Any input on Dobinson leaf springs?

Well shit! Lol

 

Can Dobinsinsons deal with 1100lb (camper) loads? How do they do with the infamous Tacoma suspension squeak? I’ve got a DCLB OR coming and I’d love to have a suspension that can deal with the weight of a camper without being a miserable experience when the truck is unladen. So far I’m considering e rated k02s, bilstein 6112/5160 and Deaver leaf springs with sumos on top.

 

Yes, you'd use the 112R springs and perhaps need an additional add a leaf too if you're not running airbags with them.

Dobinsons springs don't squeak like Dakars and others.

 

How long is the Dobinson warranty? Are there trade-offs with Dobinsons or can they be treated exactly the same way as a standard leaf spring?

 

2 years on all Dobinsons suspension parts.

No trade offs, unless you don't want lift or don't need to support more weight. They're definitely not as soft as factory springs are.

 

Still softer than deaver level 3’s I hope? If possible, I’m hoping to avoid a Tacoma that drives like an empty one ton truck.

 

Haha, yeah, it won't feel like that. Other guys on here can post up with their feedback. @gixxerphil @RyanDCLB @cubie

 

I put about 1,000 lbs in the bed of my truck this past weekend, and my truck still sat level. Of course with an empty bed, I have about 2” of rake.

 

I drove a TJ for 9yrs before getting my Tacoma, so I may not be the best on "nice riding" vehicles , but the Tacoma is a night and day difference from the TJ. I will say that I have been very pleased with my Dobinsons and would no doubt buy again.

 

I carry 600-650 lbs. in the bed and about 250 in the access cab area on a regular basis. At lease once a week I add another 400-800 lbs. to it. Loaded it rides nice. Unloaded it is stiffer than stock, but not bad. I generally throw a couple 50 lbs. bag of sand at the tailgate. As for longevity, my rear springs are 5 years old. I replaced the front coils and shock in December 2021. I have the rear Shocks, just need some extra time to put them on.
I’ve been real happy Dobinsons a d would buy again. Mike Is good to work with, and knowledgeable.

 

Are Dobinson leafs compatible with bilstein 5160s? Since the Dobinsons have less mass they require more tuning in the rear from what I read.

 

You're definitely a long-termer with these springs now!!

 

I'm sure people have run those shocks with the leaf springs, but I don't have a specific reference person for you.

A stock pack is fairly soft, so usually shocks would be valved stronger to compensate. Dobinsons shocks are pretty comfy, not firm really.

 

What lift/ride quality should I expect if I put 112s on my truck with only a camper shell/skids/sliders? 3rd gen. I think the 111s would be more suitable, but I'd like to add a rear bumper eventually.

 

I run them with the HD leafs. I only went with them b/c I got them for $80 a piece off Amazon

 

On a short bed, the 111's will be enough to handle the weight you've got plus the rear bumper. Probably be around 2.5" without the rear bumper and 2-2.25" with it. It would still ride well, as the leaf springs don't get firmer until the overload leaves are engaged with a full load.

The 112's would be overkill, unless you're planning on 4-500lbs more than you've got.

 

They have served me well. Thank you!

 

I have a 2013 DCSB with a camper, sliders and rear steel bumper. With the 111's it rides great loaded or unloaded. I've had them for a while now and have been very happy.

 

Sorry, I know this is a old thread. But which model dobinson is great for the 3rd gen? I don't really have much weight. Only then I have in the bed are bed mat and oem bed cover and that's about it. 80% on road and 20% offroad. I'd like to have about 2.50" of lift in the rear without the ride being too firm. Eventually I'll get sliders too and that'd about it. I got the eibach stage 2 kit on my truck along with a single aal.

 

The L59-110-R would do it for you. They're about 2.25" with the light amount of weight you have. Sliders won't really affect the rear lift height.

Here's the link to them
https://exitoffroad.com/product/dob...air-for-toyota-tacoma-2005-to-2019-l59-110-r/