Dobinsons IMS Struts and Shocks - Adjustable Height Monotubes - 2nd/3rd Gen Tacomas

The cat got out of the bag recently about the new Dobinsons IMS shocks, so I'm starting this thread to give the details about these new struts from Dobinsons that are arriving in March 2020, and rear shocks coming later in 2020.

IMS
Internal reservoir
Monotube
Shocks

I guess IRMS sounded silly, and considering the already existing MRR (Monotube Remote Resi), a non-resi version didn't sound right either, this is the wording Dobinsons are going with.

In a nutshell, the IMS struts and shocks are almost the same as the MRR/MRA but with an IFP (Internal Floating Piston) inside the shock body with a small gas reservoir, and no external hose or reservoir. Same monotube body size, piston diameter, shaft thickness, and also the struts are height adjustable thanks to the fully threaded body. Super easy installation.
These do not have any valving adjustment.

From the manufacturer:
Dobinsons IMS Monotube Shock Absorbers are designed for next level performance over Twin Tube Shocks in those hot, harsh, demanding conditions. By utilising the Monotube design, Dobinsons IMS Shock Absorbers are able to resist fade far longer on corrugated roads, long or hard working 4WD trips, towing or racing conditions.

The larger 50 and 60mm high flow pistons reduce internal pressures, reduce the heat generated, transfer heat to the body for faster cooling and offer improved damping performance and vehicle control at higher shaft speeds on rough terrain and during big impacts. Threaded bodies on struts allow for fine tuning of height and offer further improvements in cooling.
The micro-polished, hard chromed and heat treated shock shaft, CNC aluminium high flow race inspired piston, and DOM seamless tubing body provides the ultimate in performance and off-road durability.

Composite piston wear bands and a race style 3-stage sealing system offer the lowest levels of friction whilst maintaining durability and longevity. Dobinsons team of engineers spend hundreds of hours of testing and tuning
the shim stacks and damping characteristics in each IMS Shock to ensure a balance of comfort, handling, vehicle control and offroad performance - Enjoy the ride

Features

• Fully re-buildable and re-valvable
• Zero shock fade in all terrains with full load
• Direct, bolt-on replacement for easy fitment
• Uses existing full range of coil springs and top mounts
• Highest quality rubber bushings top and bottom for maximum NVH dampening
• Corrosion resistant (EDP Surface Protection)
• Heavy duty single piece lower leg
• Enormous oil capacity
• Heavy Duty 3 Stage FKM HNBR Sealing System for the ultimate in reliability
• Race inspired hi-flow CNC 6061 Billet alloy piston – for the ultimate in offroad handling
• 56mm/2.2” Bodied Series - 50mm hi-flow CNC 6061 Billet alloy piston - 50mm bore
• 66mm/2.6” Bodied Series - 60mm hi-flow CNC 6061 Billet alloy piston - 60mm bore

The body size is 56mm with a 50mm piston for these vehicles:
4th/5th Gen 4Runner
2nd/3rd Gen Tacoma
Lexus GX470 and GX460

The body size is 66mm with a 60mm piston for these vehicles:
Land Cruiser 80, 100, and 200 series

Part numbers for 2nd and 3rd Gen Tacoma 2005+ IMS struts and shocks. Click on part number to see pricing and further details of each item. **SOLD IN PAIRS**
IMS59-50220 - IMS Front Struts - suits 0-3.5" lift

**Edit 9/1/21** Just added the rears to the website today so that people can place backorders if they want.
Specs are on each page there.

IMS59-50940 - Rear IMS for 0-3"
https://exitoffroad.com/product/dobinsons-ims59-50940-monotube-ifp-rear-shocks-for-tacoma/
(these have been made and are due at Christmas 2021)

IMS59-50941 - Rear IMS for 2-3.5" longer travel
https://exitoffroad.com/product/dob...otube-ifp-long-travel-rear-shocks-for-tacoma/
(Stock arrived 11/18/21)


Instructions on how to seat coil seat height with the adjustable collars: https://exitoffroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ExitOffroad.com-IMS_MRA-adjustment.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Npfx40VD3kM

 

What is the extended and collapsed length of the rear shock, approximately how much droop is expected? Are they self-limiting for drop (like the OME) or will they need straps?

 

Is that last screenshot the full kit they're going to be offering? What leaf packs, and do you know the total price?

 

The parts can all be put together in a kit with whichever struts shocks coils and leaf packs you want. The options are all on the site now.

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

 

Sorry, looks like I jumped the gun there. The part number I had was incorrect, they are working on a new rear shock at the moment, but a part number and specs for it aren't out. They will be longer than the

$335 GS59-940 Dobinsons Pair of Rear Shocks Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 4x4 2005-2018 - GS59-940

GS59-940 from Dobinsons most likely and in IMS format. More info will come on those later in the year when they're released.

 

@Crikeymike

Super interested in the new front shocks. My question is about re-valving--is that something Dobinson's would help plan? i.e. if I wanted to go in and change valving, could I order a shim-stack directly from you guys, or get an engineer's recommendation for how to change the shims for my liking?

 

I was eyeing this the other day. Surprised there wasn't much info on it. T4r seems to have good reviews. I especially like the screw type coilover over the notches that bilsteins have.

 

Yes, Dobinsons will be doing the shock rebuilding and all that if required. The equipment is getting put into place now to be operational pretty soon. It would be handled by Dobinsons directly, however I don't think re-valving will be very common, especially with the additional cost that would go along with it.

 

hey Mike thanks for the reply. So does it mean that the shocks are not intended to be rebuilt by the user? I'm Iooking for an option I can make changes to myself if needed.

 

Oh you can, but there's a $5000+ machine being sent to the US to rebuild the shocks, so I don't think it's something that one would want to try and do at home. I know I wouldn't touch it myself and I've been working on cars forever. The way I see it, it would be like jumping in to change your engine's piston rings real quick... The shocks would need to be fully disassembled to change the valving. A lot of people are choosing the 3-way adjustable versions so that they can externally adjust and dial in the ride that they want.

 

Any updates on the rear IMS'?

 

No, no news for Tacoma rear IMS, only the MRA at this time.

 

Okay I got ya, right on. Yeah I agree diving into your shocks is a commitment most don't want to make, but good to know the option is there for those who like that sort of thing. Thanks for the info!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...spension-options.458013/page-10#post-22512237

That's the 3 way adjustable MRA info

 

Wrote up and added these instructions today to the website so that you can get a better idea of how to set the coil seat height, and how to adjust them.

https://exitoffroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ExitOffroad.com-IMS_MRA-adjustment.pdf

 

Are these new struts available for second gens now?

 

They're due at the end of this month. Just hoping there aren't more container and shipping delays overseas.

 

Thanks i am starting to consider upgrading the front as what I have now isn’t holding the weight so well so just kinda investigating options

 

Stock arrived today (early) for the IMS59-50220 front adjustable height struts!!

Any existing orders will ship out today or tomorrow.

 

Looking forward to seeing some photos of them installed.