Dobinson MRR set up

If you can't feel anything then that means you are probably missing the ball bearing and Spring in the right order underneath the adjuster.

 

You guys assembled them so I'm assuming they were put together right haha

 

I found out that the rebound on the passenger side adjuster was missing the little metal ball bearing too Thankfully, I was saved by my kid's magnetic toy! These work perfectly!

See them at Walmart here Speks Magnetic Balls 2.5MM









Removing rebound adjusters on a front Dobinsons MRA strut / coilover:

 

That's so helpful.

I wish they were magnetic from the start!!

 

They work great. You only need to confirm that the spring is still there. I'd be happy to send some out if anyone is in need (PMs me your address). I don't think my kid will notice any of them missing

 

So I've had my dobinsons setup for just under 2 years now and feel the need to comment for awareness and advice. I've got C59-350 springs up front on some GS59-220 struts and

$335 GS59-940 Dobinsons Pair of Rear Shocks Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 4x4 2005-2018 - GS59-940

GS59-940 shocks in the rear with some All-pro expedition leafs. My truck rides really horribly. I've driven a lot of different vehicles and the way mine feels over bumps is probably the worst suspension I've felt on any vehicle. It's extremely harsh and stiff, and on certain highways the truck gets into this annoying bouncing/bucking front to back motion. On smooth roads it's obviously fine, but overall I'm really not happy with my suspension on anything but a perfect road. I do have E rated tires which obviously doesn't help things either. My truck is 6000 lbs and should not feel as stiff as it does with that kinda weight, but it's extremely harsh and bouncy.

I've considered upgrading to some MRR's at some point and maybe swapping out the All-pro expedition leafs with some Deavers but it's a lot of money to spend and I'd want to be absolutely sure it will ride like it's supposed to before dropping that kind of money.

edit: I got this thread confused with the other dobinsons thread but I'll leave it here as I am still considering the MRR's.

 

I'd guess that your Leaf springs, shock package, and tophat spacer are causing a stiff ride. With tire pressure, and bump stops being a contributing factor (assuming you have OEM bump stops). The Expedition leafs and the basic Dobinson shocks are well-known for a harsh ride. Even the 111 rear leff springs were too harsh for my taste (so I use 110s w/ airbags). You also have extended struts with a tophat spacer. That's probably why you're getting the bumpsteer.

@Crikeymike goes into it over here

 

I had the same problem with the suspension being smooth on smooth roads and bouncy on slightly bumpy on freeways. Try lowering your settings and you'll be surprised you might need more rebound and/or High compression. I managed to adjust mine to where it's bearable. I also have the 111 leaf pack. If it's bouncy try lower down everything in the rear it might help.

 

Unfortunately my cheap ass didn't buy the adjustable Dobinsons. I went cheap just so I could fit these 35's. If/when I upgrade the suspension I'll definitely be getting something adjustable. Also, I really think the main issue is the allpro expedition leafs. They are wayyy too damn stiff and I think if I swapped them out for a different leaf pack I'd notice a pretty big change, even with everything else being the same.

 

Was wondering after around 2 months of install Id like to adjust the ride height.. rather than go up and down with the collars, which way should we go...

Make the coil tighter increase ride height?
Or
Make the coil looser to increase ride height

 

If you turn the adjustment nuts up on the shock body (make the coil tighter in your terms) it will increase the ride height. It's about a 2:1 ratio, so if you adjust the collars up 1/4" it will change your ride height about a 1/2" but YMMV.

PDF on adjusting spring seat height

 

Yea cool appreciate the reply, now know which way to go...

Im not sure about height as the instruction refer to exceeding the parameters.

Must be some wiggle room... Not sure how much tho.. kinda pointless haveing adjustable ride height if it's not recommended to do so

 

What spring do you have installed? @Crikeymike can tell you what seat height not to exceed. When I had the 314 spring he recommended not to go over 230mm seat heigh on those.

The max would be just so the coils don't bind when the suspension is fully compressed but you don't want to go that far. If you set ride height to high then there is no down travel left in the shock and it will affect ride quality in a bad way. In an ideal world setting the shock in the middle of the stroke would the best.

 

Anyone have any tricks adjusting these while they're on the truck? Got some installed a few weeks ago and got some settling to handle. Looks like best way to take the wheel off and drop the sway bar?

 

If anyone ever has a problem adjusting or turning the purple or black adjuster knobs on their Dobinsons MRA shocks or struts, here's a guide to clear that up.
https://exitoffroad.com/wp-content/...ns-MRR-MRA-Adjuster-Stuck-or-Hard-to-Turn.pdf

 

Its funny you posted this 10 mins after I was lurking through this thread.
Ive focused my sights on purchasing a full MRR lift kit in the new year with one of my concerns living in the Northeast, ROAD SALT! I treat my truck annually with a rust preventative and am concerned with corrosion on these units. Whats the word with how they hold up? any feedback?

 

After 2 years I'm replacing the coils. I wash it regularly and don't daily drive it but the road maintenance materials abuse it. I'm in NY

 

Wow after only 2yrs! So the steel is rusted out? and the aluminum is fine?

 

yes

 

My Fox were toast after 4 years with a rebuild at year 2. Rarely driven. Car wash with under carriage weekly.


Replaced with MRRs this week.