Dobinsons vs OME?

C

cmorrow

New member
Facing a little analysis paralysis here, so I am hoping this thread isn't too much of an eyeroll for the more experienced folks, I am just looking to help make up my mind.

I have a 2005 SR5 V6. I want to do a 2.5-3" lift and was pretty settled on OME until I started seeing Dobinsons recommended around here. I do already have a new set of SPC UCAs (not installed) - I know they may not be needed, but I think I will add them regardless for a little extra alignment adjustment just in case. The vehicle is mostly daily driven with the hope of some mild off road travel and camping. Will have a C4 low pro bumper and winch, and RTT (CVT Mt Rainier mounted part time).

I am struggling because there isn't quite as much recognition for Dobinsons out there as OME, so it is harder to find comparisons. It seems to me that they are both high quality and I probably won't make a bad decision either way.

It looks like Dobinsons have more lift height options. Mike has answered most of my questions, I don't have any complaints there. OME seems to be almost considered a go-to brand, and 'easy choice' aside from Toytec/Bilstein/etc in the ~$1k range. Pricing seems to be within $100 for both options, so it might as well be equal.

What made you choose one over the other? Should I just really just roll the dice because either will be good/fine for my desires? What would make YOU decide in one particular direction? Dobinsons has a free kinetic rope until the end of the month (Feb), maybe that is the tie breaker I need.

Leaning against most of the Toytec packages (Boss/Ultimate/etc) or Bilstein combos for now, I don't have anything against them but there seem to be slightly more negative feedback (and could just be related to so many people having them). I also like the premise of pairing a single mfg shock and spring combo rather than mix & match, just preference I suppose, please feel free to tell me I am wrong.
 
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I would definitely go Dobinsons for springs. Mix and match doesn’t matter. Just get what works. Nobody offers more options for front and rear springs than Dobinsons.

As far as shocks, I have no idea. I have my own analysis paralysis on that decision. I don’t think you could go wrong with Dobinsons though. Especially if you’re trying to keep a stockish ride, Dobinsons are valved a little lighter.
 
Falcon3 said:
I would definitely go Dobinsons for springs. Mix and match doesn’t matter. Just get what works. Nobody offers more options for front and rear springs than Dobinsons.

As far as shocks, I have no idea. I have my own analysis paralysis on that decision. I don’t think you could go wrong with Dobinsons though. Especially if you’re trying to keep a stockish ride, Dobinsons are valved a little lighter.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply! Good thoughts, it definitely seems like Dobinsons have the most spring options.
 
I went dobinsons mainly because of the amount of lift options and supporting a “smaller” company. I did not want to have to deal with having to get shocks rebuilt since I put a lot of miles on my vehicles yearly. So far the suspension rides great, we will see how it does once I have my truck properly outfitted with bumpers, sliders, skids etc
 
I got my OME from Toytec earlier today.

I ended up calling Toytec to get some opinions between the OME and the Bilstein/Toytec combo. The short answer of what I got was that the Bilsteins would be a better option for off-roading at higher speeds (I'm imaging flatland, desert, snow, etc.) Whereas the OME would be a better all arounder and for crawling. It doesn't sound like you're trying to decide between the same tow that I was, but I hope I've helped, even a little.

:thumb:
 
i went 5100s and the rarer lowest lift option from OME, the 895/e rears and 883 fronts. the ride isnt too harsh at all and im really liking it so far. i have sliders and a tire carrier going on that should reduce a little bit of rake. if you see a pic i posted keep in mind theres no spare. zero rubbing with the 255/75/17 tire size. i was able to get this with new KYB top hats all off amazon for about $730.

ive heard good things about dobinson quality - just figured id throw my setup your way even though it is mismatched.
 
HTML:
Hey all just as an update to this thread - I ultimately chose to go with an Old Man Emu suspension. It took me forever to get installed but I got it done this past fall and I was impressed how much better it rode than stock. I was expecting it to be a much harsher ride, but I guess maybe my original shocks were more beat than I realized?

I did simultaneously have my CV axles replaced, but decided against the OEMs that our local dealer quoted me at $535 EACH. I unfortunately installed cheap replacements but have the originals that I am planning to send in to CVJ for rebuilds at some point.

I am certain that Dobinsons would have been perfectly fine for me as well. I mostly made my decision after having a decent conversation with Kelly at Wheelers.

I am really happy with how my 4Runner is configured right now. I don't think it is really build-thread worthy as it is kind of simple, but has been pretty great.

<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/UmlJjjd"><a href="//imgur.com/UmlJjjd"></a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
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hinmo24t said:
looks great - which springs did you go with? how was the c4 bumper install and which winch did you put in it?
Click to expand...

2885s in the front and 2895s in the rear. The C4 bumper isn't super heavy, so I basically chose the v8 springs for my v6.

The C4 install was pretty easy. There were a few issues with my bumper but the C4 guys took good care of me pretty quickly and none of them were related to actually mounting the bumper. I had a local guy powdercoat it in a matte black crinkle. I put a Warn M8 in it but haven't come up with a great way to mount the control box yet.
 
sounds like a nice setup - i wish i got those springs or the 884s for the front because i want that setup too. i dont think itll be for a little while though, when i take her offroad i usually have a tacoma and jeep with me...
 
cmorrow said:
HTML:
Hey all just as an update to this thread - I ultimately chose to go with an Old Man Emu suspension. It took me forever to get installed but I got it done this past fall and I was impressed how much better it rode than stock. I was expecting it to be a much harsher ride, but I guess maybe my original shocks were more beat than I realized?

I did simultaneously have my CV axles replaced, but decided against the OEMs that our local dealer quoted me at $535 EACH. I unfortunately installed cheap replacements but have the originals that I am planning to send in to CVJ for rebuilds at some point.

I am certain that Dobinsons would have been perfectly fine for me as well. I mostly made my decision after having a decent conversation with Kelly at Wheelers.

I am really happy with how my 4Runner is configured right now. I don't think it is really build-thread worthy as it is kind of simple, but has been pretty great.

<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/UmlJjjd"><a href="//imgur.com/UmlJjjd"></a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Click to expand...

Curious...how come you just did buy from CVJ, then send your cores back?
 
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