Dobinsons 5th Gen T4R Suspension options - from Exit Offroad
- Thread starter Crikeymike
- Start date
Crikeymike
Senior Member
In your situation, I'd suggest the helper air bags. You can run them down to almost nothing so you won't know they're there when you don't need them, then they give great support for towing.
I don't believe the Timbren's or Sumo's would reach properly when lifted above stock height.
honda250xtitan
New member
air bags. timbrens engage way too early for a daily driver not towing all the time.
Thanks, Mike. Any recommendations regarding which airbag to fit the 505s? I’m not sure if the Firestone recommended 4135s will work with the lift…
Crikeymike
Senior Member
Those work with up to 1.5" of lift, or you can use these for 2-3" of lift.
Firestone 4108 Coil-Rite Rear Helper Airbags for 2-3" Lift | 4Runner FJ Cruiser GX470 GX460
Looking for some input on a potential Dobinsons kit. Realistically I'm only in need of an entry-level lift kit and suspension upgrade. I think the IMS is a bit out of my price range (using the savings to justify buying new UCAs), so I'm looking at kits like the 5100, Eibach Pro, and now maybe a Dobinsons twin-tube kit.
Goals and info: 2.5" lift, maintain some rake, Non-KDSS, roof-top tent and some armor (skid plate, transmission cover and cat guards).
Here is what I'm thinking:
Front shocks: GS59-700 (0" lift)
Front coils: C59-302 (2.5" stock weight & 2.0" with 150lbs)
Rear shocks: GS59-701
Rear coils: C59-325 or C59-327
I'm not totally sure which rear coil makes the most sense.
C59-325 is 2"-2.25" at stock weight, so slightly lower with weight, but not so low that it would end up level?
C59-327 is 2" with 200-400lbs. I'll probably be under 200 lbs most of the time. I assume this would be more like 2.25"-2.5" without weight, which puts me close to the same lift as I get up front?
I also plan on getting the Dobinsons UCAs.
Thoughts or advice on this? Are the Dobinsons twin tubes an upgrade over something like the 5100s + coils?
Thanks!
Goals and info: 2.5" lift, maintain some rake, Non-KDSS, roof-top tent and some armor (skid plate, transmission cover and cat guards).
Here is what I'm thinking:
Front shocks: GS59-700 (0" lift)
Front coils: C59-302 (2.5" stock weight & 2.0" with 150lbs)
Rear shocks: GS59-701
Rear coils: C59-325 or C59-327
I'm not totally sure which rear coil makes the most sense.
C59-325 is 2"-2.25" at stock weight, so slightly lower with weight, but not so low that it would end up level?
C59-327 is 2" with 200-400lbs. I'll probably be under 200 lbs most of the time. I assume this would be more like 2.25"-2.5" without weight, which puts me close to the same lift as I get up front?
I also plan on getting the Dobinsons UCAs.
Thoughts or advice on this? Are the Dobinsons twin tubes an upgrade over something like the 5100s + coils?
Thanks!
I consider this kit to be a step-up from entry-level suspensions such as:
Bilstein 5100s
Dobinsons Twin Tube Shocks
Eibach Entry-Level Kits
The IMS suspension sits between those kits and pricier high-end options like:
Dobinsons 3-Way MRR
Fox DSC
King Shocks
I was debating dobinsons for the past few months since my 5160 rear shock started leaking. I ended going with 5100s at $178 for the time being till my the 6112s leak or springs break. I did notice a good difference in replacing the 5160, it was leaking for few months. The ride now is firmer / more planted like when I first installed the 5160s. Cant go wrong with either set up, all personal opinion and both are solid shocks.
Crikeymike
Senior Member
The front parts are all correct.
Is the RTT permanently mounted? If so, you'll want the C59-327 rear coils. The extra spring rate will help with stability of that weight mounted up on the roof. If it's only on here and there, you can run the C59-325, but you'll get more body roll when the tent is up there, although it will be more comfortable when unloaded.
Dobinsons twin tube shocks are definitely softer/more comfortable than Bilstein and Eibach shocks. They're both almost the same thing, and are firm on the road then soften up once they compress. Dobinsons are linear, so they're softest on the road, and they firm up as they compress and compress the oil inside the shock body. They're also longer lasting. It's very rare to have a twin tube blow a seal, whereas some lower end monotubes don't have very strong seals at all.
I just had a local shop install my IMS lift and I have a few questions following the install. I went with the 50574 front struts with no additional preload, the 302B front springs, 50701 rear struts, and 505B rear springs. I also added the coil rite 4108 airbags for good measure when towing.
When I picked the vehicle up I noticed it was sitting really high. I took quick measurements (before and after) and here is what I got.
DF - 19 before, 23.5 after
PF - 19 before, 22.75 after
DR - 21.25 before, 24 after
PR - 21.25 before, 23.5 after.
How long do these springs typically take to settle?
I checked the airbags to see if the pressure was the same on both sides and found 12 lbs in the driver side bag and zero in the passenger side bag. Turns out there is an issue with the press fitting on the passenger side bag… the shop said their is very little clearance between the airbag and the frame for the airline to bend and that could be causing the issue with the press fitting. They are going to contact Firestone and order a replacement bag but are inclined to order the shorter (factory height) bags. Has anyone had similar issues with the airbag press fittings?
Next I climbed under the rig to observe the install. I noticed that the spring seat step on the driver side of the vehicle is (spring) facing forward while the passenger side is facing the rear of the vehicle. This seems to be contrary to the install instructions I read on Dobinson’s web site that appeared to say that both sides should be aligned with the rear of the vehicle. What if any issues might this create?
Crikeymike
Senior Member
The average baseline heights on a 5th gen when new are 20" front and 22" rear. Looks like yours was a bit lower than average, or settled/sagged.
23.5" is 3.5" front lift, and 24" rear is 2" lift, by Dobinsons standards.
The front spring seat won't change the height, but they're supposed to face the same direction. I wouldn't bother changing it though.
I haven't heard of problems with the bags at all, but yeah, you're just barely 2" of lift, so maybe that's it, or maybe they didn't make the hole big enough for the fittings to run through easily. Can you post some photos?
Happy to snap some photos tomorrow. What specifically would you like to see. I was able to
Confirm that I have contact between the OME UCA and the driver side coilover spring. Nothing on the passenger side. Dobinsons suggested reinstalling the coilover with the spring seat aligned towards the rear to see if that helps.
Regarding the airbags, the shop has proposed adding 2 90 degree push fittings to get rid of the angles on the hoses going into the bags. Im not sure how that will help- I just can’t see it in my head.
Thanks again for your help, Mike.
Confirm that I have contact between the OME UCA and the driver side coilover spring. Nothing on the passenger side. Dobinsons suggested reinstalling the coilover with the spring seat aligned towards the rear to see if that helps.
Regarding the airbags, the shop has proposed adding 2 90 degree push fittings to get rid of the angles on the hoses going into the bags. Im not sure how that will help- I just can’t see it in my head.
Thanks again for your help, Mike.
Crikeymike
Senior Member
Just photos of the overall setup, so everyone else can see.
If the alignment isn't evenly done, mainly the caster, then one arm could be further rearward than the other. It's a common problem with 4x4 alignments.
It's unusual to have contact on an aftermarket UCA, as they normally have good clearance to the coil.
Yeah, those fittings should help. Photos of that situation would be good to see for future reference.
StevenJames
New member
I apologize if this has been covered already. Was trying to read through these pages. I purchased my 4runner used with bilstein suspension but upgrading to IMS.
My 4runner currently has a slimline bumper and will be installing a winch soon so trying to account for that extra weight. I was looking at doing 2.5” front and 1.5” rear as I have KDSS. As of now I will just have a hitch carrier with my spare tire which is the only constant weight in the back. (Eventually getting a roof rack with a RTT)
The purchase I was going to make was Front Springs: C59-314 - 2.5" Lift w/ 80-150lb Added Load Front Shocks: IMS59-50574 Internal Monotube IFP Shocks Suits 2.5"-3.5"(No extra pre-load) Rear Springs: C59-599 - Stock rear end, 1.5" lift Rear Shocks: IMS59-50701 Internal Monotube IFP Shock suits 0-3" lift.
As of now the 4runner is my daily driver but plan on bringing it to off road trails and camping. Highly doubt I will be doing any rock crawling.
My main question is should I get the IMS59-50574 or 50700?
Besides that question, does everything else seem to make sense for my order?
Thank you in advance!
My 4runner currently has a slimline bumper and will be installing a winch soon so trying to account for that extra weight. I was looking at doing 2.5” front and 1.5” rear as I have KDSS. As of now I will just have a hitch carrier with my spare tire which is the only constant weight in the back. (Eventually getting a roof rack with a RTT)
The purchase I was going to make was Front Springs: C59-314 - 2.5" Lift w/ 80-150lb Added Load Front Shocks: IMS59-50574 Internal Monotube IFP Shocks Suits 2.5"-3.5"(No extra pre-load) Rear Springs: C59-599 - Stock rear end, 1.5" lift Rear Shocks: IMS59-50701 Internal Monotube IFP Shock suits 0-3" lift.
As of now the 4runner is my daily driver but plan on bringing it to off road trails and camping. Highly doubt I will be doing any rock crawling.
My main question is should I get the IMS59-50574 or 50700?
Besides that question, does everything else seem to make sense for my order?
Thank you in advance!
Crikeymike
Senior Member
Hey bud,
The C59-314 front springs may give you a little too much lift with just a slimline bumper and winch. It would be better to use the C59-302 and add a little preload to get to 2.5" with the added weight.
You won't get the extra travel out of the IMS59-50574 unless you change to aftermarket UCA's. You can use 50700 struts if you won't be changing the UCA's, as those are good for 0-3" of lift.
If you think you'll do a rack and RTT soon, you might want to go for the 1/2" taller C59-505 so that you'll have more height to accept that added weight later. That weight will drop it down 1/2" or so usually.
Everything else looks good.
StevenJames
New member
Thank you for the response. I do plan on ordering the Dobinson UCA as well when I make the purchase. I see it states the suspension is sold out on your website. Do you have any rough estimate when it will be back in stock?
Crikeymike
Senior Member
Not sold out but a few parts are on backorder. The shocks are due in a few weeks as well as most coils.
Dobinsons 4Runner IMS Suspension Kit for 2010-23 (0-3.5")
MEA689091
New member
the lean
When I got the Dobinson lift, I thought about getting the spacers for the dreaded drivers side lean. I talked myself out of it. Now I wish I hadn't. The truck has about 25k with the lift installed so, I think the springs have settled in by now. It would bother me every time I walked up on it from the front or back. The lean!!! So a couple of Sundays ago I switched the front coilovers from side to side. I have put about 200 miles on it since then. It helped some. So now the question is do I get the spacers from your website, or do I take the right coilover out and lower the spring perch? This would do nothing for the rear. I just came in from measuring the truck, it is as follows.
LF 24"
RF 25.25"
RR 24"
LR 26"
So, about an inch up front, and 2 inch in the rear lean to the left (driver). I'm cool with the rake.
I have the 354 up front, 677V in the rear, and the long travel shocks front & back.
I'm thinking the spacers would be the easier/faster way to go. One other question the springs and coilovers are NOT side specific, are they? I looked for a marker/tag and did not see one. If they are that may be the issue.
Thanks, Michael
When I got the Dobinson lift, I thought about getting the spacers for the dreaded drivers side lean. I talked myself out of it. Now I wish I hadn't. The truck has about 25k with the lift installed so, I think the springs have settled in by now. It would bother me every time I walked up on it from the front or back. The lean!!! So a couple of Sundays ago I switched the front coilovers from side to side. I have put about 200 miles on it since then. It helped some. So now the question is do I get the spacers from your website, or do I take the right coilover out and lower the spring perch? This would do nothing for the rear. I just came in from measuring the truck, it is as follows.
LF 24"
RF 25.25"
RR 24"
LR 26"
So, about an inch up front, and 2 inch in the rear lean to the left (driver). I'm cool with the rake.
I have the 354 up front, 677V in the rear, and the long travel shocks front & back.
I'm thinking the spacers would be the easier/faster way to go. One other question the springs and coilovers are NOT side specific, are they? I looked for a marker/tag and did not see one. If they are that may be the issue.
Thanks, Michael
Last edited:
Crikeymike
Senior Member
Do you have KDSS? You must have it with that much lean. No one has 2" of rear lean unless something is installed wrong, or an old spacer or something was left in place without them realizing (that happens really often).
The coils and struts are not side-specific. You'd have to check the front coil seat heights to see if they're different or not.
If you lower the front right, the opposite corner (rear left) sometimes picks up in height.
MEA689091
New member
No to the KDSS.
I will go out and double check the measurements, and look for a spring rubber and get bac with you here. Thanks.
MEA689091
New member
I drove the truck around to let everything settle in. Still the same measurements as before. Both front coilovers measure 9 1/8 inch (232mm) from the spring seat to the center of the lower mounting bolt. Checked the rear springs, tails next to the bump on the axile side and the flat sides of the springs are on top with the stock rubber thing in the middle of them. Everything looks good to me. I even have the spare tire mounted on the passenger side, and I put all the heavy gear on that side also.
Baffles me.
Michael
