Suspension question - Dobinsons suspension package or wait for Bilstein shocks?

[fur_runner]

First post, been lurking a long time. I've worked on a ton of cars all my life, but this is the first truck I've ever owned so please dismiss my n00bedness

Working w ChatGPT, it suggests if I want to do a 60/35/5 mix of road/overlanding/ohv trails that I should consider the Dobinson suspension options. Looking at their c59-882 springs in the front and and c59-885v in the rear, that means a 2" lift that also increases travel. I've got a lot of assumptions here:

1. Preload spacers can change the suspesion geometery
2. Preload collars lift the truck but don't change the suspension travel
3. 2" of lift won't require supporting hardware like upper controls arms

Assuming all those are correct, my question is

1. Is the Bilstein 5100 shock kit available? I see the thread on here showing the pics, but I can't see anyone actually selling it
2. My belief is that the Bilstein shock would be better than Dobinsons. Maybe that just prejudiced by the fact that I have never heard of Dobinsons, but if thats true is it worth waiting for the Bilsteins over just getting a combo from Dobinsons?
3. The big one, are any of these options an upgrade over stock? I get that the lift is a lift, but from a ride quality or longeivty persepctive, am I going backwards here? (I have an ORPH)

Thank you for whatever insight or feedback you may have!

Sponsored

 

[FoRunna]

Preload collars work for lifting the truck, but they make the ride performance (on AND off-road) worse. I don't understand why they're so popular, other than that people just don't care about how their 4Runner handles, especially off-road.

Bilstein 5100's are not on the market yet. Could try calling them to get an ETA, but since they were just testing them a few months ago on a guys 4Runner here, it's unlikely you'll see them anytime soon. If you want more travel, the 5100's aren't going to offer you a whole lot more than stock in most applications.

As far as Dobinsons goes, I have their IMS kit on my Xterra, and I absolutely love them. Without a doubt, the IMS is leagues above the 5100 (which I have also run in the past). I'm not sure that I would personally run the IMS on the 4Runner, but it's a good option. If that's the type of shock you're looking for, look into the OME MT64. I think that's a much better option, especially for the price range.

PS: Also, know that installing longer springs alone won't change travel; that happens in the shock. You don't want to install longer springs without the appropriate length shock, or you'll be working the shock outside of its damping zone and topping out the shock when unloading the suspension, which will destroy the shock.

 

[fur_runner]

@FoRunna I appreciate the feedback. Why wouldn't you run the IMS on your 4R? I had looked at the MT64, or even a combo of MT64 and BP51, but like most things they're not available for our trucks yet. That is why the Dobinsons stuff caught my eye, and why I don't know if I should just wait till there are more options available

 

[FoRunna]

@FoRunna I appreciate the feedback. Why wouldn't you run the IMS on your 4R? I had looked at the MT64, or even a combo of MT64 and BP51, but like most things they're not available for our trucks yet. That is why the Dobinsons stuff caught my eye, and why I don't know if I should just wait till there are more options available

I just have greater aspirations, so I'm shopping better options. I did consider the Dobinsons MRR, but I'm leaning towards OME BP51 or King 2.5's.

You should be able to shop for 2024+ Land Cruiser (250 series) suspension from any of these companies. It's essentially the same thing. Some companies, like King for example, list the 250 series suspension for the 6th gen 4Runner. I'm willing to bet if you called ARB, they would sell you the LC250 MT64's for your 4Runner. I know for a fact they've already installed MT64's on a 4Runner.

 

[HVLA]

I plan on just a front spacer lift to get rid of some rake and wont be considering suspension until Ironman releases Foamcell Pros.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Preload collars work for lifting the truck, but they make the ride performance (on AND off-road) worse. I don't understand why they're so popular, other than that people just don't care about how their 4Runner handles, especially off-road.

Bilstein 5100's are not on the market yet. Could try calling them to get an ETA, but since they were just testing them a few months ago on a guys 4Runner here, it's unlikely you'll see them anytime soon. If you want more travel, the 5100's aren't going to offer you a whole lot more than stock in most applications.

As far as Dobinsons goes, I have their IMS kit on my Xterra, and I absolutely love them. Without a doubt, the IMS is leagues above the 5100 (which I have also run in the past). I'm not sure that I would personally run the IMS on the 4Runner, but it's a good option. If that's the type of shock you're looking for, look into the OME MT64. I think that's a much better option, especially for the price range.

PS: Also, know that installing longer springs alone won't change travel; that happens in the shock. You don't want to install longer springs without the appropriate length shock, or you'll be working the shock outside of its damping zone and topping out the shock when unloading the suspension, which will destroy the shock.

I've been looking at the ome Mt64, it appears something similar is in the trail Hunter Tacoma. I'm not willing to spend a couple of thousand or more to be a guinea pig and find out that my 40-mi drive on asphalt to the mountains is going to be a shocking reality ride! no pun intended.

My guess Bilstein will release their new shocks next year.

 

[FoRunna]

I've been looking at the ome Mt64, it appears something similar is in the trail Hunter Tacoma. I'm not willing to spend a couple of thousand or more to be a guinea pig and find out that my 40-mi drive on asphalt to the mountains is going to be a shocking reality ride! no pun intended.

My guess Bilstein will release their new shocks next year.

Yeah Trail Hunter Tacoma and 4Runner get a version of the MT64. I'm guessing it's a bit shorter than their aftermarket set, maybe slightly different valving. I feel confident that the MT64 would be a great shock for most situations. It's a progressive tuned shock so it should be pretty comfortable on the street without sacrificing offroad performance.

I have talked to Bilstein, and I'm told that early 2026 (I'm guessing first quarter) they'll be releasing shocks for 4Runner.

 

[Cereal Killer]

I have been waiting for the 5100's have not heard or seen anything...offered my 4Runner as a test vehicle lol, no luck tho.

Sponsored