Builds New Here. Freshly aquired low mileage FZJ81 + Build thread

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Posted this on IG with lots of messages/feedback to their surprise.

Spring failure on the original design Dobinson VT coils before they switched over to progressive design. Out of warranty, but they were on the vehicle for less than 12,000 km(7500 miles).

Due to the rubbing on the top coils, the powdercoat failed causing the steel to rust. Since the top coils are much thinner in diameter theyre obviously more susceptible to breakage. I mentioned this to Dobinsons as the reason to the spring failure and they stated there is no flaw in the original design and that it will be typical to wear down it's finish due to the rubbing... They state they went with the redesign to meet manufacturing demands at a more affordable price. Again this happened in less than 12000km and roughly 2.5 years on vehicle with mostly urban driving and minimal off off-road use.

Here's the batch dates for those that might have similar. Note the tags are in better shape than the coils themselves...

 

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Here's a comparison to the condition of my Tough Dog coils that are 4+ years old. First year in Canada were on these so saw the same road conditions as the Dobinsons. Tough Dog saw double the mileage and much more offroad use. Spent time living in coastal New Zealand, and driving out onto the beaches like Red Rocks and 90 mile beach.

edit to clarify: Only Tough Dog springs saw beach environment in NZ. Swapped out to the Dobinsons after the first year living in Montreal, QC.

Now here's a comparison the the condition of the frame/undercarriage. I detail all my own vehicles and pressure wash the undercarriage almost religiously. No reason the Dobinsons should have failed that quick imo. Notice most of the rust and powdercoat failure happened where the coils rub?

 

[Broski]

From the amount of rust all over the springs the look like they were in a very corrosive environment.
Still I don't think they should have failed like that.
I have the same springs. they have been used for several years of hard off roading /rock crawling with out issue.

 

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From the amount of rust all over the springs the look like they were in a very corrosive environment.
Still I don't think they should have failed like that.
I have the same springs. they have been used for several years of hard off roading /rock crawling with out issue.

See new post I just added comparing to the rest of my undercarriage

 

[Broski]

Third picture post 81 shows rust throughout the hole spring.
So these spring were on two different truck ?
The picture do show sings of a corrosive environment ( beach driving ) thought not as bad as the spring.

 

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Third picture post 81 shows rust throughout the hole spring.
So these spring were on two different truck ?
The picture do show sings of a corrosive environment ( beach driving ) thought not as bad as the spring.

Same truck, green 80. Our LX is bone stock.

The Tough Dog springs were the only ones that saw beach environment in NZ. Both saw driving on the east coast of Canada(salt/chemicals), roughly one year each.

 

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Also just to add, having the shortest warranty of the main spring manufacturers available in NA of 2 yrs, they are of course past warranty length. OME, TJM, Tough Dog are all 3 years. Icon and Eibach seem to have lifetime warranty. Slee seems to be one year but I'll consider them a boutique brand in comparison.

Dobinsons did offer 30% off a new set of coils, but won't be taking it. I think I'm much happier with my Tough Dog setup anyways and they're clearly in much better condition, despite being exposed to the elements and harsher conditions significantly more... I would have liked to see Dobinsons own up to this case rather than basically saying it's the nature of the beast with the VT coils that rub.

Moral of the story is(at least for me) even if it's just a fluke example or a very small batch that were flawed, is that I wish I took a look at warranty policies. I purchased these late 2019 when the VT coils just gained significant traction in the 80 series community. Live and learn... If I ever lift the LX I'll be going with Tough Dog again or maybe even Icon. Even Eibach is tempting with the price point and lifetime warranty.

 

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Speaking of our LX I never posted about it on here. Picked up early this year around April for a pretty good steal. Canada market 97 LX. I'm the third owner, 2nd owner had it for about a year but I'd say maintenance wasn't kept up and sat underneath a tree during that time(paint was filthy).

Though original owner had full dealership records, nice! Since ownership, have done full 2-stage paint correction, new rotors, calipers, pads on all corners, new spindles and full knuckle rebuild shortly after taking ownership. Starter replaced recently.

330k km now(205k miles)

It got my old Fifteen52 wheels when I got my WedsSports. Need to do something about that dent and scratched bumper and rust on one of the driver-side side steps.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Is their really something known as an FZJ81 or is this a typo and actually FZJ80?

 

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Is their really something known as an FZJ81 or is this a typo and actually FZJ80?

81's are all RHD that are Japanese Domestic Market(JDM). HDJ81 or FZJ81. Though not sure the FZJ was officially ever stamped as 81, mostly just spoken word. I just went with it so people know mine isn't diesel.

 

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So might be the first person here to actually have done WPC treatment on ring and pinion gears. Correct me if I'm wrong.... I think @scottryana posted once about planning to do them. Also Cryo treatment done first by CTP cryogenics who have an exclusive vacuum insulation process that gets to temperatures lower than their competitors.

Yukon 4.88 gears purchases from @Marlin Crawler

I think most people will already be familiar with Cryo treatment and how it converts austenite to a martensite crystal structure. The metal ends up having a more uniform grain structure making it stronger, and improves wear characteristics.

WPC treatment has been done in Motorsports for over a decade. Mostly in engine builds but has become more popular in rear ends. WPC is typically done after Cryo and will further improve wear characteristics, surface is less likely to fatigue and crack, and greatly reduces friction. This treatment is not a coating, so nothing to wear off. Think of it as a micro shot peening process dinner with microscopic ceramic balls that can only be done in Japan or Southern California through WPC Treatment.

 

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Bit of info on WPC treatment




Good read on increasing strength of your R&P

Bulletproof Your Rear End!