Brief Review: Dobinson’s Suspension (Stock Height)

[Trusty Rusty]

Thanks everyone for the pics and info in this thread, lots of great feedback. Just ordered a set from @crikeymike , can't wait for the refresh!

 

[jkeithw]

who has before and after photos? considering these for my wife's 80 - she wants a bit of lift; I'd rather keep it simple.

 

[crikeymike]

who has before and after photos? considering these for my wife's 80 - she wants a bit of lift; I'd rather keep it simple.

I don't have the "before" of this truck, but here's the after, stock height coils front and rear with new shocks and steering damper. Looks like a new cruiser basically!!

 

[Trusty Rusty]

No pics yet, but as soon as that magic shipment arrives from @crikeymike , I'll be spamming this thread with before and after photos.

 

[85x]

Not the best angle but here is a pic after install. Stock height dobinsons springs with OEM shocks. Rides nice.

 

[Trusty Rusty]

Installed the front end yesterday. Picked up somewhere between 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" and may settle with a few more miles. More pics of the rear and full setup to come after Christmas.

 

[PhrogsPhorever]

$228 out the door and they come with new bushings and hardware

View attachment 2465533

Are they still using the Tokico shocks?

 

[85x]

Are they still using the Tokico shocks?

yes

 

[PhrogsPhorever]

yes

Thanks

 

[Trusty Rusty]

Installed the rear end yesterday. Picked up somewhere between 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" (similar to what was gained in the front). I'll get some more pics sometime soon from all angles, but wanted to post a quick preview/update for any others following.

 

[crikeymike]

Installed the rear end yesterday. Picked up somewhere between 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" (similar to what was gained in the front). I'll get some more pics sometime soon from all angles, but wanted to post a quick preview/update for any others following.

View attachment 2538154

It looks like new!!

 

[cruiserhound]

Installed the rear end yesterday. Picked up somewhere between 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" (similar to what was gained in the front). I'll get some more pics sometime soon from all angles, but wanted to post a quick preview/update for any others following.

View attachment 2538154

@Trusty Rusty are you still running this set-up? If so, what's the ride quality like on and off road? I've been told that some variable rate springs have dead spots and mud tires can cause excessive vibration. Is this anything you've experienced? Thank you.
@crikeymike do you have any feedback on variable rate springs causing excessive vibration with mud tires? This question is the only thing holding me up from buying the stock height springs and Dobinson shocks. My other alternative is buying constant rate springs but I don't see that Dobinson offers them. Thank you.

 

[crikeymike]

@Trusty Rusty are you still running this set-up? If so, what's the ride quality like on and off road? I've been told that some variable rate springs have dead spots and mud tires can cause excessive vibration. Is this anything you've experienced? Thank you.
@crikeymike do you have any feedback on variable rate springs causing excessive vibration with mud tires? This question is the only thing holding me up from buying the stock height springs and Dobinson shocks. My other alternative is buying constant rate springs but I don't see that Dobinson offers them. Thank you.

I've never heard of what you're describing.

 

[cruiserhound]

I've never heard of what you're describing.

That's good to hear. I'll probably pull the trigger on the dobinson stock height set-up. Do you have any recommendation on dobinson vendors?

 

[crikeymike]

That's good to hear. I'll probably pull the trigger on the dobinson stock height set-up. Do you have any recommendation on dobinson vendors?

Yes, we are the #1 Dobinsons vendor in the USA.

80 Series Land Cruiser (1990-1997) Archives - Exit Offroad

exitoffroad.com

 

[cruiserhound]

Yes, we are the #1 Dobinsons vendor in the USA.

80 Series Land Cruiser (1990-1997) Archives - Exit Offroad

exitoffroad.com

@crikeymike, with shipping and tax I'm looking at $1426.50, you wouldn't happen to have any discount codes would you?

 

[Trusty Rusty]

@Trusty Rusty are you still running this set-up? If so, what's the ride quality like on and off road? I've been told that some variable rate springs have dead spots and mud tires can cause excessive vibration. Is this anything you've experienced? Thank you.
@crikeymike do you have any feedback on variable rate springs causing excessive vibration with mud tires? This question is the only thing holding me up from buying the stock height springs and Dobinson shocks. My other alternative is buying constant rate springs but I don't see that Dobinson offers them. Thank you.

Negative, the truck is a far cry from the early stages of what I thought was just going to be a "slight refresh" (should come as no surprise after hanging around on this forum... ). I'm on a 4" setup with Dobs IMS shocks from Mike, bumpers, control arms, etc. Never heard about the "dead spots" issue you raised...so can't comment. And I would never run MT's on an 80 unless you're living off-road. AT tires do about 95% of all things very well for the average owner...but just my $0.02.

Buy with confidence from @crikeymike !

 

[cruiserhound]

Negative, the truck is a far cry from the early stages of what I thought was just going to be a "slight refresh" (should come as no surprise after hanging around on this forum... ). I'm on a 4" setup with Dobs IMS shocks from Mike, bumpers, control arms, etc. Never heard about the "dead spots" issue you raised...so can't comment. And I would never run MT's on an 80 unless you're living off-road. AT tires do about 95% of all things very well for the average owner...but just my $0.02.

Buy with confidence from @crikeymike !

Lol, yeah I know exactly what you mean! Here's my "slight refresh"!

 

[Trusty Rusty]

Lol, yeah I know exactly what you mean! Here's my "slight refresh"!View attachment 3811304

Easily one of THE cleanest LS swaps in all the land...so, so, sooooooo good! I remember seeing pics of this either here on Mud or possibly one of the various 80/LC FB groups. Did you do the work yourself or shop install? Feel free to PM...this is one of the last big hurdles I plan to jump one of these days, just don't have any particular reasons with a very healthy 1FZ and 155k on the clock.

 

[cruiserhound]

Easily one of THE cleanest LS swaps in all the land...so, so, sooooooo good! I remember seeing pics of this either here on Mud or possibly one of the various 80/LC FB groups. Did you do the work yourself or shop install? Feel free to PM...this is one of the last big hurdles I plan to jump one of these days, just don't have any particular reasons with a very healthy 1FZ and 155k on the clock.

Thanks. It is shop installed. I'm friends with the shop owner so I did get to participate and do some of the easy work but I did not do any of the fabrication. It runs great and is fun to drive but still needs some work. Mostly a new paint job, new exterior trim, rubber window and door seal/gaskets. Theres a build thread in my profile somewhere.

I wouldn't do a swap unless you either have a lot of money or you are very good at mechanics, fabrication and wiring. I'm not saying you shouldn't do it but you need to think long and hard whether it is worth the investment. If you use it as a daily or you do a lot of "overlanding" then I'd say go for it. I'm not sure I'd do it again if I had the choice, I might build out a modern vehicle instead. It went over budget and after it was done I felt that I couldn't invest more money. Therefore it hasn't gotten the attention (more money) it deserves. I'm just finally deciding to invest some more money as that initial financial pain is starting to wear off !

I'll try to answer any questions you have. I've learned a thing or two in the process.