Dobinsons 4Runner Suspension Install in under 3 hours!! - Toyota 4Runner 5th Gen

Installing a full Dobinsons suspension into a 2018 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2x4 model with 3rd row seats. The front struts were preassembled, making installation a breeze. We used a standard floor jack and 2 jack stands and mostly hand tools to do all the work. Most bolts are 14mm, 17mm, 19mm and 22mm, so a variety of ratcheting wrenches and sockets and ratches were used to get it done the easiest.

This same suspension can be selected here: https://exitoffroad.com/product/dobin...

Virtually the same method is followed to lift a Toyota FJ Cruiser, Lexus GX470 or Lexus GX460 since they all share the common suspension design from the Prado 120 and Prado 150 platform.

I've worked on several 4Runners and FJ Cruisers myself and found this to be the simplest, safest, and fastest way to install the front suspension with the least amount of issues. It also doesn't require too much to come apart, which would also be good for older model vehicles as well with rust or corrosion issues.

And yes, so many people keep on asking the same questions - this same process will work for other brands too (since it's removing stock suspension and reinstalling stronger/taller parts) such as OME, Old Man Emu, Fox, Icon, King, Terrain Tamer, BP-51, Rancho, Rough Country, Pro Comp, and what ever other brands you can think of.

This suspension install relates to all 4th and 5th Gen 4Runners without KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Stabilization System) swaybars or XREAS, but this is almost the same as a vehicle with those variants would use also.

Dobinsons has been making suspension in Australia since 1953, and their offerings for the US Toyota market are quite extensive, with many different coil options of varying heights and spring rates, as well as different strut and shock options, there's something to suit every need. Also now in the USA Dobinsons offer different colored coil and strut/shock options to really fine tune things to suit your preferences.

This suspension was installed on a 2x4 model 4Runner, which installs the same as a 4x4, although there isn't a front differential or CV axles in the way. The process of removing and reinstalling the front struts is the same though with a 4x4 model. No additional parts need to be moved or removed on those for installation.

I hope this video helps everyone get a better grasp of what it takes to install a suspension like this on their Toyota. Definitely having the struts professionally pre-assembled prior to shipping makes a massive difference in installation time. This job took 2hrs and 45mins with breaks, filming and photographs, as well as figuring out a couple of things along the way (aka removing the front skid plate and plastic trim). Professional shops charge 4+ hours usually, so with the right tools, some help from some friends who have worked on suspension before, and a video like this, you can do it yourself perhaps and save some cash!!

Thanks for watching!
-Mike