Dobinson IMS lift question

Anyone running a dobinsons ims lift with 302 springs on the front and 599s on the rear?
If so can you post a photo?

 

I know @McSpazatron is running Dobs. Not sure which springs, though.

 

Yeah, I have IMS shocks with 302 in the front, but I have 505 coils in the back.

It’s worth noting that rear Dob coils run high on 4runners. The lift numbers advertised are actually for 3 row 4runners. I ended up about an 3/4 higher than expected, even though I had some added weight to my 2 row model.

 

have any pics to share?

 

Here you go. Found one from when I had just finished installing the bumper and winch.

Edit: it’s on stock sized K02s

 

Good info that I had not heard (someone did post asking if anyone else gained more in the rear than expected). Helps push me toward the 599's in the rear with the 300 in the front.

Of course, as I was ready to pull the trigger, the 300s are backordered...so I wait more.

 

It was surprise to me as well that advertised heights are for 3-row 4runners.

The numbers make sense since the extra row of seats really does add a fair amount of weight compared to the 2-row. I just wish I had known that before buying. Found that out on another thread here where someone pointed it out on the updated Dobinsons USA website. That info is not on the exitoffroad website however.

 

I’ve got Dobinsons 302’s and 599’s but on Bilstein 5100’s. I also have an SSO bumper, Warn Winch and full RCI skids…

here’s a pic for what it’s worth…

Cheers,
Bob

 

I have a Dobinson's MRR kit being installed next week. I'm trying to decide on tires. Your rig looks pretty nice on stock size tires even with the lift! How much of a difference do the 285's make? I am leaning that way but not sure if the benefits outweigh the tradeoffs and would love to hear what you think.

Sorry for the thread-jack! I'm. getting 302's in the front. They were out of the teal so I'm going with black :-(

 

Funny you should ask, here’s a pic (with a similar angle) with 285/70-17s. I got these tires about a year and a half ago. I like them. Doesn’t change the look dramatically, but it’s nice having a tiny bit of extra height. A half inch is a half inch lol. Is it worth it? I kind of think so, but you’ll pay for the benefit. The change to the gearing is noticeable, but ultimately ignorable for me. Also, the gas mileage went from bad to slightly more bad.

 

285s look better when the background is cooler.

 

Thanks! I don't plan on really porking mine out but we'll see how it goes. I live in a very hilly area so my mileage is shit anyways. On my '23 I went with stock size and it got me everywhere I needed to go, but I'm getting a little more hard-core with this '24. Then there is the expense/hassle of the spare and upgrading that. I'm rolling on the stock Dunlops now so can't wait to upgrade either way. I'm stoked about the Dobinson's and can't wait to get it on there. I've got sliders and skids going on at the same time. Also if I get 285 the speedometer will be accurate according to everything I've read. Otherwise, it seems the 285's are unnecessary but look cool, and that is OK.

 

Yeah seems reasonable. But a lifted 4runner with sliders and skids on stock tires will be “challenging” to look at. You’ll be confronted with the decision of new tires soon enough. Then you’ll have to decide the size. Next thing you know you’re trying to figure out how to get 35s in lol.

 

Anywho.

here is my 4runner with 314 springs on the front and 325s on the rear with the IMS set up



And here is my 4runner after switching to a 302 front and 599 rear. I like the after pics way better.

 

Contact Mike at Exit off road. He's an expert when it comes to Dobinsons. https://exitoffroad.com/product/dob...43FYtGEbI2ZLAMv9QGZfU6IR8S2Km6kvHfW1jAz5gmIwU

Here's mine for reference.

IMS long travel shocks with
352 Front
675V Rear

285/75/17 A/T4Ws wrapped around RRW 17x8.5 -12 w/ Spidertrax 1.25" spacers

 

I agree! Very nice. It’s funny what a difference a tiny change like that will make visually.

So, I didn’t mention this before to not confuse things, but I haven’t been running the 505 coils in my first picture since last year. I added a fair bit of weight since initially installing my lift, so I changed to Dobinsons 327 heavier rate coils in the rear.

Welp, the 327s I bought were overkill and I overshot in height. Not only does it ride high, but it’s slightly over-sprung too. I even readjusted the front coil-overs to reduce the rake, but now it’s just all a little too high (gee, go figure… lol). And I got a bit of excessive rebound because my IMS shocks in the rear might be getting worn from lots of honest good use. I’ve also run those shocks at several different ride heights in the last few years, which doesn’t help their life.

Sigh. I have to figure something out for my current weight since the 327 coils aren’t cutting it. They ride at a nice height when it’s loaded down for camping (see pic of Imogene pass above). And the extra height was perfect on some of the nastier trails in Colorado. But I have to run sand bags when daily driving lol, otherwise it’s way too high.

I’m thinking my next step is either go back to my 505 coils with a 1 inch spacer, or getting these bilstein coils. @Thatbassguy is running these and he has a perfect stance with the extra weight he’s running (a little more than me, but probably pretty close).



I’m leaning towards the bilsteins since they are probably a heavier rate coil than the 505s I had before (I probably should check that assumption). One thing I like about heavier rate rear coils is that they help with articulation in cross-axle situations, since the rear coils really force the opposite front corner down into the terrain.

Word wall… sorry. Just thinking things out loud lol