Dobinsons Suspension Review

I still love my HD spring. If I didn’t have a 1000lb slide in camper I’d definitely go mid duty though for a smoother unloaded ride.

 

@Skey44 I’m considering what you said about your cornering and rear end control with the HD leaf, and that you didn’t feel the need for a sway bar...I also like the idea of avoiding sway bar and airbags-(tack on weight, complication)...

On the other hand I will only be carrying ~4-500lbs continually in the bed for the foreseeable future...I like some stiffness but it could be that I’m just too light for the HDs...?

 

I’m not sure because I don’t have them but I bet the medium duty leaf would also plant the rear end well, And avoid airbags for most scenarios. I’m gonna see how many leafs the medium duty has. So medium l59-120-r is a 4/2 leaf pack. Heavy l59-121-r is 5/2. Stock is 3/1.
The first number corresponds to the normal leafs and the second number is the overload leaf. I don’t regret the heavy pack, but if I didn’t have that slide in camper or any other significant need think the medium is truly the happy medium. More than stock but still compliant I’d guess. Also a good amount of lift. Like for instance my camper barely compresses the heavy leaf pack in my truck. It’s quite impressive how stiff it is.

 

Thank you @Skey44 for the leaf info, etc.
I’ll report back once I’ve decided which leaf and how it works out.

The other part is I’m considering the IMS mono tubes vs the twin tubes...

UPDATE: Main Line Overland recommends the HD leaf spring (121) for 700lbs+ rear/bed loads and the mediums (120) for under 700lbs of load. I’m borderline between the two...day-to-day bone dry I will be ~500lbs once I add sliders....then add fuel containers, tools, cargo, and occasional trailer tongue weight I’m easily at 700lbs+...

Seems its boiling down to a choice between great daily ride with the mediums but maybe wanting to add airbags/cradles for the big hauls OR stiff daily driving with the HDs but delightful under my max. loads.

 

Has anyone needed to use shims to account for the driver's side lean? My Dobinsons kit is on the way and hoping I don't need to add any to stay level side to side.

 

Not here on my 2019. Ended up level passenger to driver after the lift.

 

I used one shim on the front drivers side and the toytec 1/2" rear axle shim on drivers side, sits perfectly level side to side.

 

Did you get the IMS shocks and what do you have your shocks set at? Stoked to get mine in.

 

Thank you both for the replies

 

i too used a shim on the driver side..running the 778s

 

That's what I ordered too. Looks like I'll plan on the shim. Thanks

 

This is great information, thanks for putting it out there. They KNOW. I agree with your synopsis as well. If you wanted the extra heavy helper without the complication of airbags you could do Timbren. I have them for backup with the HD pack. Also added durobumps front bumpstops. Love the setup still. Stiff unloaded close to 3/4 or 1 ton ride unloaded with e-rated tires.

 

What shackles are you guys using for the dobinson’s leaf springs?

 

Stock, helps me run a full-size spare.

 

Nice. My stock shackle was tossed long ago. I do have CB +1s in the garage still, and was thinking about using those.

 

I just ordered a complete twin tube kit from MLO. I am 1.5hrs from their NH location; they will do the install. I spoke at length with John K., the sales manager there and he was very helpful. It was especially great to talk apples to apples through my needs with someone with his experience who lives and drives in NH.
He advise the SPC UCAs for insuring perfect alignment.

 

Sounds like you’re gonna be set! Which springs did you end up doing?

 

I went with the medium springs! Based on all the great feedback here and from my conversation with MLO I’m confident it will be the best all-around solution for my applications. I may later choose to add Timbrens or airbags for some of my heavier towing, but I decided I’m fine with that. My constant load of 500lbs is just too light for the HDs. We have a lot of washboard dirt roads in NH and I know my truck would suffer from being too stiff in the back. Will definitely follow up with my ride review and weight specs.

 

Do any of you guys know the spring rate on a stock Tundra and/or Bilstein 6112s? I know the regular 3in Dobinson coil is 662lbft.

 

This truck is perfect! What size tires are you running?

 

I’d bet those are 275/70r18, that truck does look good. Maybe needs a leaf pack Sure it shreds!

 

So in the pic, i did have 275/70s as @Skey44 mentioned above. Now, im on 285/75/18. This is the most recent pic i have

 

Id love to do the leaf pack, but right now all of my funds are going towards finishing my basement

 

Thats great. No rubbing with the 285/75? Any trimming or anything like that for them?

 

You listed the coils that you purchased. What else- diff drop, UCA?

 

I had a little rubbing on the front fender liner (just chopped a little but of it off), and a very very slight rub on the body mount(im living with itfor now) on the drivers side when i cut the wheels and reversed on a slight incline.

No diff drop, and im running Zone UCAs... Also removed the sway bar just because.

 

Do you have 3 inches of lift on both sides in the front, or did you add a shim on the left to hit 3.5inches?

And does the rear end lift mean you got up to 3.25inches?

 

So after reading every post on here, is it still true that the 3in comfort springs give 4-5 inches of lift even on the IMS?

 

You'd have read that the springs were changed last year, and 2 new springs were added.

These are current and correct lift heights.
2.5" - C59-778 - Stock weight
2.25" - C59-610 - With bumper and winch weight
3.0" - C59-780 - Stock weight
3.0" - C59-578 - With bumper and winch weight