Dobinson's "Review"

dude, i have exactly the same front crash problem with my Dobinsons suspension installed yesterday on my 2016 Explorer Limited when doing the damping work, what can i do to avoid it or fix it? thanks!

 

I sent you a DM bro. The clunk is normal the first few days. Mine is completely gone now.

 

Your suspension settled a whole inch? I was thinking of this setup but if that's the case, I may not...

 

for the OP, ultimately how much lift did you give you and how much has it settled overtime?

 

It didn't settle much, maybe a quarter inch? Its still riding really well. The only issue I've had is minor rust. Everything is super clean except for some sports where the welds are on the struts, and where the cap goes over the UCA joints. Not sure if its because of all the sand driving I do, although I have had it all covered in fluid film by @ALI3N_123

 

HMU for all your Fluid Film needs

 

I need mine doen again btw.

 

I didn't see it anywhere here, how much lift do you have then?

 

I see his truck maybe 2-3 times a week. I’ll measure from the ground to fender and post on here to update

 

I got the 3” lift

 

Thought I would chime in on this thread with a review since there aren't a lot out there. I took the plunge after a friend had a good experience.

For background, I daily a 2015 DCSB TRDOR. I live in Utah and use this truck to bring gear into the desert and mountains for camping, I almost never wheel with an empty bed. I run 265/75r16 load E Duratracs tires and don't plan to size up even with the lift. My main reason for the lift (besides clearance) was because I would experience a lot of squat when loaded up for camping, especially with my 250lb dirt bike on a hitch carrier. I have a steel bedrack and basket which total about 150lbs, plus a bed mat. The goal here was not to build a trophy truck, I like to take it slow and steady off road. Even still, I've been surprised by how composed it is at speed when I air down. I opted for the increased front load because I'm anticipating adding sliders, a hidden winch and a steel front skid which should lower the front a bit and return the natural rake.

Front - 3" of lift
C59-350 Coil Springs (500lbs to 800lbs constant load)
GS59-220 Pair of Extended Length Front Struts
Dobinsons Tacoma UCAs
PS59-4030 1/4" Alloy Strut Top Mount Spacer (to correct driver side lean)
Dobinsons Diff Drop Kit (I decided not to install this after reading other's reviews and opinions on diff drops, I'll likely opt for high angle CV boots down the road)

Rear - 3" of Lift
L59-111-R Leaf Springs (500lbs to 800lbs constant load)

$315 GS59-940 Dobinsons Pair of Rear Shocks Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 4x4 2005-2018 - GS59-940

GS59-940 Pair of Rear Shocks
I also replaced all U bolts and bushings with Dobinsons' kits.

After install:


3" is not small, you can see the difference with only the rear lifted here:


Total cost from Exit Offroad with new hardware, UCA bearings pressed and spring/strut assembly was ~$2,400 shipped.

First Opinions:
I installed this kit in my driveway in 3 days after work, I greased all bushings with silicone super lube and the ride is dead silent. I was able to get it aligned to stock spec no problem at a local shop. In my first 700 miles or so, I've taken it on the highway, mild off-roading with gear, and driven around town. The ride is harsher than stock, but I expected that given the higher spring rate. I honestly prefer it, and it's helped a lot with body roll on the highway and I know I'm not going to slam the bump stops when getting a little spirited on fire roads.

No driveshaft carrier bearing drop or shim between the leaf springs/axle and I experience no vibration at speed, just a little more under 1000RPM, but it's mostly in the stick and I don't think automatic guys would have this issue. No driverside lean with the extra 1/4 spacer correcting that issue. No traction control kicking on during highway corners which I've heard can be an issue. I'm excited to add armor (aka weight) up front, I think that will really bring the setup into it's own and make the truck feel a bit more planted.

 

Awesome man, I'm glad it's working out well for you!! Thanks for sharing all your thoughts. Be sure to follow up in the future when you do add weight and some more miles on it!!

 

Alright guys, so I don't have the truck anymore. I lifted my new truck already and did not go with Dobinsons. Reason? 100% financial. I found a sent of brand new 6112's with coils for $600 bucks, came with leaf springs for the rear level lift look. Once I beat these struts dead I'll probably go with a dobinsons 2.75" lift, unless I come across another deal.

 

Considering a Dobinson suspension lift for my truck .. just checking out prices

 

Let me know if you have any questions and I can help you out.

There are a lot of options, anywhere from the $700's up to the $3000's with Dobinsons parts.

 

Love my dobinsons set up.

 

Did you go with the extended brake lines?

 

I did not. Probably should have.

 

Wixo OP Do you gave any regret going with the 314's and not the 352's that will hole a little more weight?

 

Not really, I feel like they ran really well. Any stronger and they may have been a little rough riding.