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View Full Version : Dobinsons VRX Heavy Duty lows



barryb
05-06-2015, 08:00 AM
Looking to buy these springs for my AWD with standard 16" rims. I am located in Penrith NSW, anyone know where to get hold of them and the pricing? Interested in oponions of shocks as well. Thanks .

Red Valdez
05-06-2015, 11:04 AM
E-mail forum sponsor Mits-fix.

barryb
05-06-2015, 12:08 PM
E-mail forum sponsor Mits-fix.

Thanks Red, have phoned and spoken to Brendan, must say I am happy with the pricing and they are more than happy to help

ADM
09-06-2015, 12:57 PM
Hope they're not too low for you Barry, 60mm is quite a drop. Even with the stiffer spring rates.
I've got the Standard Dobinsons VRX which sit 30mm lower than a stock magna BTW.

barryb
10-06-2015, 11:11 AM
Thanks ADM, I am going for the 10mm drop, bit worried about them being too low

ADM
10-06-2015, 12:13 PM
Yeah, 10 mm is nothing, on an AWD it might drop 5mm lower again being a heavier car.
Even the 30mm drop on mine is fine, I've got no clearance or suspension geometry issues with my set up.

GTVi
10-06-2015, 12:18 PM
Thanks ADM, I am going for the 10mm drop, bit worried about them being too low

30mm is not too low, but 10mm will still give you all round better ground clearance and performance similar to a standard VRX/GTVi stance.

barryb
10-06-2015, 04:01 PM
They had 40 mm drop, thought that may be too much and opted for the 10. The AWD is dragging its arse now with the original springs sagged and a bit of extra camber happening. Not sure which shocks to get yet, need something good without crushing the bank account too much. What measurements do you get with the 30mm drop? I am at 355mm from centre of wheel to bottom of wheel arch.

ADM
11-06-2015, 09:13 AM
Boge/Sachs shocks, regarded by members in the know here as the best performing reasonably priced shocks for the magna platform. Pretty much everyone I'm aware of rates them better than Monroe, Pedders or KYB. Personally I've got KYB excel G's & only got them as they were in stock & I scored them for trade.
Only the Koni adjustables (no longer made for the magna) or coilovers (KIDO/K-Sport) are better but you do pay a premium upgrading to either option.

As for measurments, 385mm front & 370mm rear. Still plenty of sunlight between tyres & wheelarch eyebrows, & no clearance issues & suspension geometry is unaffected (ie no pronounced rear negative camber).
Remember the Dobinsons VRX are 25% stiffer spring than standard so you won't have any bottoming out or bump stop issues.

barryb
11-06-2015, 02:40 PM
Thanks ADM for the info, was told Dobinsons only make two springs for the Magna c43-083, 15mm drop and c43-077v which is a 40mm drop. Did you get either of these?

ADM
12-06-2015, 06:27 AM
When I phoned Dobinsons they told me the C43-083 were a 30mm drop (from a standard magna ride height that is, not including the VRX or sports models).
They did sit noticeably higher than the old Kings Super low/Low combo I had, but the Kings by then were around 3 years old,the fronts were fairly soft & the rears had already started to sag.
After the Dobinsons settled (3 months) they do sit around 30mm lower over stock. I looked at photos of my car when I first bought it & the factory ride height is noticeably higher compared to how it sits now with the Dobinsons.
With our cars being the heavier AWD platform, they will sit an additional 5mm or so lower than the lighter FWD models.

barryb
12-06-2015, 06:43 AM
Thanks ADM for the info, the c43-083 are the way to go then. I put some kings std springs in my wagon 4 months ago, not impressed with the ride, still too soft for my liking, that is why I am steering away from them for the AWD. Thanks for your time, I appreciate it.

ADM
16-06-2015, 12:34 PM
No problems, you're welcome Barry.
Yeah I wasn't really that impressed with the Kings either, that's why I swapped them out & got the Dobinsons.

Mcada
24-06-2015, 04:56 AM
I know Boge & Sachs shocks seem to be popular, but what about Monroe?

ADM
24-06-2015, 08:49 AM
Monroes don't seem to be as good as they used to. The Boge/Sachs are always rated as a better shock absorber by members on this forum.

barryb
24-06-2015, 01:28 PM
Well the springs turned up Monday and due to be installed Friday along with some KYB shocks, I am on a bit of a budget but thought this would be an above average choice. Dobinsons said it was a 25mm drop and to add around 5mm extra for the AWD configuration. Cannot wait for the install.

barryb
26-06-2015, 03:54 PM
Springs and shocks installed, have a height increase of 10mm, sitting at 365mm now instead of 355mm. Feels nice and firm on the road, could not go far as I have the front bar off getting plastic welding done on one of the mounts so I can install the fog lights I bought a month ago....... The car is coming along nicely, a month or two and I will look into the front springs and struts

ADM
30-06-2015, 02:03 PM
Cool mate, keep us posted.

Madmagna
25-07-2015, 06:57 AM
Personally I would go Monroe over KYB if budget was the issue, KYB are way over gassed and the rebound is shocking.

barryb
25-07-2015, 12:48 PM
I find the shocks quite good, way better than what was in there. The ride is firm and rebound feels ok to me.

barryb
25-07-2015, 01:13 PM
Was wondering what the part number for Dobinson springs for the fronts, time to replace them as the struts are getting a little knocky at times. I want to keep it an even stance with the rears if I can.

ADM
09-09-2015, 10:24 AM
C43-082 - This is the Dobinsons "VRX standard" ride height front springs, but will lower the front of a stock ride height AWD magna/verada by around 30mm when settled in.

I've got these on my AWD magna, they are also 25% stiffer than stock springs so you get sportier handling without sacrificing much in the way of ride & compliance.

For struts, Boge/Sachs for the win or if your budget can stretch to the Konis, go these (you'll need to keep your original struts to put the Konis in).
I've got KYBs on mine & their doughy re-bound upsets balance & poise too easily, especially over bumpy or uneven surfaces when cornering.

barryb
19-09-2015, 03:59 PM
Thanks for the reply ADM, I picked up the front Dobinsons VRX spec springs, new bump stops, top strut bearings and kyb struts.

The awd certainly sits a lot nicer now and the ride is firmer though I have not driven it much since the upgrade. Will be going to Brisbane at the end of October and intend to go through the putty road and up the new england highway to see how it handles.

I have not noticed the rebound issue you mention though time will tell I guess. I am loving this car, it is so different to my TL wagon.

ADM
21-09-2015, 07:37 AM
Barry, if you haven't already done it, get a Whiteline strut brace also (still available on ebay).
You won't really notice much if any difference until you really start leaning into corners then you really notice the benefits in the handling.

Re-the rebound - it's being masked somewhat as the springs are new. You'll notice it more when everything settles in (around 1000kms) and after 12 or so months it becomes really apparent when going over corrugated and choppy road conditions.

barryb
24-09-2015, 06:31 AM
Thanks ADM. was not sure if the strut brace would make a big difference. I do love my corners, my old man taught me if you go in at 100 make sure you come out at 110. Been my driving style ever since. I thought also on the struts, maybe there is not much rebound due to the reduced ride height as well and summised the struts would also soften a little with age. Wheel aligners in my area are mostly crud, took me a while to find a decent one that can do a decent job and spend time on the car till it is right. Might pay a little more but well worth the outcome. Next project is rear bar a left quarter panel repair where previous owner used the car as a bump and scrape machine.

Wombatkarl
24-09-2015, 07:22 AM
I found the strut brace helped the car hold the line better

ADM
29-09-2015, 02:18 PM
Next project is rear bar a left quarter panel repair where previous owner used the car as a bump and scrape machine.

Yeah, you gotta hate that. I've got some bumps & minor scrapes to fix on mine too, but in my case it was caused by other drivers not decent enough to leave their details or offer to cover the damage. A***oles :-S

barryb
03-10-2015, 05:17 AM
Yes I had my wagon sideswiped while at work, shame the security camera was just out of range. Damaged two drivers side doors and front guard and drivers mirror gone. A quick buff made it look 90% better though have dents left if you look hard enough. Karma will get them........