've got to raise your post count up so that you can post some photos of it. A lot of people ask for the comparison of the 6112's to the IMS, so you'll probably get a lot of people ask you about it in the future.

Thank you for the help, it was much appreciated in my decision making of what to go with. Im working on the post count and Im glad i converted to the Dobinsons.

 

[BlueRidge77]

Finally got my complete IMS kit installed this past weekend. After a long wait for springs I went with 302 springs in the front with standard travel shock and 505 springs in the rear with the comfort valved shocks. I went from a Bilstein 6112/5150 set up so I dont have measurements over stock but the ride is more stiff and a much more controlled feeling and i am enjoying them so far. Thanks to Exit Offroad for the help and quick replies to any questions I had.

Even though you don’t have before measurements from factory, could you provide measurements from center of hub to fender on all four corners? Which 4Runner trim do you have? Did you put anything to correct lean either way whether it’s the standard drivers side lean or KDSS lean? Thanks.