I have an 03 GX470 and I was told it had the Dobinson's lift on it installed by previous owner...now shocks are leaking (1 Viewer)

[TheOsprey]

My question is what models of shocks/struts are available for this presumed Dobinson's lift/springs?

The shocks and struts on it now are Old Man Emu but I can't see any model numbers or anything.

My use case is lots of rough dirt roads and occasionally very muddy and rough roads with a fair bit of highway mixed in.

I want reliability, durability and ride quality.

Most of the dirt road driving will be relatively low speed like 30-50 MPH max but occasionally there are surprises so it would get some beating on occasion just due to unseen potholes, washouts, etc.

Also, conditions will be very, very dusty...like moondust and sand all the time when dry.

Did Dobinson's lift kits come with OME dampers?

The GX definitely rides higher than stock but not positive exactly how much.

Are the Dobinson's lifts just different springs with longer dampers?

 

[Jstawgn]

OME changed their spring designs. The older version use standard OEM desing that is compatible with other brand that use OEM style spring.

Dobinson makes 3 levels of shocks :
1. Twin tube gas. Cheapest and probably most durable but lowest performance.
2. IMS line is monotube with adjustable lower perch to fine tune ride height.
3. MRA. Monotube remote reservoir and 3 way adjustable.

Same as OME got
1. Nitrocharger twin tube
2. MT64 monotube
3. Bp51 remote reservoir adjustable and internal bypass. It have different damping at max compression and extension.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

My question is what models of shocks/struts are available for this presumed Dobinson's lift/springs?

The shocks and struts on it now are Old Man Emu but I can't see any model numbers or anything.

My use case is lots of rough dirt roads and occasionally very muddy and rough roads with a fair bit of highway mixed in.

I want reliability, durability and ride quality.

Most of the dirt road driving will be relatively low speed like 30-50 MPH max but occasionally there are surprises so it would get some beating on occasion just due to unseen potholes, washouts, etc.

Also, conditions will be very, very dusty...like moondust and sand all the time when dry.

Did Dobinson's lift kits come with OME dampers?

The GX definitely rides higher than stock but not positive exactly how much.

Are the Dobinson's lifts just different springs with longer dampers?

People mix and match coils and shocks. Post pictures of your setup and maybe someone can recognize the components on front and rear.

Measure from center of hub to bottom lip of fender to determine how much lift you have.

Factory oem suspension from center of hub up to bottom lip of fender guesstimates:

FD - 20.25"
FP - 20.25"
RD - 21"
RP - 21”

if you are happy with the coils, then as @Jstawgn said, just pick new shocks from Dobinson or OME.

 

[TheOsprey]

People mix and match coils and shocks. Post pictures of your setup and maybe someone can recognize the components on front and rear.

Measure from center of hub to bottom lip of fender to determine how much lift you have.

Factory oem suspension from center of hub up to bottom lip of fender guesstimates:

FD - 20.25"
FP - 20.25"
RD - 21"
RP - 21”

if you are happy with the coils, then as @Jstawgn said, just pick new shocks from Dobinson or OME.

I'll get those measurements and pics of the current setup tomorrow. Thanks for the help.

 

[TheOsprey]

Welp...things got busy. Rough measurement of fronts is 21", rear almost 23".

 

[Poop Bubbles]

With the type of driving you are describing, a factory, unlifted vehicle would be more than fine.

I suggest you change the shocks that are bad, like-for-like, and be done with it.

 

[TheOsprey]

With the type of driving you are describing, a factory, unlifted vehicle would be more than fine.

I suggest you change the shocks that are bad, like-for-like, and be done with it.

I'm pretty sure it's already lifted mildly. I just can't see any model number on the Old Man Emu shocks currently installed. I know the right rear is blown because the oil has all leaked out onto the tube...unless that is residue from my power steering line I just realized I need to replace due to leaking.

 

[Poop Bubbles]

I'm pretty sure it's already lifted mildly. I just can't see any model number on the Old Man Emu shocks currently installed. I know the right rear is blown because the oil has all leaked out onto the tube...unless that is residue from my power steering line I just realized I need to replace due to leaking.

The specific OME model should be fairly obvious as they all look very different. A quick google search would go a long way. Rears are super easy to replace.

Power steering fluid = transmission fluid = red.

You probably have the cheap shocks (OME Nitrocharger - yellow IIRC) The BP-51 has remote reservoirs - obvious difference. Both the BP-51 and MT-64 look vastly different than the NItrochargers - also obviously different.

 

[TheOsprey]

The specific OME model should be fairly obvious as they all look very different. A quick google search would go a long way. Rears are super easy to replace.

Power steering fluid = transmission fluid = red.

You probably have the cheap shocks (OME Nitrocharger - yellow IIRC) The BP-51 has remote reservoirs - obvious difference. Both the BP-51 and MT-64 look vastly different than the NItrochargers - also obviously different.

They're yellow. I just didn't know what different sizes there might be.

 

[Poop Bubbles]

They're yellow. I just didn't know what different sizes there might be.

There is one size OME shock that is yellow.