Dobinson springs and shockies

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1coolbanana had some rear TD adjustables for sale.

[Corigator Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Corigator]

Thanks for the reminder, Andrew. I'll send him a PM

[RutHunter Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RutHunter]

Diesel and petrol coils

G'day everyone,

New on the forum as I just picked up a neat 2005 VX Petrol Prado 120 with only 140k on it. I have already fitted it out but I still have heaps of questions about this vehicle. I have done my best to look through all the threads first but some things I just cannot find. Your direction and help would be much appreciated.

I bought the prado with the already installed big bore adjustable heavy duty Tough Dog suspension in it. It is the grey coils so I believe that they are the older vesion therefore probably put on the car when it was new. It would I think only have a 20mm lift as CV's are slightly negative. I measured it to be 760mm from the bottom of the rim to guard. The bushes at the bottom of the struts are squeaking and look worn (squashed) so I think it all needs renewing? Since I would have to putll it all out maybe best to just get complete new struts and shocks so was looking at the Dobinsons set up which I see a few have and great warrantee.
After searching and looking at the suspension database I cannot find the answer to this question.

Is the Dobinson Front 302 coil the same length for a Petrol and a Diesel?

The weight of the two engines are significantly different, and since I want to get a 50mm lift and have bullbar, winch, and dual batteries. I want to make sure I am getting the right coils to go with the Struts, the 314 may be too much lift and the 302 to little but if there is a version for the Diesel wouldn't this bring it up a bit more?

I can also go to 314's but not sure if anyone has them installed and if they are going to be too high for the CV's or harsh?

I have included a photo of my vehicle, to any of you that have the tough dog suspension does it look a similar lift height to this?

[jss Moderated member Find all posts View Profile Close jss]

Try PMing #############, he is a bit of a dobinsons guru and should be able to help you out.

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

G'day everyone,

New on the forum as I just picked up a neat 2005 VX Petrol Prado 120 with only 140k on it. I have already fitted it out but I still have heaps of questions about this vehicle. I have done my best to look through all the threads first but some things I just cannot find. Your direction and help would be much appreciated.

I bought the prado with the already installed big bore adjustable heavy duty Tough Dog suspension in it. It is the grey coils so I believe that they are the older vesion therefore probably put on the car when it was new. It would I think only have a 20mm lift as CV's are slightly negative. I measured it to be 760mm from the bottom of the rim to guard. The bushes at the bottom of the struts are squeaking and look worn (squashed) so I think it all needs renewing? Since I would have to putll it all out maybe best to just get complete new struts and shocks so was looking at the Dobinsons set up which I see a few have and great warrantee.
After searching and looking at the suspension database I cannot find the answer to this question.

Is the Dobinson Front 302 coil the same length for a Petrol and a Diesel?

The weight of the two engines are significantly different, and since I want to get a 50mm lift and have bullbar, winch, and dual batteries. I want to make sure I am getting the right coils to go with the Struts, the 314 may be too much lift and the 302 to little but if there is a version for the Diesel wouldn't this bring it up a bit more?

I can also go to 314's but not sure if anyone has them installed and if they are going to be too high for the CV's or harsh?

I have included a photo of my vehicle, to any of you that have the tough dog suspension does it look a similar lift height to this?

[ATTACH=CONFIG]12214[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]12215[/ATTACH]

Hi Duncan,

a 302 is a302 (395mm long), a 314 is a 314 (405mm long), it does not vary for a petrol or diesel.
standard height for the front of your 120 is about 750mm, so you don't have much lift.
The front should end up close to 800mm if we use 314's & about 780mm+ if we use 302's
The fronts are all the same spring rate & with the Dobinsons combo the ride is very good.
Even the 314 wont be too much for you c/v angle, however I would recommend the 302 for you..............
If its all about height & clearance in the ruts, like you said by all means use the 314's, I use those with only an alloy bulbar & are fine. However I believe overall a vehicle with 302's is more capable due to the flexibility & extra downtravel.
Give me a call and we can get it sorted then you can come out on some trips with us & run it in

Try PMing #############, he is a bit of a dobinsons guru and should be able to help you out.

Thankx, Already been speaking to him, he found me though other channels........

[RutHunter Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RutHunter]

Thanks for your replies, yes Anthony is going to sort out the coils for me, I just really want to be sure I will be getting the lift I wanted without being to harsh a ride or causing problems with the CV's. I had a feeling that the ones in there now were stuffed and by your measurements it only currently has 10mm of lift. Those tough dogs need to be replaced.

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

Thanks for your replies, yes Anthony is going to sort out the coils for me, I just really want to be sure I will be getting the lift I wanted without being to harsh a ride or causing problems with the CV's. I had a feeling that the ones in there now were stuffed and by your measurements it only currently has 10mm of lift. Those tough dogs need to be replaced.

It will be a huge improvement.
It wont be a harsh ride.
This won't cause problems with c/v's.
Suspension is like tyres & brakes, it is wear & tear component & needs to be periodically replaced -( struts & shocks)
It sounds like you old suspension is shagged & springs may be sagged too.

Also, as I have not had any problems with Dobbos gear, I recently asked about warranty issues, I was told there was a few from a batch about 3 years ago had few issues, all good now.

2 year unlimited Klm's warranty.
If your using your vehicle regularly for offroad you should change the struts & shocks every 2 years or so,
On road 80,000klms.
Once again like brakes & tyres. It's worth it for the safety & not to mention it gives the vehicle a much newer improved drive.
Get all 3 done at the same time & save yourself getting a new car, as it will feel like its new.

[casper1956 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close casper1956]

I have done 100k on the dobinsons and they have been good to a point.
They handled well on the road and were excellent off road. However, I Have just changed them for bilstiens shocks and springs with a rear air bags as the front end stated to sag and the ride was starting to get soft with a swaying feel for passengers in particular. I haven't been off road as yet with these , but a significant improvement in on road feel has been achieved. The installer ( well regarded by the serious off road competitors here in perth ) described the dobinsons as an average shock absorber and the bilstiens as quality.

[jss Moderated member Find all posts View Profile Close jss]

I have done 100k on the dobinsons and they have been good to a point.
They handled well on the road and were excellent off road. However, I Have just changed them for bilstiens shocks and springs with a rear air bags as the front end stated to sag and the ride was starting to get soft with a swaying feel for passengers in particular. I haven't been off road as yet with these , but a significant improvement in on road feel has been achieved. The installer ( well regarded by the serious off road competitors here in perth ) described the dobinsons as an average shock absorber and the bilstiens as quality.

I was talking to a suspension guy I know & he was saying that he likes the bilstiens and they are a better riding shock/strut if you do road and a bit of sand every now and then, but he would never put them on a car that does any proper 4wding as they won't cope and will die quite quickly, which goes along with the premature failures people have been having here on PP.
For 4wding he said the "raw" "efs" with king springs and the "TJM stuff" were all his personal picks but he hadn't used the dobinsons personally so couldn't comment on them.

[RutHunter Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RutHunter]

I am just wondering since the dobinsons cater for the extra weight of accessories by increasing the height of the spring, do they also cater for this in the shocks? or are they all standard?

I like the fact that I can adjust the tough dogs already on there to suit.

[Gldfishing Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Gldfishing]

Slowly going through all the suspension threads. Have just fitted an ARB Sahara Baron the petrol 120. Front may have dropped 5mm however the front feels harsher in ride, maybe vibrates more over road corrugations. Have looked through the suspension database and the Dobinsons looking close at standard height.

Anyone experienced fitting standard height springs C59-134, Would it be a better ride over standard springs. Really just want to manage the drop when braking as the vehicle sits level (side steps) as present. Just get that nose down slightly when heavy braking that I didn't get before bar was fitted.

Have been suggested Kings KTFS-101 but cant find any data on these, just a note to say 10mm lift over standard.

[prado2004 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close prado2004]

my old man had dobinsons fitted in his NT pajero for $1500 in brissy. included a wheel alignment. very sharp pricing and he is stoked with them. Car rides 100% better with no body roll and really smooth shocks and springs.

He got the 180kg constant load rears as his caravan has approx 150-180kg ball weight when travelling.

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

Slowly going through all the suspension threads. Have just fitted an ARB Sahara Baron the petrol 120. Front may have dropped 5mm however the front feels harsher in ride, maybe vibrates more over road corrugations. Have looked through the suspension database and the Dobinsons looking close at standard height.

Anyone experienced fitting standard height springs C59-134, Would it be a better ride over standard springs. Really just want to manage the drop when braking as the vehicle sits level (side steps) as present. Just get that nose down slightly when heavy braking that I didn't get before bar was fitted.

Have been suggested Kings KTFS-101 but cant find any data on these, just a note to say 10mm lift over standard.

The ktfs-101 will give 20-30mm of lift. I would suggest using the Ktrr-102 rears as well.
But then again I would recommend the DoBINSONS COMBO but I have never fitted 134's, just go for 296.
Either way the ride will be a huge improvement as per the above post.
There is some tuff names mentioned above, had problems with those & don't deal with them anymore.
I don't think I've experienced better service than what DOBINSONS provide me.

[wholesalesuspension Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close wholesalesuspension]

I was talking to a suspension guy I know & he was saying that he likes the bilstiens and they are a better riding shock/strut if you do road and a bit of sand every now and then, but he would never put them on a car that does any proper 4wding as they won't cope and will die quite quickly, which goes along with the premature failures people have been having here on PP.
For 4wding he said the "raw" "efs" with king springs and the "TJM stuff" were all his personal picks but he hadn't used the dobinsons personally so couldn't comment on them.

The Bilsteins should be great for 4wd'ing. A lot of premature failures are being caused by a number of factors, eg: high spring rate where not required & topping out of shocks.
There are also a huge number of parrallel imported Bilsteins around. You will get what you pay for with these!
EFS are good & i have used them extensively with pretty good results, but the Bilsteins are a step above & i have them in my own car.

Regards, Jason.

[wholesalesuspension Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close wholesalesuspension]

The ktfs-101 will give 20-30mm of lift. I would suggest using the Ktrr-102 rears as well.
But then again I would recommend the DoBINSONS COMBO but I have never fitted 134's, just go for 296.
Either way the ride will be a huge improvement as per the above post.
There is some tuff names mentioned above, had problems with those & don't deal with them anymore.
I don't think I've experienced better service than what DOBINSONS provide me.

KTFS front's & KTRR rear's will give a very tail up attitude.

Regards, Jason.