Dobinsons Suspension - 4th Gen Options

[lastname.singh]

Thanks [MENTION=148378]Crikeymike[/MENTION] for your response, I think I am gonna go with 300/599.
I am assuming the struts dont play any part in the lift, so if I pick Dobinson's instead of bilsteins, they will give me the same result, since the below is set to 0 on Bilstein's

Going through the forum, I found this one below.
Thats pretty much what I want to go with as well. This 4runner is uncannily similar to mine. Same color, same wheels.

After hours and hours researching different set-ups for the 4th gen (seriously....so much information on this site) I finally decided on Dobinsons coils (599 rear and 300 front) and Bilstein 5100s (set at 0). I had actually purchased Moog FJ coils but the more I read about them I saw a lot of examples where they wouldn't seat correctly and the ride was questionable so I decided I only wanted to replace my suspension once so I should do it right and go with Dobinsons.

I'm only about 20 miles in (all on road so far) but I'm really happy with how everything rides and looks. I previously had the stock XREAS suspension with Daystar leveling spacers in the front. Considering it had 135k it still rode fine but was getting a bit tippy and bouncy. That feeling is gone now and it feels firm and stable but not harsh at all.

With 265/70r17 tires here are my approximate old and new measurements (hub to fender):

Old (stock XREAS, Daystar leveling spacers in front):
Front Driver: 21
Front Passenger: 21
Rear Driver: 21
Rear Passenger: 21

New (Dobinsons 300/599, Bilstein 5100s at 0):
Front Driver: 22
Front Passenger: 22 1/2
Rear Driver: 23 1/4
Rear Passenger: 23 1/4

The stance is perfect and I definitely got more lift than advertised due to my saggy old springs. Very happy with how it turned out.

New:

Old:

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Crikeymike]

Thanks [MENTION=148378]Crikeymike[/MENTION] for your response, I think I am gonna go with 300/599.
I am assuming the struts dont play any part in the lift, so if I pick Dobinson's instead of bilsteins, they will give me the same result, since the below is set to 0 on Bilstein's

Going through the forum, I found this one below.
Thats pretty much what I want to go with as well. This 4runner is uncannily similar to mine. Same color, same wheels.

Yes, that's right. The struts don't add lift when set to the lowest clip height, or using the GS59-221

 

[PJP71]

Welcome to the forum!!

Here you go man, this is 2.5" front and 2" rear, right after install so it would have settled a little bit.

He's running these parts:
C59-314
GS59-221
C59-325
GS59-705

And here's where all of the options are broken down: Dobinsons 1" to 3.5" Lift Kit for Toyota 4Runner 4x4 2003-2009 (all options)

That looks great! I am surprised the tires seem to fit so well. Is this guy on the forum? I would love to check out his build. Thanks for posting...I'll probably go with this setup when the time comes.

 

[Crikeymike]

End of Summer Sale at Exit Offroad are the Dobinsons Suspension Experts in the USA is on now!!

 

[jcaino]

Short version:

Is there anything to fill the gap between the c59-327 and the c59-329?

327's are 200-400lbs additional capacity
329's are 600-800lbs


Long version:
I'm just a bit over capacity on 505's now when I'm loaded for camping and have the bike rack and bikes on the back, with air bags helping out, but have a trailer on order, and with what was originally going to be dynamic weight (camping/recovery gear, fridge, etc) now static, and wanting to add a rear tube bumper.....

I'm going to be right ~400lbs static most likely. Bike rack/bikes are frequently used, which adds about 100-125lbs tongue weight, and the trailer should be ~175lb max tongue weight, so I figure I'm squarely in the 400-600 ballpark, smack dab in between the 327 and 329 offerings.

I wouldn't mind getting rid of the bags, but don't want to really be oversprung...and at the same time, I'm probably a -bit- over capacity on the 505's without a bike rack on the back, but even without air in the bags it rides -really- well on and off road - no bounce in the back on the highway....so I'm wondering if the 327's could be pushed a bit further (without bags), if there's something in-between, or if I should just have the builder fill some of the tubes in the bumper with lead to get the weight up into the range for the 329's....lol

 

[Crikeymike]

Short version:

Is there anything to fill the gap between the c59-327 and the c59-329?

327's are 200-400lbs additional capacity
329's are 600-800lbs


Long version:
I'm just a bit over capacity on 505's now when I'm loaded for camping and have the bike rack and bikes on the back, with air bags helping out, but have a trailer on order, and with what was originally going to be dynamic weight (camping/recovery gear, fridge, etc) now static, and wanting to add a rear tube bumper.....

I'm going to be right ~400lbs static most likely. Bike rack/bikes are frequently used, which adds about 100-125lbs tongue weight, and the trailer should be ~175lb max tongue weight, so I figure I'm squarely in the 400-600 ballpark, smack dab in between the 327 and 329 offerings.

I wouldn't mind getting rid of the bags, but don't want to really be oversprung...and at the same time, I'm probably a -bit- over capacity on the 505's without a bike rack on the back, but even without air in the bags it rides -really- well on and off road - no bounce in the back on the highway....so I'm wondering if the 327's could be pushed a bit further (without bags), if there's something in-between, or if I should just have the builder fill some of the tubes in the bumper with lead to get the weight up into the range for the 329's....lol

Since you'll be on the high end of the 327s, you should use the 329s. Then you also may not need your airbags anymore.

The weight calculation should be what is bolted to and always on the vehicle. You won't always be towing I'm sure and it would depend on how heavy the rear bumper is and whatever other constant weight. If you wanted to keep the bags, the 327s would be fine. If you want to remove then and have the right load support for all you listed, you'll need the 329s.

 

[PJP71]

Hi Mike do you have the C59-325 in black in stock right now? Also interested in a pair of GS59-705 rear shocks. I am in Jax so can come pay cash. Let me know what it would be. Thanks

 

[Crikeymike]

Hi Mike do you have the C59-325 in black in stock right now? Also interested in a pair of GS59-705 rear shocks. I am in Jax so can come pay cash. Let me know what it would be. Thanks

The coils are in stock but the shocks are sold out. I don't keep then here, the warehouse is in Miami so they would have to ship, sorry.

 

[Nutmegdu]

IÂ’m completely new to this, but hoping I can get some help! I have a stock 2007 SR5 4Runner V6 4x4 and am looking to get a lift on it. I have no extra weight from stock and donÂ’t plan on adding any like bumpers, tire carriers, bull bars, etc. IÂ’ve heard a lot of good things about Dobinsons, so want to explore their options. I donÂ’t want to level it off because I tow anything between empty small trailers to a larger boat weighing around 2,000 pounds several times per month and I donÂ’t like when it squats very much. Therefore, IÂ’d like to keep a little front rake, but not nearly as much as the factory rake. From what IÂ’ve read online, it seems like having a one inch difference between the front and back makes it leveled out, so I think I just want the front lift to be half an inch taller than the back to maintain some form of rake?! I donÂ’t do much off-roading so having a comfortable ride is also important to me. Of course IÂ’d like it to be a little stiffer than the notorious bouncy factory suspension. IÂ’m also hoping that it doesnÂ’t feel too top heavy/tippy. If I have to replace other things like upper control arms due to the higher lift, then I can look at doing that and could also use some suggestions there. What would be the best setup to attain what IÂ’m looking for? I also donÂ’t want it too tall as to require huge wheels and trimming of fenders to look normal. IÂ’d prefer no fender trimming if possible. Ideally IÂ’d like to get some bigger 20 inch wheels rather than filling all of the wheel well with rubber. What setup would work best for me? What parts would you recommend that I get for the front and rear? Thanks in advance for helping out!

 

[Crikeymike]

IÂ’m completely new to this, but hoping I can get some help! I have a stock 2007 SR5 4Runner V6 4x4 and am looking to get a lift on it. I have no extra weight from stock and donÂ’t plan on adding any like bumpers, tire carriers, bull bars, etc. IÂ’ve heard a lot of good things about Dobinsons, so want to explore their options. I donÂ’t want to level it off because I tow anything between empty small trailers to a larger boat weighing around 2,000 pounds several times per month and I donÂ’t like when it squats very much. Therefore, IÂ’d like to keep a little front rake, but not nearly as much as the factory rake. From what IÂ’ve read online, it seems like having a one inch difference between the front and back makes it leveled out, so I think I just want the front lift to be half an inch taller than the back to maintain some form of rake?! I donÂ’t do much off-roading so having a comfortable ride is also important to me. Of course IÂ’d like it to be a little stiffer than the notorious bouncy factory suspension. IÂ’m also hoping that it doesnÂ’t feel too top heavy/tippy. If I have to replace other things like upper control arms due to the higher lift, then I can look at doing that and could also use some suggestions there. What would be the best setup to attain what IÂ’m looking for? I also donÂ’t want it too tall as to require huge wheels and trimming of fenders to look normal. IÂ’d prefer no fender trimming if possible. Ideally IÂ’d like to get some bigger 20 inch wheels rather than filling all of the wheel well with rubber. What setup would work best for me? What parts would you recommend that I get for the front and rear? Thanks in advance for helping out!

Hey bud.

Welcome to the forum and my thread!!

So I think the best option for you to freshen up the whole suspension without going crazy would be a twin tube kit with 2" up front and 1" in the rear. That will reduce the rake. The rear is still higher than the front, not the other way around.

That setup would give you a great refreshed look, not look to big to run stock size tires or 1 or 2 sizes bigger, and also give a great ride. You also won't need to change out the UCA's or sway bar links at that height, so the parts list is quite minimal. This will also be a strong spring rate up front to reduce the nose dive when braking, and stronger rear coils for better load support and to also help when towing.

On this page here, you'd select the parts listed down below:
Dobinsons Lift Kit for Toyota 4Runner 4x4 2003-2009 (all options 0-3.5")

C59-300 front coils
GS59-221 front struts
C59-599 rear coils
GS59-701 rear shocks, since you tow often
PS59-4030 front lean correction spacer if your 4Runner already has a lean when you measure it now
PS59-4025 rear lean correction spacer if the front and rear are already leaning.

Then you have the option to add on strut assembly or to replace any other worn out parts if needed, but nothing else is required.

Let me know what other questions you may have.

 

[Capobvious]

Basics

Hi mike, thanks for all the help that led here.
I have a 08 w xreas that’s probably close to end of life. I’m not looking for crazy off road, no towing maybe a bike rack . just a decent lift and good road quality, as I can start to feel the deeper bumps. Here is what I gathered from your previous recommendations. Does this look right?

Thanks again!


Front coils-
C59-300 2.0”
C59-302-2.5”

Rear coils-
C59-599-.75-1.0 for level the rake
C59-505-1.5+

Front strut-
GS59-221 twintube fixed 0-2.25

Rear strut-
GS59-705-softer valving for empty rear ends

Spacer-
PS59-4030
PS59-4025

Diff drop
DD59-527K
(To be safe)

 

[jcaino]

Since you'll be on the high end of the 327s, you should use the 329s. Then you also may not need your airbags anymore.

The weight calculation should be what is bolted to and always on the vehicle. You won't always be towing I'm sure and it would depend on how heavy the rear bumper is and whatever other constant weight. If you wanted to keep the bags, the 327s would be fine. If you want to remove then and have the right load support for all you listed, you'll need the 329s.

Swapped in some 329's yesterday...ditched the bags and the rear sway bar. Went for a quick test ride without the fridge, bike rack, etc. and the ride is great. Doesn't feel oversprung at all. Will be giving it a fully-loaded test this weekend, but I'm pretty sure everything is going to work out nice!

 

[Crikeymike]

Hi mike, thanks for all the help that led here.
I have a 08 w xreas that’s probably close to end of life. I’m not looking for crazy off road, no towing maybe a bike rack . just a decent lift and good road quality, as I can start to feel the deeper bumps. Here is what I gathered from your previous recommendations. Does this look right?

Thanks again!


Front coils-
C59-300 2.0”
C59-302-2.5”

Rear coils-
C59-599-.75-1.0 for level the rake
C59-505-1.5+

Front strut-
GS59-221 twintube fixed 0-2.25

Rear strut-
GS59-705-softer valving for empty rear ends

Spacer-
PS59-4030
PS59-4025

Diff drop
DD59-527K
(To be safe)

Hey bud,

Yeah, that would be the best bet, those are the most common options for pulling out Xreas or refreshing an old truck and also adding some lift at the same time. You won't need the diff drop kit really with the 2 or 2.5" lift height, but it will reduce your CV angles, saving those and the boots some. They can start to get grump after adding lift to them after a lifetime of riding at the same position. But functionally, the diff drop kit isn't required as nothing will be over extended or under stress at that lift height.

I'd say go with the lower height option if you'll keep stock size tires, and go up a little if you're upgrading the size as well.

 

[Crikeymike]

Swapped in some 329's yesterday...ditched the bags and the rear sway bar. Went for a quick test ride without the fridge, bike rack, etc. and the ride is great. Doesn't feel oversprung at all. Will be giving it a fully-loaded test this weekend, but I'm pretty sure everything is going to work out nice!

Nice!! That's good to hear. Keep us updated as you throw some miles on them!!

 

[Kymudder]

Curious about some things.

We have a 2008 v8 4x4

Needing a suspension refresh and the wife (it’s her car) doesn’t quite want a lift, and I don’t want the added expense of extra parts to fix geometry on the suspension. Is there a way to only add 1-1.5” to the front? Like say use a v6 2” lift spring, or could this potentially cause some issues bc of the extra weight of the engine?

 

[Crikeymike]

Curious about some things.

We have a 2008 v8 4x4

Needing a suspension refresh and the wife (it’s her car) doesn’t quite want a lift, and I don’t want the added expense of extra parts to fix geometry on the suspension. Is there a way to only add 1-1.5” to the front? Like say use a v6 2” lift spring, or could this potentially cause some issues bc of the extra weight of the engine?

Yeah, you can use the C59-300 front coils for 1.5" lift on a V8. There's no issue to use those.

I have the options a little better broken down on my website, here:
Dobinsons Lift Kit for Toyota 4Runner 4x4 2003-2009 (all options 0-3.5")

 

[jcaino]

Nice!! That's good to hear. Keep us updated as you throw some miles on them!!

Update from this past weekend's trip:

No issues loaded with camping gear, fridge, bikes, etc. Rack and bikes probably adds ~115 lbs alone.

Unloaded it is more-or-less around the "factory" rake (that is, working air bags and tired front-spings) and still retains a bit of rake loaded up, and feels like there's definitely room for some additional weight, so I have no worries when it comes time to do a rear bumper.

Rear bumper is going to be a minimal tube style and will be getting rid of the factory 7k hitch, so dont expect that to really increase weight drastically.

Rides nice. Not missing the sway bar. When loaded does have a -very- slight bit of roll when pushing it in bends, but it is really barely noticeable.

 

[Bluesky 07]

[MENTION=148378]Crikeymike[/MENTION], first, let me add my thanks to everyone else's for the time you take to comprehensively address questions and suggest solutions. Much appreciated. I'm also a big fan of Australia (and Australians), having had the privilege of visiting that amazing country for business and pleasure through the years. In particular, the kindness shown to me by members of Overland Bound Queensland was nothing short of epic.

As for my question, I'm happy with my present setup but plan to eventually replace it with one configured for towing. My '07 Sport is rated for 5,000 lbs from the factory but can tow up to 6,400 lbs when properly equipped (WD hitch, transmission oil cooler, brake controller, etc.). I don't plan to push the upper limit as I always maintain a generous safety margin.

Is there a Dobinson's setup you would recommend for a (reasonably) comfortable ride in daily driving yet capable of handling such towing duty? Happy to supplement the rear springs with airbags if necessary to achieve this balance.

Thanks again.

 

[Crikeymike]

Update from this past weekend's trip:

No issues loaded with camping gear, fridge, bikes, etc. Rack and bikes probably adds ~115 lbs alone.

Unloaded it is more-or-less around the "factory" rake (that is, working air bags and tired front-spings) and still retains a bit of rake loaded up, and feels like there's definitely room for some additional weight, so I have no worries when it comes time to do a rear bumper.

Rear bumper is going to be a minimal tube style and will be getting rid of the factory 7k hitch, so dont expect that to really increase weight drastically.

Rides nice. Not missing the sway bar. When loaded does have a -very- slight bit of roll when pushing it in bends, but it is really barely noticeable.

Thanks for the feedback, that's really helpful information.

Every week, I get numerous people reading these threads and this data never gets old, so it's great to have more straight-up reviews like this and actual feedback to help people decide what to do in the future. I really appreciate it!!

 

[Crikeymike]

[MENTION=148378]Crikeymike[/MENTION], first, let me add my thanks to everyone else's for the time you take to comprehensively address questions and suggest solutions. Much appreciated. I'm also a big fan of Australia (and Australians), having had the privilege of visiting that amazing country for business and pleasure through the years. In particular, the kindness shown to me by members of Overland Bound Queensland was nothing short of epic.

As for my question, I'm happy with my present setup but plan to eventually replace it with one configured for towing. My '07 Sport is rated for 5,000 lbs from the factory but can tow up to 6,400 lbs when properly equipped (WD hitch, transmission oil cooler, brake controller, etc.). I don't plan to push the upper limit as I always maintain a generous safety margin.

Is there a Dobinson's setup you would recommend for a (reasonably) comfortable ride in daily driving yet capable of handling such towing duty? Happy to supplement the rear springs with airbags if necessary to achieve this balance.

Thanks again.

Hey Russell,

Thanks for the post!!

Looking at your current build, it's basically all stock weight coils but with some added lift. Sounds like that's all you'd be needing from the Dobinsons options then, as there doesn't appear to be any constant weight on it?

Are you using airbags in those FJ springs now? I figure you might have to with towing a heavy setup and avoiding the sag.

I'm thinking somewhere along the lines of 2" front and rear, maintaining factory 2" rake for towing.