Outer Limits 4x4 Board

G Day,

I would like to know how the Dobinsons Suspension system works, how do guys compare with it other brands like OME, Tough Dog, Koni, etc.

It is truth that this brand is tough enough to compete in a 4x4 contest and at the same time it is so comfortable to have a good ride on the street?

All I can say is I've run Tough Dog coils, and didn't like them, and now run Dobinsons, and they are great.

Dobinsons all round mate and no complaints here

i also run dobinson springs and shocks all around they are great no complaints from me.

Yep, I have Dobinsons in my GU. Did cape york in them. No problems.....touch woood.

I ran dobinsons on my comp truck through outback challenge and X-treme international and this year I had a deal with OME. I'd go back to Dobinsons in a flash.

Me mate in the ET4wd Club is getting 4" Dobinsons and dob shocks for his GQ. They seem to be very popular all rounders. His is just going to be a comp rig too.
I've got 6" Tough dogs on mine and they're pretty stiff.
cheers, sudso

Excellent......Thanks a lot for the prompt respond mates……So, because of your opinions I think that before buy any suspension kit you don’t have to base your decision in a high priced kit, because the high price doesn’t mean that your are going to get optimum results as a comfort ride and a good off road performance…

I know of a set of shocks that where in a lightish GU coil Cab that very rarely got driven and was always well washed when stored. THink they where on it for maybe 3yrs but only 5000km. And the shocks are about done. Valveing dosent feel the same between the 2 rear shocks. They still work. But since its had Koni's put in it supposedly handles a heap better. As they where never really happy with the dobinson's. But at the time they fitted the budget.

im running dobinson 4 inch coils, havent had any problems with them, im using drop boxes too, they have survived 2 comps soo far, and will be getting tested at woodpecker challenge again in about 10 days time

Thank you very much mates, this is very valuable information, and good luck in the Woodpecker challenge Madmac....

I had Dobinson's in my GQ Patrol. I couldn't have been happier with them compared to the TJM Series 2000 suspension.

I've since bought a 105 series cruiser and am looking for Dobinson's to fit this. Unfortunately I don't think they exist for this make and model. I'll keep searching I think.

Anyway, another vote for Dobinson's!

Regards

Anthony.

Dobinsons springs with EFS shocks here. IMHO should have gone the dobinsons shocks as well.

i have dobinsons shocks not sure what spring i have cant see a broblem with them yet been in for ages now

I've been setting up vehicles with Dobinsons coil springs for quite a few years now and can't speak highly enough about them. I have installed them into quite a few competition trucks also. Some of these trucks have competed in the Outback Challenge and the MMM Winch Challenges for 2 seasons and still held up well. One notable vehicle has won the OBC and the XI on the same set of springs as well as competing in 3 rounds of the winch challenge in the same year - a real test of their durability.

Dobinsons shocks really only suit up to 4" lift GQ/Us but are a bloody good shock. 36mm bore and made by De-Carbon in Europe, valved to Glen Dobinson's specifications. I don't use their 32mm bore shocks that often, only their 36mm bore shocks. The 32mm bore shocks seem to be valved too stiffly for my liking.

Dobinsons are now only making the softer 3" - 6" springs to suit GQ/Us for distributors like myself, and only for bulk orders.

PM me if you would like more info on what is available.

Peter K.

Thanks a lot Peter K.....Just to let you know I have a Y60 SWB TD42 eng, and I would like to get a 2" lift on it, because I don't want to use it for comp, it's my daily ride.

I have some questions about it like which can be the best kit (coils and shocks) to suite my vehicle in order to get a good on and off road performance without feeling the car bumpy or too stiffy.

The SWB GQ does not have a lot of options. Many people will utilise a LWB spring - say a 2" spring to get 3" in a SWB - but it is too stiff. We have specific SWB springs available but only to suit a 3" or 4" lift.

On a SWB this will mean additional work to stop rear tailshaft vibration, correct castor, extend swaybar link pins etc.

On the SWB I would recommend using the EFS shocks instead of the Dobinsons as they are softer valved and would provide a better ride with the softer springs.

The other option is to utilise the EFS 2" springs which will give you approximately 40mm lift with the diesel and no aftermarket accessories. This will require less work to keep it civilised on the road.

Peter K.

Cool Peter that’s been very helpful, I will try to search for these EFS springs. I have another question, as your opinion what’s the best shock choice in order to mix it with EFS 2â€

EFS Shocks - 35mm bore, expanded oil capacity, 3yr / 60000 km warranty (I think they have recently upgraded tp 100000 km warranty) and softer valving than the Dobinson shock - I think that you would find these shocks to suit your application.

Peter K.

I have fitted Dobinsons leaves to the old G60s. Pretty nice set of springs for the price. Flexed resonably well and rode awesome. I didn't like the shocks though, kindo of cheaply made for my tastes. Or maybe that was just the G60 model. I prefer Ranchos or Koni. It isn't like you have to use the same brand of shock as the spring.

The thing that made Dobinsons a step ahead of the other guys is customer service. Lot's of G60 owners in the USA will agree. We have dealt with and bought directly from Glen Dobinson himself and man he sure does take care of a customer.

Thank you very much Peter K.....

As sudso has said i have just got a set of springs,shocks and panhards from Dobinsons in sydney to do a 4 inch lift on my wagon.

All i have heard is good reports and the help i recieved was fantastic!
I have also ordered more gear from them for my mates Shorty and Martin the guy that helped me out gives me a ring every now and then to see how things are going, ( talk about after sales service!) Have'nt got them in yet but im impressed already with my choice after reading all this!


Steve.

Just to confirm, I also agree with bowtie landie that Dobinsons shocks would be too stiff for a shorty so EFS($95) is what I recommend or sometimes Procomps ($120).

On an insignificant note, Dobinsons shocks are made in Tunisia in the North of Africa. I spose it is very close to Europe and they do speak French in Tunisia. You will find Dobinsons shocks to be heavier than other shocks because they are built with thicker steel.

Lovells have softer coils that will work for your shorty if you are interested ($140 p). I am sure someone would have a part number for a softer Dobinsons coil. If you are interested I could check with my supplier.

Shane

Hey thank you very much again mates for all the info, now I'm in the saving process, in order to get the suspension system…..Any more opinions or testimonials are more than welcome…

Dobinson's is good stuff, I live in Weipa and drive to Cairns often, in comfort. It's good to know I can just hop in the ute or the wagon go to Cairns or go camping and take off and not worry and know I will get back.