Rear Springs with OEM Shocks (LC250)

[kerner]

The Alldogs spacer eraser kit got me wondering if it would be possible to upgrade the rear springs on the LC and keep the existing shocks for the time being. I'm guessing you'd lose some of the down travel, but not sure how much difference it's going to make over going with an IMS shock along with a new spring or just swapping to a C59-817V. That should get me a little bit less than 2" of lift given I'm carrying around 100lbs in the rear and regularly tow a trailer with about a 300lb tongue weight. Thinking if the Alldogs spring on the front shock gave me 1.5" the Dobinsons in the rear would keep a normal rake and let me sit level while towing.

Is this a terrible short-term idea?
(eventually I'll upgrade the shocks, but doing it in stages gets some lift faster)

 

[Corbet]

I installed the Timbren kit in the rear. Obviously no lift but it solved my cargo and towing issues. At some point I’ll go with higher capacity springs but for now this was an easy fix that stabilized the rear and kept me level when towing.

 

[kerner]

I installed the Timbren kit in the rear. Obviously no lift but it solved my cargo and towing issues. At some point I’ll go with higher capacity springs but for now this was an easy fix that stabilized the rear and kept me level when towing.

Thought about this option as well. How was the install? What's the impact on the overall ride normally and when towing?

 

[Corbet]

Thought about this option as well. How was the install? What's the impact on the overall ride normally and when towing?

The install is simple, couple bolts, standard hand tools.

The ride quality when empty is not as good as stock. The OEM shocks have a hard time controlling rebound as these ramp up in “spring rate” quick when compressed. With some cargo in back it’s acceptable. When towing I’m really happy. I’ve got over 10,000 miles towing with them and I definitely wouldn’t go back to stock.

They come with a couple spacers to adjust when the initial contact is with the axle. First round I put one spacer in but quickly removed it. That gave me a little more suspension travel before contact and less harsh rebound for daily driving.

Would I prefer a firmer spring, yes. I’d rather have a more linear spring rate throughout the suspension travel. That would offer a better ride quality. However I don’t want much if any lift, no more than 1”.

It’s rare that I ever have less than 150lbs of cargo in the back. Often it’s up to 700lbs.

 

[kerner]

It’s rare that I ever have less than 150lbs of cargo in the back. Often it’s up to 700lbs.

I've always got about 100lbs in the back with tools and the tough built boxes, might be closer to 150lbs so I'm guessing this wouldn't be an issue. I've been debating doing airbags but it doesn't look like anyone has officially released a set for the 250. The Dobinsons springs that provide12mm of lift might be an option as well, but I might still want the better bump stops.

Any experience with them off-road, both towing and not?

 

[Corbet]

I’ve done what I’d call light wheeling with and without the trailer, mostly with, and the Timbrens. No issues no complaints, I have the Timbren bumpstops on all corners of my 80 as well. I really like the product.

I did discuss those Dobinson 12mm springs with the vendor and he did not think they would be firm enough for my needs.