Thoughts on Dobinsons lift kits?

Anyone here have any experiences with Dobinsons lift kits, I was looking at all manufactures and came across this one ? How would you rate them ?

 

I believe @Chris In Milwaukee is running Dobinson.

Also, @Crikeymike is a dealer and expert on Dobinson suspension.

 

I have nothing but good things to say, but only have one mild Offroad trip on them. Hopefully more next year.

 

Thanks , how was the ride afterwards ,a little stiffer? Did you need new UCA”s ?

 

Dobinson makes quality stuff

 

Stiffer, no. More “controlled”, absolutely. No more Boaty McBoatface. I don’t know that I needed UCAs for stock wheels and tire size. But since my upgrade path includes taller tires in the future, I chose to install them.

 

Dobinsons definitely has a LOT of options, so let me know if you have any questions on them all. Hopefully more guys chime in that are running Dobinsons already and they can give you their feedback!!

 

I bought Dobinsons front shocks this past month, the extended travel. I used stock springs. I agree with Chris, ride is great.
These are not stiff like a Bilstein 5100 at all(first hand experience).

 

^ That is likely because the Dobinsons twin tube shocks are progressive, whereas the Bilstein is digressive. The Bilstein is going to probably be stiffer on the small stuff.

The entry level Dobinsons twin-tube shocks look like basically upgraded factory shocks. So for anyone that doesn't mind the factory feel, I imagine they'd be wonderful. Coupled with a slightly stiffer spring (Dobinsons) I bet they're great. I actually wish I could go with Dobinsons but they don't offer what I want (yet).

 

You don't need high end stuff to wheel on a 4runner. If you want a nice ride and have lots of fun wheeling what 99% do, get a nice modern twin tube, like a Dob. If you want to beat yourself up, get a small bodied monotube shock, like a 5100. Shocks aren't that much money until you get into the 2.5's and up, and thats basically the go fast stuff, these don't. I think you should try something and see what you like. If you don't, sell em and try something else. You might like what others don't. I'd rather float than hit something jarring. I've made that discovery about myself after a lifetime of this.

This just applies to purchasing on a budget, I'm not talking about the guys that rock crawl and are real serious.

edited for serious spelling errors.

 

I'm running Dobinsons on my 2020 and love it. Done quite a bit of wheeling with it and have been very impressed.

My setup:

SPC Upper Control Arms

Front coils:
C59-302 - 2.5" Stock Weight, 2" with 150lbs

Front shocks:
GS59-700 -Twin Tube fixed mount

Rear coil configuration:
C59-505 - Stock Rear End, 1.5" Lift

Rear Shock Configuration:
GS59-701 - Twin Tube

 

I like all this information. However,
I need to see it. I am a visual learner! Lol
Ryan

 

I have dobinsons. Check out my sig for details. About 5k miles and loving it. Also, mike is @Crikeymike is awesome to deal with. answered every question I had and then some.

 

Not exactly sure what the part #'s mean (not looking atm). That is one nicely built truck!
I like the Prinsu rack. What is the extended top section of the rear? Also, any wind noise?
Ryan.
Sorry to Hi-jack...
Ryan.
*edit* spelling

 

My dad and I both have Dobinson's on our 4th gens. I'd say they're stiffer than the Bil 5100's I had on my 5th gen but not overly so. We both like the ride empty but they really shine once you get a bit of weight in the truck. We bought ours from @Crikeymike when he still worked for Dobinsons directly and he was excellent to work with.

 

Thanks. It's the Prinsu cargo basket. As far as wind noise from the rack its hard to say since the window visors are so noisy that all the other noises are drowned out lol

 

Can’t remember the setup we have on the 4Runner. We’ve had it for 3-4 years now. Much improved handle off and on road. Just over the Christmas holiday my son took his mom and I down some wildlife management trails. The suspension still handles good, he has complete control. Me setting in the back not so, I’m not a backseat rider.

 

Great points. I ran the twin tube suspension on my 4runner for a bit over 3 years and I loved it, and so did everyone that rode in the truck. I could have had the MRR's no problem (the older version without adjustment) but I decided that it wasn't worth it for me and how I drive my 4runner, plus the twin tube suspension has always been a top seller, so it helps show others how nice it rides.

 

Thanks for all the comments and tags, guys. I'd really appreciate if you guys could throw up a review on Google for me, whether you've bought in the past or recently from me. Everyone's always asking where they can see reviews, and everyone is holding close to the forums, but a Google review goes a long way for me for recognition.

Here's the link: https://g.page/exit-offroad/review?rc

 

You got it. All done.

 

Done as well.

 

Thanks guys!!

 

Dobinson's is a great setup, and very affordable considering the quality and performance. My FIL had the Dobinson setup on his FJ and it performed and rode perfectly on and off road.

 

Like everyone has already said, @Crikeymike knows his stuff and will get you hooked up. I only went with the Dirt King UCAs, also from Exit Offroad, because the Dobinson's were backordered. The handling is great and the ride is smoother than stock as I no longer hit the bump stops. It took two weekends to finish installation but I am not a mechanic by trade. I am going to do some trimming and put the new wheels and tires on this weekend.

 

@celaw309 - what were your measurements from wheel center to fender? I just put in dobinsons 1.5 rear and have 24.5". Stock is around 22"

 

@Crikeymike in another thread I asked for recommendations pulling off XREAS on my LE and replacing with something capable but largely a comfortable DD with minimal lift, and someone mentioned he's riding IMS with Dobinsons springs and really likes them. Any other comments or general suggestions on this type of setup or does it come down to individual preference? I am ok reusing OEM springs but ideally want something (a) that rides nice, (b) will last/can be reliably rebuilt, (c) isn't terribly expensive (though not out of question; King OEM is my top end benchmark), and (d) not terribly difficult to install (planning to do it myself). TY.

 

Hey bud,

Yeah, it all comes down to personal preference. You can use the OE springs with the IMS struts and shocks to save some bucks. You won't be reducing the body roll or brake dive with the stock springs though, so pretty much everyone goes with new springs as well.

I sold a leveling setup this morning, using the 238 front coils for about 1" of lift, and the 323 rear coils for OE height, then the IMS struts and shocks. Simple setup. This page here: https://exitoffroad.com/product/dobinsons-ims-leveling-kit-toyota-4runner-5th-gen/

While Dobinsons IMS can be rebuilt, there's no rebuild cycle and it's not expected to need any work for years. Unlike many other brands that sometimes are lucky to get 20k before they develop leaks.

This setup is as easy to install as the twin tube. There's nothing special about the install on these.

 

@Crikeymike, was this for a 4wd or 2wd? I’m looking for something very similar but mine is a 2wd and I understand that in this case you should usually add another 1” to the lift.

Basically I’m looking for all of the benefits of the IMS shocks with the lowest lift possible. 90% of my truck’s life is spent driving up and down I95 at 80+ mph.

 

OK, since it's a 2WD, you can reuse your stock coils and gain height with the IMS by adjusting them up a little. That would be the safest bet since you don't want much lift. You could even keep the stock rear coils too if you want.