Dobinsons 5th Gen T4R Suspension options - from Exit Offroad

[Crikeymike]

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

That's a lot of preload.

LF 24" - 4" front lift
RF 25.25" - 5.25" front lift
RR 24" - 2" rear lift
LR 26" - 4" rear lift

If those measurements you gave are for real, then your front is lifted too high and that must be what's throwing everything out of whack. 226mm is usually the highest the front preload should be set to, no more than 23-23.5" from hub to fender in the front.

If you aren't running extended sway bar links in the rear, that also could be holding up a side. Disconnect the sway bar to find out.

 

[tv4184]

I'm finally getting to setting up my wife's 2wd SR5. I'm expecting a 2.6" lift from the 6112s I'm installing right now up fright so would it be safe to go with the C59-599 or C59-505 for a level setup? I plan to run fox 2.0 dsc rears. I would do the full IMS setup but I already happen to have a few spares laying around the garage...

We did the measurements and the stock height came out to.
DF - 19" to hub
PF - 19.25" to hub
DR / PR - 21" to hub

Her 4Runner just going to be mainly stock weight 92% of the time...

 

[Crikeymike]

I'm finally getting to setting up my wife's 2wd SR5. I'm expecting a 2.6" lift from the 6112s I'm installing right now up fright so would it be safe to go with the C59-599 or C59-505 for a level setup? I plan to run fox 2.0 dsc rears. I would do the full IMS setup but I already happen to have a few spares laying around the garage...

We did the measurements and the stock height came out to.
DF - 19" to hub
PF - 19.25" to hub
DR / PR - 21" to hub

Her 4Runner just going to be mainly stock weight 92% of the time...

You'll need to be careful up front, the listed heights/weights for those are for a 4x4 and a 2WD has less front weight so it may be over-lifted. Usually we add 1" to whatever setting a 4x4 uses.

Since you're only shooting for 2.6" up front, I'd only go for the C59-599 in the rear so the rear doesn't come up too much.

 

[tv4184]

You'll need to be careful up front, the listed heights/weights for those are for a 4x4 and a 2WD has less front weight so it may be over-lifted. Usually we add 1" to whatever setting a 4x4 uses.

Since you're only shooting for 2.6" up front, I'd only go for the C59-599 in the rear so the rear doesn't come up too much.

Thanks. Yeah I did make sure to note the 2wd is lighter. Bilstein gives you only one option where the lowest settings gives you a 2.6” lift on the 6112s.

 

[tv4184]

You'll need to be careful up front, the listed heights/weights for those are for a 4x4 and a 2WD has less front weight so it may be over-lifted. Usually we add 1" to whatever setting a 4x4 uses.

Since you're only shooting for 2.6" up front, I'd only go for the C59-599 in the rear so the rear doesn't come up too much.

You'll need to be careful up front, the listed heights/weights for those are for a 4x4 and a 2WD has less front weight so it may be over-lifted. Usually we add 1" to whatever setting a 4x4 uses.

Since you're only shooting for 2.6" up front, I'd only go for the C59-599 in the rear so the rear doesn't come up too much.

Turns out it still ended up with rake after installing everything.

Front went up by 2” and rear by 2.5”. Should there be some settling eventually?


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[mbm112]

Hey Mike, I know my setup has probably been asked by others ad nauseam...

I've got a 16 Limited 4WD (no third row) currently on Dobinsons IMS 302/700 and 505/705 originally set for 2.5"/1.5" lift.

I've since added probably 400-500lbs of constant weight:
Full length rack
Rooftop tent
Full aluminum RCI skids incl gas tank skid
RCI sliders

I've lost some height in my lift and I can feel the springs just feel overloaded at this point. What would you recommend for heavier duty springs to get back to that same original feel when it was unloaded? If anything I might prefer a little stiffer just because of the higher center of gravity from the tent now feels a little tippy.

 

[Crikeymike]

Turns out it still ended up with rake after installing everything.

Front went up by 2” and rear by 2.5”. Should there be some settling eventually?


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Coils take 500-1000 miles of breaking in, but only if it's varied terrain, like going offroad and getting the springs fully compressed and extended. It can take longer for it to settle on regular roads where suspension doesn't move much at all.

 

[Crikeymike]

Hey Mike, I know my setup has probably been asked by others ad nauseam...

I've got a 16 Limited 4WD (no third row) currently on Dobinsons IMS 302/700 and 505/705 originally set for 2.5"/1.5" lift.

I've since added probably 400-500lbs of constant weight:
Full length rack
Rooftop tent
Full aluminum RCI skids incl gas tank skid
RCI sliders

I've lost some height in my lift and I can feel the springs just feel overloaded at this point. What would you recommend for heavier duty springs to get back to that same original feel when it was unloaded? If anything I might prefer a little stiffer just because of the higher center of gravity from the tent now feels a little tippy.

Hey bro,

The C59-327 would support that weight and bring the height back up. It should sit at 24-24.5" once settled with the added weight.

Dobinsons C59-327 Rear Coils | Toyota 4Runner FJ Cruiser GX470 GX460

 

[mbm112]

Hey bro,

The C59-327 would support that weight and bring the height back up. It should sit at 24-24.5" once settled with the added weight.

Dobinsons C59-327 Rear Coils | Toyota 4Runner FJ Cruiser GX470 GX460

Awesome I’ll look into these. What do you recommend for the front?


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[Crikeymike]

Awesome I’ll look into these. What do you recommend for the front?


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Just adjust the IMS back to to regain any lost height. You haven't added anything significant up front that I can tell to warrant a spring change

 

[RedRunner_87]

Quick question: Is there a major difference between the Dobinson Tubular UCA's and the Billet UCA's?

 

[TrailRunnin14]

Quick question: Is there a major difference between the Dobinson Tubular UCA's and the Billet UCA's?

Billet UCA’s offer camber adjustment


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[RedRunner_87]

Billet UCA’s offer camber adjustment


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That is what I needed to know. Now to see if Ironman will pay up to $800 towards new UCA's because their stuff is whack lol.

 

[TrailRunnin14]

That is what I needed to know. Now to see if Ironman will pay up to $800 towards new UCA's because their stuff is whack lol.

They will be sending out replacement UCA’s in October, per the recall letter.
I think their UCA’s are well made, just my opinion.


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[RedRunner_87]

They will be sending out replacement UCA’s in October, per the recall letter.
I think their UCA’s are well made, just my opinion.


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This is in their FAQ "If you replace the ball joint with one other than the upgraded ball joint offered, Ironman 4x4 will reimburse you up to the cost of the replacement upper control arm offered by Ironman 4x4."

Let's just say I have been less than impressed with their product. I have 35k on my suspension and have replaced 3/4 shocks due to leaking and now will be replacing UCA's. Not a whole lot of faith left. I would much rather move a different direction if they are going to cover the cost of UCA's. Also if they are "well made", they would not be under a recall right now. They is the opposite of "well made". I will give them credit for fixing the issue, but I have a lack of faith in their products.

 

[TrailRunnin14]

This is in their FAQ "If you replace the ball joint with one other than the upgraded ball joint offered, Ironman 4x4 will reimburse you up to the cost of the replacement upper control arm offered by Ironman 4x4."

Let's just say I have been less than impressed with their product. I have 35k on my suspension and have replaced 3/4 shocks due to leaking and now will be replacing UCA's. Not a whole lot of faith left. I would much rather move a different direction if they are going to cover the cost of UCA's. Also if they are "well made", they would not be under a recall right now. They is the opposite of "well made". I will give them credit for fixing the issue, but I have a lack of faith in their products.

Are you having issues with your UCA’s? Evidently they’ve had a few issues with the ball joint and they are fixing the issue. So unless your upper ball joint has separated and left you stranded, then you are not having issues. People have different opinions on things but their UCA is a good product. Your issues with their suspension products is a separate issue and I would agree with you that it is junk.
I don’t think they will cover the cost of another company’s UCA but they will cover the cost of replacement ball joints up to what you spent on the original UCA. Maybe I’m wrong but that’s how I interpret their response in the FAQ section.


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[RedRunner_87]

Are you having issues with your UCA’s? Evidently they’ve had a few issues with the ball joint and they are fixing the issue. So unless your upper ball joint has separated and left you stranded, then you are not having issues. People have different opinions on things but their UCA is a good product. Your issues with their suspension products is a separate issue and I would agree with you that it is junk.
I don’t think they will cover the cost of another company’s UCA but they will cover the cost of replacement ball joints up to what you spent on the original UCA. Maybe I’m wrong but that’s how I interpret their response in the FAQ section.


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Well by them being recalled, it means there is an issue somewhere with their arms. As of right now, I have not had any issues, but with all my other issues, I don't want their "new and improved" UCA. Looks like I was right "f you choose to swap the UCA with another brand, keep the receipts. We will reimburse you for our UCA price". I will be replacing them and moving away from Ironman.

 

[TrailRunnin14]

Well by them being recalled, it means there is an issue somewhere with their arms. As of right now, I have not had any issues, but with all my other issues, I don't want their "new and improved" UCA. Looks like I was right "f you choose to swap the UCA with another brand, keep the receipts. We will reimburse you for our UCA price". I will be replacing them and moving away from Ironman.

Ironman will pay for another brands arm or ball joint. Their FAQ on the website says ball joint, up to the cost of the replacement arm.


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[RedRunner_87]

Ironman will pay for another brands arm or ball joint. Their FAQ on the website says ball joint, up to the cost of the replacement arm.


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Well I am glad you know more than Ironman representative that I literally quoted who said they will pay for the replacement UCA...do you want me to quote the email as I previous did? Just to make it easier for you...this is literally from Ironman "
Ironman4X4America Support: If you choose to swap the UCA with another brand, keep the receipts. We will reimburse you for our UCA price, and 2 hours of installation labor at up to $150/hr, as well as alignment up to $150." Last time I checked UCA stood for Upper Control ARM.

 

[08ShadowRunner]

Hey guys, my name is Mike Tomczyk (aka Crikeymike), owner at ExitOffroad.com...

Hey Mike (and others) I could use some expert advice on my 4th gen rear end with all the Dobsons spring options. I'm leaning towards the dual rate springs, but possibly a single rate if necessary. I installed a 4X4 labs rear bumper and a custom drawer system, now the OME springs (260lb) I have installed don't cut it anymore (dropped about 1 1/4" and bottoming out on bumps way too easy. Currently running Bilstein 5100s and not interested in changing those out if I don't need to.

See below for the added weight items on the rear, unfortunately I don't know the weights. Aside from ride quality suffering due to too stiff of springs, I'm concerned about lift height. Maybe I'm overthinking the problem, but I'm not running extended brake lines and would prefer not to go over the 2.5" lift or increasing the drop on full extension from what I had before the bumper change. Obviously the weights will be much higher loaded with supplies for overlanding. What are your Dobinsons recommendations?

4X4 Labs rear bumper, swing-outs W/33" spare, Hi-lift, & custom Water/firewood holder.
RSG sliders.
Sherpa roof rack.
Custom drawers, 80-100 Lb estimate.
ICECO VL45 ProS fridge with slider.
ARB CKMA12 compressor.
Renogy 100W LiFePO4 battery & Giandel 1000W inverter.

*Future ~10 gallon custom aluminum fuel tank in OEM spare location, only filled for off road.