Thanks. Yep 33s in all the pics
Installed Dobinson's 1.75 Inch Variable Rate Suspension Kit: C59 - 222V, C59 223V
- Thread starter culturedredneck
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This looks really good. Do you know what your measurements are from Center of Hub to Bottom of Flare?
So I finally got my springs and had them installed. For the front I went with C59-220V and C59-269V for the rear. I have a relatively lighter truck and was looking for a more compliant ride. Here are my before/after = delta readings (center of hub to the edge of the flare) :
FR: 20.75 / 22 = 1.25
FL: 21.25 / 22.25 = 1
RR: 20.75 / 23 = 2.25
RL: 21 / 23.25 = 2.25
The rear sits a tad higher but I think it will settle down and with light/medium load, it'll be better.
For shocks, I opted for the IMS IFP Monotubes.
The 80 drives a bit stiffer (than before) but not harsh. It drives really really nice! Going over bumps with 5 passengers, it's amazing! I'm very happy with the setup!
Vehicle details:
1996 1HD-FT.
Front and rear custom bumpers
Rock sliders
Full length roof rack.
3rd row seats.
I'm planning to add full 2 stage sound deadening and a Winch in the future.
FR: 20.75 / 22 = 1.25
FL: 21.25 / 22.25 = 1
RR: 20.75 / 23 = 2.25
RL: 21 / 23.25 = 2.25
The rear sits a tad higher but I think it will settle down and with light/medium load, it'll be better.
For shocks, I opted for the IMS IFP Monotubes.
The 80 drives a bit stiffer (than before) but not harsh. It drives really really nice! Going over bumps with 5 passengers, it's amazing! I'm very happy with the setup!
Vehicle details:
1996 1HD-FT.
Front and rear custom bumpers
Rock sliders
Full length roof rack.
3rd row seats.
I'm planning to add full 2 stage sound deadening and a Winch in the future.
Great feedback, thanks for including the measurements.
In comparing your rear measurement to some of the others in this thread, I am a little confused though. You're using the C59-269V Comfort springs that are made to give 1.75" of lift with no extra weight according to Exit Offroad and Dobinsons and you're getting a center of hub to flare measurement of 23"/23.25". That's nearly 2.5" of lift from stock even though you have an aftermarket bumper and tire carrier.
The other members in this thread and some others that I've searched that are using the C59-223V rear coil that is built for 1.75" of lift with 0-110lb of weight (presumably a stiffer spring) are getting measurements around 22"-22.5", so about 2" of lift from stock.
I believe the spring rates are:
C59-269V = 160/239 with free height of 480/490 mm
C59-223V = 205/245 with free height of 445/455 mm
Maybe @crikeymike has some insight as to why you're getting more lift out of that spring than the other members. I've been considering changing out my springs for something with slightly less lift, and would be targetting the 22" CoH-Flare measurement in the rear, and I thought I was convinced the C59-223V would do it, but now I'm not so sure.
@Greyota I think I got a higher lift in the rear because of two reasons:
1. The old springs were sagged/softer. I don't have a history on my vehicle and since I built it from a really bad state, the old springs may not have been original.
2. The rear spring top rubber mounts seemed a bit thicker than stock. I reused those rubber mounts which may have added a bit to the lift.
Tbh, I was unsure about 269V springs due to the bumper, Sliders, and the rack and thought I'd have a lower rear end, but they turned out to be perfect. My plan was to add helper bags if the comfort springs didn't support the extra weight.
My main goal was to replace the tired old springs, achieve a mild lift, and keep the 80 comfortable and compliant for light load. C59-269V checked all these boxes and even with medium load, they're great.
Also, I read that it takes about a 1000 clicks for the suspension to fully settle down. I'll measure again and post them.
If you are looking for similar setup, I'd suggest you ahead as planned. You should be fine with C59-269V.
I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
1. The old springs were sagged/softer. I don't have a history on my vehicle and since I built it from a really bad state, the old springs may not have been original.
2. The rear spring top rubber mounts seemed a bit thicker than stock. I reused those rubber mounts which may have added a bit to the lift.
Tbh, I was unsure about 269V springs due to the bumper, Sliders, and the rack and thought I'd have a lower rear end, but they turned out to be perfect. My plan was to add helper bags if the comfort springs didn't support the extra weight.
My main goal was to replace the tired old springs, achieve a mild lift, and keep the 80 comfortable and compliant for light load. C59-269V checked all these boxes and even with medium load, they're great.
Also, I read that it takes about a 1000 clicks for the suspension to fully settle down. I'll measure again and post them.
If you are looking for similar setup, I'd suggest you ahead as planned. You should be fine with C59-269V.
I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
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Here's an odd question for suspension geometry guru's.
I'm more of a 1.5 - 2.5 inch lift guy and I love all the content in this thread about the Dobinsons 222V/223V combination. I purchased my 93 FZJ80 with OME 863J / 850J springs on a completely unloaded cruiser. I have close to 4+ inches of lift at the moment. Previous owner was pretty thorough on this and also had a double cardan drive shaft built, along with slee castor correction plates. Drives stiff as a board but the steering is pretty good and don't have any drive line vibrations.
My question is, will my DC front drive shaft cause any problems when I go back down to a 1.75 inch lift? I can't think of any potential negative effects. I also have a Delta VS panhard correction bracket brand new in box the PO never got around to installing. I don't think I'll need this, correct?
I'm more of a 1.5 - 2.5 inch lift guy and I love all the content in this thread about the Dobinsons 222V/223V combination. I purchased my 93 FZJ80 with OME 863J / 850J springs on a completely unloaded cruiser. I have close to 4+ inches of lift at the moment. Previous owner was pretty thorough on this and also had a double cardan drive shaft built, along with slee castor correction plates. Drives stiff as a board but the steering is pretty good and don't have any drive line vibrations.
My question is, will my DC front drive shaft cause any problems when I go back down to a 1.75 inch lift? I can't think of any potential negative effects. I also have a Delta VS panhard correction bracket brand new in box the PO never got around to installing. I don't think I'll need this, correct?
EDit for context~ Sorting my lift was my Covid project. I messed with 4 different lifts and pulled my driveshafts so many times I’ve lost count.
I’ve currently settled on this combo:
222v/223v with Landtank dc shaft and dob 3” arms. (Whole separate thread on my lift /vibration shenanigans)
My next post will be my impression of this lift in this thread.
If you just swap in lower springs and don’t remove the caster correction plates the dc shaft will vibrate because of too mush caster, creating too high pinion angle.
If you swap in lower springs and remove the caster correction plates and add whatever is needed for correct caster at your new lower height, the dc shaft will not vibrate.
I could end this reply here, or explain for another 12 pages!
I’d recommend swapping in new springs, see what your new lift height is, then correct for caster, and finally chuck in appropriate driveshaft.
For example, if you net 2” of lift, you need (x) amount of caster correction. If this correction puts your pinion angle +/- 1* from the drive shaft angle, use the dc shaft. If the angle is greater than +/- 1* from driveshaft angle, yer f*~#ed!! Haha!
Just kidding if so, options are either try a stock ds, or less caster (worse handling) or part time kit.
Swap out your springs (and most likely shocks if too long), and let us know where you sit. Stand?
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Do any of you have any after action review notes for installing the IMS shocks? I'm tempted into the thinking that a shock is a shock, but things can get weird sometimes.
I installed my own Tokicos, so I should likely be fine I would think.
I installed my own Tokicos, so I should likely be fine I would think.
Been running this set up for about 9 months now with Delta 3” radius arms and delta rear panhard bracket. Shocks are Dobinsons 3-way adjustable MMR’s.
Here is what I netted for lift:
FD: 22 1/2
FP: 22 3/8
RD: 22 1/4. (With 15mm spacer)
RP: 22 1/4
A couple points of interest-
Stock weight 80 with no third row.
-35” tires
-Mine required a dc front shaft because I was one of the lucky ones blessed with vibrations after lift.
-used Landtank extended rear LCA and Dobinsons adjustable rear UCA to dial in rear pinion angle.
My impression on road: superb. The best handling 80 on road ever.
The last set of springs I had were the 220 and 159. Net same lift height but way too soft. Truck wallowed everywhere.
Then I went to dob 146vt/147vt. Also surprisingly soft. Net way more lift than advertised (4in) plus spring slap was maddening. Went down to 222v/223v and am happy with the lift height but didn’t expect the rear to be lower than front.
My impression off road: too soft.
Truck bottoms out over slightly bumpy dirt roads and washes. And that is with only me and my camping gear. Would not run this set up with 2 or more passengers.
Conclusion; IMO Dobinsons Springs are overrated for weight. And my rig is stock, lighter than stock. Don’t waste your time with light coils, whatever you think you need, buy the next heavier rated coil.
I’ll be swapping my 222v/223v out for something same height but heavier. If I never went off road I would leave them in.
Here is what I netted for lift:
FD: 22 1/2
FP: 22 3/8
RD: 22 1/4. (With 15mm spacer)
RP: 22 1/4
A couple points of interest-
Stock weight 80 with no third row.
-35” tires
-Mine required a dc front shaft because I was one of the lucky ones blessed with vibrations after lift.
-used Landtank extended rear LCA and Dobinsons adjustable rear UCA to dial in rear pinion angle.
My impression on road: superb. The best handling 80 on road ever.
The last set of springs I had were the 220 and 159. Net same lift height but way too soft. Truck wallowed everywhere.
Then I went to dob 146vt/147vt. Also surprisingly soft. Net way more lift than advertised (4in) plus spring slap was maddening. Went down to 222v/223v and am happy with the lift height but didn’t expect the rear to be lower than front.
My impression off road: too soft.
Truck bottoms out over slightly bumpy dirt roads and washes. And that is with only me and my camping gear. Would not run this set up with 2 or more passengers.
Conclusion; IMO Dobinsons Springs are overrated for weight. And my rig is stock, lighter than stock. Don’t waste your time with light coils, whatever you think you need, buy the next heavier rated coil.
I’ll be swapping my 222v/223v out for something same height but heavier. If I never went off road I would leave them in.
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How much do you want for the springs?
Sent you a PM
Dobinsons 3" radius arms? do you mean Delta?Been running this set up for about 9 months now with Dobinsons 3” radius arms and delta rear panhard bracket. Shocks are Dobinsons 3-way adjustable MMR’s.
Here is what I netted for lift:
FD: 22 1/2
FP: 22 3/8
RD: 22 1/4. (With 15mm spacer)
RP: 22 1/4
A couple points of interest-
Stock weight 80 with no third row.
-35” tires
-Mine required a dc front shaft because I was one of the lucky ones blessed with vibrations after lift.
-used Landtank extended rear LCA and Dobinsons adjustable rear UCA to dial in rear pinion angle.
My impression on road: superb. The best handling 80 on road ever.
The last set of springs I had were the 220 and 159. Net same lift height but way too soft. Truck wallowed everywhere.
Then I went to dob 146vt/147vt. Also surprisingly soft. Net way more lift than advertised (4in) plus spring slap was maddening. Went down to 222v/223v and am happy with the lift height but didn’t expect the rear to be lower than front.
My impression off road: too soft.
Truck bottoms out over slightly bumpy dirt roads and washes. And that is with only me and my camping gear. Would not run this set up with 2 or more passengers.
Conclusion; IMO Dobinsons Springs are overrated for weight. And my rig is stock, lighter than stock. Don’t waste your time with light coils, whatever you think you need, buy the next heavier rated coil.
I’ll be swapping my 222v/223v out for something same height but heavier. If I never went off road I would leave them in.
interesting feedback regarding your experience on the load. i have a bit more lift on C59-166/C59-167 linear rate springs. pretty light truck unless loaded for a trip with just ARB/winch up front, 3rd row delete, and front runner rack up top. the Dobinsons twin tube combo is a bit jarring when hitting bridge joints but feels nice and stable when cornering, braking. MRR or IMS shocks might be a big upgrade there. Not sure what it would take to bottom out offroad as I haven't experienced that. Loaded w/ camping gear and small children in the 2nd row, and there is no appreciable squat in the suspension.
what springs are you considering? the 166/67 linear springs are nowhere near as popular as the 222v/223v springs, but might fit your usage.
I have the IMS on the 80 series with a few thousand clicks. I've been offroading on them and they're all they are supposed to be. Smaller stuff gets soaked up pretty good. It's quite confidence inspiring on bigger stuff as well. They're many times better than stock Tokicos. Well worth the money.
I convinced my brother to put them on his 2nd Gen Isuzu D'Max as well (yesterday).
Oops. Thanks for the correction. Yes Delta arms.
Been running this set up for about 9 months now with Delta 3” radius arms and delta rear panhard bracket. Shocks are Dobinsons 3-way adjustable MMR’s.
Here is what I netted for lift:
FD: 22 1/2
FP: 22 3/8
RD: 22 1/4. (With 15mm spacer)
RP: 22 1/4
A couple points of interest-
Stock weight 80 with no third row.
-35” tires
-Mine required a dc front shaft because I was one of the lucky ones blessed with vibrations after lift.
-used Landtank extended rear LCA and Dobinsons adjustable rear UCA to dial in rear pinion angle.
My impression on road: superb. The best handling 80 on road ever.
The last set of springs I had were the 220 and 159. Net same lift height but way too soft. Truck wallowed everywhere.
Then I went to dob 146vt/147vt. Also surprisingly soft. Net way more lift than advertised (4in) plus spring slap was maddening. Went down to 222v/223v and am happy with the lift height but didn’t expect the rear to be lower than front.
My impression off road: too soft.
Truck bottoms out over slightly bumpy dirt roads and washes. And that is with only me and my camping gear. Would not run this set up with 2 or more passengers.
Conclusion; IMO Dobinsons Springs are overrated for weight. And my rig is stock, lighter than stock. Don’t waste your time with light coils, whatever you think you need, buy the next heavier rated coil.
I’ll be swapping my 222v/223v out for something same height but heavier. If I never went off road I would leave them in.
This is a fascinating perspective -- thank you for sharing this. I have a friend with OME Med and despite his rig mostly being unloaded he's really happy with it on road. This would align with what you are experiencing and I think is going to steer me towards 222v/223v -- now if I can find them not on backorder!
Ordered 222v/223v, IMS, etc. from Exit Offroad last Friday. FedEx says it should arrive tomorrow. No wait, no backorder, etc. as of last week anyway. Mike even caught that i accidentally ordered two front panhards (for another rig) and reached out to confirm my mistake before just sending what i ordered. great heads up service - most wouldn't pay that much attention much less take the time to check with the customer to make sure its correct. well done.
Ooooh, you are right. I think 223v was backordered last week or last time I checked. Now I have no excuse!
Anyone have measurements or photos with the 222V/223V combo with front bull bar, and rear bumper/tire carrier?
Also, is anyone using the dobs adjustable poly caster bushings with these? trying to decide if i should dial in -2.5 or -3.5 on the caster setting.
Also, is anyone using the dobs adjustable poly caster bushings with these? trying to decide if i should dial in -2.5 or -3.5 on the caster setting.
I do. I have 222V/223V combo. ARB bumper front with M8000 winch. (50lbs) White knuckle sliders, and rear 4x4 Labs dual swingout with a 35" MT on the rear driver left. Empty in the trunk. I have a HEAVY X2 battery. Even with the taller springs installed on driver side (like they are supposes to be) I had to put spacers in to level it. I'm guessing because with the spare tire, heavy battery and gas tank on the left it will naturally lean to the left because of the initial spring rate being much less with variable tapered/progressive springs. My OME 850/860 (which are linear) sat perfectly level side to side. I'm running 24" Ironman foam cell pros shocks and wondering if I can get away with 26" shocks for more flex. Or will the rear springs pop out?? Anybody have any experience with this?? Please respond fast while Ironman has a 25% Labor Day Sale 
For what it's worth, I'm convinced that every time you park your Landcruiser somewhere different you will get different measurements within a 1/2 inch.
FP = 22.25
FD = 22.00 (10 mm Spacer)
RP = 22.25
RD = 22.25 (20mm Spacer)
Metal Tech Castor correction plates. From my experience with multiple lifts, castor correction bushings are worthless!! The plates seem to accommodate a 2 - 4 inch lift. I've noticed anything from + 1.5 degree to + 4 degree in castor correction rides and steers very nice.
For what it's worth, I'm convinced that every time you park your Landcruiser somewhere different you will get different measurements within a 1/2 inch.
FP = 22.25
FD = 22.00 (10 mm Spacer)
RP = 22.25
RD = 22.25 (20mm Spacer)
Metal Tech Castor correction plates. From my experience with multiple lifts, castor correction bushings are worthless!! The plates seem to accommodate a 2 - 4 inch lift. I've noticed anything from + 1.5 degree to + 4 degree in castor correction rides and steers very nice.
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Trying to decide between these (222V/223V) or the 3" flexi coils. Does anyone have experience with both or know of any major differences? Do the flexis just give an extra inch of lift?
