Dobinson’s IMS? (1 Viewer)

[JAS4]

Just before Christmas I installed IMS shocks and C59-538 (1”) front / OME2720 rear springs. I previously was running stock springs and Bilstein B6 4600 shocks for 12,000 miles. I appreciate the reportedly progressive damping of the IMS far more than the digressive damping I experienced with the 4600. It’s early days but I’m definitely happy with the change in damping characteristics so far, which was my motivation making a change. For those that are curious, my front lift using the spring perch settings in the Dobinson’s instructions, put my front wheel hub center to fender distance exactly at 21”. I’m at stock weight plus an empty Pioneer roof rack. My rear lift with lean is at 22.25/22” on the 2720 springs, 5 lbs in my airbags, and 10mm trim packers. I’ll be moving to 2721 springs for more rake to suit my use case. Also, a Dobinson support tech I spoke with told me the c59-538 spring rate up front is 580lb FYI

 

[JAS4]

Quick update. IMS shocks continue to impress. Rear OME 2721 coils installed (no trim packers) and I got my rake back. Now 21” (front) 22.5” (rear) with 5 lbs in airbags. Nicely suited for my use - loaded up and towing. No regrets. The damping on the IMS has won me over. Shoutout to @CO18Cruiser for generously sharing info.

 

[bicycleagent003]

I put the IMS shocks on my 80 and they are great. No more nose dive on the whoops off-road. It's just far more composed on and off road. I was previously TJM 50MM kit for the 80, and it was too soft for use with a front bumper, winch and sliders. Plus gear in the back. My Dob's springs and shocks are fantastic. A little firm at times, but suspension is a compromise. One cannot expect a Cadillac ride and on the highway and a composed ride over washboard and whoops at speed off-road, especially with a bunch of extra weight in the rear with camping gear. There's no magic solution that's perfect in all situations, with all loads. (Except maybe AHC, but I wouldn't know that first hand.)

 

[crikeymike]

I put the IMS shocks on my 80 and they are great. No more nose dive on the whoops off-road. It's just far more composed on and off road. I was previously TJM 50MM kit for the 80, and it was too soft for use with a front bumper, winch and sliders. Plus gear in the back. My Dob's springs and shocks are fantastic. A little firm at times, but suspension is a compromise. One cannot expect a Cadillac ride and on the highway and a composed ride over washboard and whoops at speed off-road, especially with a bunch of extra weight in the rear with camping gear. There's no magic solution that's perfect in all situations, with all loads. (Except maybe AHC, but I wouldn't know that first hand.)

Well said!!

 

[wingnutted]

@BVE for your IMS setup - which springs did you end up with on the front / rear?

 

[Rmac67]

Gents...
A bit off-track here but I've got an old Defender which I have converted the Rear Shock mounts to Pin-Pin (so Pin-Pin all round) and I've purchased some Dobinson IMS Shocks that are suited for the front of a 80/105's Cruiser. I'm running the Dobinson IMS59-60683 in the Front & the Dobinson IMS45-60912 in the Rear. So far so good but I think the rear may be a little under valved when fully loaded. I was also told that it doesn't matter which way u install these shocks - they will still work with the main shock body at the top or at the bottom - Is this correct?

What sort of Lifespan are people getting out of these shocks and has anyone had there shocks re-valved?

thanks in advance...

 

[BVE]

@BVE for your IMS setup - which springs did you end up with on the front / rear?

Here is my order sheet

 

[Heckraiser]

Just bumping this thread to see if anyone else running the IMS setup has more comments to share on ride quality and/or harshness.

 

[Dayhiker]

My AHC pump has given up on life at 170k miles on my 2011 LX. I'm heavily thinking about converting to this setup. I have nothing negative to say about the AHC system though, it has served me very well and my logic is. I would probably be needing to replace the struts on the AHC as one was leaking in addition to the pump.... so I'm hoping the Dobinson IMS will be at least a lateral move in terms of ride quality.

 

[HoffCruiser]

Here is my order sheet
View attachment 3361269

What size tires did you pair with this suspension? I have OME 3" all around with 285/75/17s and I'd like to lower it slightly and improve on-road comfort, but I don't want to go too low to were the tires won't fit anymore (or rub).