Dobinsons 2016-2023 Taco Suspension Options

Yes but also spring rate. Ride height is dictated by several factors. Being clear, lets define ride height as center of axle to fender or somesuch:

1. the shock's spring seat height which could be fixed or adjustable and of course there is the use of spacers on fixed (adjustable like the MRR and IMS, but not the GS) allows for adjusting the spring's preload.
   
2. the spring's length. Looks like Dob has lifted springs in a few lenghts for the tacoma, I don't have stock height spring's free length.
   385mm , 395mm, 405mm free height.
   for a given load a longer spring will increase ride height.
   
3. the spring's spring rate to match additional loads on the front wheels. Some companies call it light, medium, heavy or similar.
   586LBF/IN, 730LB/IN Spring Rate (I likely missed some offerings).
   for a given load and the same shock, a stiffer spring will not compress as much and will have a greater ride height.
   spring rate will also affect ride feel, for a given load and the same shock a stiffer spring will be more jaring.
4. Likely other factors, but correct me if I'm wrong, one should be addressing all three points when buying.

 

This is all from Dobinsons Australia spec sheets they give me. They don't like me sharing this info at all, but people like you and many others pretty much demand it. That's why Dobinsons USA don't list specs, they're not allowed to.

My website info was all correct. I've corrected the IMS and MRA specs in the first post, which were from the first versions of those a few years ago before they made them a little longer.

 

Mike thanks. That's what I was thinking/expecting and I do understand their position and yours. Most companies do not have full details for coilovers on their sites. If they do not want it shared you shouldn't and we should respect the fact you can not make it available. I do. It's not by your choice, your just being responsible to them.

 

Ordering some dobinson supsension through a shop and there is an extra charge for upgraded leaf springs. I asked and the rep advised its charge when you upgrade leaf pack. Anyone happen to know why you have to pay extra on top of paying for the particular version of leafpack that is noted as being able to handle a certain weight? I did a general inquiry "upgraded leafpack charge" on google and it showed several dobinson references of paying an extra fee for upgraded leafpacks but didn't see any explanations of why.

 

More leafs?

 

I was wondering the same. @Crikeymike will have the answer. When you reply could you go over the various rear spring options, I see comments on various leaf removal and addition options. I like the idea of "fitting" the springs to my vehicle.

 

If you look at my website and the way I describe it there's a different charge for each level of leaf springs. The thinner ones cost less than the thicker ones basically. Some people's websites have a base charge and then charge an extra if you go up one spring or up another spring which confuses people so I don't sell it that way.

 

That's the answer I received from Dobinson USA. The way the website is set up. Extra charge then added for anything above base level. Thanks mike.

Rear shock question for you...Was going to go with the IMS59-50941 long travel since fronts are extended travel but then saw longer brake lines and bumpstops needed. Not too familiar with the leafpack/shock workings; so would that shock then push the rear down further requiring the changes? Going with the 50940 since I don't plan over a 2" lift.

BTW. Thanks for all you do for the community here. Good, thorough advice on all things suspension whether folks buy from or not. You're an
ace Hope the trip out west was/is good.

 

Just got a setup ordered for my DCLB, hoping to get 2” or even a little less and maintain the factory rake.


After reading 78 pages of you guys reports and many others on other threads, fingers crossed I got it right.

 

Thanks man. The goal is for people that I help to buy from me, but that doesn't always happen.

The 941 shocks are 2" longer extended and compressed, so they bottom out sooner requiring the bump stops to protect the shocks, and longer brake lines so the OE ones don't rip out and everyone does. Most people just get the 940 shocks. The amount of travel is the same.

 

Question, I’ve been running IMS59-50220 struts with C59-314 coils up front and 111 leaf packs in the rear with 50940 struts for about 5 months now. Was riding incredibly smooth until about a month ago, suddenly got that harsh, overweighted feeling I had with the oem suspension.
I did throw an SSO slimline full plate bumper on without a winch, but that only weighs 90ish pounds so didn’t think it would affect the ride quality so much.
My vehicle weight right now is arounds 5660 lbs. Is it worth installing 352 coils and the AAL to 112 in the rear? Worried it may be too much and the ride will be too stiff.

 

That 90# bumper will make a difference. Try the 352 coils only. No need to update the rear. I have the MRA shocks with 252s, and they ride a bit different. I'm about to unload the 352s and install these 354s because I have a winch too. GL!

BTW, I have 110s in the rear with airbags because I didn't need the lift or stiffness of the 111s.

 

Okay good to hear, I have the 352’s on hand already so I’ll start with throwing those on this week. Hoping its just the fronts im feeling. Running about 550/600 lbs in the rear with my setup so kinda maxed as far as what Dobinsons recommended on the 111’s. They’ve been incredibly smooth for me up until the bumper got thrown in the mix.

 

Agreed that 352 coils should help. I picked 352 coils up front because I was planning on a steel bumper. Running the stock front end when I installed the suspension I was surprised just how harsh the ride was. Very similar to the stock sport suspension almost to the point of questioning my decision.
Now that the shocks have had time to bed in and I now have the front bumper on, it rides much nicer. Still sporty on the road but so so much better off road. Handles big hits and corrugations with much greater confidence..

 

Cool, thanks for the input. Gonna throw them on after my next trip with a winch so hopefully shouldn’t be too jolty. Looking forward to riding smooth again!

 

@Coondawg07 We would love to hear which parts you purchased and how it all turns out.

 

@Crikeymike This might be a silly question, have you seen any setup which had different shocks front vs rear? If so should the "better" shocks go on the front or rear? Would a constant rear load of 800 lbs affect that consideration? More or less, if money is tight, where is it best spent shock wise? Should I PM you specific questions or dump them here? DCSB OR with sliders, AL skids, 400# camper/topper, storage structure with permanent gear 200#, recovery gear #100

 

A lot of guys are running the IMs struts in the front with the regular twin tube shocks in the rear to save some money. But if you do have a heavy load in the rear then stronger shocks would be more worthwhile because of that additional load. The people that chose the IMs up front did it so that they have height adjustable option plus if they're doing harder terrain the front end takes a beating more so than the rear end.

 

I’ll check back in this weekend. Right now one leaf spring has been delayed by several days and I’m not sure where it is.

 

@Crikeymike Are the Dobinson leaf packs really as cool as they sound? If I've read things correctly one can adjust the packs up or down in capacity. Purchasing and Adding the appropriate leaf will move it to the next level or removing the appropriate leaf or leafs can lower it a level or two. Correct me if I'm wrong but the L59-111-R (500-800#) could be bumped to the next level by adding "L59-112-R R5" $130.00 to make it L59-112-R (800-1200#). Or, the L59-111-R (500-800#) could have the 3rd leaf down removed to turn it into L59-110-R. It looks like the difference in cost between the levels of springs L59-110-R vs L59-111-R vs L59-112-R is just the cost of the leaf. So buying the wrong one is a super easy fix. Talk about ease of mind.