OME (original, not BP-51) or Tough Dog?

[tarheel40]

I have the 1” OEM spacers and it aligned perfectly within specs. Im not sure how many miles youve driven in the past month, or what kind of miles, but i think the new suspension definitely softens up a bit once broken in. Maybe not as plush, but it still rides better than my Tundra. @tarheel40

That’s good info, thanks for sharing - certainly some variation in the need for UCA’s after lifting a 200. The rule of thumb I’ve consistently seen is anything over 2” will probably benefit from aftermarket UCA’s, between the TD coilovers and 1” spacers I’m close to 3.5” over stock so I felt like adding them while the suspension was already torn apart made the most sense. Out of curiosity what is your front hub to fender measurement?

I’ve probably put 600-700 miles on the new setup and most of those have been highway miles, so maybe the suspension will continue to settle and soften. I’m not displeased with the ride quality in any way, just wanted to make it clear that in my opinion it’s a fair amount firmer than stock - not necessarily a bad thing but just different. I dialed down my rear shocks from setting 4 to 3 a few weeks ago and that helped.

 

[MSU LC200]

That’s good info, thanks for sharing - certainly some variation in the need for UCA’s after lifting a 200. The rule of thumb I’ve consistently seen is anything over 2” will probably benefit from aftermarket UCA’s, between the TD coilovers and 1” spacers I’m close to 3.5” over stock so I felt like adding them while the suspension was already torn apart made the most sense. Out of curiosity what is your front hub to fender measurement?

I’ve probably put 600-700 miles on the new setup and most of those have been highway miles, so maybe the suspension will continue to settle and soften. I’m not displeased with the ride quality in any way, just wanted to make it clear that in my opinion it’s a fair amount firmer than stock - not necessarily a bad thing but just different. I dialed down my rear shocks from setting 4 to 3 a few weeks ago and that helped.

One of the main reasons I went with the TD was because of everyone claiming that UCA's were not needed. I went out on a limb with adding the spacers since they aren't that thick, and as I suspected, it aligned well within specs. I've never read or heard of the 2" rule. I'll get measurements when I return home this weekend.

I agree that the ride is different. I just wouldn't characterize it as firm now that its broken in. It actually absorbs the bumps as well, if not better, than stock (I have my wife's 200 to compare it to). It also gets rid of the nose dive and most of the body roll, which to me is the only thing that makes the stock suspension feel "plush".

By the way, your rig is making me want to hurry up and sell my Tundra and 200 so I can get the 16+!

 

[Sedalia]

One of the main reasons I went with the TD was because of everyone claiming that UCA's were not needed. I went out on a limb with adding the spacers since they aren't that thick, and as I suspected, it aligned well within specs. I've never read or heard of the 2" rule. I'll get measurements when I return home this weekend.

I agree that the ride is different. I just wouldn't characterize it as firm now that its broken in. It actually absorbs the bumps as well, if not better, than stock (I have my wife's 200 to compare it to). It also gets rid of the nose dive and most of the body roll, which to me is the only thing that makes the stock suspension feel "plush".

By the way, your rig is making me want to hurry up and sell my Tundra and 200 so I can get the 16+!

If I could have bought a 0 mile 2015 in 2018, I would have. Be careful what you wish for! Mine is 2019 BTW.

 

[MSU LC200]

If I could have bought a 0 mile 2015 in 2018, I would have. Be careful what you wish for! Mine is 2019 BTW.

Oh yeah? Do tell. Is the 8 speed that bad? If so, I wonder if a super charger would negate any negatives that the 8 speed may have?

 

[Union]

Oh yeah? Do tell. Is the 8 speed that bad? If so, I wonder if a super charger would negate any negatives that the 8 speed may have?

I love my 8 speed fwiw. No issues and acts as it should.

 

[timjax]

Is there anything conclusive about all these basic 200 lifts? Perhaps one is the best for on road, the most lift, soaking up washboards, or maybe one is high quality and designed to last the longest? I feel that some get compared one on one here and there, or conclusions are based on limited anecdotal evidence, but nothing compares and weighs the pros and cons of each of them together.

For me personally, the primary concern is longevity, as well as on road comfort and handling. I had been assuming the OME should be the most dependable and simple choice for a daily driver, but some of the reviews for the others leave me unsure.

-Old Man Emu
-Tough Dog
-Ironman
-Dobinsons
-TJM

Do all of the options provide the same amount of lift? Are some inherently designed to be less comfortable or reliable on road?

Wish there was something conclusive along the lines of “If you’re looking for ____, go with ____” or what customer/build each option is designed and best suited for.

 

[bemerritt]

well, i am getting a tough dog put on today. I debated myself into a tizzy trying to decide, even had UCA's ordered to put on with the TD as thats what the shop said to do. But they didn't show up in time and now I am going to give it a go without UCA's which is how many people are obviously installing it.

Like you I am very interested in longevity. Which is what i was hesitant about TD with since it doesnt have quite the rep (yet) of the others. But the adjustable aspect of them for that price point is what had me ultimately choose them.

Vehicle is mainly a daily driver around town, desert camping vehicle on weekends. I'll let you know if i made the right choice in 50k miles!

 

[LCMemphis]

Did you go adjustable on all 4 or just the rear?

 

[bemerritt]

All 4

 

[silverhorse]

from my research, the TD website says their lift options are 40mm front and 20mm rear.. Dobinsons shows a 50mm option front and rear. can anyone confirm or deny this? I'm trying to decide between the two. I like the adjustability option of TD... but I would like the most amount of lift without sacraficing down travel... thanks guys

 

[SQRRRL]

This is the TD 40/20mm lift. 285/65/18 tires. It has rake thatI think looks good and I sit almost level when loaded. I don’t have before and after numbers.

 

[silverhorse]

Looks good! thanks for posting @SQRRRL

 

[19LC200]

from my research, the TD website says their lift options are 40mm front and 20mm rear.. Dobinsons shows a 50mm option front and rear. can anyone confirm or deny this? I'm trying to decide between the two. I like the adjustability option of TD... but I would like the most amount of lift without sacraficing down travel... thanks guys

Here is a side shot of my Dobinson kit that's 50mm Front & Rear... I do personally like maintaining factory rake for loading/ towing purposes. Could not be more pleased with its on road and offload performance for the money. I am running 305/65/18 KO2s

 

[silverhorse]

Looks fantastic! Love that tire and wheel combo! Does look like you have more tire to fender clearance that most... which I like! Thanks for posting

 

[ElJayBird]

Here is a side shot of my Dobinson kit that's 50mm Front & Rear... I do personally like maintaining factory rake for loading/ towing purposes. Could not be more pleased with its on road and offload performance for the money. I am running 305/65/18 KO2s

I’ve got the Dobinson kit too. I’ll install it one of these days. Ive been staring at it for a few weeks now. Still trying to get the damn seized up KDSS valves to release. I’m gonna take another shot at it this weekend.

 

[silverhorse]

@ElJayBird Please post up pics when completed... we use a product called T-9 for rusted bolts, developed by Boeing.. the industrial supply companies carry it....

 

[ceby]

Reviving this thread, @ElJayBird did you get that lift installed? Did you get the KDSS valves released? Any pics? I’m leaning toward Dobinson myself.

 

[ElJayBird]

Reviving this thread, @ElJayBird did you get that lift installed? Did you get the KDSS valves released? Any pics? I’m leaning toward Dobinson myself.

I did - I ended up going with a lighter Tough Dog spring in the rear until I decide what to do regarding a bumper and\or aux fuel tank. Here's a couple pics...

 

[ceby]

I did - I ended up going with a lighter Tough Dog spring in the rear until I decide what to do regarding a bumper and\or aux fuel tank. Here's a couple pics...

View attachment 2451433

View attachment 2451434

Looking good, decided to go with the Dobinson....should have it installed in the next few days. I’ll post some pics when it’s all put together.

 

[ceby]

Here she is all done. I ended up having to put the 1/4” spacer on the driver side to correct the lean. The 305/65r18 is a tight fit but doable with a very slight trimming of some plastic. Very pleased with the looks and performance.