Dobinsons Suspension Review

I’m getting custom bumpers by @BashFab. Tube plate hybrids. Closely resembling these except for the Tundra and more plate on the rear. He’s installing the Badland Apex winch at same time.

 

Tire specs & PSI?

 

35x12.5R17 Toyo RT. Im at 35 PSI front and 33 PSI in the rears on the street. I only dropped about 5 PSI this weekend in the dirt because it's hard packed and I hate waiting for my tiny compressor to air my tires back up before hitting the freeway

 

Just making sure you weren’t running an E load tire at 80psi!

 

Lol. No but I see plenty of people running tires like that on the trail and why they are stuck everywhere

 

Agreed. I just got the 778s put on, and man I'm still at 4.7 inches of lift in the front again. The rear shocks are really bad. Like real bad. And I do not recommend anyone get the leaf springs unless absolutely necessary. Really wish I just went domestic. This has been a nightmare.

 

Jesus really? How is that even possible? Who is building the shocks for you?

 

DOBINSONS! lolll it's insane.

 

Haha yeah this is a mess. I'm literally in my garage as we speak trying to build mine lol

 

good luck. I’m about done with the whole lot. Thousands wasted and a ton of time. Going to go back to stock leafs and pick up some Toytecs

 

My local guy here in the Richmond VA area is a huge proponent of Dobinson's. He actually installed them on my father in law's FJ and Dobinson is legit. Super nice ride on road and everything you really want or need 99% of the time off road. I'm a huge fan, I hadn't really heard much of them until fairly recently but IMO its well worth the money for a quality yet functional set up.

 

Well, the build is going well so far lol. These SPC spring compressors are actually really legit. Totally different animal than your typical auto parts store rental type.

I should get the struts mounted within a few weeks, so I'll post up again then.

 

I have the 780 springs installed at the bottom setting and now that they've settled I'm really liking the height and the ride quality. I was very skeptical at first, but I like em now.

 

I just bought a set of those SPC compressors myself to try out. Now seeing that it can handle the Tundra springs, it will have no problem on my 4runner coils.

 

For the rear is it the springs or shocks that you don't like? Or is it both? In the IMS thread you posted that the shocks were "supple" and were a worthwhile purchase. - quote from you on the IMS thread: "The leaf pack is stunning compared to stock. Truck feels more solid. I ended up using the Ironman 4x4 shackles too. The rear shocks feel super supple. Compared to 6112s they feel more planted. Worthwhile purchase definitely." End quote.
What made you change your mind about the Dodinson rear springs and shocks? More time living with them?

 

Nice! Yeah so long as they come out from in between the coils I'm sold on em.

While I have you here @crikeymike , I'm assuming this little spacer between the dust boot and the lower washer stays put, correct? That's how I'm building them but figured I might as well double check.

 

Yes, that's correct. It's to give the proper spacing on the bushings and washers up above when installed in the mount, and also maintains the down travel in the strut.

Yeah, #1 problem with a lot of compressors is not being able to get the jaws out once the spring is in place. I'm testing these out as a way to adjust IMS or MRA struts that have already been installed, so that the seat height can be changed. Will be messing with it this weekend I think.

 

Wth?

 

Great thanks.

However the spring compressors are a bust lol. Can't get them out from in-between the coils. I'll still keep them for future projects though since they are super stout.

Looks like I'll be dropping these off at Main Line whenever I can.

 

No way you have the 778 and have 4.7” lift, I have the 778 and barely have 2.5”. Why would anyone get new leafs if not necessary, I had to get leafs after adding a decked system and a shell, no way I would get leafs unless I was planning on serious weight. I do agree that the dobinson rear shocks with factory leafs is not a good idea, I’m running mine with Dakar leafs and they are fantastic.

 

Are you using the ims up front? What setting do you have them on? Thanks!

 

Negative so that could be the difference. I asked in another thread if someone could measure from center of the lower bolt hole mount to the spring perch and I can compare to the standard dobinson front struts.

 

Just measured my IMS. 10.75" to lowest part of spring seat on the 2nd clip or factory setting.

 

That's a bummer, I think its time to call it. Toytec site says the 2.5's are in stock but given the current climate, I'd give them a ring just to be sure. At least you know they're tried and true.

 

Might be true for fj/Tacoma/land cruiser, but I don’t think they’ve had enough time with the tundra yet.

 

Yes way re the IMS. I’m sure the twin tubes are fine, as they’ve been out longer.

The tundra IMS on 2nd clip, with 778 2.5inch coils, are giving me 4.75 inches of lift. To be specific 26.7 from middle of hub to bottom of fender

 

that was on the first day when I drove off the lot. Was trying to be a nice guy, but this is my 2nd set of coilovers that are way too tall and it’s getting out of hand.

the rear springs are rough, even with the medium load and 200lbs in the rear.

the rear IMS shocks are not that well tuned imo. They bounce like crazy. If you’re coming from 6112/5160 I can almost guarantee you that you’ll be slightly perturbed.

 

Although I'm on stock leafs I have to agree on the rear shocks. I have not been able to find anyone yet in SoCal that will revalve them for me. Dobinsons was no help. They just told me anyone can do it. If I can't get them revalved then I will probably sell them

 

Weren't you on the 780s prior with almost same measurements?

 

So the lower clip would only be .25" lower, correct?