Builds My first '40 and the venture (2 Viewers)

[OlYellr]

Barely any tech.

Saturday - volunteered to harvest grapes for a local winery. Decided to drive Yellr to help at one of the two vineyards to collect.

- still not dialed back in. I think I need to do full lean-drop. Only reason I say that, is my vacuum is low at idle, everything else is good, RPM, timing, MPG.

They served some, shall I say - not so stellar free hooch.

This one stirred me into action - B-double E double R U N on way to Winery to crush and press what was harvested.

 

[OlYellr]

I thought I'd give an initial impression with respect to all that was done. Mostly the springs - I am not impressed. Post SAS, they are noisy. Maybe need some grease after going in the mountains like I did. It isn't noisy AF, but way more noticeable now. I don't expect to be wowed.

And it is the rear springs more than anything.

Not totally going to give in on them, but I doubt I would recommend the Dobinson setup if you will do occasional off roading (and mind you - I wasn't doing the hard core trails etc - most were the easy trails) - that or maybe the heavy is the way to go. Need to ask Glen - I think he has heavy Dobinson on his. If all you do is drive on the road, sure. But I think for what you pay, they have some issues and QC to resolve (IE military wraps).

I changed too much at once to know what really made the difference in drivability. My suspicion was the 4* shims and all new bearings etc.

If I had to do it all over right now or go back in time, what would I do? Terrain Tamer springs and Bilsteins shocks - based on nothing more than my experience at SAS and post coupled with "the grass might be greener..." It isn't total regret, yet I feel like I need to quickly dress and quietly get out the door.

 

[Plains Cruiser]

I thought I'd give an initial impression with respect to all that was done. Mostly the springs - I am not impressed. Post SAS, they are noisy. Maybe need some grease after going in the mountains like I did. It isn't noisy AF, but way more noticeable now. I don't expect to be wowed.

And it is the rear springs more than anything.

Not totally going to give in on them, but I doubt I would recommend the Dobinson setup if you will do occasional off roading (and mind you - I wasn't doing the hard core trails etc - most were the easy trails) - that or maybe the heavy is the way to go. Need to ask Glen - I think he has heavy Dobinson on his. If all you do is drive on the road, sure. But I think for what you pay, they have some issues and QC to resolve (IE military wraps).

I changed too much at once to know what really made the difference in drivability. My suspicion was the 4* shims and all new bearings etc.

If I had to do it all over right now or go back in time, what would I do? Terrain Tamer springs and Bilsteins shocks - based on nothing more than my experience at SAS and post coupled with "the grass might be greener..." It isn't total regret, yet I feel like I need to quickly dress and quietly get out the door.

Funnily enough the Dobinson leaf springs on the Tacoma are also noisy after that trip. And are also only ~2 months old now as well.

 

[OlYellr]

Funnily enough the Dobinson leaf springs on the Tacoma are also noisy after that trip. And are also only ~2 months old now as well.

Seriously??? WTF. I talked to Ian @RevISK today too and asked about his. Will let him post his experience vs bla bla his thoughts on Norman's thread, or here.

I have the Dobinson IMS shocks - not sure what to think of them. I think they are fine. 90% of the miles I put on are on pavement. My suspicion is that I got wrapped up with marketing. Why I would go Bilsteins? - half the price and I bet same experience.

 

[RevISK]

Seriously??? WTF. I talked to Ian @RevISK today too and asked about his. Will let him post his experience vs bla bla his thoughts on Norman's thread, or here.

I have the Dobinson IMS shocks - not sure what to think of them. I think they are fine. 90% of the miles I put on are on pavement. My suspicion is that I got wrapped up with marketing. Why I would go Bilsteins? - half the price and I bet same experience.

If you want to rile me up, ask me about my Dobisons…

Complete waste of money.
I’m convinced that I got a bad batch (really bad) as evidenced by how crappy these are and the fact that the CSR I was dealing with essentially said as much then back tracked an email or so later.

Here is an example:
My 40 has no hard top and was only loaded with standard camping gear (cooler, tent, rando stuff) and some tools/spare parts. No seats even.
On the drive to SAS my springs were just shy of flat. Bouncing off of the bump stops on mighty Cinnamon Pass.

Unloading most stuff with the exception of some essential tools yielded marginally better results of only hitting the bump stops occasionally, usually a mild pothole.

Finally, blew one of my Bilsteins in the front going over a slightly off camber section off of Governor Basin.

Do not get me started on the military wraps…
I turn green and start tearing my clothes off.

Edit for clarity

 

[KennyBob]

This is so crazy to me. Ian and I were just discussing this yesterday. I’ve got the 2” lift dobinsons with bilsteins and I really like them. I haven’t done nearly as many miles on them as y’all have with your trip to SAS but I have taken the rig out to Roundup and they did very well for me. I haven’t noticed even a tickle of sag or flattening so far. Perhaps there’s a difference in the quality between the different lift sizes or maybe I haven’t put on enough miles yet… weird for sure.

 

[OlYellr]

This is so crazy to me. Ian and I were just discussing this yesterday. I’ve got the 2” lift dobinsons with bilsteins and I really like them. I haven’t done nearly as many miles on them as y’all have with your trip to SAS but I have taken the rig out to Roundup and they did very well for me. I haven’t noticed even a tickle of sag or flattening so far. Perhaps there’s a difference in the quality between the different lift sizes or maybe I haven’t put on enough miles yet… weird for sure.

I hope you fare better than we are. And mine are doing better than the batch Ian got - and I think that might be the issues - consistency.

Norman doesn't have side & roof and sags empty vs Yellr with sides, roof, and 4Plus rear tire/cooler and level when at empty. Both have medium.

I was hitting bump stops in the rear a lot - (loaded with parts, tools, ice/beer) - it was a tough call as I wanted a softer ride - got mediums - on pavement no issues (except now more noise) - not the best choice to go on SAS blue/green trails.

I know everything is a tradeoff.

 

[RevISK]

This is so crazy to me. Ian and I were just discussing this yesterday. I’ve got the 2” lift dobinsons with bilsteins and I really like them. I haven’t done nearly as many miles on them as y’all have with your trip to SAS but I have taken the rig out to Roundup and they did very well for me. I haven’t noticed even a tickle of sag or flattening so far. Perhaps there’s a difference in the quality between the different lift sizes or maybe I haven’t put on enough miles yet… weird for sure.

I swear it’s a bad batch that no one will own up to.
I’m not a leaf spring virgin by any means, but this was my first unasked for sexual encounter. Prior to Norman, I did my 62, my tundra, my ‘77 Avion travel trailer, my ‘64 Silver Streak (both tandem axle), three other trailers and some bs Bronco hack back in the day.

When these showed up, I felt they looked thin and weak, but they must be the bees knees. All the cool kid like them? (Not a typo).

Gangsta lean sitting in the driveway because of the spare tire within 24hrs of just sitting. CSR didn’t know that there aren’t sides to their 40 springs and suggested keep swapping them??? I’m like, B!t¢h, you ever put a suspension on in your life? Super simple. Just swap them… until what? I’m riding on my receiver?

Vendor said sell them on FB marketplace? Dobisons said beat them with a sledgie?? ( to be fair, this was the military wrap issue, but ???).

Worst $1,000 I’ve spent on my 40.
Nay, WASTED on my 40…

Anyone want to buy some slightly used springs?
They’re the Bees Knees after all…

 

[OlYellr]

If you want to rile me up,

then text me another picture of your beer in a koozie in some new random place... flexing and taunting

 

[RevISK]

What is the threshold for ultra high blood pressure?
Asking for a friend.

 

[OlYellr]

I swear it’s a bad batch that no one will own up to.
I’m not a leaf spring virgin by any means, but this was my first unasked for sexual encounter. Prior to Norman, I did my 62, my tundra, my ‘77 Avion travel trailer, my ‘64 Silver Streak (both tandem axle), three other trailers and some bs Bronco hack back in the day.

When these showed up, I felt they looked thin and weak, but they must be the bees knees. All the cool kid like them? (Not a typo).

Gangsta lean sitting in the driveway because of the spare tire within 24hrs of just sitting. CSR didn’t know that there aren’t sides to their 40 springs and suggested keep swapping them??? I’m like, B!t¢h, you ever put a suspension on in your life? Super simple. Just swap them… until what? I’m riding on my receiver?

Vendor said sell them on FB marketplace? Dobisons said beat them with a sledgie?? ( to be fair, this was the military wrap issue, but ???).

Worst $1,000 I’ve spent on my 40.
Nay, WASTED on my 40…

Anyone want to buy some slightly used springs?
They’re the Bees Knees after all…

You and I got ours about the same time too.

 

[OlYellr]

What is the threshold for ultra high blood pressure?
Asking for a friend.

How about de-escalating with a road trip?

I will see what I can wipe off my calendar - We talked about trip though Big Bend down there. Or just chill...

 

[RevISK]

How about de-escalating with a road trip?

I will see what I can wipe off my calendar - We talked about trip though Big Bend down there. Or just chill...

Yes please.

 

[RevISK]

Yes please.

At least Paul is a pogo stick, tons of room for shoving weight in her…

(I’ve been waiting my entire life to write this sentence)

 

[knuckle47]

Well guys, this has been an enlightening series of posts. In the last few weeks I have been reading up on suspensions. Back in the ‘70’s, we took our springs off, brought them to a spring place where they changed the arc and we added four Downey Toyota shackles. Frankly as a 24 year old FJ40 guy I’d never realized anything bad about that work.

Here it is 47 years later: I was looking at some suspension mods for my ‘75 and looked at the Dobinson system. Every other re-build I ve seen has them mentioned as though these are the Rolls Royce of suspensions. I priced out a set front an rear and at over $2400, I hesitate until I figure out more… I just figured out that I ain’t goin’ Dobinson. I’m an older guy who loves the ride of my sedan-like Silverado and the contrast between the 40 and the crew cab is VERY BIG.

Something about the 40 that just commands me to enjoy driving it and as mentioned by @OlYellr , much of my driving is not the off-road stuff we use to do beyond my dirt driveway. I would love to improve the road comfort as much as I can…( I know it’s a 40 and that’s a pipe dream ) with quality springs and shocks. Regardless of where I wind up, I seriously appreciated this insight to all of your experiences.

Now, I’m lost….i could surely benefit from some re-direction

 

[Pighead]

is my vacuum is low at idle

Is your timing still at 7*? a bit more advance should bring the vacuum up

 

[clrussell]

How about de-escalating with a road trip?

I will see what I can wipe off my calendar - We talked about trip though Big Bend down there. Or just chill...

Yes please.

40 series big bend adventure? I’ve been dreaming.

Also to throw salt on the wound I’m currently happy with my HFS springs and Bilstiens.. but I haven’t done a 3,000 mile road trip. Yet.

 

[OlYellr]

Well guys, this has been an enlightening series of posts. In the last few weeks I have been reading up on suspensions. Back in the ‘70’s, we took our springs off, brought them to a spring place where they changed the arc and we added four Downey Toyota shackles. Frankly as a 24 year old FJ40 guy I’d never realized anything bad about that work.

Here it is 47 years later: I was looking at some suspension mods for my ‘75 and looked at the Dobinson system. Every other re-build I ve seen has them mentioned as though these are the Rolls Royce of suspensions. I priced out a set front an rear and at over $2400, I hesitate until I figure out more… I just figured out that I ain’t goin’ Dobinson. I’m an older guy who loves the ride of my sedan-like Silverado and the contrast between the 40 and the crew cab is VERY BIG.

Something about the 40 that just commands me to enjoy driving it and as mentioned by @OlYellr , much of my driving is not the off-road stuff we use to do beyond my dirt driveway. I would love to improve the road comfort as much as I can…( I know it’s a 40 and that’s a pipe dream ) with quality springs and shocks. Regardless of where I wind up, I seriously appreciated this insight to all of your experiences.

Now, I’m lost….i could surely benefit from some re-direction

I get it - I got these cuz I wanted a softer ride just like you. I had heavy OME on - stout, stiff ride.

And the Dobinsons are way smoother for sure. I was all smiles when first started to drive around on them - it was and is a different rig post OME. I still smile too - they are softer ride today still. Like you said, as the Rolls Royce of suspensions... I too was able to jump rail-road tracks. - had I not done SAS - I would not make these comments.

I commented so people like you ready to dole out $2400 or so, do it with eyes open. And your milage will vary for sure. Like just about everything, it's about the trade-offs - softer ride (medium) and ok on trail or heavy (maybe more stiff ride) and better on trail. Can't have both. My point, I thought these were end-all be all too - and the difference (here we go Ian, math!) in my mind between having bought into the hype vs reality = disappointment. And disappointment is not the right word... it is more knocked down a few rungs. What Ian is experiencing is disappointing, and that is being generous to Dobinson.

Maybe re-greasing the bushings etc will make some or all of the noise go away. I don't know yet.

Maybe Ian and I got a bad batch - If true, then IMO they need to tighten up their a) Quality Control and b) their Customer Service. They would rather eat a bag of richards, than help based on Ian trying to get things resolved (sell them on Facebook and buy new).

I'm not saying don't buy, it is a softer ride and that was my primary goal (and these rigs make a lot of noise, so what is one more log on that fire?) - Going straight down a road, fine, no noise post SAS and soft ride. Just when springs used, way more vocal than before.

when I look at what I did/purchased, the springs were some of the cheapest parts - the IMS shocks in the front alone were almost the price of front & back springs combined. Maybe it would have been better to get heavy in back and if too stiff etc, remove a leaf.

There is more to this story, and I will post my thoughts/experience as it evolves.

 

[OlYellr]

Is your timing still at 7*? a bit more advance should bring the vacuum up

I am still at 7 - and when I think about it - I forgot to disconnect the hose at dizzy and plug it when setting timing. Oops

Part of me thinks - don't touch it - got 15.5 MPG last few fills.

I'm going to try the lean first and if that doesn't do it (it has moved the vacuum up before on me), then I will adjust the timing, and redo the lean drop again.

 

[RevISK]

40 series big bend adventure? I’ve been dreaming.

Also to throw salt on the wound I’m currently happy with my HFS springs and Bilstiens.. but I haven’t done a 3,000 mile road trip. Yet.

Saddle up!