Dobinson/Bilstein Combination

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

That's correct, but they're for the 120. I was comparing them to the springs for the 150, this being the 150 series suspension thread.

Mike

Just thought I'd let u know its not a softer spring rate as u stated.

[mickmac_42 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mickmac_42]

Softer than what? The suspension database says that the C59-314 has a spring rate of 617lb/in compared with 725lb/in on the 150 front springs. Is the information in the database incorrect, or am i missing something here?

http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...nsion+database

Mike

[Scutto Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Scutto]

Hi guys I purchased a 3 inch kit from cal off road and had it installed at wholesale suspension the ride on and off road is pretty good my wife drives the car everyday down that parking lot they call the M4 I also run 33s maxis big horn tyres never scrubbed the inner guard once off road

[myminirocks Member Find all posts View Profile Close myminirocks]

Hey All, just thought I would throw in this thread my experience with the Billies/Dobinson combo in my 120Series, yes, note, 120Series NOT 150 series.

Originally I went for the 327 dobinson coils in the rear but they were too soft for my camper with a 180kg ball weight and a full boot/tank of fuel. I upgraded to the 329's in the rear and it has been absolutely spot on.

So I ended up with:
the Billies were: BE5A712 and 713's
the Dobinsons were: C59-329 (Rear) and C59-302 (Front)

It gives a really nice rake rear to front (alloy bar and dual batts in the front, 3rd row seats and full tank of fuel in rear) and sits almost level once hitched up. I have just done about 4000klms of towing our goldstream camper all through QLD on dirt/bitchmen and some very deep mud (much deeper then expected I can tell you!) and the suspension was fantastic, I could not be happier.

Maxj I think you will find the 327's wont hold up to your big van, and don't be worried about an unhitched ride being too firm, the 329's have settled in very nicely now and it is a very comfortable ride around town with almost nothing in the back.

Also if anyone is in Brisbane, do yourself a favor and speak to John at Zordos Suspension on the northside, he lives and breathes 4WD suspension and it shows, he was very helpful, and an example of good old fashioned service you just don't see anymore, no complaints about the price either. (No affiliation, just a very happy customer passing on the good oil)

[maxjj Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close maxjj]

cheers, thanks. I don`t expect the springs to hold up the big van. With the weight distribution hitch set up the car looks just like it does unloaded. The whole point is to get the weight back over the front.
As far as ride is concerned, much depends on what tyres you run, if you have stiff sidewalls and stiff springs, it maybe too much.

[maxjj Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close maxjj]

Bilsteins are in, gee they are nice. 100000km and 5 year warranty is nice too. Dobinson C-59-325 rear, and some H&R spring in front.
Wasn`t interested in too much height. Will so how they go with time, in particular when towing the Van.
I can always throw in some heavier springs in the rear.

Apparently front are 30% heavier than standard and rears 25%. Rear is up 50mm front about 35mm. Car feels more tied down and better controlled.
gives more feedback, its much more of a pleasure to drive.

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

Hi guys,

I am also looking at going with the Bilsteins B6 Offroad BE5A712/13 but combined with the TJM XGS springs.

I was considering going with the TJM XGS Shocks and Springs, but I was pointed in the direction of the Bilsteins.
I'm making a decision next week, but thought I'd see if anyone here have this combo or if anyone can offer any advice or comments.

I also have a quote for the ARB OME set up, but I am leaning towards the XGS Springs and Bilsteins.

FYI Its purely just for extra ride height and handling... Im not towing anything at this stage.

Cheers,

Jeff

[maxjj Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close maxjj]

I would think that the TJM xgs are a spring made by someone else to their specs, so could be Kings, Lovells, Dobinson etc. Someone may have more accurate info.

Might as well go direct to the spring maker and choose a set. Cut out the middle man.

they are yellow so may well be King`s

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

I would think that the TJM xgs are a spring made by someone else to their specs, so could be Kings, Lovells, Dobinson etc. Someone may have more accurate info.

Might as well go direct to the spring maker and choose a set. Cut out the middle man.

they are yellow so may well be King`s

If they haven't gone Chinese yet, that is right, they are/were kings.

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

If they haven't gone Chinese yet, that is right, they are/were kings.

Thanks for the info ####,

I think I read that they are made in Aust, but didn't say by whom.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Anth120playdo Banned Find all posts View Profile Close Anth120playdo]

Those looking for bilsteins might want to check this thread before they do.

http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...n-to-Dobinsons

[brucester Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close brucester]

Just had dobinson/bilstein combination as well as airbags fitted by Zordos. John very helpful and ride is as he described. Went 350 front and 325 rear springs and vehicle rides and handles great. Roll in corners reduced and dive under brakes significantly better.

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

I completely agree with your comments about John at Zordos. He is very professional and knowledgeable in setting up Prado's.

When we first had our setup done, we found the front too softly sprung. John kindly swapped the front C59-314 with the heavier C59-352. This is with a TJM steel bullbar only!

The rear springs have been a great compromise for the occasional camper trailer hook up. Daily drives with no load in the rear I found the C59-329 perfect. The spring is strong enough not to sag too much when loaded up with the camper. At around 200kg ball weight and loaded roof rack, the car still sits level and handles surprisingly well.

After 12 months of service, we are still really happy with the suspension. I haven't noticed and sagging in the springs after the initial settlement.

Thanks John. Top job.

[Woody22 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Woody22]

Just a plug for john from zordos ,I would definately call him if you need any advice.

[CQ_Prado Member Find all posts View Profile Close CQ_Prado]

does anyone find with dobinsons springs and shocks in rear that the rear max's out quick, if i drive into a drive way on the angle and get one of the rears with no load on it it bangs and max's out real quick? any ideas.