Compiled 80 series suspension component spec thread... shocks, coils & more.

[stevenmichael]

I have never changed the front or back shocks or springs on my 97 lx450 . Its starting to bounce a lot and the local tire shop took a look and said I needed new shocks . He wants 200 for shocks and 200 to put them on shocks only . I ask about springs and he said not to change the springs . I have a few questions . How do I know when I need new springs ? And what is the best direct replacement shocks that are like the original shocks . What shock is out there that is as close or better than the original shock ? I don't want to raise anything up . I want to keep the new parts the same . I want a nice comfortable road ride shock . I have watch a few videos and I think I can change them myself . Is 200 to replace 4 shocks only a fair price ? The guy in the video makes it look easy so 200 seems like a lot for 2 screws on each shock . I think I would rather buy better shocks and do it myself . If this is not the right place to post this will you let me know where to post it ?

 

[GW Nugget]

If you can change a tire, you can change a shock. You can do it.
This thread is for specifications of coils, shocks etc...
I would be glad to answer all you questions if you Personal Message me.
Nice camper conversion bye the way in the avatar.

 

[Wompom]

Has anyone paired any of the Dobinsons offerings with other shocks?
I posted in another thread but looking for some suspension advice from those who have more knowledge/experience. I've read so many threads (including this one) that i think i've confused myself more than figured anything out.

I have an offer on the table for a new set of BP51s thats too good to pass up. I could be swayed to go to something else but i'm not going to be able to get any other remote resi 2.5 shock for this price so it'd be essentially switching over to a mono type shock if i went that route.

Now cooking up some crazy ideas that may be a bad idea suspension wise.
I'm wondering if i want to stay with OME springs. I know they were designed to work together but i'm leaning towards wanting a dual rate spring as I wont always be completely loaded like i would on a trip.

Really liking the idea of the tapered dobs springs

The long length BP-51s are:
Front: BP5160014
extended length 26"
compressed 15"

Rear: BP5160015
Extended length 26"
compressed 16"

Dobinson Yellow Shocks

3" lift shocks
Front 14.56" - 24.72"
Rear 15.03" - 24.80"
4" lift shocks
GS45-912 front 15.35" - 26.37" (Rec BS .5")
GS59-687 rear 16.02" - 26.77" (Rec BS 2")
6" lift shocks
GS59-684 front - 16.53" -28.66" (Rec BS 1.5")
GS59-685 rear - 17.00" - 28.74" (Rec BS 3")

The 3" dobs shock lengths are very similar to the BP-51 extended length shocks - but wondering if the dampening would be too off (though it is adjustable).

It seems like the OME shocks were designed OME linear rate springs, though they do work with the 861/862 dual rate OME coils.

I was planning on going dobinsons or slinky but not sure i can pass up the deal on BP51s.

I'm definitely going to have a front bumper, MT sliders, rear drawers and fridge, eventually a winch and dual batts, and sometimes my RTT.
On trips i'll have two german shepherds and my girlfriend, so shes gonna be heavy. No way around it. Not going to be crawling anything crazy or the rubicon but will definitely be doing a bit more than cruising up fire roads.

Looking for someone to tell me to either give it a shot since springs are cheap, or stop being an idiot and use a system that was designed to work together.

Just really like the free height of the dobs vs the OME.

 

[Hamachi]

Have you checked out the Delta Vehicle Systems lift kit yet?

 

[Wompom]

Have you checked out the Delta Vehicle Systems lift kit yet?

I have. Looks like a great kit. I just have a good deal on the shocks so thinking about pairing them with a different spring set (dobinsons taper or variable) but trying to figure out if the longer version shock would play nice with those springs.
First time lifting a rig coming from a fast car world.

 

[bwesty]

Has anyone paired any of the Dobinsons offerings with other shocks?
I posted in another thread but looking for some suspension advice from those who have more knowledge/experience. I've read so many threads (including this one) that i think i've confused myself more than figured anything out.

I have an offer on the table for a new set of BP51s thats too good to pass up. I could be swayed to go to something else but i'm not going to be able to get any other remote resi 2.5 shock for this price so it'd be essentially switching over to a mono type shock if i went that route.

Now cooking up some crazy ideas that may be a bad idea suspension wise.
I'm wondering if i want to stay with OME springs. I know they were designed to work together but i'm leaning towards wanting a dual rate spring as I wont always be completely loaded like i would on a trip.

Really liking the idea of the tapered dobs springs

The long length BP-51s are:
Front: BP5160014
extended length 26"
compressed 15"

Rear: BP5160015
Extended length 26"
compressed 16"



The 3" dobs shock lengths are very similar to the BP-51 extended length shocks - but wondering if the dampening would be too off (though it is adjustable).

It seems like the OME shocks were designed OME linear rate springs, though they do work with the 861/862 dual rate OME coils.

I was planning on going dobinsons or slinky but not sure i can pass up the deal on BP51s.

I'm definitely going to have a front bumper, MT sliders, rear drawers and fridge, eventually a winch and dual batts, and sometimes my RTT.
On trips i'll have two german shepherds and my girlfriend, so shes gonna be heavy. No way around it. Not going to be crawling anything crazy or the rubicon but will definitely be doing a bit more than cruising up fire roads.

Looking for someone to tell me to either give it a shot since springs are cheap, or stop being an idiot and use a system that was designed to work together.

Just really like the free height of the dobs vs the OME.

I'm betting it will work well. Springs are easy and fairly inexpensive to swap out. Get the BP51s if you have a deal like that and you'll be able to swap out springs and find a good match. Someone will buy your like new springs if you something works better than another set

 

[Wompom]

@David Otero @crikeymike
Do you guys have a recommendation for the shock length to be paired with the 2-2.5" tapered coils? (C97-146VT & C97-147VT)
Trying to figure out if these would work decently with longer OME L shocks that I have on hand or not and if so what would be needed to make them run nicely(bump spacers, etc).
Front:
extended length 26"
compressed 15"
Rear:
Extended length 26"
compressed 16"

I can't seem to find photos of any rigs running this setup but its middle rate itsnt too far off of OME heavies but wondering if my rig would be too much for them with RTT, sliders, drawers, fridge, front bumper.

Trying to find a ~2" coil that is variable or tapered to keep a somewhat low COG but has decent droop. The slinky stage 1 stuff doesnt give me the warm and fuzzies and can't stomach the price of stg.4.

 

[GW Nugget]

Here is what I have learned about pairing coils & shocks so the coil stay retained in the bucket. Let's start with the tried & true good ole 850J....the short one is 20.27" & then we have the OME front L shock at 26.5" extended collar to collar. These are designed to be together. From the default setting one can do simple math from there....
Example: a 22.27" free height coil will allow a 28.5" ext. shock or the other way an 19.27" coil to stay retaind can only have 25.5" ext. shock.
The rear shock sits at an angle so it's close to the same, but not exact simple math. The shorter 863 is 18.89" & rear L is 26.5" collar to eye. Do the math up or down from there. Of course this is not exact science, but a good rule of thumb.

 

[Dragos80]

Awesome Gary,
So about 6" added to the free height go the springs should dictate the length of the shocks then.

I always thought Dobinsons 3" flexi would pair well with OME L shocks, which now fits your theory.

Front 3" flexi (C59-612V) (21.26") along with OME L 60070L (26.3" ext)
Rear 3" flexi (C59-613V) (21.26") paired with OME L 60071L (26.9" ext)

 

[Box Rocket]

Awesome Gary,
So about 6" added to the free height go the springs should dictate the length of the shocks then.

I always thought Dobinsons 3" flexi would pair well with OME L shocks, which now fits your theory.

Front 3" flexi (C59-612V) (21.26") along with OME L 60070L (26.3" ext)
Rear 3" flexi (C59-613V) (21.26") paired with OME L 60071L (26.9" ext)

You'd actually be leaving a couple inches of droop unused with that combo. The L shocks will max out extension before the coil and limit travel. I have found this to be the case with the L shocks with almost any 3" coil.

 

[Dragos80]

You'd actually be leaving a couple inches of droop unused with that combo. The L shocks will max out extension before the coil and limit travel. I have found this to be the case with the L shocks with almost any 3" coil.

What would you recommend instead?

I see Dobinson's 4-5" lift shocks are listed at 15.35" compressed to 26.37" extended (on par with OME L shocks). GS45-912
And for 6" lift they are 17" compressed to 28.7" extended. GS59-685.

 

[GW Nugget]

If you are pairing Dobinson shocks to Dobinson coils, all the info is on page #1
Yellow shock Bump Stop Recommendation
(As per David Otero @ Dobinson)
4" lift shocks:
GS45-912 needs about .5" of bump stop extension with a minimum of 525mm/20.67" coil length
GS59-687 needs 2” of bump ext. with a 505mm/19.88" minimum coil free height to stay trapped
6" lift shocks:
GS59-684 needs about 1.5” bump stop spacing with a minimum coil length of 570mm/22.44"
GS59-685 needs a 3” extension and minimum of approx 555mm/21.85" coil length to stay trapped

 

[Box Rocket]

What would you recommend instead?

I see Dobinson's 4-5" lift shocks are listed at 15.35" compressed to 26.37" extended (on par with OME L shocks). GS45-912
And for 6" lift they are 17" compressed to 28.7" extended. GS59-685.

I'd recommend something longer with that size of lift if you don't want to limit travel with the shocks. What you use is up to you. I have the Stage4 Slinky shocks for the 3" Slinky lift and these are the measurements. These shocks are not limiting travel on my truck.
Front AC56511 16.85"/28.17"
Rear AC56512 16.85"/27.42"

 

[GW Nugget]

I'd recommend something longer with that size of lift if you don't want to limit travel with the shocks. What you use is up to you. I have the Stage4 Slinky shocks for the 3" Slinky lift and these are the measurements. These shocks are not limiting travel on my truck.
Front AC56511 16.85"/28.17"
Rear AC56512 16.85"/27.42"

I think we are slitting hairs here... but Adam you are recommending a 28.17" front shock for @Dragos80 question of a 21.26" tall front coil? I believe that coil would be loose by at least 1" minimum. The rear 21.26" coil would be snug though.

 

[GW Nugget]

Hello @David Otero and @crikeymike I want to put together a comprehensive compile to compare all the dual variable rate coils offered 0" to 2" by all the manufactures. Can you give us the rates, free heights, turns & wire dia. of what you offer. You have been so kind in the past to give the spec info for the taller lifts, but its time for the stock height to mild lifts to be compiled to the thread.
Can we start with these?
This is what I have so far.
- C59-210V – Variable Rate Standard Height Springs (Front) 182-217lbs
- C59-221V – Variable Rate Standard Height Springs (Rear) 166-223lbs
Variable rate stock height replacement coils
Stock height suspension options - Dobinson
Stock height variable rate suspension review
Front C59-210V Spring rate 182-217lbs
Rear C59-221V Spring rate 166-223lbs

 

[GW Nugget]

@reevesci
@reevesci
@@reevesci
Well, his call tag seems to of stop working???
@reevesci this is what info I have for Tough Dog 25mm but looking for the free height of these.
I want to put together a comprehensive compile to compare all the dual variable rate coils offered 0" to 2" by all the manufactures.
Are these dual or variable rate like the other Tough Dog coils?

Tough Dog Suspension

Stock height coils are NLA, The 25mm is a more common item I usually stock.
1" Coils
FRONT:
TDC948SL LH-490 RH-480 (16.5 wire) 10 wraps
REAR:
TDC949SL LH-490 RH-470 (17mm wire) 8.8 wraps
@TRAIL TAILOR​

 

[bryson]

@reevesci
@reevesci
@@reevesci
Well, his call tag seems to of stop working???
@reevesci this is what info I have for Tough Dog 25mm but looking for the free height of these.
I want to put together a comprehensive compile to compare all the dual variable rate coils offered 0" to 2" by all the manufactures.
Are these dual or variable rate like the other Tough Dog coils?

Tough Dog Suspension

Stock height coils are NLA, The 25mm is a more common item I usually stock.
1" Coils
FRONT:
TDC948SL LH-490 RH-480 (16.5 wire) 10 wraps
REAR:
TDC949SL LH-490 RH-470 (17mm wire) 8.8 wraps
​

Works better if you know his name.

@TRAIL TAILOR

 

[Wompom]

@TRAIL TAILOR See above from @GW Nugget

Looking forward to the smaller lift info.
Bryson beat me to it.

 

[GW Nugget]

Thank you @David Otero for PMing me this info, I will get it on page #1 with mm to inch conversions.

Stock height

C59-210V - 160-239lbs/inch 485mm left side and 475mm right side

C59-221V– 160-239lbs/inch 470mm left and 460mm right



40-45mm lift

C59-220V – 160-239lbs/inch 505mm left and 495mm right

C59-222V – 182-239lbs/inch 525mm left 515mm right

C59-269V - – 160-239lbs/inch 490mm left 480mm right

C59-223V - 206-264lbs/inch 455mm left, 445mm right

 

[GW Nugget]

I asking myself why I am doing this thread?
I don't know, I just am.
So, I have this thought to get the least amount of lift with the longest shock possible without the coils falling out.
For the longest time folks have been running the OME 850/860 with the longer L shock with much successes.
I ran 850/862+30mm coil spacer & L shocks for over a year without issues.

Lets starts with the specs:
2.5" lift OME 850 free height = 19.49/19.88" (220# rate)
2.5" lift OME 860 free height = 18.89/19.29" (220# rate)
L shocks are 26.5" extended
Above specs are the bar to compare to.
Below are coils with low lift that can run OME L shock equivalent length of 26.5".

Stock OEM
Shortest OEM stock front coil free height = 18.5" +25mm= 19.5" (170# rate) ~ 1" lift.
Shortest OEM stock rear coil free height = 18.5" +25mm= 19.5" (170# rate)~ 1" lift.

Old Man Emu
Stock height OME 861 free height = 18.89/19.29" +30mm= 20.07/20.47" (170/250# rate) ~ 1.5" lift.
Stock height OME 862 free height = 18.11/18.50" +25mm= 19.11/19.5" (170/260# rate) ~ 1.25" lift

Dobinson
Stock height Dobinson C59-210V free height = 18.7/19.09" +30mm= 19.88/20.27" (160/239# rate)
Stock height Dobinson C59-221V free height = 18.11/18.5" +25mm= 19.11/19.5" (160/239# rate)
40mm Dobinson C59-269V free height = 18.89/19.29" (160/239#)

Tough Dog
Stock height coils are NLA, The 25mm is a more common item I usually stock.
1" Front TDC948SL ~ 18.89/19.29 +15mm= 19.48/19.88" ~ 200/250# ~ 1.6" lift
1" Rear TDC949SL ~ 18.5/19.29" +10mm= 18.9/19.69" ~ 220/280 ~ 1.4" lift

~~~~~~
To sum it up you can run the longer 26.5" shocks that give more down travel for better traction off road with a little as 1" of lift.
As long as the front coil is at least 19.5" & rear is 18.9" the coils will stay retained.

In short you now have a choice of spring rates in a low lift option.
Front:
170#
170/250#
160/239#
200/250#

Rear:
170#
170/260#
160/239#
220/280#
​