Dobinsons IMS Struts and Shocks for 2007+ Tundra's (IFP Monotubes)

..Sure. I thought you might like a positive review based on actual experience here.

 

So in order to get a 3inch lift, I would need new springs since I'm on oem springs with 5100s and a shim?

 

Man, I was pretty sure I was going to get the Ironman FCP kit but while waiting for the heavy coils to come back in stock this option pops up.... very tempting to maybe go with Dobinsons instead. I wonder how these IMS shocks would ride compared to FCP? Primary use being driving quick on bumpy double track and fireroads. The more I can iron out washboards the better. Truck has bumper and winch. Everything I've read says the FCP shine in this role, seems like the Tacoma and T4R guys have been liking the IMS so far though. I'm curious as to how the valving/ride qualities compare between these two shocks. Obviously one is monotube and one is foam cell. Anyone have experience with either or both that can share some insight? Thanks!

 

For the driving you describe, it sounds like a foam cell shock would be a better choice. I only personally have experience with monotube shocks, but I know a big selling point of the foam cell variant is that they stay cooler under harsh conditions, which would include fast driving over bumps/washboards or any other activity that rapidly cycles the shock.

I think all the Dobinsons stuff is on back order as well. Most of it not available until March. Maybe these are the exception.

 

@Backslider thanks for the input.

Perhaps I'm over analyzing this decision and maybe the higher pressure/IFP design and the low pressure/foam cell are just two different ways to skin the same cat. Or maybe not, still trying to figure it out. Riding in a truck equipped with each just isn't going to happen for me so I'm trying to research as much as I can and go from there.

I'm getting really tired of the spacer lift the previous owner installed so I am more than ready to pull the trigger on something in the sub 2k price point front/rear. The new IMS option does look like an interesting one for the Tundra.

 

I don't think you can go wrong with either option. I do a LOT of driving in conditions you describe, and my Dobinsons setup (talking about my 4runner) has been excellent on and off road. I only have their basic monotube non-adjustable coilovers in all their bright ass yellow and teal glory. I am just about to upgrade after over two years because I have added a lot of extra weight and am getting a bit of coil sag. I'm going back to a higher end Dobinsons setup with heavier coils. I don't think you can go wrong with Dobinsons. I'd gladly buy and run these over some of the more expensive and overhyped stuff out there.

 

I was interested in the Ironman stuff to, they’re only about 45 minutes from me. Unfortunately after a bunch of back and forth over technical questions I got a strong feeling that the company is more geared toward sales and dint seem to know their own products as I felt they should.

specifically I kept asking about height settings and adjustments and continually got different answers. At first I could order and have them preset the height, to my requested 2.5” of lift. Then it became an issue when they said it couldn’t go below 3.5” due to coil binding. Coil binding be an issue with preload and not particularly lowering the height, they didn’t seem to understand my reply. Ultimately they told me it could only be sold at a 3.5” lift, which explains why others have been seeing them preset so high.

Not here to sell anyone on Dobisons though as I’ve never owned them. I have owned FCPs on a FJ though, they were nice but came adjusted too high and had clear travel issues. I had top out clunks until I lowered the lift to 2”. After that they seemed great.

 

I'll be ordering the kit by the end of the month! I'll probably sell the leaf springs tho as I don't want a lift that high in the back, I like a lil Cali lean to my truck even tho I'm in Texas now!

 

Correct, lifted coils with the IMS is what you'd need

 

Cool. You can order only the parts you want, they're all available separately too.

 

Its only $68 more for the leafs doe.Can I remove a leaf spring to lessen the lift on the dobinsons? I have a cbi bed rack and an rtt and think the heavy duty springs will be too stiff...

 

I'm not sure how you're seeing that. The leaf springs are $490 plus bushings and u-bolts.

All parts are listed separately on these pages: https://exitoffroad.com/product-category/toyota/tundra/tundra-2nd-gen/

You could order the first/standard option for the rear, but it's not recommended to take a leaf out of them.

 

@crikeymike What is the spring rate for the C59-578 coil? I've seen it listed on another forum as 662lb is that correct?

 

Correct, 662LB rate

 

How would you compare this setup to the Falcons?
I ordered the Falcons in November and am still waiting. Though I believe I could cancel.
If math serves me correctly I would be looking right about $1350 for Front Coilovers and rear shocks with this new Dobinson offering.

 

@crikeymike Thanks for the prompt response about spring rate. Okay, I am ready to pull the trigger on an IMS lift for my 2008 Tundra. I am looking for guidance, should I get 2" lift or 3”? I am running 275 70 18 tires with no plans to change that. I have a bumper/winch. Also I think the 4.7l motor I have is about 80 or 90 pounds heavier than the 5.7 since the 4.7 is iron block so that may be another variable worth considering. Does the 3" provide more travel than the 2" or just more ride height? How would the ride qualities compare between the two or are they comparable? My application will be driving rough/bumpy/washboard roads and double track and I want to drive them quickly with the best ride possible without spending more than 2k front/rear. Thanks!

Also, I forgot to mention I have JBA upper control arms ready to go on with whatever height lift I end up going with.

 

That's a good question, and a good comparison. The Falcons are pretty damn nice, they use preload to gain the lift height, not intended to be used with new coils, so you'll have the benefit of a stronger spring rate with the Dobinsons options. Some Falcons are adjustable in ride, but the IMS are not.

I guess it will be a while until someone can compare Falcon and IMS side by side since the Falcons haven't been around forever and the IMS are new to the market for the Tundra.

Yes, $1350 for front and rear IMS and front coils, then you can reuse OE strut mounts or order up new ones.

 

In general, a lower lift height will ride better because it's not taking away down travel for lift height. The amount of travel is the same between 2" and 3", but you theoretically take away down travel when adding additional lift. With the tire size you're running, I see no reason for the bigger lift unless you want the looks or more clearance under the front. Plus a lower lift height also keeps the control arm angles flatter, which has them performing closer to the angles they were intended to, as opposed to steeper angles when lifted more. So even though it's the same spring rate for the taller lift, higher angles on all the other parts will increase firmness in the ride.

With the rate of the front springs, that small difference in engine weight, and where that weight sits, it's going to affect height hardly at all.

And with that size tire, if you did 3" of lift, you'd think it will look funny, or others will, so you're more likely to spend more money later, even though you don't want to. haha

 

Theoretically one would get a better ride with the Dobinson as they don’t use preload for lift.
But then one has to factor in valving as well and Falcon technically has an internal progressive bump stop that should help to really smooth out down travel which could make up for using preload to gain lift.

Are these Dobinsons actually in stock??

 

Yes, for now

 

Very tempting. Though I picked up a set of take off factory springs and had them powdercoated to mate to the Falcons.
So won’t really get that money back if I cancel the Falcon order.

The biggest downfall to all the competition with these trucks.
Making the best purchase decision is painful at times.

 

@crikeymike could you give me a shipping quote for the full IMS set with rear leafs to 98660? Residential address if that matters.

 

The website does that for you in the cart. It's about $200, since the leaf springs weigh so much.

 

Okay, 2 inch it is. Just placed order for IMS fronts. Thank you for your help crikeymike.

 

You're welcome!!

 

Just ordered the shocks and struts with standard 3" coils! Can't wait!

 

Where do I set preload for 3" lift up front?

 

LOL, it's ok. You set it to the standard coil seat height (OE) and the 3" coils do the lifting from there. It will be the first clip height.

4 Clip height settings. Lowest height is stock height, then use lifted coils to add height. Each clip up adds about 1/2" of additional lift.

Edited: Lowest clip height is stock height

 

Thank you

 

Your order just shipped!! Had to verify the clip height settings again, and got it right from the engineer overnight.

4 Clip height settings. Lowest height is stock, then each clip up adds about 1/2" of height.

Oh, and by the way... a pair of the front struts is 41LBS in the box, rear shocks are 30LBS. These things are no joke...