Dobinson Springs,

Submitted: Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 12:19

ThreadID: 68381 Views:8676 Replies:5 FollowUps:11

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Suspension

There is an unfortunate but realistic fact about purchasing a new 4WD - it won't come fitted with a suspension system designed to carry the kind of load you'll pack for a serious outback trip.

Geoff (Newcastle, NSW)

Hi Team,
I've just got a quote from Dobinsons for new springs and shockies for the Troopy.

The pricing was very competitive, much cheaper than ARB and TJM. (About $400 to $500 for the same items)

Has anyone had experience, good or bad with the Dobinson equipment?

I'd guess the shockies will be the biggest variable in these kits from the various manufacturers.

Geoff

Geoff,
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Grey hair is hereditary, you get it from children. Baldness is caused by watching the Wallabies.

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Reply By: V64Runner - Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 14:13

Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 14:13

Have heard good things about Dobinsons. Only time will tell if they are as good as made out to be - especially the shocks

AnswerID: 362443

Follow Up By: Geoff (Newcastle, NSW) - Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 15:14

Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 15:14

Thanks for that.

Interestingly the pictures and dimensions of the Dobinson shocks and the new ARB Nitro Charger Sport shocks are identical, right down to the same plastic shroud on the top section of both!

Geoff

Geoff,
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Grey hair is hereditary, you get it from children. Baldness is caused by watching the Wallabies.

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Reply By: beelzebug - Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 15:23

Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 15:23

Geoff,
I just put Dobinson extended shocks on the GQ Patrol. Were recommended by a Patrol suspension expert in Vic. Prices seemed OK to me.

AnswerID: 362445

Follow Up By: Geoff (Newcastle, NSW) - Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 18:34

Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 18:34

Thanks,

Geoff

Geoff,
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Grey hair is hereditary, you get it from children. Baldness is caused by watching the Wallabies.

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Reply By: Member - Chris & Debbie (QLD) - Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 15:25

Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 15:25

Hi Geoff

I fitted Dobinson springs to my 80series not long ago, they have been good so far, trip later this month will test them out though. Purchased the spings, shocks and dampener from www.suspensionstuff.com.au in Brisbane, but send most of Aust free. I went with Series 88 Koni shocks on the rear and Boss adjustable up front. springs came in at $320, set of four 3" lift extra heavy duty.

Chris

AnswerID: 362446

Follow Up By: Geoff (Newcastle, NSW) - Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 16:16

Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 16:16

Thanks Chris,

Those people you recommended are cheaper for Dobinson gear than Dobinson's are!

Geoff

Geoff,
Landcruiser HDJ78,
Grey hair is hereditary, you get it from children. Baldness is caused by watching the Wallabies.

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Follow Up By: Member - Chris & Debbie (QLD) - Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 16:25

Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 16:25

If you send them and email, Shane is the guy, with what is fitted to you vehicle and what you want out of it, he will give a recommendation as to which will best suit you.

Chris

FollowupID: 630159

Follow Up By: Adricat - Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 16:32

Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 16:32

Susoension stuff x 2.
Good service

FollowupID: 630162

Reply By: Gunna Do - Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 16:06

Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 16:06

Have had Dobinson coils on my GU Patrol for 5-6 years now, and have found that they have sagged very little if any. I do a lot of towing with a 1200+kg camper trailer on the back and have found them to hold up quite well. I recently fitted polyair Bags to assist with the weight also. They were very helpfull when I spoke to them when ordering also.

Prior to owning the Patrol I owned a 60 series Cruiser, which I had Dobinsons add extra leaves to as well as resetting the original springs. This work once done, did not require any further maintanance to the day I sold it.

AnswerID: 362450

Follow Up By: Geoff (Newcastle, NSW) - Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 16:15

Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 16:15

Thanks mate, that recommendation is probably "Gunna Do" me.

I couldn't resist the bad joke.

5 to 6 years with minimal sagging has to be better than the 3 year old Toyota leaves on the rear. My guess is they are down about 25mm already!

Geoff

Geoff,
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Grey hair is hereditary, you get it from children. Baldness is caused by watching the Wallabies.

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Follow Up By: Gunna Do - Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 17:28

Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 17:28

Geoff,

Are you talking leaves or coils. If leaves, when I had the leaves in the cruiser reset, I spoke to them and had them set as high as I could without risking the shackles flipping in. Give them a ring as they have always been very helpful to talk to.

FollowupID: 630169

Follow Up By: Geoff (Newcastle, NSW) - Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 18:02

Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 18:02

Hi Gunna Do,
My Troopy is a late model 78 Series so it has coil fronts and leaf rear.

I thought about getting the rear re-set but tossed that idea away.

The springs are just 3 years old and have sagged at least 25mm in that period.

Unless someone can convince me otherwise I don't think it's good economics getting the Toyota springs re-set when you can just about watch them sag.

Thanks for all the great information,

Geoff

Geoff,
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Grey hair is hereditary, you get it from children. Baldness is caused by watching the Wallabies.

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Follow Up By: Gunna Do - Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 18:28

Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 18:28

Geoff, I was more suggesting differant setting for the new springs. I was able to take my cruiser into their business and have it all done by them. Being at Newcastle I reallise that it is not possible to take yours in, but it may be worth asking them about the differant setting of the new springs? Good luck with your decision.

FollowupID: 630184

Follow Up By: Geoff (Newcastle, NSW) - Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 18:34

Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 18:34

Ahh, got it.

Apologies for my confusion.

Dobinson's have a workshop in Western Sydney so it's not that far for me.

Thanks,

Geoff

Geoff,
Landcruiser HDJ78,
Grey hair is hereditary, you get it from children. Baldness is caused by watching the Wallabies.

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FollowupID: 630187

Reply By: Member - Axle - Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 21:35

Thursday, Apr 30, 2009 at 21:35

G/Day Geoff, Dunno whats wrong with you!!, Just fit landy shocks, your head will hit the roof first big bump, brain goes into numb situation for a while, No more Worrying!!!!. But before the smart ar@@@es get in Yes !! ive travelled a few rough roads!!...LOL.

Cheers Axle.

AnswerID: 362507