Dobinsons 100 Series Suspension options - full breakdown

[Stricmic000]

Who knows what Ironman are doing. They're listing the same lift height for an 80 and a 100 series, and they don't lift the same amount when you put the same spring on those 2 different models.

The specs I share are based on real world measurements. You can also see in the previous posts what people are getting. You'll probably need the C59-171, since you're shooting over 1100lbs when fully loaded, and 500lbs constant
View attachment 3592455

Yeah it was very confusing to see the different brands list different performance and then see acutal people getting all sorts of results.

Your published numbers seem much more accurate to other people's results who are loaded properly.

I spent most of yesterday on forums and brand websites, I wish there was more clear numbers for spring weight vs height and load vs actual ride height and quality across the different manufacturers, especially when some brands ^^ post misleading or incomplete data.

Thanks for the rec on the 171

 

[hb1980]

Hi Guys,

New to the world of Dobinsons, but after a lot of research, i just placed an order on Torsion Bars TB59-1600, Rear Coils C59-167s (running mostly stock with slight constant load, 1 set of MRA59-682s front and MRA59-782s rear as i'm not looking at a serious lift. Awaiting delivery on this so i can switch from the AHC which has been running smoothly for the past 6 years or so, but its that dreaded time to refresh the pricey accumulators.

The question i have, is it possible, or has anyone mounted the remote reservoirs at the rear on chassis brackets? instead of the piggyback setup, which i see is a tight fit when running sway bars. i can just about imagine they could fit between the bump stop bracket and the sway bar link bracket.

Can anyone throw any light on this?

Thanks

 

[GerLC100]

Not sure whether or not the shocks even provide enough tubing to support full up and down travel. But I can upload some pics later today how I installed them in the back. It's tight, but fits.

 

[hb1980]

Hey guys,

Update on Rear shocks. I received the package but unfortunately there are no clear install instructions or user manual for a 100 series.
Also Dobinsons seems to have updated their kit as I received MRA59-682s with longer hoses and brackets for remote reservoir, not piggy back setup. So I'm not quite sure where they are meant to be mounted as the instructions only show the piggy back setup.
@crikeymike do you have any info on this? Attached photos of shocks with longer hoses and brackets for remote reservoirs.

Am awaiting delivery of C59-223Vs instead as I'm running quite empty before I install rear bar and drawers setup.

Any help welcomed.

 

[crikeymike]

Hey guys,

Update on Rear shocks. I received the package but unfortunately there are no clear install instructions or user manual for a 100 series.
Also Dobinsons seems to have updated their kit as I received MRA59-682s with longer hoses and brackets for remote reservoir, not piggy back setup. So I'm not quite sure where they are meant to be mounted as the instructions only show the piggy back setup.
@crikeymike do you have any info on this? Attached photos of shocks with longer hoses and brackets for remote reservoirs.

Am awaiting delivery of C59-223Vs instead as I'm running quite empty before I install rear bar and drawers setup.

Any help welcomed.

View attachment 3746113

View attachment 3746114

That's news to me. Where did you order these from? I wonder if you got the correct part number.

Can you take a photo of the white label on the side of the box, and also on the shock body itself? It should be MRA59-A682.

Either way, mounting those mounts is super easy, and the resi normally goes forward on the frame into an existing unused hole. Toyota always seems to have extra holes in the frame that aren't being used, or you can drill and run the long bolt thru to attach the bracket to. These Tacoma instructions use the same brackets and give you an idea of how to do it.

https://exitoffroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Dobinsons-Tacoma-Rear-MRA-Shock-Installation-Guide.pdf

 

[samroberts]

Howdy,
I am currently looking to refresh the suspension on the Land Cruiser before I start school again. I am pretty set on the Dobinson IMS kit, but I am unsure what springs I should go with. I am aiming to lift the Land Cruiser about 1.5 inches all around and keep the OEM plus look. Most of the miles are on the pavement with the occasional trail, but nothing too serious. The 3rd row stays in the trunk 90% of the time unless I load up for a road trip.

I don't want to get the wrong coils and have the rear lifted too much. These are the springs I have narrowed it down to.
C59-169
C59-223V
C59-167

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[hb1980]

That's news to me. Where did you order these from? I wonder if you got the correct part number.

Can you take a photo of the white label on the side of the box, and also on the shock body itself? It should be MRA59-A682.

Either way, mounting those mounts is super easy, and the resi normally goes forward on the frame into an existing unused hole. Toyota always seems to have extra holes in the frame that aren't being used, or you can drill and run the long bolt thru to attach the bracket to. These Tacoma instructions use the same brackets and give you an idea of how to do it.

https://exitoffroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Dobinsons-Tacoma-Rear-MRA-Shock-Installation-Guide.pdf

Hey @crikeymike,

I'm sure they are the correct package 682s and 782s. I ordered them from UAE and got in touch with the workshop manager. He sent me some pictures of how the newer setup is being installed, pretty neat but needs some trimming at the inner fender. I see this as a much better location for adjusting compression on the trails, compared to the piggyback variant. Basically they use the Body mount bolts to mount the bracket and the reservoir adjusters peak through the wheel arch opening at the bottom.
The fronts are labelled MRA59-A682-U, which may be an update.

I will also try and document my install.

 

[crikeymike]

Hey @crikeymike,

I'm sure they are the correct package 682s and 782s. I ordered them from UAE and got in touch with the workshop manager. He sent me some pictures of how the newer setup is being installed, pretty neat but needs some trimming at the inner fender. I see this as a much better location for adjusting compression on the trails, compared to the piggyback variant. Basically they use the Body mount bolts to mount the bracket and the reservoir adjusters peak through the wheel arch opening at the bottom.
The fronts are labelled MRA59-A682-U, which may be an update.

I will also try and document my install.

View attachment 3746201

View attachment 3746747

View attachment 3746748

Thanks for that. The UAE dealer orders those shocks with the remote resi that way instead of piggyback, as they prefer it that way. That's why we've never seen it here in the USA. Dobinsons Australia confirmed it to me overnight.

 

[crikeymike]

Howdy,
I am currently looking to refresh the suspension on the Land Cruiser before I start school again. I am pretty set on the Dobinson IMS kit, but I am unsure what springs I should go with. I am aiming to lift the Land Cruiser about 1.5 inches all around and keep the OEM plus look. Most of the miles are on the pavement with the occasional trail, but nothing too serious. The 3rd row stays in the trunk 90% of the time unless I load up for a road trip.

I don't want to get the wrong coils and have the rear lifted too much. These are the springs I have narrowed it down to.
C59-169
C59-223V
C59-167

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Hey bud,

Since you're looking for minimal rear lift, you would use the C59-169 for the back.

Dobinsons 100 Series IMS Lift Kit Builder Page - Exit Offroad

Dobinsons IMS lift kit for Toyota Land Cruiser 100 series, complete suspension with all parts needed to refresh your suspension

exitoffroad.com

 

[hb1980]

Hey @crikeymike,

I'm sure they are the correct package 682s and 782s. I ordered them from UAE and got in touch with the workshop manager. He sent me some pictures of how the newer setup is being installed, pretty neat but needs some trimming at the inner fender. I see this as a much better location for adjusting compression on the trails, compared to the piggyback variant. Basically they use the Body mount bolts to mount the bracket and the reservoir adjusters peak through the wheel arch opening at the bottom.
The fronts are labelled MRA59-A682-U, which may be an update.

I will also try and document my install.

View attachment 3746201

View attachment 3746747

View attachment 3746748

@crikeymike thanks for confirming that. Shows how Dobinsons is proactive with client feedback.

I'll hopefully post back on the install.

 

[hb1980]

@crikeymike thanks for confirming that. Shows how Dobinsons is proactive with client feedback.

I'll hopefully post back on the install.

Hey everyone,

Just an update on the install. So I did a DIY over the weekend and managed to get the kits installed.

I started with the fronts and moved to the rear.
I must commend Dobinsons on taking end user/dealer feedback seriously. It's in the smaller details and product improvement that they excel.
For example, the front reservoir brackets had the Dobsinson logo on the other side and would be hidden from view when installed. Now they've changed it on the revision.

Also in the rear since I got the product from UAE with the extended hose and not the piggyback setup, I managed to find a sweet spot the reservoirs to be installed with easy access for damping adjustments on the trail.

@crikeymike maybe you should also request Dobinsons to send your kits this way.

I have started with Rebound at 4 clicks and LSD and HSD settings at 1. With the initial test drive on a dirt trail, I am very very impressed. The ride is very comparable to AHC with a bit more reassurance on damping and not bottoming out easily.

I gained approx 40mm at the rear with fender to Hub at 560mm (from 520mm) and the fronts are at 540mm at the moment. I will re-adjust the TBs after the coils and TBs settle a bit.

Not related, but I also managed to do 70% AHC delete by managing to remove all 4 damping valv bodies, Accumulator, Pump and Reservoir and the rear lines to the Rams, and ofcourse the Rams themselves, Coils and T Bars.

Here's some pictures of the install.

I hope this helps anyone biting the bullet on MRRs, and I would definitely recommend these.

 

[PharmerDan100]

@crikeymike , would we be able to order this MRA-59A682-U with the extended hose and frame mount? Curious if there was a particular reason Dobinsons made the default build a piggyback? Do you think there were spacing/geometry issues with one vs the other fitting in the 100 series? Or simply just cost savings?

 

[crikeymike]

@crikeymike , would we be able to order this MRA-59A682-U with the extended hose and frame mount? Curious if there was a particular reason Dobinsons made the default build a piggyback? Do you think there were spacing/geometry issues with one vs the other fitting in the 100 series? Or simply just cost savings?

The dealer that manages that country ordered them that way for whatever reason. Probably just to reach the adjusters on the resi easier.

There's no issue with the regular way they've been made for 8+ years. A piggyback is much simpler and far less likely to get the hose stuck on something. They wouldn't keep making them the same way if there was an issue.

You could have a custom hose length added to them after buying them, but that's not something I offer. Dobinsons USA would have to do that, as the shock would need to be regassed and oiled.

 

[grapplepie]

Planning on pulling the trigger on:

C59-223V - 1-1.25" lift, variable rate, with stock weight. Closest equivalent to C59-169, but variable rate for more comfortable ride quality and low lift height

Are these the right shocks to go along?
IMS59-60782 - IMS Monotube Shocks (internal resi)- for 0-2" lift (Front)
IMS59-60682 - IMS Monotube Shocks (internal resi) - for 0-2" lift (Rear)

Would I also need a diff drop? Thinking of going with Dobinson rear spring and shocks all-around but already have Ironman TB and Diff drop sitting around from the previous owner.

 

[crikeymike]

Planning on pulling the trigger on:

C59-223V - 1-1.25" lift, variable rate, with stock weight. Closest equivalent to C59-169, but variable rate for more comfortable ride quality and low lift height

Are these the right shocks to go along?
IMS59-60782 - IMS Monotube Shocks (internal resi)- for 0-2" lift (Front)
IMS59-60682 - IMS Monotube Shocks (internal resi) - for 0-2" lift (Rear)

Would I also need a diff drop? Thinking of going with Dobinson rear spring and shocks all-around but already have Ironman TB and Diff drop sitting around from the previous owner.

Yeah, you can use those shocks. If you want to make use of the diff drop kit, you can run the IMS59-60786 extended travel shocks, the diff drop kit, and new UCA's to get that extra droop. You can't run the shocks without UCA's in place. Or if you don't want to mess with that, just use the IMS59-60782.

 

[vjpkrmnc]

Planning on pulling the trigger on:

C59-223V - 1-1.25" lift, variable rate, with stock weight. Closest equivalent to C59-169, but variable rate for more comfortable ride quality and low lift height

Are these the right shocks to go along?
IMS59-60782 - IMS Monotube Shocks (internal resi)- for 0-2" lift (Front)
IMS59-60682 - IMS Monotube Shocks (internal resi) - for 0-2" lift (Rear)

Would I also need a diff drop? Thinking of going with Dobinson rear spring and shocks all-around but already have Ironman TB and Diff drop sitting around from the previous owner.

I also just slid in some C59-223V. With my "empty" weight at 6400 lbs the height came out at 21-1/4" (driver) and 21-3/4" (pax). A question for you all, do the "right side" and "left side" stickers on Dobinsons springs correspond to right hand drive cars? When I installed them I could've sworn there was a slightly longer one and that it was the one labeled "left"--which seemed correct either way (for my left hand drive). Now the right side of the truck is sitting 1/2" higher than the left. Did I mix it up? Are they still settling? Or am I imagining things and both springs are the same?

By the way, I absolutely love them. I started out five years ago with stiffer OMEs which were overkill. I switched to new stock springs for the fun of it. Too soft; looked like a family vacation minivan loaded down with rear bikes and junk. These Dobinsons are comfy and seem strangely smooth around town but lift the rear back up where it should be to match my OME fronts. So far two thumbs up.

 

[crikeymike]

I also just slid in some C59-223V. With my "empty" weight at 6400 lbs the height came out at 21-1/4" (driver) and 21-3/4" (pax). A question for you all, do the "right side" and "left side" stickers on Dobinsons springs correspond to right hand drive cars? When I installed them I could've sworn there was a slightly longer one and that it was the one labeled "left"--which seemed correct either way (for my left hand drive). Now the right side of the truck is sitting 1/2" higher than the left. Did I mix it up? Are they still settling? Or am I imagining things and both springs are the same?

By the way, I absolutely love them. I started out five years ago with stiffer OMEs which were overkill. I switched to new stock springs for the fun of it. Too soft; looked like a family vacation minivan loaded down with rear bikes and junk. These Dobinsons are comfy and seem strangely smooth around town but lift the rear back up where it should be to match my OME fronts. So far two thumbs up.

View attachment 3781934View attachment 3781935

That's great to hear that they're working so well for you!!

The right side is 445mm free height, and the left side is 455mm free height, according to the spec sheet.

That 10mm difference is almost 1/2". So check out the labels of which way you've got them and adjust if needed.

Or you can add this to the low side if needed to level it out:

Dobinsons Rear 10mm Poly Coil Spacer (Single) Toyota Land Cruiser 80 100 105 - Exit Offroad

Suits Toyota Land Cruiser 80 series and Lexus LX450 from 1990-97, and 100 series from 1998 to 2007 High Quality Polyurethane, maintains height over time Perfect fit between OE isolator and coil seat Sold individually, available front and rear for several vehicles Lasts longer than rubber...

exitoffroad.com

 

[PharmerDan100]

For the rear shocks (MRA59-A682), what's the proper technique to "cycle" them to make sure the reservoir is clearing the rear lower control arms and sway bar? I installed them this weekend and angled the reservoir at about 45°... but still a bit worried. I tried using my floor jack to lift either side of the rear axle but started to get worried as I went higher since it looked unstable. Barely got the rear end to flex.

Rear right, camera pressed against the control arm:

Rear right, camera on the floor facing up:

 

[crikeymike]

For the rear shocks (MRA59-A682), what's the proper technique to "cycle" them to make sure the reservoir is clearing the rear lower control arms and sway bar? I installed them this weekend and angled the reservoir at about 45°... but still a bit worried. I tried using my floor jack to lift either side of the rear axle but started to get worried as I went higher since it looked unstable. Barely got the rear end to flex.

Rear right, camera pressed against the control arm:
View attachment 3794664
Rear right, camera on the floor facing up:
View attachment 3794665

Using a ramp is the best way. Like a loading dock ramp or some uneven surface. Even a ditch can get the rear to flex and compress quite easily.

 

[dividedan]

Hey all, needing to replace my rear springs to help with sag after adding additional weight. Wondering if anyone on the thread is using the C59-185 rear coils and can reply with their rear hub to fender measurements? For reference my truck has Dissent front bumper, Dissent rear bumper with Jerry can and full size spare swing outs, sliders, drawers, TT mid skid, and Gamiviti roof rack for constant weight so looking for similarly heavy trucks. @crikeymike suggested these, just wanting some more reference points before pulling the trigger. Thanks!