Input needed: Dobinsons 3" or 3.5" lift?

[Azca]

I am about to pull the trigger but feel like a groom on wedding day. I had a few emails back and forth with @crikeymike at Exit Off Road and told him I was looking at a 3.5" lift with long travel MRR adjustable shocks. I am kind of second guessing myself on the height, half inch isn't much until it is too much. Will also add the hydraulic front bump stops.

I don't believe I tend to drive too fast on dirt tracks (friends and riders seem to feel otherwise though) and want the rig to be able to tackle some of the tougher terrain. I am looking for a smoother ride than the OME lift I currently have and feel the adjustable shocks are a must. I am pretty set on the Dobis.

Current setup includes 4xlabs bumpers front and rear (rear has two swing outs with a 15 gallon rack on one side), sliders, trans and xfr skid plates, front skid plate, dual batteries, Puma 12v compressor, 12k winch with synthetic line. No drawers but may add a rear fridge in the future and removed the rear seats. Added dynamat throughout as well.

Riding on 35s with OME 60018 front, 60020 rear shocks and OME 2851 front coils with 2860 in the back now. About 2" to 2.5" of lift.

I am not too worried about a double cardan shaft up front, will buy one if I need too. I am just leery of flopping this thing. Mike is suggesting the following but again, now I am kind of second guessing myself on height.

• C97-144VT front coils - 3.5"
• C97-145VT rear coils - 3.5"
• MRA45-A912 front 4" length shocks for additional travel
• MRA59-A687 rear 4" length shocks

Who is running 3" and 3.5" of lift and do you regret it?

 

[77mustard40]

Here’s my feedback but note that it sounds like you are heavier than me as I’m single battery, single swing in the rear and no third row seats or build out in the rear. I have the Gen 1 146-VT’s up front and I’m right at 3.5” of lift with the MMR 4” shocks and do run a Landtank DC front shaft. I’m also still on 35’s and think my current setup which includes the DVS 4” arms would accommodate 37’s pretty easily. I’d think you may likely be north of 4” with the 144’s but I’m no expert. Overall I have no issues with my setup and would love to have the MRA’s but could not justify the extra $, but that’s me. I’d highly recommend the upgraded rear sway bar if you don’t have it.

 

[Fosters]

This is mine on cv 97 144 and 145’s…I’m running icon 2.5 shocks…but basically what you are looking to do.

To do it all right, you’ll need delta arms, white line sways front and rear, slee sway bar drops, extended brake lines and a delta bracket for the rear panhard rod…it’s really not a case of shocks and springs and hope the rest plays nice.

 

[Azca]

View attachment 3893436
This is mine on cv 97 144 and 145’s…I’m running icon 2.5 shocks…but basically what you are looking to do.

To do it all right, you’ll need delta arms, white line sways front and rear, slee sway bar drops, extended brake lines and a delta bracket for the rear panhard rod…it’s really not a case of shocks and springs and hope the rest plays nice.

I already have the delta arms along with rear bump stops, slee sway bar brackets and LCP HD rear sway bar links and his front sway bar disconnect. Also have the extended brake lines and breather lines as well. I will add the adjustable panhards. I do have the rear Delta bracket, I may be able to eliminate the rear panhard.

 

[Azca]

Here’s my feedback but note that it sounds like you are heavier than me as I’m single battery, single swing in the rear and no third row seats or build out in the rear. I have the Gen 1 146-VT’s up front and I’m right at 3.5” of lift with the MMR 4” shocks and do run a Landtank DC front shaft. I’m also still on 35’s and think my current setup which includes the DVS 4” arms would accommodate 37’s pretty easily. I’d think you may likely be north of 4” with the 144’s but I’m no expert. Overall I have no issues with my setup and would love to have the MRA’s but could not justify the extra $, but that’s me. I’d highly recommend the upgraded rear sway bar if you don’t have it.

View attachment 3893343

I always loved the look of the Slee front bumper, just wanted a little more clearance. Do you regret going so high with the lift, did you think you needed to drop it an inch?

 

[Azca]

View attachment 3893436
This is mine on cv 97 144 and 145’s…I’m running icon 2.5 shocks…but basically what you are looking to do.

To do it all right, you’ll need delta arms, white line sways front and rear, slee sway bar drops, extended brake lines and a delta bracket for the rear panhard rod…it’s really not a case of shocks and springs and hope the rest plays nice.

How about the height? Too much?

 

[77mustard40]

I always loved the look of the Slee front bumper, just wanted a little more clearance. Do you regret going so high with the lift, did you think you needed to drop it an inch?

I picked up my springs second hand so I landed here a little be accident, but no regrets for me. I’m a little tippy with the lighter weight rig just running around town but overall like the ride height and performance of the suspension. If I changed anything I would consider the flexi’s for my lighter weight rig to reduce the tippy feel at times, but not to change the final height. I’m fine where I am and really like the wheel travel off-road

 

[mudgudgeon]

Who is running 3" and 3.5" of lift and do you regret it?

Describe where you got stuck and were certain a lack of lift was the deciding factor?
Has this scenario happened often?

I've had a 4" lifted 80 (night lifted), a 2" lifted 105series ( bought stock standard)
Now have an 80 with 2" lift (bought stock standard).

I ran both the 4" lifted 80 and 2" lifted 105 on 33s, and 35s. The 105 went everywhere the 80 did, with far more stability.
The 4" lifted 80 was a smirgassboard off the usual issues, bad caster, driveline vibes, multiple attempts at fixing both. Felt tippy on side slopes.
Both got hung up on the frame in similar spots on the rear lower control arm brackets.

Personal opinion, more lift and bigger tires lifted seems like a great idea, but its irreversible unnecessary and is usually detrimental to other things. I think 2" lift and 35s is the sweet spot for a bunch of reasons.

 

[mudgudgeon]

I already have the delta arms

Check in with Delta. Their arms are built for correct caster for different height lifts.

1.5-2" lift will change caster by 2.5⁰- 3.5⁰. Enough to potentially put you into negative caster territory, which negates the value of those fancy Delta arms

 

[napir]

You will get a hundred answers from a hundred people, so here's another (lol). I'm a pretty big proponent of going with the least amount of lift to achieve whatever it is you want or need. Going taller introduces more possible driveline issues on these trucks, in addition to be a little more annoying to live with (getting into the thing, power loss, 37s vs 35s with the underbraked stock setup as well as increased unsprung mass, etc).

On 80s, I'm personally for doing whatever it takes to make room for 35s to flex. 37s have appeal if it's strictly a trail rig for sure, but I think 35s are the sweet spot with these. In your case, I'd do the 3" with the added weight you have.

 

[Fosters]

How about the height? Too much?

Just about perfect…but the supporting parts make it handle like it should…

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Describe where you got stuck and were certain a lack of lift was the deciding factor?
Has this scenario happened often?

He is seeking a smoother ride. I have no experience with owning or driving a lifted 80, but am skeptical a taller lift will deliver the goods.

 

[NelsonCruiser]

I definitely recommend running the least amount of lift that you need especially for going fast off road.

I’m running 35s with the dobinsons 2.5” dual rate spring in the front and the 2” (may be advertised as a 2.5 online but the box said 2”) dual rate in the rear with 4” MRAs and some timbren bumpstops. I’m running bumpers with a swingout and winch as well as a drawer system in the back with a battery. Sits about an 3/4-1 inch Lower than my old J spring setup.

There is no comparison between MRAs and nitros. They take a bit to get set up to your liking but I’ve had my 80 airborn over cattle guards without feeling any loss of control or discomfort.

This isn’t on completely level ground but it’s pretty close.