Dobinsons Suspension Review

Looks like a perfect rake to me!

 

Agree. Ready to have more support with camper back on.

 

@crikeymike with the thicker rear leafs and height, you recommend or people doing a carrier barrier drop?

 

I did with my Dobinson's leaf pack and 1" shackle. It certainly keeps the driveshaft angle a bit more neutral, and there's really no debate about it helping, unlike like the front diff drop (which I did too lol).

 

Yeah, no harm in adding it. I usually add the lift and see how it is and add it if necessary.

 

Just ordered IMS fronts with the 610 springs to replace the spacer lift that came with my truck. 2012 Crew Max with Smittybuilt bumper. I'm looking forward to seeing how these do.

Thanks to Mike at Exit Offroad for the help and the November discount.

 

Thanks man, glad to help!!

 

Did a quick walkaround of the trunk stance with dobinson leafs and coachbuilder shackles.

 

Looks really nice!!

 

Forgive me if this has already been addressed, but this thread is super long and it’s taking me a while to go back through it all…

But it appears Dobinsons has added a third leaf spring option, SKU 122 for 1,000 lbs. constant load.

@crikeymike , I have a RLD stainless cap (probably about 250 lbs.) and a Decked drawer system with a few nick nacks in it. So probably 450 lbs. or so. I’d planned on the 120 leafs but do you think I should do the 121s instead?

 

I got 121 and together with my cb +2 shackles i think it sits just right.
Also have the decked drawer system and spare tire carrier, rack and softopper probably around 500-600lbs.

 

Very interesting. So it wouldn’t have sat right without the longer shackles? I ask because I will be using factory length shackles (Ironman). Also, aside from the stance, how do you think the 121s ride?

 

Factory shackles going to sit little less than 1inch lower with the same leafs. I love 121s ride. Initially seemed a bit tall but I love the slight rake it has for the truck

 

Gotcha. My contingency plan is to get a RAS if I need more height in the rear after going to the Dobs springs. Again, am not a fan of extended shackles.

 

If one buys the 121 pack (preassembled now, it sounds like) but decides it’s a bit too much, can they remove the extra leaf? Wondering if a shorter center pin is included to allow for pack assembly without the AAL.

 

I was about to say that. Yeah, I'd suggest going with the 121's if you want to keep the height high, and then you can remove a leaf if you don't need it. No, a shorter pin isn't included. You can cut down the one that comes with it, or order a new shorter one.

Or you can buy the 120's, and add a leaf later if you feel you need it. Buying 121's would save in the long run due to shipping costs.

 

Just signed for my IMS fronts and 610 coils. Packaged well and no damage. Don't know when I'll get these on, but I'm looking forward to seeing how they work with my heavy front bumper.

 

Well, the wait is finally over. Suspension arrived today. At least...part of it did. Front coilovers, rear shocks, and one of the two leaf packs came in. Hoping the second one arrives later today. First thing I did was make sure they used the right springs (778s) in the right color (teal). So far, everything looks good! I will say though that the leafs arrived pretty beat up. Kind of disappointed they weren't completely wrapped in plastic, especially considering what I paid for shipping!

 

I had my IMS front struts and C59-610 coils installed today.

Bought the truck a few months ago and it came with a spacer lift with an AAL.
The shop installed the coils on the 2nd perch, which I originally asked for the bottom perch, but I don't think bad. Hopefully it settles a touch, but I think it's at or just under what ride height I had with the spacer lift.

Initial impressions are that it rides about even with the spacer lift on road. I took it up a washboarded dirt road and that's where the upgrade is definitely noticeable. Any potholes, washboards, or bumps at 15mph + are soaked up extremely well. So far, very happy with that. Under that speed it's about a wash with the spacer lift that was on the truck. Not bad, but definitely firm.

The truck will get a lot more use on dirt roads through the end of January. I'll report back. But so far, I'm happy.

Btw- I have the bumper without a winch. Sitting on 295s.

 

That's a shame they got beat up a bit, but a little bit of spray paint and you'll be good to go. I've been undercoating my truck religiously for 5 years now (3 years with the Dobinsons parts installed) and even with a few little nicks on the leaf springs they've been holding up great.

 

@crikeymike , how hard is it to add the additional springs to make the pack into a 121 if I determine it's needed later on?

 

Easy for me, but it depends on your ability.

Clamp leaf pack, remove center bolt, remove clamp, insert AAL, clamp pack, insert new center bolt, tighten it up.

 

Ok cool. So the center bolt is all that comes out. I wasn’t sure with the various other clamps and hangers on the springs.

 

Well boys, we did the rear end today. Was quite a chore but we got it done. One thing though… Did we install the rear shock bushings properly? There were no instructions with them and I couldn’t find an official verdict online either. Hope we did it right! Tightened till it wouldn’t turn anymore.

 

Here’s mine.

 

Can’t really see the exact order you have everything in. @crikeymike did I screw this up??

 

Yeah it’s hard to see.
From bottom up it’s shock, washer, bushing, washer, frame mount, bushing, washer , nut.

 

Here’s another view from bottom up. To be honest I don’t know what’s correct. It was all done at a shop. But now I’m wondering !

 

Yeah, would’ve been nice if the shocks had come with instructions that stated.

 

I actually just found a diagram on another site for a Tacoma. I know it’s different but the order is how you have it.