Dobinsons 5th Gen T4R Suspension options - from Exit Offroad

Hi Mike (and other viewers),

I'm looking to lift my 2019 OR (no third row seat) and am looking for some recommendations. After hours and hours of research, I've decided to go with a Dobinsons twin-tube setup. With that in mind, I'm undecided on the springs. At this point in time, I believe a 2.5 front/2.0 rear lift would be best for my future goals/needs.

As such, I'm thinking that the C59-302 (2.5" stock front) & C59-325 (2"" stock rear) are correct. However, it is my understanding that those heights were recorded on a 4runner with the third row seating option. Would I be better off going with a 2.0" front/1.5" rear knowing that it may sit a little higher?

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

How much rake are you looking for? I think 302s with 505s in the rear is the more common combination. Even with the 505s you keep some rake so unless you will have extra weight in the back, the 505s would be my 2 cents. But it all depends on if you want to level it out at all. 302s with 599s is pretty close to fender level. If you were going to go with 285s, you would want more than the 300s (which I’m assuming are the “2” in the 2/1.5). How much rake you want and how much weight you are planning to add are going to really determine what is right for you.
 
Last edited:
How much rake are you looking for? I think 302s with 505s in the rear is the more common combination. Even with the 505s you keep some rake so unless you will have extra weight in the back, the 505s would be my 2 cents. But it all depends on if you want to level it out at all. 302s with 599s is pretty close to fender level. If you were going to go with 285s, you would want more than the 300s (which I’m assuming are the “2” in the 2/1.5). How much rake you want and how much weight you are planning to add are going to really determine what is right for you.

Thanks for the reply.

As far as extra weight is concerned, I intend on building or purchasing (tbd) a drawer system for the rear of the truck. With stowed gear (tools, jumper cables, etc..), I imagine it would be 100-150 pounds constant weight. I'd like to retain SOME rake. Being level is important, but only when I'm hauling gear.

I'm starting to think that I purchase and install everything I want for the truck and then order the suspension components once I know the final weights.
 
Last edited:
Hi Mike (and other viewers),

I'm looking to lift my 2019 OR (no third row seat) and am looking for some recommendations. After hours and hours of research, I've decided to go with a Dobinsons twin-tube setup. With that in mind, I'm undecided on the springs. At this point in time, I believe a 2.5 front/2.0 rear lift would be best for my future goals/needs.

As such, I'm thinking that the C59-302 (2.5" stock front) & C59-325 (2"" stock rear) are correct. However, it is my understanding that those heights were recorded on a 4runner with the third row seating option. Would I be better off going with a 2.0" front/1.5" rear knowing that it may sit a little higher?

Thanks in advance for your assistance!
302's up front and 505's in the back for 1.5" is more common. Yes, the 325's are 2" with a 3rd row and like 2.25" without it.

With 2.5" front and 1.5" rear, you'll still have about 1" of rake which is enough for most people.
 
Moab tested, Mrs. Bigdaddy approved.

Lots of flexing,
500-700lbs loaded in back,
hours of time going 30-40mph on corrugated roads,
600+ road miles.

Happy as a clam with my Dobinson’s setup.
 

Attachments

  • 4117D9DC-F372-46A9-BB77-115437CBEB4F.jpeg
    4117D9DC-F372-46A9-BB77-115437CBEB4F.jpeg
    89.5 KB · Views: 1,093
  • B4E3E808-0E96-447B-A652-9047D5E7BBC1.jpeg
    B4E3E808-0E96-447B-A652-9047D5E7BBC1.jpeg
    92.6 KB · Views: 1,106
  • 21ADFF37-2123-4090-997B-B9A22DFF0A08.jpeg
    21ADFF37-2123-4090-997B-B9A22DFF0A08.jpeg
    88.9 KB · Views: 1,112
  • 7BD9754B-C210-4CCC-98D9-29D5F15F5818.jpeg
    7BD9754B-C210-4CCC-98D9-29D5F15F5818.jpeg
    76.7 KB · Views: 1,109
  • AFA1A914-35DD-4E64-8A0D-39574E0A1E9E.jpeg
    AFA1A914-35DD-4E64-8A0D-39574E0A1E9E.jpeg
    126 KB · Views: 1,133
Last edited:
Help

Can someone tell me like I'm a fifth grader which setup i need as far as springs etc....

I want to go with the basic kit. This is for my wife's rig so it won't see any hard off-road use. Just looking for the best ride and be able to clear 285/70/17 on a 8.5 wheel with 0 offset. Will pull a light trailer on rare occasions. No added bumpers, might add a roof rack of some sort later on. Ride height would preferably be level, maybe a slight rake. Appreciate any feedback....
 
Can someone tell me like I'm a fifth grader which setup i need as far as springs etc....

I want to go with the basic kit. This is for my wife's rig so it won't see any hard off-road use. Just looking for the best ride and be able to clear 285/70/17 on a 8.5 wheel with 0 offset. Will pull a light trailer on rare occasions. No added bumpers, might add a roof rack of some sort later on. Ride height would preferably be level, maybe a slight rake. Appreciate any feedback....

Sure thing kiddo.

The most common setup to buy is 2.5" front and 1.5" rear.
C59-302 front coils
C59-505 rear coils
GS59-700 front struts
GS59-701 rear shocks

I recommend adding UCA's as well.

Dobinsons 1" to 3.5" Build-A-Kit Toyota 4Runner 2010-21 - Exit Offroad
 
Mike,

I have a 5th gen 4Runner with GS59-700 and accidently installed one of my strut assembly with the lower spring seat step facing the front of the vehicle. Will this cause any problems?

286532d1519170779-dobinsons-5th-gen-t4r-suspension-options-lots-choices-strut-assembly-sequence-jpg
 
Mike,

I have a 5th gen 4Runner with GS59-700 and accidently installed one of my strut assembly with the lower spring seat step facing the front of the vehicle. Will this cause any problems?

286532d1519170779-dobinsons-5th-gen-t4r-suspension-options-lots-choices-strut-assembly-sequence-jpg
It should be fine. The sway bar link should still clear it
 
Thanks Mike! My 599’s arrived on Christmas Eve, installed them today.
 

Attachments

  • 3E00A8AC-0291-40C0-975E-2890DC1A1E4A.jpg
    3E00A8AC-0291-40C0-975E-2890DC1A1E4A.jpg
    124 KB · Views: 756
Last edited:
Stock 2018 SR5P “XP”

Dgp8ju8.jpg


Next: Springs and shocks replaced. I am 23.6 hub to fender with the 599/701 in the rear combo. Front is roughly 2” (slightly under 22” hub to fender) with the 300 springs with 700 shocks. 275/70R17 BFG KO2s. Slight rub on mudlfap when articulated with 1/4-1/2 turn of the wheel.

uiORy1r.jpg


Added the 1/4” spacers (1/2” at fender) to passenger and driver side taking lift up to roughy 2.3”. Also added Dobinsons UCAs. 275s did not rub at all with this setup for me.

w1tIjfF.jpg


Same setup with 285/70R17 KO2s. Rubs on mud flap exactly like the 275s did prior to adding strut spacers. Not bad at all but all prob see if I can mod the mud flap to stop it. The front has been fine so far. I’ve been able to get it a little articulated and it has handled it well but I don’t think I have been in a situation where I’ve had it maxed out with the 285s

6kvBGuk.jpg


Hope this can maybe help someone out with their research

Edit 1/8/22:

I ended up removing the front mud flaps. Not totally necessary but it would rub a little and figured my sliders (when I get around to getting them on) will help protect the paint a little.

I am also not an expert on these things but it looks like the fender liner has already been done on the XPs that come with the pro wheels (see below). It doesn’t rub on the road even under heavy braking / sharp turning and off-road was able to get as articulated as I could and didn’t have any issues there either so it has been working out well so far with the 285s and my setup.

BMVpwm6.jpg


Pic was taken before the 285s and strut spacers but did the same washout with the 285s this past week with no issues.

qPXRYEi.jpg
 
Last edited:
Stock 2018 SR5P “XP”


Next: Springs and shocks replaced. I went with 701s in the rear to better deal with the heavier loads in the back during trips but I probably got 1.75” with the 599/701 combo so be aware you may get extra height with the HD valved 701s. Front is roughly 2 (maybe slightly under) with the 300 springs with 700 shocks. 275/70R17 BFF KO2s. Slight rub on mudlfap when articulated with 1/2 turn of the wheel.


Added the 1/4” spacers (1/2” at fender) to passenger and driver side taking lift up to roughy 2.4”. Also added Dobinsons UCAs. 275s did not run at all with this setup for me.


Same setup with 285/70R17 KO2s. Runs on mud flap exactly like the 275s prior to strut spacers.


Hope this can maybe help someone out with their research

No rub even under full compression?
 
Hey Mike, I’m currently running Bilstien 5100 w/oem springs and a rear day star spacer. I wanted to know if I change my springs and lower my settings on my Bilstien a will I be able to achieve a higher lift 2.75?
I think I’m currently sitting at 2.5 with the Bilstien 5100 at the top notch in the front and rear spacer. I’m also running 275/70/17 tires.

If so, do you have any recommendations on springs? I main drive on pavement and sometimes go camping. I’m trying to avoid uca if possible. I’m open to changing out to dobinson suspension but I was hoping that adding springs would be more cost effective
 
Last edited:
Hey Mike, I’m currently running Bilstien 5100 w/oem springs and a rear day star spacer. I wanted to know if I change my springs and lower my settings on my Bilstien a will I be able to achieve a higher lift 2.75?
I think I’m currently sitting at 2.5 with the Bilstien 5100 at the top notch in the front and rear spacer. I’m also running 275/70/17 tires.

If so, do you have any recommendations on springs? I main drive on pavement and sometimes go camping. I’m trying to avoid uca if possible. I’m open to changing out to dobinson suspension but I was hoping that adding springs would be more cost effective
Hey man. Sent you a PM too. To avoid UCA's, you should go more than 2.5" of lift, using the C59-302 coils with the 5100's set to the lowest clip.
 

Members online

No members online now.

Forum statistics

Threads
278,316
Messages
3,554,121
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top