Eibach 2r vs Dobinsons IMS (Elka, Fox, Bilstein 6112/5160)

Currently have a T4R LE with XREAS, rides nice on road, less stiff then my previous ORP w/ KDSS. Planning my next suspension when XREAS fails/breaks or I get bored with it and want upgrade for offroad use. XREAS dosent seem to ride too nice off road to me

Want something low maintenance and doesn’t need to be serviced or rebuilt. This ruled out Fox, Elka and Kings.

I generally like to cruise 10-35mph off road on fire roads and washboards, nothing too crazy and I like a softer OffRoad experience so this sort of ruled out Bilstein as they seem to get a lot of reviews saying they are firm or harsh unless driving at higher speeds like over 40mph due their diggressive valving.

This boils down to Eibach 2r which is supposed to be linear valved and more of a middle ground for slower off road speeds like I would drive and the Dobinsons IMS. Not sure how the Dobinsons are valved, linear or progressive?

does anyone have experience with Dobinsons IMS driving on offroad trails in 10-35mph range vs the Eibach 2r and which is softer and less harsh offroad at those speeds hitting bumps and ruts and rocks and washboards and such?


Ive come across maybe just a couple random posts on sites that would suggest the Dobinsons IMS are a little more firm both on and off road than the Eibach.

 

Dobinsons shocks are all linear valved.

 

I can say ELKA 2.5 insanely smoothens the ride on fireroads & trails especially if you don't have KDSS.

However on pavement its not good as XREAS.But better than something like factory TRD Pro Fox / Ironman FCP / Bilstien5100.

I'm still thinking what to do on my TRD Pro which is on factory TRD Fox. Last time my 4x4shop told me ELKA 2.5 are comfy than Kings. So I'm thinking since both OME BP51 and Dobinson MRR have adjustability for both compression and rebound, "may be" they could adjusted for better comfort than something like ELKA 2.5DC or Fox 2.5DSC with low and high compression only adjustment?

 

Many times I was thinking to contact Crikeymike when I'm ready for my next lift to pick the smoothest spring front to give 2in lift and smoothest spring rear to give 1in lift. Then select a matching shock that have smoothest ride zone at 2in height.

The reason for 1in rear lift is I don't think I would clear my garage entrance with 2 in rear lift with the stupid TRD Pro roof rack.

 

do you know if Elka 2.5 need to be serviced? I was thinking about this one but came across a post where someone said I believe that Elka recommends to service them every 2 years?

the good ride you experienced on Elka 2.5 is for the non adjustable ones?

I ve seen a lot of reviews about the adjustable ones but I just dontt think ill be good about taking the time to play around with the adjustments and tweak them all the rime. I just sort of rather do non adjustable and not worry about settings. Unless its easy to do and makes a noticeable difference.

 

We started offering rear coil spacers recently for that purpose. Many people aren't wanting as much lift anymore. They pick up the front to level it out and add a little to the back. Also keeps the costs down.

https://exitoffroad.com/product/1-2-rear-spacer-4runner-fj-cruiser-lexus-gx470-gx460/
https://exitoffroad.com/product/3-4-rear-spacer-4runner-fj-cruiser-lexus-gx470-gx460/

 

yes. Spring is important. Im not sure what rear spring is set to but if no extra weight best to find one with soft spring rate like OEM. Ive seen some suggest just to keep the rear stock oem spring and maybe just add a spacer to give a little height so you can retain the soft oem spring.

I see a lot of reviews about people buying rear springs and they end up being too stiff because they dont have extra weight on vehicle and are just stock weight.

not sure if Dobinsons sells a rear 1” spring that is same softness spring rate as oem

 

do you know if Elka 2.5 need to be serviced?
Yes sir. All these high end ones needs servicing based on the use. Hoping they all last about 50,000 miles before need servicing. I don't know servicing process as I haven't experience it.

the good ride you experienced on Elka 2.5 is for the non adjustable ones?
No sir, I got the dual adjustable ones.
Adjustments are very easy. No tools needed. Just use your fingers to rotate.


This is mine -

 

Hi

this looks interesting. Is this to add an inch of height to rear springs while keeping own oem springs? Does it keep same softness of oem springs?

Does Dobinson sell a 1” spring lift with same soring rate softness as oem?

 

These add lift to whatever coils you're using. You can run them with OEM coils or Dobinsons, OME, Icon, etc.

The closest to 1" that Dobinsons make is the C59-599 that lift 1.25-1.5", depending on the model and weight. They're 10% stronger than stock.