Dobinsons 5th Gen 4Runner Suspension options

Hi Mike,
A couple of weeks ago, I installed the Dobinsins 302 and 599 springs on my 2021 OR along with Bilstein 5100's with the front set at OEM height. As others have experienced, I've got about 1/2" less lift on the drivers side than the passenger side both front and rear. I'm considering ordering the Dobinsons spacers to level it out and want to make sure I order the right parts so asking if you can advise which ones I should get. Also, asking if leveling is really necessary from a performance and reliability perspective as the lean doesn't really bother me. If I leave as is, are there any negative consequences down the road?

Thanks,
Bob

 

Hey Bob,

You'd just need to order 1 of each of these:
https://exitoffroad.com/product/dob...-spacer-for-4runner-tacoma-fj-hilux-gx-prado/
https://exitoffroad.com/product/dob...gen-fj-cruiser-prado-120-150-lexus-gx470-460/

There are no negatives, since they're not thick and don't restrict the performance at all.

Leveling is only a visual thing. These trucks are not level from the factory, but when lifted, they show the difference more easily.

Thanks
Mike

 

Mike,

Thanks for the quick reply! Much appreciated…

Cheers,
Bob

 

Quick question... are the gs series shocks and struts comparable to eibach and bilsteins 5100, or are the values completely different.....

Do they ride smoother or harsher compared to eibach?

Also whats the compressed measurement on the gs59-574 front struts?

 

The GS are twin tubes, the others you listed are monotubes, so different types of shocks (like comparing gas to diesel). GS will be softer and more comfortable as they're low pressure shocks.

 

I knew there was differences... thanks man

 

575mm extended, 430mm compressed

 

Thanks, im looking into the gs long travel. I currently have eibach struts im not sold on them. I think thy are kinda harsh. Im looking for more of a plush ride quality. Something comfortable on bumpy roads

 

I haven't been in a vehicle with the Eibach's, but I heard they ride better than 5100's. I've not had anyone ever say the Dobinsons twin tubes are harsh in any conditions.

 

I know ours are not harsh, we are completely satisfied with our twin tubes, they are great.

 

Hey!

Been researching suspensions for my 4Runner and this thread was so helpful...thank you! I THINK I have it all configured properly. I want as little lift as possible (I'm 5'1") which I think is going to be 2.5 and eventually 2" with a bumper (I see a C4 lo pro plus winch in my future). I run with a constant load of 120 lb sliders (shrockworks), prinsu roof rack (51 lbs), and constant cargo weight of 100 lbs with a variable added weight of like 150 lbs when I'm camping and overlanding.

Do you mind just looking over my configuration and letting me know if this all seems right? I'd love to not do UCAs up front due to $$$ but I think I have to.


IMS Suspension Kit
C59-302 Front Lifted Coil Springs
IMS59-50700 Monotube IFP Front Struts
C59-327 Rear Coils
IMS59-50701 IMS Monotube IFP Shocks
Dobinsons Upper Control Arms
SC59-001 Mounts and Struts Assembly Bundle
BS59-560 Front Adjustable Bump Stop
Dobinsons Swaybar Drop Bracket Kit


From what I understand, I need UCA since I have to do the 2.5" lift since there will be a bumper in my future. Is that correct?
Extended rear swaybar link kit and drop bracket kit - these are also necessary?

Any idea when the extended rear swaybar link kit will be back in stock? @Crikeymike

Thanks sooo much!!!

 

Hi Jade. Thanks, I'm glad the thread has helped!!

You could go with less lift than this if you wanted to. We would have to use a lighter rear spring rate though to get it to come down more. But if you're fine with 2-2.5", then this setup would work well.

The C59-302 with a bumper and winch would be closer to 2" so you wouldn't need UCA's then, but the IMS can be adjusted back up as well. You can run 2.5" of lift with stock UCA's, but you just won't have as good of an alignment and as much articulation if you run those. And alignment plays into steering feel and control the most. You could hold off on UCA's for now and wait til later on and add them then. A lot of people do that to break up the $$$ hit to their bank in one go. haha

At that height, the front sway bar drop bracket kit isn't necessary, but it would be helpful. In the rear, the extended links should be run at 2" of lift. They're due next week I believe. The front bump stop also isn't required with that combination, but running upgraded bump stops helps tremendously with bottom-outs if you do the type of offroading where that can happen often (aka higher speed dirt roads and/or deserts).

 

If I just want to level the front via shocks about an inch, and get rid of the lean, what is the best system for a mostly street driven. I am aware I need to get rid of the xraes if I change shocks..
Or just level it now, and save for a suspension later.

 

You can use the GS59-574 twin tube struts which add 1" of lift from their higher coil seat. They're fixed height though. Or you can use the IMS59-50700 and reuse the stock coils and set it to whatever height you'd like, since they're a fully threaded body.

 

Thnx, I will research the complementary rear shocks too.. What are the ratings for their springs?

 

All the spring rates are listed in the first post.

 

I finally got around to installing my Dobinson twin tube shocks (700/701) and springs (238/323). I love the ride and definitely doesn’t squat like it used to with a few hundred pounds. I’m still letting it settle a bit before I take measurements.

Much less nose dive and body roll. You can tell the springs are a higher rate but still smooth. To me it’s more like a 1/2 ton truck with great dampening. Also it doesn’t seem to get pushed around with the wind as much as it used to.

Only thing I was a little bummed about was that I could only get 2.8 degrees of caster with such a low lift, not Dobinson’s fault. I looked at the tabs and they appear to be adjusted correctly for max caster so must just be a difference in vehicle as I know some people got more. I may look at UCAs in the future but it handles fine as far as I can tell.

I had Exit Off-road pre assemble the front shocks and everything was perfect when it arrived. I would buy again in a heartbeat.

Thanks @Crikeymike

 

That's great to hear! Please post up pics once it's settled as lots ask for that combination and photos of it

 

Hey Mike,
Getting ready to pull the trigger on the beginning of my build list for my 5th Gen SR5 non-KDDS. Narrowing it down and I got a couple questions. I may be nuking the hell out of all this but never hurts to get a sanity check...

I want an adjustable front shock like the IMS59-50700. But I am going to do new springs at the same time. As far as lift height goes, I want to be at 3" in the front but be able to have the adjustability to start lower at first, then raise to that height when I get the backend figured out. I also have plans for additional weight like a slim-line bumper (no winch) and sliders in the future, but that is a little further in the future along with UCA's when I do want to reach that 3" or higher. Another reason I dont want jump too high right off the bat.

So my question is:
The IMS shock has 3 inches of adjustment ( 0 to +3 " height). If I were to use a 1" lift spring like the C59-238, I would be at a minimum, 1 inch lift with the collars all the way down and in theory up to 4" of lift with it maxed out? Again, in theory using the supplied info from the Dobs/ Exit OR sites. Or possibly go up on spring length like the C59-296 for a minimum height of 1.5", and still being at a low/ moderate lift but again, have the ability to adjust up when ready?

 

Hey man.

Yeah, C59-238 with the standard coil seat height would be only at 1". However it's not recommended to add more than 1" usually to a set of coils by preload. The more preload on a coil, the less spacing between the coils, so it can feel firmer, even though the spring rate isn't changing. You're better off using the coils that suit the lift height the best and using as little preload as possible. That said, you could go up to 2-2.5" with the C59-238 and it would still be OK, but anything more than that wouldn't be recommended. The 1.5" option would be more ideal to start with, having just a little more spring length to play with.

 

November sale is on now!! Check out the details at the top of the website, https://exitoffroad.com

 

Best prices of the year!!!

 

Ordered mine as soon as the sale started and received very quickly! Scheduled install after the holiday. Thanks again Crikeymike!

 

That's great!! You're welcome bud!!!

 

Anyone out there move from an Eibach kit to an IMS or MRA set up? I have an Eibach 2.0 kit and considering an IMS or maybe even an MRA set up. Street ride is pretty solid and like they way it rides, but pretty jarring when hitting anything big or at speed, rebound can be harsh as well. Would love to hear experience if anyone has made that switch.

 

IMS is firmer than stock, but in my experience are very controlled shocks…Although I cant speak about fast desert terrain, mine have been in no way harsh over pretty varied northwoods terrain (loaded for weekend camping). Super impressed with the ride on mine over the last 25,000 miles. I have ims 701 in the rear with 2.5/1.5 spring lifts (dobs springs).

the only thing I noticed is sometimes the wheel can drop out pretty quickly and clunk if articulated and a tire goes over a ledge or quickly drops into a hole. Sounds like the rear shock might top out a bit too quickly in this specific scenario? Not sure if it’s a matter of high speed rebound damping, or if any/every shock acts like this and I just need limit straps. In any case, it’s not an everyday issue, and it only occasionally happens when Im slow crawling over rough terrain. Otherwise, rebound damping and compression is absolutely spot on on rough gravel trails, chunky back roads, or fast road driving. It also does this well under varying load conditions.

 

Thanks so much! I'm gearing up to buy before your sale is over.

Rear Shocks
IMS59-50705 - IMS non-resi monotube - comfort valved for light rigs (0-2.5" lift)
IMS59-50701 - IMS non-resi monotube light to heavy loads (0-3" lift)

I can't find anywhere what the difference between these two are. My rig is my daily driver but I also offroad a lot. I'm enticed by "comfort valved" but can't find any info on what light rigs is specifying. I have a constant rear 100 lb load with my drawer system and kennel, + 70 lbs when doggo is in the car. I also fully load my car to move every few months for work.

My goal is for my daily driving to be comfy and smooth, which my research tells me can be achieved with Dobinsons, I just need extra help with the rear shocks and what comfort valving really is and what light rigs means.


Thanks again! This sale is amazing I'm stoked for it.

 

Comfort valving is more comfy, softer. The others are firmer. Light rigs means not 1000lb of added rear weight which would require firmer shocks to support the weight.

 

Thanks again for all of your help.
Just placed my order!!

 

You're welcome, and thanks!!