Any input on Dobinson leaf springs?

I am needing to upgrade from stock suspension with AAL to a full leaf pack. I was leaning toward OME Dakar’s but have read several bad reviews on the newer design. I have seen several people recommend Dobinson but haven’t found a lot of info. Any input would be appreciated. I have a double cab and am looking for 2-3 inches of lift with a steel bumper, fiberglass camper top and 100 lbs of gear full time with other gear occasionally.

 

Lots of 2nd and 3rd gen guys are running them, but they haven't chimed in yet.

@POOLGUY has 3 years on his and a lot of miles too. He can give a good longer-term review of them.

 

Thanks! You might be the one that I talked to earlier this week.

 

ive had them on for about 6 months now, on my DCSB wit a leer fiberglass shell. the stock leafs sagged quite a bit with the shell on, ended up going with the mid-level Robinson's originally (don't remember the exact part number, I think it was the 111's) which raised it 5.5" from the sag, and stiffened it up a lot, I also replaced the rear shocks with bilstein 5160s. I ended up taking out one of the leaves to turn them into 110's, and it now sits great, a little taller in the back, maybe 2 inches above stock, with the shell on, and levels out with the bed full or camping gear or fire wood., they are well made, and were easy to install, with no problems using the stock hangers. ill try to post a pic tomorrow after work

 

I'm running OME dakar Not a big fan.... I was also recommend Dobinson

 

I have some sitting on the living room floor. They're going to be installed Wednesday with the rest of the Dobinsons suspension stuff I bought. They say they'll give me a nice 2.1" lift in the back. It all looks really solid and I can't wait for next week.

 

Post some photos!

 

I'll definitely try to remember to post in here when I get em on. I hit all the new parts with Shark Hide. You spray it on metals and it's supposed to ward off corrosion and rust. I guess it's used on boats, etc. Who knows, can't hurt I don't think.

 

https://exitoffroad.com/product/dob...-kit-for-2005-to-2020-tacoma-4x4-double-cabs/
with SPC UCA.

Measurements from the top of the center cap. I got the taco lean spacer but it's still .75" lower on the driver side. I looked and the spacer is on the driver side, isn't that where it goes? So not sure what's up there, maybe gas tank? It's a more comfortable ride that before so I'm happy about that, and I like the stance a lot better.

Leaf pack seems nice and no squeaking.

BEFORE



AFTER

 

Thanks. Looks good. You are right the spacer goes on the driver side. Which leaf pack and coil did you go with? Did you get the height that you expected?

 

C59-301 coils for 1.6"

GS59-220 extended length struts for +1"

L59-110-R leaf pack for 2.1"

I was hoping for another inch in the back and got that just right. Front stayed about the same as my 5100s.

 

I'm running the HD with full @SOS CONCEPTS skids/sliders, decked system, and camper shell. 255/70/17 tires on both

I'm a big fan of @Crikeymike and his CS. Great guy to work with. Definitely a return customer.

Before: Stock susp


After: Dobinsons IMS, JBA's, HD leafs

 

Looks good man.

 

Like @Crikeymike stated I have had Dobinsons suspension for several years and have about 115,000 miles on it. I have an access cab with about 200# of tools and parts in the back seat area, and carry on a regular basis close to 550# in the bed. With the heavy duty rear springs I hardly notice the weight. I've been very happy with my suspension. I haven't had any problems out of my Dobinsons.

 

I am running the same sliders and camper on mine with a DIY drawer system in the bed. That is about the lift height that I am looking for. Thanks.

 

I just noticed you're in AL. I'm over in Auburn

If you get a chance, you're welcome to come ride with us anytime. I'm more of a camper than wheeler.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ga-traverse-camping-trip-11-20.687851/

 

Good to know. Looks like several Alabama guys are running Dobinson suspension.

 

Me too. I’m supposed to be taking the family to Little River Canyon this weekend if the hurricane doesn’t come up this way. I have read stuff about that GA traverse trip and would love to do it sometime. Right now we are about to start building a house so I don’t see it happening this year but thanks for the invite. Let me know if you plan one next year. I’m up above Huntsville.

 

I don't think you can go wrong with the Dobinsons. I went with the adjustable IMS just b/c I knew I will eventually add an ARB and winch.

 

I’m probably going to order them this week. I just wanted to see what kind of lift I would get with a setup similar to mine. Right now I have stock with a AAL which was fine for a while but after loading up halfway for this weekend trip I noticed I was way low considering what it used to be. Time for an upgrade.