Dobinsons IMS Struts and Shocks - Adjustable Height Monotubes - 5th Gen 4Runners

[SpeedyKevin]

Sure, you can do that if you'd like. The IMS59-50701 and GS59-701 rear shocks both share the closest valving you can put between a twin tube and a monotube, whilst the IMS have the other benefits of bigger piston, more oil, etc.

Just making my wallet lighter lol

 

[mountainbiker42]

Just ordered these!

After a month of research (I was literally having dreams about the stuff I was reading) I settled on Dobinson. There is so much good information about Dobinson, and they're really popular in the 4x4, overland community. Mike answered my questions right away and was really helpful.

I ordered the IMS shocks as part of the kit. I really enjoy overland travel and easy/moderate trails, so I went with 1.5" lift front and rear. I wanted to keep the geometry of the vehicle close to factory spec. IMO, the stock 4runner is the most reliable version of itself.

With all this COVID fuss, we've been getting away from the city and out in the wilderness quite a bit. Will post up a review as soon as I can. Very excited!

 

[Unretired]

Warranty Issue?

I'm thinking something is wrong with my passenger IMS strut.
Rubber piece on top of the spring is coming apart.
I didn't put these together - came assembled.
Thoughts?

 

[Crikeymike]

I'm thinking something is wrong with my passenger IMS strut.
Rubber piece on top of the spring is coming apart.
I didn't put these together - came assembled.
Thoughts?

It's not unusual for the rubber to flex a lot right there because of the gap/step in the coil. I doubt it's an issue, probably just on the outside edge there.

 

[mountainbiker42]

3,000 mile review

I installed these IMS shocks a few thousand miles ago and I feel I can finally write a proper review on them. Let me first start by saying, wow. This suspension has completely transformed this vehicle. I mean completely. The stock TRD suspension was great for driving around town with stock P rated tires. Once I added KO2 C rated tires, things started to go downhill. Off road driving, even aired down was very rough and the vehicle just felt thrashed. The ride was harsh and unforgiving. After adding full length aluminum skids and sliders the stock suspension sagged 3/4" lower than stock. I was hitting the front bumps constantly. It was time for the suspension upgrade...

I installed the following components....both F & R coils were 1.5" lift
1. Front coils C59-296
2. Front shocks IMS59-50700
3. Rear coils C59-505
4. Rear shocks IMS59-50701

After about 1 month and 3,000 miles the front settled to exactly 1.5" of lift. The rear however settled at 2" of lift which I did not expect. I have about 150 lbs over the rear axle but still landed at 0.5" of lift over spec. Oh well, doesn't bother me. I wanted to maintain the "raked" look anyways. I may adjust the front up 1/4"

Using the KDSS spacer which goes on the passenger side, the truck leveled left to right very nicely. I did not perform the KDSS calibration, I just left everything alone and it leveled out nicely. Less than 1/4" difference side to side.

2 days after installing the suspension we set off on a 2,000 mile trip from CO to WI and back. I was absolutely thrilled with high speed suspension performance. I was trying to hit every bridge expansion joint in the worst way possible- haha. High speed bumps are very controlled.

Once we got back we set off for a 300 mile northern Colorado overland journey. We had about 300 lbs over the rear axle and it handled the weight very well. We aired down for non pavement driving (30 psi on this trip). The suspension performed very well. It is controlled, not harsh, predictable, and doesn't bottom out but yet still gives an bottomless travel feeling.

After this trip I went a did a slow going, moderate rated 4x4 trail (Moody Hill in Colorado). I aired down to 20 psi and just rolled through the trail. I was extremely satisfied with the suspension performance. Again, it was controlled, yet soft and predictable. If you're aired up to 40 psi on a rocky trail like this, obviously comfort goes down the drain and the ride becomes very stiff (but not harsh like the stock TRD suspension).

All in all, I could not be happier with my purchase. I was heavily comparing this IMS kit with Icon Stage 2. In the end I settled with Dobinson because of customer service, the endless amount of information available through forums, and the price. It seemed to me (based on user reviews) if you want to get your moneys worth out of Icon, you need to speed up. The suspension really starts to perform when under higher speed. This isn't my driving style. I like rolling slowly through moderate 4x4 trails and I just didn't feel I would ever get my moneys worth out an Icon suspension.

Dobinson IMS is incredible. To sum up my experience, the suspension is stiffer (but in a good way), controlled, has a bottomless feel, and gave the truck a huge improvement over stock in every single way possible. It handles the C rated, heavier tires flawlessly. Washboard roads are still washboard roads, but the harshness as been reduced especially when aired down. There is no KDSS bar interference, nothing is pulled tight when fully flexed, and the vehicle works as designed. I got an alignment done yesterday and my caster ended up at 2.5 degrees L & R, camber 0 degrees L & R. The tech said that was best he could do on caster. I've been let down by Toyota dealerships so many times I don't know if that's true or not, but the vehicle drives perfectly straight with no wandering at all.

Sorry for the lengthy review, just wanted to get as much info out here as I could for those of you doing the research I was doing a few months ago. Also, the black shocks with teal springs looks dynamite. The shocks are BEEFY! Very impressed with build quality.

 

[Crikeymike]

I installed these IMS shocks a few thousand miles ago and I feel I can finally write a proper review on them. Let me first start by saying, wow. This suspension has completely transformed this vehicle. I mean completely. The stock TRD suspension was great for driving around town with stock P rated tires. Once I added KO2 C rated tires, things started to go downhill. Off road driving, even aired down was very rough and the vehicle just felt thrashed. The ride was harsh and unforgiving. After adding full length aluminum skids and sliders the stock suspension sagged 3/4" lower than stock. I was hitting the front bumps constantly. It was time for the suspension upgrade...

I installed the following components....both F & R coils were 1.5" lift
1. Front coils C59-296
2. Front shocks IMS59-50700
3. Rear coils C59-505
4. Rear shocks IMS59-50701

After about 1 month and 3,000 miles the front settled to exactly 1.5" of lift. The rear however settled at 2" of lift which I did not expect. I have about 150 lbs over the rear axle but still landed at 0.5" of lift over spec. Oh well, doesn't bother me. I wanted to maintain the "raked" look anyways. I may adjust the front up 1/4"

Using the KDSS spacer which goes on the passenger side, the truck leveled left to right very nicely. I did not perform the KDSS calibration, I just left everything alone and it leveled out nicely. Less than 1/4" difference side to side.

2 days after installing the suspension we set off on a 2,000 mile trip from CO to WI and back. I was absolutely thrilled with high speed suspension performance. I was trying to hit every bridge expansion joint in the worst way possible- haha. High speed bumps are very controlled.

Once we got back we set off for a 300 mile northern Colorado overland journey. We had about 300 lbs over the rear axle and it handled the weight very well. We aired down for non pavement driving (30 psi on this trip). The suspension performed very well. It is controlled, not harsh, predictable, and doesn't bottom out but yet still gives an bottomless travel feeling.

After this trip I went a did a slow going, moderate rated 4x4 trail (Moody Hill in Colorado). I aired down to 20 psi and just rolled through the trail. I was extremely satisfied with the suspension performance. Again, it was controlled, yet soft and predictable. If you're aired up to 40 psi on a rocky trail like this, obviously comfort goes down the drain and the ride becomes very stiff (but not harsh like the stock TRD suspension).

All in all, I could not be happier with my purchase. I was heavily comparing this IMS kit with Icon Stage 2. In the end I settled with Dobinson because of customer service, the endless amount of information available through forums, and the price. It seemed to me (based on user reviews) if you want to get your moneys worth out of Icon, you need to speed up. The suspension really starts to perform when under higher speed. This isn't my driving style. I like rolling slowly through moderate 4x4 trails and I just didn't feel I would ever get my moneys worth out an Icon suspension.

Dobinson IMS is incredible. To sum up my experience, the suspension is stiffer (but in a good way), controlled, has a bottomless feel, and gave the truck a huge improvement over stock in every single way possible. It handles the C rated, heavier tires flawlessly. Washboard roads are still washboard roads, but the harshness as been reduced especially when aired down. There is no KDSS bar interference, nothing is pulled tight when fully flexed, and the vehicle works as designed. I got an alignment done yesterday and my caster ended up at 2.5 degrees L & R, camber 0 degrees L & R. The tech said that was best he could do on caster. I've been let down by Toyota dealerships so many times I don't know if that's true or not, but the vehicle drives perfectly straight with no wandering at all.

Sorry for the lengthy review, just wanted to get as much info out here as I could for those of you doing the research I was doing a few months ago. Also, the black shocks with teal springs looks dynamite. The shocks are BEEFY! Very impressed with build quality.

Thank you for the very detailed review!! No complaints about the length at all, it's all important information to share with everyone else on here. I've had a lot of PM's from people asking to describe the ride characteristics of the IMS, and now I'll be sending everyone your review on here!!

Alignment techs can be very iffy, as some don't understand the true levels of adjustment to max out the caster. 2.5 degrees is decent with stock UCA's though.

 

[Crikeymike]

Heads up, the long travel rear IMS shocks, IMS59-50575, finally arrived into stock this week!! Shipping out all the backorders now.

 

[Crikeymike]

I know a lot of Dobinsons coils are sold out right now, but there's a price increase next week, October 1st, on all coils!! Any orders placed until then, even if they're on backorder, will still get the current pricing.

Just a heads up!!

 

[4runningyeti]

I installed these IMS shocks a few thousand miles ago and I feel I can finally write a proper review on them. Let me first start by saying, wow. This suspension has completely transformed this vehicle. I mean completely. The stock TRD suspension was great for driving around town with stock P rated tires. Once I added KO2 C rated tires, things started to go downhill. Off road driving, even aired down was very rough and the vehicle just felt thrashed. The ride was harsh and unforgiving. After adding full length aluminum skids and sliders the stock suspension sagged 3/4" lower than stock. I was hitting the front bumps constantly. It was time for the suspension upgrade...

I installed the following components....both F & R coils were 1.5" lift
1. Front coils C59-296
2. Front shocks IMS59-50700
3. Rear coils C59-505
4. Rear shocks IMS59-50701

After about 1 month and 3,000 miles the front settled to exactly 1.5" of lift. The rear however settled at 2" of lift which I did not expect. I have about 150 lbs over the rear axle but still landed at 0.5" of lift over spec. Oh well, doesn't bother me. I wanted to maintain the "raked" look anyways. I may adjust the front up 1/4"

Using the KDSS spacer which goes on the passenger side, the truck leveled left to right very nicely. I did not perform the KDSS calibration, I just left everything alone and it leveled out nicely. Less than 1/4" difference side to side.

2 days after installing the suspension we set off on a 2,000 mile trip from CO to WI and back. I was absolutely thrilled with high speed suspension performance. I was trying to hit every bridge expansion joint in the worst way possible- haha. High speed bumps are very controlled.

Once we got back we set off for a 300 mile northern Colorado overland journey. We had about 300 lbs over the rear axle and it handled the weight very well. We aired down for non pavement driving (30 psi on this trip). The suspension performed very well. It is controlled, not harsh, predictable, and doesn't bottom out but yet still gives an bottomless travel feeling.

After this trip I went a did a slow going, moderate rated 4x4 trail (Moody Hill in Colorado). I aired down to 20 psi and just rolled through the trail. I was extremely satisfied with the suspension performance. Again, it was controlled, yet soft and predictable. If you're aired up to 40 psi on a rocky trail like this, obviously comfort goes down the drain and the ride becomes very stiff (but not harsh like the stock TRD suspension).

All in all, I could not be happier with my purchase. I was heavily comparing this IMS kit with Icon Stage 2. In the end I settled with Dobinson because of customer service, the endless amount of information available through forums, and the price. It seemed to me (based on user reviews) if you want to get your moneys worth out of Icon, you need to speed up. The suspension really starts to perform when under higher speed. This isn't my driving style. I like rolling slowly through moderate 4x4 trails and I just didn't feel I would ever get my moneys worth out an Icon suspension.

Dobinson IMS is incredible. To sum up my experience, the suspension is stiffer (but in a good way), controlled, has a bottomless feel, and gave the truck a huge improvement over stock in every single way possible. It handles the C rated, heavier tires flawlessly. Washboard roads are still washboard roads, but the harshness as been reduced especially when aired down. There is no KDSS bar interference, nothing is pulled tight when fully flexed, and the vehicle works as designed. I got an alignment done yesterday and my caster ended up at 2.5 degrees L & R, camber 0 degrees L & R. The tech said that was best he could do on caster. I've been let down by Toyota dealerships so many times I don't know if that's true or not, but the vehicle drives perfectly straight with no wandering at all.

Sorry for the lengthy review, just wanted to get as much info out here as I could for those of you doing the research I was doing a few months ago. Also, the black shocks with teal springs looks dynamite. The shocks are BEEFY! Very impressed with build quality.

Do you happen to have some side pics with your new lift? Not many pictures with 296 upfront.

 

[Unretired]

Lowering lift for more down travel - trigonometry required?

I'm set up at 3" of lift in the front and although I'm happy with the ground clearance I'm debating dropping down .5" to .75".
As set, I don't have much down travel and I feel like I'm hitting the holes a bit too hard.
I'm also not happy with my current alignment and plan on getting it redone at a better shop with more 4x4/lift experience.
I have Dobinson UCAs and still only have 2.5 for caster.

So I'm thinking if I'm getting the alignment redone anyway, might as well play with the lift now.
I've read up a bit on adjusting and it seems like I should be able to lower the lift with the coilovers still on.
I can clean the threads, let the hub droop and take pressure off the coils.
Sounds right doesn't it?
Raising would require compressing and might require taking the coilovers off.

Anything else weird?
.5" on the coil = .5" suspension travel = .5" lift?
Or do I need to do trigonometry to figure out what .5" on the coil equals on the tire?

 

[SpeedyKevin]

I'm set up at 3" of lift in the front and although I'm happy with the ground clearance I'm debating dropping down .5" to .75".
As set, I don't have much down travel and I feel like I'm hitting the holes a bit too hard.
I'm also not happy with my current alignment and plan on getting it redone at a better shop with more 4x4/lift experience.
I have Dobinson UCAs and still only have 2.5 for caster.

So I'm thinking if I'm getting the alignment redone anyway, might as well play with the lift now.
I've read up a bit on adjusting and it seems like I should be able to lower the lift with the coilovers still on.
I can clean the threads, let the hub droop and take pressure off the coils.
Sounds right doesn't it?
Raising would require compressing and might require taking the coilovers off.

Anything else weird?
.5" on the coil = .5" suspension travel = .5" lift?
Or do I need to do trigonometry to figure out what .5" on the coil equals on the tire?

I believe its a 2:1 ratio so 1in adjustment on the preload gives 2inches etc.

I also have the UCAs and always get a minimum of 3.9 caster!

 

[Crikeymike]

I'm set up at 3" of lift in the front and although I'm happy with the ground clearance I'm debating dropping down .5" to .75".
As set, I don't have much down travel and I feel like I'm hitting the holes a bit too hard.
I'm also not happy with my current alignment and plan on getting it redone at a better shop with more 4x4/lift experience.
I have Dobinson UCAs and still only have 2.5 for caster.

So I'm thinking if I'm getting the alignment redone anyway, might as well play with the lift now.
I've read up a bit on adjusting and it seems like I should be able to lower the lift with the coilovers still on.
I can clean the threads, let the hub droop and take pressure off the coils.
Sounds right doesn't it?
Raising would require compressing and might require taking the coilovers off.

Anything else weird?
.5" on the coil = .5" suspension travel = .5" lift?
Or do I need to do trigonometry to figure out what .5" on the coil equals on the tire?

Yeah, like Kevin said, it's a 1:2 or 2:1 ratio, depending which way you're looking at it. Lowering the coil seat by 1/4" will reduce the lift height at the wheel by about 1/2".

Yes, you can lower it while on the vehicle with the method you listed.

Just tell the alignment shop to set it to maximum caster before they do any adjustments. The front cams go all the way inward and the rears all the way outward, moving the tire as far forward as possible (this gives max caster), then they'll set the toe and camber from there, leaving it with as much caster as possible.

 

[ncflyer]

C Mike - Sent you a PM for suggestions on things.

Thanks

 

[Unretired]

Successfully lowered but still have alignment issue

Yeah, like Kevin said, it's a 1:2 or 2:1 ratio, depending which way you're looking at it. Lowering the coil seat by 1/4" will reduce the lift height at the wheel by about 1/2".

Yes, you can lower it while on the vehicle with the method you listed.

Just tell the alignment shop to set it to maximum caster before they do any adjustments. The front cams go all the way inward and the rears all the way outward, moving the tire as far forward as possible (this gives max caster), then they'll set the toe and camber from there, leaving it with as much caster as possible.

I was able to lower the lift a bit without much trouble.
Tires off, unhook sway bar for some room and then some brute force.
Dropped it down to about a 2.25" lift.
It seems to ride noticeably better.

Got it aligned this morning - this time with the local lift and lowered expert and he could not get the passenger side dialed in.
Driver 3.9 caster and all set, but Passenger 2.7 caster
Didn't want to leave that much differential so had to bring the driver back.
After messing with everything for a while, he was able to leave a little camber on Passenger and get them close.

Camber .1 & .3
Caster 3.0 & 2.9
Toe .08 & .08

These aren't bad numbers, but I am confused with the difference in Driver and Passenger.
Any ideas?
Could I have done something wrong with UCA install... bent something... some trucks are just different... ?

 

[Trygve]

Those who ordered first receive first!!! First set of assembled Dobinsons IMS struts and shocks going out the door yesterday.

Mine came with purple rings. but I’ll deal with it.

 

[mountainbiker42]

Do you happen to have some side pics with your new lift? Not many pictures with 296 upfront.

Here's what I got. Really happy with the lift. No power loss from bigger tires, and I get this truck everywhere. I did purchase aluminum skids, if I did it again I would go with steel because I do hit pretty hard sometimes due to the lower lift.

 

[Sundy]

Here's what I got. Really happy with the lift. No power loss from bigger tires, and I get this truck everywhere. I did purchase aluminum skids, if I did it again I would go with steel because I do hit pretty hard sometimes due to the lower lift.

Truck looks great! Nice to see a change up from just the 3/2 lifts - it's subtle and looks how the truck should've come stock!

 

[Crikeymike]

Wow, you guys have been eating up all the stock of the IMS struts and shocks!! I'm pretty sure more IMS and MRA from Dobinsons have sold than regular twin tubes since the sale started on the first.

Check my signature for details of the black Friday sale, running all month long.

 

[Sundy]

Wow, you guys have been eating up all the stock of the IMS struts and shocks!! I'm pretty sure more IMS and MRA from Dobinsons have sold than regular twin tubes since the sale started on the first.

Check my signature for details of the black Friday sale, running all month long.

The IMS are a great value for what you get, I'm really not too surprised! Dobinsons nailed it out of the park with these shocks.

For anyone wondering, I've got 14K on in 6 months since install, these things ride great, handle great, and I've had no concerns with the overall ride. The front is perfect, the rear has finally become great! The first 2K it was a bit stiff in the rear but I have an empty rear end, a few trips wheeling and being loaded up helped a ton.

Overall VERY HAPPY with the IMS shocks!

 

[Crikeymike]

The IMS are a great value for what you get, I'm really not too surprised! Dobinsons nailed it out of the park with these shocks.

For anyone wondering, I've got 14K on in 6 months since install, these things ride great, handle great, and I've had no concerns with the overall ride. The front is perfect, the rear has finally become great! The first 2K it was a bit stiff in the rear but I have an empty rear end, a few trips wheeling and being loaded up helped a ton.

Overall VERY HAPPY with the IMS shocks!

That's great to hear!!