Dobinsons MRA - 3-way adjustable struts/shocks w/resi - 5th Gen

[Crikeymike]

I added the manuals that come with all MRA struts and shocks to my website last week. Here are the links where it explains how to set and adjust everything on them:

Dobinsons MRA Fitting Guide and Adjustment Explanation
https://exitoffroad.com/wp-content/...e-Reservoir-Shock-Absorbers-Fitting-Guide.pdf

Dobinsons MRA Owners Manual and Tuning/Troubleshooting
https://exitoffroad.com/wp-content/...e-Reservoir-Shock-Absorbers-User-Manual-2.pdf

 

[carlodonz]

I do not think this feeling had to do specifically with the rebound settings. I have not touched those but increase the LS and HS and the ride has significantly changed. TBH, I am not even sure if I personally would be able to feel a difference if I changed the rebound settings. That is something I am going to have to play around with when I have some time.

After the install I was playing just with LSC and HSC leaving the Rebound at default. Softening the rebound had a big impact on the ride comfort for me.

 

[Crikeymike]

After the install I was playing just with LSC and HSC leaving the Rebound at default. Softening the rebound had a big impact on the ride comfort for me.

Yeah, I found the same on mine too. Lower LSC and lower rebound definitely softens it up, better for crappy roads I've found

 

[carlodonz]

Yeah, I found the same on mine too. Lower LSC and lower rebound definitely softens it up, better for crappy roads I've found

Agree. Something I need to try more is adjust HSC and LSC independently because so far I have always turned both at the same time to get a more soft/hard ride.

 

[MEA689091]

The upper & Lower rear trailing arms came a few weeks ago. Installed and set pinion angle, and got an alignment. Any up date on settings for these? I started with the Prado 150 settings.

Front LSC - 10, HSC - 7, REB - 18
Rear LSC - 5, HSC - 5, REB - 9

Just turned the rebound (front and back) down 2 clicks tonight and see how it goes.

 

[Crikeymike]

The upper & Lower rear trailing arms came a few weeks ago. Installed and set pinion angle, and got an alignment. Any up date on settings for these? I started with the Prado 150 settings.

Front LSC - 10, HSC - 7, REB - 18
Rear LSC - 5, HSC - 5, REB - 9

Just turned the rebound (front and back) down 2 clicks tonight and see how it goes.

I run the Prado 150 settings straight up. I've adjusted them up and down before, but find this to be the best setup for my vehicle, weight, and how I like it to feel.

 

[MEA689091]

Got mine one on yesterday. Feels really soft, but I haven't made any adjustments yet. Looking forward to reading what settings other are using as well. Highway settings and trail settings in particular.

How did you like the MRAs out in Moab? Did you play a round with the settings, any recommendations you would like to pass on?

 

[utctscanr75]

How did you like the MRAs out in Moab? Did you play a round with the settings, any recommendations you would like to pass on?

I basically turned the HSC and LSC settings all the way down while wheeling. They did great when rock crawling/off roading. Rode like a Cadillac, lol. I don't leave them like this for normal hwy driving though.

For normal Hwy situations, I've been using LSC of 13 and HSC of 7 with rebound about 1/2 way.

 

[MEA689091]

Thanks for the info. That was what I was thinking for the off-roading. I have been playing with the "normal" driving settings and I think I'm getting close. The rear end is harsh. I don't think I have enough junk in the trunk for the 701s. So I think I need to go down a spring size to the 677v.

 

[utctscanr75]

Thanks for the info. That was what I was thinking for the off-roading. I have been playing with the "normal" driving settings and I think I'm getting close. The rear end is harsh. I don't think I have enough junk in the trunk for the 701s. So I think I need to go down a spring size to the 677v.

Be mindful if you have the long travel setup, you'll need the long travel spring. In theory, the non long travel spring could fall out I was told. I have the 701s and they are great loaded or unloaded IMO.

 

[MEA689091]

I've read the same thing about spring falling out. I have the c59-354/MRA59-A574s up front, and the c59-701V/MRA59-A701 s in the back. Also got the Upper/Lower trailing arms and Panhard bar. I ordered the 677v the other day, and will give them a try. I did the math and I just don't have enough weight in the rear to mellow out the 701s. I'll keep them incase I get a roof top tent, refer, and draw system in the back.

 

[utctscanr75]

Gonna be hitting the Sand Dunes in a month in Michigan. Just curious what settings some of you have used or would recommend for that type of environment? typically use the softest settings when wheeling, but not sure if that is best when on deep sand.

 

[Crikeymike]

Gonna be hitting the Sand Dunes in a month in Michigan. Just curious what settings some of you have used or would recommend for that type of environment? typically use the softest settings when wheeling, but not sure if that is best when on deep sand.

I've found when I'm going faster offroad, I crank the high speed compression way up (harder) so that it's less likely to bottom out. A bottom out in the dunes used to happen to me all the time when I used to go in them in Australia all the time when I was younger too.

I'd say find that perfect "this is the sandhill to test this stuff on" and give it a shot, but I'd turn up the HSC first, then adjust the others if they need to be.

 

[Crikeymike]

For the first time since November 2020, the Dobinsons UCA's are finally back in stock!!!

Anyone who has been incredibly patient and waiting all this time, they're shipping out today and over the next couple of days. But the great news is that there is a ton more in stock also, so if you're in the market for some ridiculously beefy UCA's, check these out!!

4Runner UCA's by Dobinsons also suit GX470 GX460 and FJ Cruiser

 

[Crikeymike]

Dobinsons sale starts Monday the 8th. Click here for full details:
https://exitoffroad.com/november-black-friday-sales/

 

[TRDHULK]

what is the difference between MRA and MRR? The website only shows MRR...

 

[Crikeymike]

what is the difference between MRA and MRR? The website only shows MRR...

MRR is the old style (not adjustable), never sold here for Toyotas.
MRA is the only option ever sold here in the USA. They call it Monotube Reservoir Adjustable technically.

 

[TRDHULK]

MRR is the old style (not adjustable), never sold here for Toyotas.
MRA is the only option ever sold here in the USA. They call it Monotube Reservoir Adjustable technically.

My apologies, I see that on the first post now.

Odd that is still shows MRR on Dobinsons website.


So I'm wanting to pull the trigger soon on the MRA set-up.

Besides the rubber bushings and top hats, what is the biggest benefit for these over Fox 2.5 DSC?

 

[Crikeymike]

My apologies, I see that on the first post now.

Odd that is still shows MRR on Dobinsons website.


So I'm wanting to pull the trigger soon on the MRA set-up.

Besides the rubber bushings and top hats, what is the biggest benefit for these over Fox 2.5 DSC?

Yeah, they had some naming confusion when the new MRA's came out and kept using the MRR name.

#1 reason. Dobinsons are in stock, and not a 4-5 month lead time like most other brands. They work with existing coils if you already have some, so no need to buy new ones. They also reuse OE top mounts or aftermarket replacements. They don't have top studs that snap off into the custom made top mounts.

No one else has 3 levels of valving adjustment, high speed, low speed compression, and rebound. The Fox DSC's only adjust high and low speed compression and not in the range Dobinsons have.

 

[TRDHULK]

Yeah, they had some naming confusion when the new MRA's came out and kept using the MRR name.

#1 reason. Dobinsons are in stock, and not a 4-5 month lead time like most other brands. They work with existing coils if you already have some, so no need to buy new ones. They also reuse OE top mounts or aftermarket replacements. They don't have top studs that snap off into the custom made top mounts.

No one else has 3 levels of valving adjustment, high speed, low speed compression, and rebound. The Fox DSC's only adjust high and low speed compression and not in the range Dobinsons have.

Thank you; thats great info

How do the front and rear reservoirs mount? Do they come with brackets? Hard to beat the look of the way the Kings and Fox's mount. The extra length of the lines on the dobinsons kit makes it look a little sloppy i guess is the best way to put it.