Dobinsons Suspension

[Datsun Man]

So I'm in need of a little assistance. I have a 2012 Nissan Frontier currently equipped with Dobinsons GS Twin Tubes front and back with the Heavy Coils up front and the Super Heavy Leafs in the back. In general the suspension is good, but I do have a problem that I'm hoping I can resolve simply by upgrading to the IMS or MRR Shocks and Struts.

To specify this problem I'm having has to do with the oh so lovely Concrete Highway's and Interstates in Colorado around the Denver area. These roads are causing a oh so lovely Fore and Aft shake that is really annoying and it would be excellent to get rid of that.

At this time I figure the GS Twin Tubes are simply not quite up to the task and figure either the IMS or MRR would do the trick, but I don't have experience with either and was hoping for input from those with experience of the two. I don't care what vehicle manufacturer you have, if you have experienced what I'm talking about and have went to the IMS or MRR Shocks and Struts from Dobinsons could you please tell me the experience? Did it change for the better? Did it make things worse? Was it about the same? This will help me with making the right decision and try to save me from buying multiple sets unnecessarily.

 

[ncflyer]

Contact the owner of Exit Offroad down in Florida. Super knowledgeable (sells dobinson suspension) and helpful. This is an independent shop separate from Dobinson USA.

Exit Offroad are the Dobinsons Suspension Experts in the USA

Exit Offroad is your source for Dobinsons Suspension in the USA and Canada specialzing in Toyota SUVs and Pickups, excellent customer service

exitoffroad.com

 

[Datsun Man]

I will confirm that Exit OffRoad is separate from Dobinsons, but I can also state that I made the choice on MRR Shocks and Struts. Just got the Shocks today and I should have the Struts next week.

 

[rruff]

To specify this problem I'm having has to do with the oh so lovely Concrete Highway's and Interstates in Colorado around the Denver area.

I25 south by any chance?

The only time I drove my truck near there was right after I bought it (new) and headed south for NM. It bucked like a bronco on the concrete fwy. There was no speed that seemed to help much, and it was busy anyway... thankfully when I got out of town it was ok. The only other urban areas I've driven through in the last 9 years are Albuquerque and El Paso, and they aren't as bad.

In my case think the frame flex was the main cause, since it's a 164" wheelbase 1/2 ton. New shocks helped a little (IM FCPs), but adding a camper and airbags made it worse. Ditching the airbags and adding leafs helped some.

I wish you luck with your shock upgrade. Since you have the MRRs with adjustable damping, you should be able to dial them in.

 

[Datsun Man]

I25 south by any chance?

The only time I drove my truck near there was right after I bought it (new) and headed south for NM. It bucked like a bronco on the concrete fwy. There was no speed that seemed to help much, and it was busy anyway... thankfully when I got out of town it was ok. The only other urban areas I've driven through in the last 9 years are Albuquerque and El Paso, and they aren't as bad.

In my case think the frame flex was the main cause, since it's a 164" wheelbase 1/2 ton. New shocks helped a little (IM FCPs), but adding a camper and airbags made it worse. Ditching the airbags and adding leafs helped some.

I wish you luck with your shock upgrade. Since you have the MRRs with adjustable damping, you should be able to dial them in.

Part of it. Don't forget parts of I225 and 285 headed west from Denver area. I have had some bad spots on I70 as well. Not fun at all.

 

[rruff]

I25 is the only one I tried. It was so horrendous in my stock truck that if lived there, I'd never do it again. Hope the shocks do the job...

 

[Datsun Man]

So I have an update. I now officially have the MRR Shocks and Struts on my truck. I got the rears installed last weekend and I just installed the fronts today after getting home from work.

Of course this meant a mandatory Pizza Run! Around my house I do have a few dirt roads that are usually maintained, but still get washboarded from time to time. I decided to hit some of them and of course the pavement for a few miles. To say the least I am impressed already!!with the Compression and Rebound Settings at the Constant Load that Dobinsons Recommends this truck is much more tolerable on pavement and dirt roads!

Of course I'm still going to have to take time to dial it in and that will take some time. Thankfully I have the Books from Dobinsons and I have seen a few videos of others doing some basic tuning. Only time will tell on how well it goes!

 

[Datsun Man]

Well after driving around and playing with the settings, I was able to tune out the issue with the good old Concrete Road Bucking that was going on! What worked for me on that so far is having the rebound at the Comfort Setting up front and the Constant Load in the rear! Of course this may be different for others, but it is something to go off of.

I plan to play in some nearby trails today to see if I can get the High Speed and Low Speed Compression sorted out as it seems to be tough to work out on the street.