Dobinsons 2016-2023 Taco Suspension Options

Anyone know what the rear shock assembly is supposed to look like? The instructions at ExitOffroad don't really match some of the pictures I'm seeing on the Dobinsons website.

ExitOffroad instructions: Washer facing upwards, bushing with raised lip facing upwards, shock mount of vehicle, upper bushing (no raised lip), upper washer facing downwards, nut

Picture of the assembly from Dobinsons site:


The picture looks much like the OEM set up with an additional washer. The hardware that came with my shocks came with 2 washers that have a face up, and an additional flat washer. The flat one isn't mentioned anywhere in the instructions.

 

@Crikeymike Any ideas?

 

I am 100% certain the Exit Offroad instructions are correct.

You should just be reusing the bottom mount hardware from the OEM rear shocks, but Dobinson's seems to include hardware for all fitting cases of vehicles that the shocks fit, even if you don't use all of it (i.e. Tacoma rear shocks are also used on earlier model Tundras and probably five other Toyota/Lexus vehicles from different eras, so they seem to include hardware for all use-cases).

Hopefully this makes sense.

I'm not sure which rear shocks you have, but if they're rebound adjustable, make sure the bottom mount flathead adjuster is facing outwards. I made the mistake of installing it facing towards the mount so you couldn't adjust it and had to redo it. Not a big deal but still annoying and easy to miss.

 

That's a generic photo, not vehicle specific. The instructions on my site are what you use

 

This is all correct too and good points to follow

 

Thanks for acknowledging that. I followed the instructions on your site. Just got back from alignment and so far so good.



I rarely work on my own cars, but I do all the maintenance/labor for my dirt bikes and motorcycles. This install is fairly straightforward, but I did get frustrated here and there since the instructions are fairly lackluster. It's great that there is a lot of hardware included. But for someone with my experience with projects like this, having a lot of leftover parts can be concerning when there aren't any instructions that come with the hardware. There were times where I thought the bolts, nuts, and washers included were just grabbed randomly from a spare hardware bucket.

I also had some concerns and frustration with the quality of some items.. here's just two below.

Here's a sticker that was placed to cover raw metal. I had to order touch up paint before even finishing the install.



This is a reservoir bracket to mount one of the rear reservoirs. A weld was made too close to the hole, and it wouldn't allow me to put the bolt through. The only bolt included that would fit that hole is about 2 inches long, maybe a little longer. The bolt was much longer than the hole. Dobinsons included a nearly inch long washer, but the bolt was still too long to tighten. I had to grind down the weld, re-tap the thread in the hole, then repaint the exposed metal. Wasted a lot of time.






Can't report on ride quality yet, still need to make some adjustments and put more miles on.

Edit: I figure I'd add my before and after measurements (hub to bottom of fender).
Prior to lift:
Front driver: 20.5in
Front passenger: 20.6in
Rear both: 21.5in

After lift:
Front driver: 23in
Front passenger: 23.1in
Rear driver: 24.5in
Rear passenger: 25in

I'm sure it will settle a bit more. It went up a bit higher than I was hoping for.
C59-314 coils
MRA59-A220
L59-111-R
MRA59-A941
Dobinsons UCAs

My kit came with 8 hose clamps, but only enough hardware to secure 4 of them... I have to go buy nuts to fit another hose clamp to the top of each fender liner.

 

Hey @Crikeymike, thought I asked you this but I guess I haven't:

Is the valving on the IMS front struts "softer" in any way compared to the basic -221 struts?

For example, setting my rear MRA's to all of the softest settings with the 110 leafsprings is ideal for my driving conditions/loads. Even loaded with the trailer, I just keep the rears at the softest setting and it performs great. Would having front IMS struts be more similar to the lowest setting on an MRA version or somewhere higher? (Hopefully that makes sense)

Thanks!

 

It's hard to compare valving between twin tube shocks and monotubes. One is low pressure and the other is high. The IMS were valved to feel as close to the 221 and 220 twin tubes. I wouldn't say they're softer though because they run higher gas pressure.

MRA's can go softer (and firmer too) than IMS because you can soften or firm up all 3 settings. IMS are set to the best "all around valving".

 

Okay cool, that's sort of what I was assuming but figured I'd verify. Thanks!

 

I got my lift in May of 2020, MRA with L59-111-R leafs. All I’ve ever had on is my rack, tent, fridge and recently a Wilco swingout. Just got back from a trip and realized my leafs are flat. Anyone else experience this? I purchased from Exit Offroad

 

My Dakars have flattened out a bit over the past year+ of heavy use, but they're still holding the truck up. From what I've seen this seems to be a common theme with "medium" leaves across the board.

 

Truck also has a lean to the right and right shock seems to be making noise. Guess I have to tear it apart

 

How they look doesn't matter. What are your hub to fender measurements? That will tell us what your lift height is.

 

I will check after work

 

Driver side-24 1/2” Passenger side- 23 1/2”

 

That's 2.5" lift one side and 1.5" on the other.

 

Yes, but I’m not sure what’s going on that the right side has settled so low. I’m assuming bad shock.

 

I haven’t had them 2 years so it should be a warranty issue. Also, rocking the truck back and forth the shock makes a thumping sound and you can feel it in the shock

 

I could be wrong but sounds like the Nitogen is gone in that shock.

 

No fluid anywhere