Dobinsons Suspension Review

So I purchased the L59-122-R (1000# load) leaf springs to carry my camper. It handles the load great and I really do not need to use the air bags that much, but I'm not too excited about the stance when the camper is unloaded. I saw on Dobinsons site that I could remove the third leaf to convert this to the L59-121-R leaf pack (330-770# load).

I was wondering if the unloaded right height would be lower with that leaf removed?

I also expect the rear to sag more when the camper is loaded, but I would just plan to use the airbags more to help with that.

 

I bought the 121 leafs and they are not enough. In the process of adding the extra leaf now. I’d keep what you have.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. What camper are you carrying and what is the approximate weight?

 

Stainless steel RLD Design canopy plus DECKED system, WaterPort, Power Tank, and gear in the drawers. Probably an extra 800 lb over stock if I had to guess?

 

If that's not enough spring do you, I better keep mine as is. I'm hauling a Scout Olympic at around 1500#. Thanks again for help!

 

Throw up some pictures loaded/unloaded to help others in the future. 1500# is a load!

 

Especially when max payload is like 1200#.

 

I wanted to wait until I got the new wheels and tires on for the photo shoot.

 

Nice setup! Looks about perfect with that camper on!

I looked long and hard for a leaf spring setup to eliminate my airbags but after describing my loading scenarios, was told by pretty much every manufacturer (including Alcan and Deaver) to keep my bags. So I built a 6 leaf frankenpack for constant load and kept the bags for additional load.

Looking at ride height, ride comfort, and load capacity, I think you can pick two at a time with leaf springs. If the variability in load is narrow, you shoot for all three. If it’s wider - like that camp trailer, you can pick two all the time, and the the third some of the time.

Either way, that looks dialed with the camper!

 

Yeah yours looks perfect!

 

Installed the Dobinsons

$190 Add-A-Leaf kit for 1999-2021 Toyota Tundra - 21.5" Short AAL Set with Isolator Pads and Square Bend U-Bolts

Add-A-Leaf kit today to bring the spring pack up to a L59-121-R heavy constant load setup. Was TOO terribly difficult, but definitely a bit challenging at times. Especially since it did not come with any instructions and also because either Dobinsons, ExitOffroad, or the delivery service (can't remember if it was UPS or FedEx) left out one of the four white plastic bumper/spacer/silencer disks. Luckily NAPA had a similar replacement in stock, but it added about an hour and a half to the job, cost me some money, and isn't quite the same as what it should have come with. In the end though, I'm happy with the outcome. Added about 2" of height to the rear for a final rear/front rake of 2".

 

Did you say adding the 1 extra leaf added an additional 2” of lift?

 

Yeah it’s a stiff boy! Maybe it’ll settle a bit over time. But I’m good with it. Doesn’t seem to ride too harsh either.

 

Wowzers. Glad I went with the L59-120 springs on mine. That’s too high for my usage.

 

I understand. But I have a drawer system full of gear, stainless canopy, water system, and CO2 tank in the back at all times. Need that extra spring capacity.

 

I am looking between the Dobinson 120 and 121 leaf springs. I am leaning towards the 120 springs because I only haul around 2000lbs and at max around 600lbs in the bed but I am not sure how they will hold up. What do yall think would be the best option for me?

 

If only 200-400, I'd say 120s.

 

Did you mean 200-400 in the bed? My only issue is I dont want a super stiff ride but I dont want these leaf springs to give out as quick as the OEM ones did.

 

Sorry I this I misread what you wrote. How much weight do you typically have in the bed?

 

I always have about a constant of 100lbs in the bed but when I go riding (usually every other week) I push it up to around 600lbs in the bed.

 

Then I would get the 120 kit.

 

You're right I just saw that I can get an add a leaf if I need later on. Thank you!

 

Yeah, you don't want to run the stronger springs unless you keep a lot of weight in the bed at all times. The L59-120-R will do the trick.

https://exitoffroad.com/product/dobinsons-l59-120-r-rear-leaf-springs-pair-for-toyota-tundra/