Official Dobinsons Lexus GX470 Thread - All parts, specs and options (1 Viewer)

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

crikeymike

ExitOffroad.com - Dobinsons Specialist
Supporting Vendor
Joined
Jun 6, 2005
Threads
63
Messages
1,187
Location
Jacksonville Beach, Florida
Website
exitoffroad.com
I could have sworn I'd made this thread before, but I guess I didn't!! Sorry to all the GX owners out there doing their research. This thread should help bring all of the options Dobinsons has into one place, and then everyone already running Dobinsons or looking at it for their GX470 can also chime in here to help others with their research and information.

All specs are based on USA spec 4.7L V8 GX470's, with 100's of customer's feedback on lift heights. Of course, all of these parts would also suit the Prado 120, the basis of the GX470, but we're focusing here on the GX470 in the USA.

So why do Dobinsons make so many different coils? It's because until a few years go, Dobinsons shock line was limited to just the twin tube struts with 1 or 2 coil seat heights, and so different coils were made to suit the different heights. Also, Toyota and Lexus have used the same front end IFS design for 18 years (as of now) and the coil design is interchangeable between the 120 and 150 platforms. Now with the IMS and MRA strut options and fully threaded bodies, there isn't a need for as many different coils. Basically a 2" coil in whichever spring rate (586 or 730LBF/in) and setting the right amount of preload would get you by. So if you want a 3" lift and only the 1.5", 2", or 2.5" coils are in stock, it doesn't really matter which ones you use to get the height. Although ideally, you'd use lifted springs with a lower coil seat height whenever possible, as opposed to using a raised coil seat.

Dobinsons have so many different spring and shock options now that it's hard for some to navigate. I've built this page here to list every possible option in one place, making it easy to see everything, as well as the pricing of each option. Dobinsons 1" to 3.5" Lift Kit for Lexus GX470 (all options) - https://exitoffroad.com/product/dobinsons-lift-kit-for-lexus-gx470-4x4-2002-2009/

Also, every single item is also available separately, so I'll hotlink the part number of each item to that individual product page. The full product description and more specifics about each item is available by clicking on each hot link.

Front Coils
Stock weight = all stock front end | 110 LBS is usually a slim line bumper and winch with synthetic line | 220 LBS is usually a full width steel bumper with a winch and synthetic or steel line | 300+ LBS is usually a full with steel bumper, winch, dual batteries, and skid plates
C59-296 - Stock front end, 1.0" lift
C59-300 - Stock front end, 1.5" lift
C59-302 - Stock - 2.0" | with 110-150lbs - 1.5"
C59-314 - Stock - 2.5" | with 110-220lbs - 2.0"
C59-350 - With 220-300lbs - 1.5" | 2" with stock weight Heavy rate coils
C59-352 - With 110-220lbs - 2.0" | 2.5" with stock weight Heavy rate coils
C59-354 - With 220-300lbs - 2.0" | 2.5" with 150-220lbs Heavy rate coils
**To get 3" or 3.5" of lift, use the appropriate 2-2.5" coil then use the GS59-220 struts that add 1" (due to the taller coil seat), or the IMS or MRA which have adjustable coil seats and can be set to add the extra 1" or not.

Front Struts
GS59-221 - Twin Tube Standard seat height - coils give lift (0-2.5")
GS59-220 - Twin Tube Long Travel - Raised seat height, adds 1" lift to coils (2-3.5")
IMS59-50220 - IMS non-resi monotube, adjustable height (0-3.5")
MRA59-A221 - MRA 3-way adjustable w/resi monotube (0-2.5" lifts)
MRA59-A220 - MRA 3-way adj w/resi monotube long travel (2.5-3.5" lifts)

Rear Coils
Discard passenger weight. Weight listed refers to additional product weight such as roof rack, drawers, rear bumper, swing out spare, etc. For most coils, 100lbs of added weight drops the rear by about 1/4"
NOTE: KDSS models should not be lifted 3″ in the rear unless the KDSS spacer kit is added
C59-323 - Stock height
C59-599 - 3/4" with stock weight
C59-505 - 1.25-1.5" with stock weight
C59-325 - 1.75-2" with stock weight
C59-327 - 2" with 200-400lbs weight
C59-329 - 2" with 400-800lbs weight (teal only)
C59-331 - 2" with 800-1200lbs weight (teal only)
C59-675V - 2.5" variable rate long travel, stock weight
C59-677V - 3" variable rate long travel, 400-600lbs weight
C59-701V - 3" variable rate long travel, 600-800lbs weight
C59-749V - 3" variable rate long travel, 800-1000LBS super extra heavy

Rear Shocks
Only those people looking to do a full long travel rear can order the ***575 shocks. They will cause issues if you don’t have the correct replacement brake lines, bump stops, and sway bar links in place.
GS59-705 - Twin Tube Comfort valved for light rigs (0-2.5" lift)
GS59-701 - Twin Tube Suits light to heavy loaded rigs (0-3" lift)
GS59-637 - Twin Tube Suits heavy loads rights (heavy valved, 0-2.5" lift) Yellow only
GS59-575 - Twin Tube LONG TRAVEL, not for KDSS (3"+ lift only)
IMS59-50705 - IMS non-resi monotube - comfort valved for light rigs (0-2.5" lift)
IMS59-50701 - IMS non-resi monotube (0-3" lift)
IMS59-50575 - IMS non-resi monotube for 3"+ LONG TRAVEL only, not for KDSS
MRA59-A701 - MRA 3-way adjustable w/resi monotube (0-3" lift)
MRA59-A575 - MRA 3-way adj w/resi monotube long travel 3"+ lifts only, not for KDSS

Dobinsons Airbag Conversion Kit
WA59-561K - Converts from factory airbag rear to coil spring rear, and also adds 1/2" of lift due to the thickness of the mount

Front Upper Control Arms (UCA's)
UCA59-002K - Dobinsons front UCA's, 3 degrees of added caster, rubber bushings, maintenance free

Front Diff Drop Kit
DD59-527K - Dobinsons front diff drop kit, recommended with 3" of lift to reduce CV angles and wear

Front Strut Mounts
SC59-001 - Dobinsons front strut mounts, sold in pairs, many buy these with their order plus strut assembly labor so that the coilovers are assembled with all new components prior to shipping

Front and Rear Lean Correction Spacers
PS59-4030 - 1/4" thick front spacer adds 1/2" of lift to the low side of the vehicle. Used on drivers' side of non-KDSS vehicles, and passenger side of KDSS vehicles. Mounts on top of strut mount, no strut disassembly required to add it
PS59-4025 - 15mm (1/2") thick rear spacer, adds 1/2" of lift to the low side of the vehicle. Used on drivers' side of non-KDSS vehicles, and passenger side of KDSS vehicles

KDSS Spacer Kit
KDSSSPACERGX470 - I'm also a reseller of the Treaty Oak Offroad KDSS Spacer kit. This kit corrects the vehicle lean that commonly happens when a GX is lifted 2" or more, and also corrects the sway bar angle for better sway control and rear clearance from the panhard rod (track bar). If you order the KDSS Spacer Kit, you usually don't need any lean correction spacers on the struts or rear coils. This has turned out to be a better method to correct for lean and add articulation, than just adding strut or coil spacers.

Rear Panhard Rod
PR59-1423 - Adjustable heavy duty panhard rod - For lifts of 3" or more, a heavy duty adjustable panhard rod will allow you to re-center your axle. This can also be used with any height, but for those needing a stronger panhard rod than stock

Front High Clearance CV Boot Kits
If your vehicle is older, and you plan to lift 3" or more, new Dobinsons high-clearance CV boots are a great option
CV59-554K - Pair of outer CV boots
CV59-557K - Pair of inner CV boots

Rear Trailing Arms
For heavy offroading, or for true long travel, new upper and lower adjustable trailing arms help correct pinion angle, give better articulation, and are much much stronger than stock
WA59-520K - Rear adjustable lower trailing arms
WA59-522K - Rear adjustable upper trailing arms

Rear Swaybar Extended Links (non KDSS only)
For 2" or more, the stock sway bar angle is out of alignment and inhibits proper articulation and comfort. Adding longer links corrects this
SE59-529 - Rear adjustable extended sway bar links

To see the twin tube suspension and every possible option to make a kit, click here: Dobinsons 1" to 3.5" Lift Kit for Lexus GX470 (all options) - https://exitoffroad.com/product/dobinsons-lift-kit-for-lexus-gx470-4x4-2002-2009/
For the IMS only suspension, click here: Dobinsons 1" to 3.5" IMS Lift Kit for Lexus GX470 - Exit Offroad - https://exitoffroad.com/product/dobinsons-1-to-3-5-ims-lift-kit-for-lexus-gx470/
For the MRA only suspension, click here: Dobinsons 1" to 3.5" MRA Lift Kit for Lexus GX470 - Exit Offroad - https://exitoffroad.com/product/dobinsons-1-to-3-5-mra-lift-kit-for-lexus-gx470/
 
Last edited:
great info, thank you!
 
I knew you had this information for the 4Runners in the t4r forum and i had that information bookmarked.

Now I’m so happy you have it for the GX470s. I’ve always wanted this info specific to the gx470.

This should really help gx470 owners who want to know how the dobinson suspension components may impact their build.

Awesome!
 
I knew you had this information for the 4Runners in the t4r forum and i had that information bookmarked.

Now I’m so happy you have it for the GX470s. I’ve always wanted this info specific to the gx470.

This should really help gx470 owners who want to know how the dobinson suspension components may impact their build.

Awesome!
Thanks. Yeah, the V8 4th Gen 4Runner basically runs the same specs as all the GX470 gear, but it's nice to put it all in one location. I was cleaning up the Sequoia section earlier then saw a tag for myself in the GX part, and that's when I realized I'd never put all the info on here!!
 
Been very happy with my 4runner 3" Dobinson lift from Exit offroad. Mike answered a bunch of questions prior to me ordering. the Wife wants her GX470 lifted so probably will be going with Dobinson again.
 
@crikeymike THANK YOU, SIR!!

I've been back-burning detailing this out for MONTHS!!! Just 10 days ago I spent some time on 3 different Dob's sites to make a spreadsheet and see it all side by side with the intention of PMing you to Q&A my thoughts to verify springs and shocks. I'd highlighted what I thought would get me where I want and this thread confirms it!

PM coming (I cross-posted some of my questions with the intention of directly asking you about KDSS spacers vs. strut tops to correct lean on a lifted KDSS rig....and now finally will).

Thanks again Mike, this is a great collation of the info with the needed explanation.
 
Thanks for the info! This is a newb question but hoping you can answer it. I currently have the stock weight Dobinsons springs and twin tubes and need to upgrade springs. When looking at F/R springs, do I need to be taking in slider/skid plate weight into the equation? My rear swing out weights 240ish lbs by itself, front bumper and winch is about 150-160 lbs.
 
Thanks for the info! This is a newb question but hoping you can answer it. I currently have the stock weight Dobinsons springs and twin tubes and need to upgrade springs. When looking at F/R springs, do I need to be taking in slider/skid plate weight into the equation? My rear swing out weights 240ish lbs by itself, front bumper and winch is about 150-160 lbs.
Slider weight, not so much since it is balanced front and rear. Front skid plate weight player into bumper and winch weight.

Usually we look at weight adding leverage over the front or over the rear ends.
 
Just posted this over the the General Tech forum before finding this thread. Would appreciate any advice from the Dobinson's veteranson here.

I recently acquired a GX470 with a Dobinsons MRA kit on it and realized when i was adjusting everything to get a baseline that it was missing the rebound screw from the front drivers side shock. Took it to a local shop who's researching it but wanted to throw the question out here. On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being you're totally fine and 10 being you're definitely going to die in a fiery crash just how dangerous is it driving this thing around without that rebound screw in there?
 
Just posted this over the the General Tech forum before finding this thread. Would appreciate any advice from the Dobinson's veteranson here.

I recently acquired a GX470 with a Dobinsons MRA kit on it and realized when i was adjusting everything to get a baseline that it was missing the rebound screw from the front drivers side shock. Took it to a local shop who's researching it but wanted to throw the question out here. On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being you're totally fine and 10 being you're definitely going to die in a fiery crash just how dangerous is it driving this thing around without that rebound screw in there?
Not ideal to not have the adjuster up on top, but it will be fine the way it is until you order one.

Call Dobinsons at 305-424-8353 to order a replacement.
 
Dobinsons sale starts Monday the 8th. Click here for full details:

November Sale.jpg
 
Excellent post, thank you Exit! Being a former Florida resident (still have family there) nice to see an awesome dealer with so much helpful info.

My GX has Dobinson IMS and I'm very happy with it.

I have a few questions for the future of hopefully my long-term ownership of Dobinson.

  • What's the typical rebuild interval in miles for IMS (I know this has can largely have more to do with use than miles but in general?)
  • Does Dobinson themselves do the rebuilds or have recommended rebuilders?
  • If I wish to adjust the ride quality a bit further I imagine the MRA would be the next step... I assume best path would be just to buy the MRA struts and there isn't an upgrade path from IMS?
 
Last edited:
Excellent post, thank you Exit! Being a former Florida resident (still have family there) nice to see an awesome dealer with so much helpful info.

My GX has Dobinson IMS and I'm very happy with it.

I have a few questions for the future of hopefully my long-term ownership of Dobinson.

  • What's the typical rebuild interval in miles for IMS (I know this has can largely have more to do with use than miles but in general?)
  • Does Dobinson themselves do the rebuilds or have recommended rebuilders?
  • If I wish to adjust the ride quality a bit further I imagine the MRA would be the next step... I assume best path would be just to buy the MRA struts and there isn't an upgrade path from IMS?
Thanks man!!

There's really no service interval. I'm expecting to see 50k+ miles before they would need anything. A leaking seal would be the indicator, but I've yet to have anyone need a rebuild on them.
Yes, Dobinsons in Miami can rebuild them, or any shock rebuilder around the country could also do it I'm sure.
Correct, you can't upgrade the shocks to an MRA, so you'd buy them and then clean up and sell the used IMS.
 
Thanks man!!

There's really no service interval. I'm expecting to see 50k+ miles before they would need anything. A leaking seal would be the indicator, but I've yet to have anyone need a rebuild on them.
Yes, Dobinsons in Miami can rebuild them, or any shock rebuilder around the country could also do it I'm sure.
Correct, you can't upgrade the shocks to an MRA, so you'd buy them and then clean up and sell the used IMS.
Further to this, I was just in Australia and went to Dobinsons HQ and made this video about what's inside the IMS and MRA shocks.

 
Really nice video and cool to see Dobinson so willing to be open, educational, and sharing of their internals. Also gives a good feeling that I'll be able to get a rebuild if I ever need it!
 
Really nice video and cool to see Dobinson so willing to be open, educational, and sharing of their internals. Also gives a good feeling that I'll be able to get a rebuild if I ever need it!
Thanks!!
 
I could have sworn I'd made this thread before, but I guess I didn't!! Sorry to all the GX owners out there doing their research. This thread should help bring all of the options Dobinsons has into one place, and then everyone already running Dobinsons or looking at it for their GX470 can also chime in here to help others with their research and information.

All specs are based on USA spec 4.7L V8 GX470's, with 100's of customer's feedback on lift heights. Of course, all of these parts would also suit the Prado 120, the basis of the GX470, but we're focusing here on the GX470 in the USA.

So why do Dobinsons make so many different coils? It's because until a few years go, Dobinsons shock line was limited to just the twin tube struts with 1 or 2 coil seat heights, and so different coils were made to suit the different heights. Also, Toyota and Lexus have used the same front end IFS design for 18 years (as of now) and the coil design is interchangeable between the 120 and 150 platforms. Now with the IMS and MRA strut options and fully threaded bodies, there isn't a need for as many different coils. Basically a 2" coil in whichever spring rate (586 or 730LBF/in) and setting the right amount of preload would get you by. So if you want a 3" lift and only the 1.5", 2", or 2.5" coils are in stock, it doesn't really matter which ones you use to get the height. Although ideally, you'd use lifted springs with a lower coil seat height whenever possible, as opposed to using a raised coil seat.

Dobinsons have so many different spring and shock options now that it's hard for some to navigate. I've built this page here to list every possible option in one place, making it easy to see everything, as well as the pricing of each option. Dobinsons 1" to 3.5" Lift Kit for Lexus GX470 (all options) - https://exitoffroad.com/product/dobinsons-lift-kit-for-lexus-gx470-4x4-2002-2009/

Also, every single item is also available separately, so I'll hotlink the part number of each item to that individual product page. The full product description and more specifics about each item is available by clicking on each hot link.

Front Coils
Stock weight = all stock front end | 110 LBS is usually a slim line bumper and winch with synthetic line | 220 LBS is usually a full width steel bumper with a winch and synthetic or steel line | 300+ LBS is usually a full with steel bumper, winch, dual batteries, and skid plates
C59-296 - Stock front end, 1.0" lift
C59-300 - Stock front end, 1.5" lift
C59-302 - Stock - 2.0" | with 110-150lbs - 1.5"
C59-314 - Stock - 2.5" | with 110-220lbs - 2.0"
C59-350 - With 220-300lbs - 1.5" | 2" with stock weight Heavy rate coils
C59-352 - With 110-220lbs - 2.0" | 2.5" with stock weight Heavy rate coils
C59-354 - With 220-300lbs - 2.0" | 2.5" with 150-220lbs Heavy rate coils
**To get 3" or 3.5" of lift, use the appropriate 2-2.5" coil then use the GS59-220 struts that add 1" (due to the taller coil seat), or the IMS or MRA which have adjustable coil seats and can be set to add the extra 1" or not.

Front Struts
GS59-221 - Twin Tube Standard seat height - coils give lift (0-2.5")
GS59-220 - Twin Tube Long Travel - Raised seat height, adds 1" lift to coils (2-3.5")
IMS59-50220 - IMS non-resi monotube, adjustable height (0-3.5")
MRA59-A221 - MRA 3-way adjustable w/resi monotube (0-2.5" lifts)
MRA59-A220 - MRA 3-way adj w/resi monotube long travel (2.5-3.5" lifts)

Rear Coils
Discard passenger weight. Weight listed refers to additional product weight such as roof rack, drawers, rear bumper, swing out spare, etc. For most coils, 100lbs of added weight drops the rear by about 1/4"
NOTE: KDSS models should not be lifted 3″ in the rear unless the KDSS spacer kit is added
C59-323 - Stock height
C59-599 - 3/4" with stock weight
C59-505 - 1.25-1.5" with stock weight
C59-325 - 1.75-2" with stock weight
C59-327 - 2" with 200-400lbs weight
C59-329 - 2" with 400-800lbs weight (teal only)
C59-331 - 2" with 800-1200lbs weight (teal only)
C59-675V - 2.5" variable rate long travel, stock weight
C59-677V - 3" variable rate long travel, 400-600lbs weight
C59-701V - 3" variable rate long travel, 600-800lbs weight
C59-749V - 3" variable rate long travel, 800-1000LBS super extra heavy

Rear Shocks
Only those people looking to do a full long travel rear can order the ***575 shocks. They will cause issues if you don’t have the correct replacement brake lines, bump stops, and sway bar links in place.
GS59-705 - Twin Tube Comfort valved for light rigs (0-2.5" lift)
GS59-701 - Twin Tube Suits light to heavy loaded rigs (0-3" lift)
GS59-637 - Twin Tube Suits heavy loads rights (heavy valved, 0-2.5" lift) Yellow only
GS59-575 - Twin Tube LONG TRAVEL, not for KDSS (3"+ lift only)
IMS59-50705 - IMS non-resi monotube - comfort valved for light rigs (0-2.5" lift)
IMS59-50701 - IMS non-resi monotube (0-3" lift)
IMS59-50575 - IMS non-resi monotube for 3"+ LONG TRAVEL only, not for KDSS
MRA59-A701 - MRA 3-way adjustable w/resi monotube (0-3" lift)
MRA59-A575 - MRA 3-way adj w/resi monotube long travel 3"+ lifts only, not for KDSS

Dobinsons Airbag Conversion Kit
WA59-561K - Converts from factory airbag rear to coil spring rear, and also adds 1/2" of lift due to the thickness of the mount

Front Upper Control Arms (UCA's)
UCA59-002K - Dobinsons front UCA's, 3 degrees of added caster, rubber bushings, maintenance free

Front Diff Drop Kit
DD59-527K - Dobinsons front diff drop kit, recommended with 3" of lift to reduce CV angles and wear

Front Strut Mounts
SC59-001 - Dobinsons front strut mounts, sold in pairs, many buy these with their order plus strut assembly labor so that the coilovers are assembled with all new components prior to shipping

Front and Rear Lean Correction Spacers
PS59-4030 - 1/4" thick front spacer adds 1/2" of lift to the low side of the vehicle. Used on drivers' side of non-KDSS vehicles, and passenger side of KDSS vehicles. Mounts on top of strut mount, no strut disassembly required to add it
PS59-4025 - 15mm (1/2") thick rear spacer, adds 1/2" of lift to the low side of the vehicle. Used on drivers' side of non-KDSS vehicles, and passenger side of KDSS vehicles

KDSS Spacer Kit
KDSSSPACERGX470 - I'm also a reseller of the Treaty Oak Offroad KDSS Spacer kit. This kit corrects the vehicle lean that commonly happens when a GX is lifted 2" or more, and also corrects the sway bar angle for better sway control and rear clearance from the panhard rod (track bar). If you order the KDSS Spacer Kit, you usually don't need any lean correction spacers on the struts or rear coils. This has turned out to be a better method to correct for lean and add articulation, than just adding strut or coil spacers.

Rear Panhard Rod
PR59-1423 - Adjustable heavy duty panhard rod - For lifts of 3" or more, a heavy duty adjustable panhard rod will allow you to re-center your axle. This can also be used with any height, but for those needing a stronger panhard rod than stock

Front High Clearance CV Boot Kits
If your vehicle is older, and you plan to lift 3" or more, new Dobinsons high-clearance CV boots are a great option
CV59-554K - Pair of outer CV boots
CV59-557K - Pair of inner CV boots

Rear Trailing Arms
For heavy offroading, or for true long travel, new upper and lower adjustable trailing arms help correct pinion angle, give better articulation, and are much much stronger than stock
WA59-520K - Rear adjustable lower trailing arms
WA59-522K - Rear adjustable upper trailing arms

Rear Swaybar Extended Links (non KDSS only)
For 2" or more, the stock sway bar angle is out of alignment and inhibits proper articulation and comfort. Adding longer links corrects this
SE59-529 - Rear adjustable extended sway bar links

To see the twin tube suspension and every possible option to make a kit, click here: Dobinsons 1" to 3.5" Lift Kit for Lexus GX470 (all options) - https://exitoffroad.com/product/dobinsons-lift-kit-for-lexus-gx470-4x4-2002-2009/
For the IMS only suspension, click here: Dobinsons 1" to 3.5" IMS Lift Kit for Lexus GX470 - Exit Offroad - https://exitoffroad.com/product/dobinsons-1-to-3-5-ims-lift-kit-for-lexus-gx470/
For the MRA only suspension, click here: Dobinsons 1" to 3.5" MRA Lift Kit for Lexus GX470 - Exit Offroad - https://exitoffroad.com/product/dobinsons-1-to-3-5-mra-lift-kit-for-lexus-gx470/
I've been having such a hard time finding correct front shock and coil springs for a stock height + weight 2004 GX470. What is the correct combination for a preassembled stock height/weigh strut+coil comibination? It's all straightforward from your list above. I'm just not sure of the implications of adding 1" in height to an otherwise stock vehicle.
Thanks!
 
I've been having such a hard time finding correct front shock and coil springs for a stock height + weight 2004 GX470. What is the correct combination for a preassembled stock height/weigh strut+coil comibination? It's all straightforward from your list above. I'm just not sure of the implications of adding 1" in height to an otherwise stock vehicle.
Thanks!
You can use C59-238 that would be about 1/4-1/2" over stock height. That's the closest to OEM stock height that's offered.

1/2-1" lift over stock height would just level it out more and not cause any drama unless you load the back often. You don't want to have reverse rake.

An alignment is required with any lift height change anyway but no other parts are needed to change for that low of a change.
 
You can use C59-238 that would be about 1/4-1/2" over stock height. That's the closest to OEM stock height that's offered.

1/2-1" lift over stock height would just level it out more and not cause any drama unless you load the back often. You don't want to have reverse rake.

An alignment is required with any lift height change anyway but no other parts are needed to change for that low of a change.
Got it! I tow a 6500 lb dump trailer around town. 700 lb tongue weight. You think 1/2" would make a difference?
 
Got it! I tow a 6500 lb dump trailer around town. 700 lb tongue weight. You think 1/2" would make a difference?
Hold your hand up and visualize a 1/2".

It won't make a difference
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom