Dobinsons Suspension: IMS vs MRR, Lift Kits & 4x4 Suspension Explained
When it comes to building a capable 4x4, suspension is about much more than simply adding lift.
The right suspension setup can improve ride quality, vehicle control, load handling and performance when the pavement ends. Whether you're building a daily-driven Toyota Tacoma, setting up a 4Runner for weekend adventures, or adding weight to a full overland build, your suspension should be chosen around how you actually use your vehicle.
That's one of the reasons we're big fans of Dobinsons Spring & Suspension at KRAVE Automotive.
Dobinsons offers everything from springs and supporting suspension components to IMS monotube shocks and MRR remote-reservoir suspension systems. That allows us to build a suspension package around the vehicle, its added weight and its intended use rather than simply choosing a generic lift kit.
Looking for Dobinsons for your build? Browse the complete Dobinsons collection at KRAVE Automotive.
Why Dobinsons Suspension?
Dobinsons has been manufacturing springs and suspension components since 1953, and today the lineup covers a huge range of 4x4 and off-road applications. KRAVE's current Dobinsons catalogue includes complete IMS and MRR suspension systems, coil and leaf springs, upper control arms, trailing arms, sway bar components and other suspension hardware.
That variety is important because not every 4x4 needs the same suspension setup.
A daily-driven Tacoma with occasional weekend trail use has different requirements than a heavily loaded overland truck carrying armour, a winch, canopy, rooftop tent and camping equipment.
Rather than focusing exclusively on how high the vehicle sits, a properly selected suspension system takes the vehicle, added weight, terrain and driving style into consideration.
You can also explore KRAVE's full range of 4x4 suspension components.
Dobinsons IMS Suspension
For a lot of 4x4 and overland builds, Dobinsons IMS suspension offers a great balance between everyday drivability and increased off-road capability.
IMS stands for Internal Monotube Shock. Compared with a more conventional twin-tube setup, the monotube design is intended to provide improved heat dissipation and consistent damping during demanding use.
That makes IMS a compelling option for a vehicle that still spends plenty of time commuting around Calgary but also sees gravel roads, trails, camping trips and extended overland travel.
KRAVE currently carries complete IMS suspension systems for applications including the Tacoma, Tundra, 4Runner, Land Cruiser 250, Ineos Grenadier and others.
For example, the Dobinsons 2025–2026 Toyota 4Runner IMS Suspension Kit at KRAVE uses 2.6-inch monotube shocks and performance-tuned valving, with options for different front and rear springs.
For many daily-driven overland vehicles, IMS is the sweet spot, offering a substantial suspension upgrade without the additional adjustment of a remote-reservoir system.
Dobinsons MRR Suspension
For builds that demand even more suspension performance and adjustability, there is Dobinsons MRR.
MRR stands for Monotube Remote Reservoir, and it's the step up for drivers looking for greater control over how their suspension performs.
Dobinsons MRR systems use remote reservoirs and offer three-way adjustability, giving you considerably more ability to tune suspension behaviour for different conditions.
KRAVE currently offers complete MRR systems for applications including the 2024–2026 Tacoma, 2024–2026 Land Cruiser 250, 2025–2026 4Runner and 2022–2026 Tundra, among others.
For heavier overland builds, frequent off-road use, rough terrain or drivers who want more control over their suspension setup, MRR can be a worthwhile step up.
Dobinsons IMS vs MRR: Which Should You Choose?
This is probably the biggest question when people start looking at Dobinsons.
For a daily-driven 4x4 that regularly sees camping, gravel roads and trail use, IMS provides an excellent combination of simplicity, durability and performance.
MRR makes more sense when the vehicle is regularly pushed harder off-road, carries substantial weight or the driver wants the ability to fine-tune suspension damping.
Neither choice should be made based on the shock alone, though.
The complete vehicle matters.
Added weight from bumpers, winches, skid plates, canopies, drawer systems, rooftop tents and other overland accessories available through KRAVE can change what spring rate and suspension configuration make sense for your build.
That's why we prefer looking at the vehicle as a complete system.
Don't Forget About Upper Control Arms
Shocks and springs tend to get most of the attention, but lifting a 4x4 can change suspension geometry.
That's where upper control arms can become an important part of a complete suspension build.
Dobinsons offers both tubular steel and billet aluminium upper control arms, and KRAVE carries multiple vehicle-specific options.
Depending on the vehicle and lift height, upgraded upper control arms can help address alignment and geometry considerations while also providing components designed around modified suspension setups.
When you're putting together a complete suspension system at KRAVE Automotive, these supporting components are something we can consider alongside the shocks and springs.
Panhard Bars, Trailing Arms & Supporting Components
The same idea applies to the rear suspension.
Depending on the platform and amount of lift, components such as adjustable panhard bars, trailing arms, sway bar links and other geometry-correction components can help complete the suspension system.
Dobinsons offers a broad range of supporting components, and KRAVE's current catalogue includes adjustable trailing arms, sway bar links, bushings, differential drop kits, springs and other suspension hardware alongside its complete shock packages.
The goal isn't to throw every possible suspension component at a vehicle.
It's to figure out what the particular build actually needs.
Choosing the Right Springs Matters
Spring selection is another part of a suspension build that can easily get overlooked.
If you've added a steel bumper, winch, armour, canopy, drawer system, rooftop tent or other permanent weight, the vehicle's suspension needs to support it.
Likewise, putting an unnecessarily heavy spring into a relatively lightweight vehicle isn't automatically better.
Dobinsons offers numerous coil and leaf spring configurations, which gives us the ability to build the suspension around the vehicle rather than treating every Tacoma, 4Runner or Tundra the same. KRAVE's suspension catalogue currently carries a large selection of Dobinsons coil and leaf springs alongside its complete kits.
That's one of the biggest advantages of approaching suspension as a complete system rather than simply a lift height.
Build Your Dobinsons Suspension at KRAVE Automotive
Whether you're looking for a simple suspension upgrade or putting together a complete overland build, Dobinsons gives us a lot of flexibility.
From IMS and MRR shocks to springs, upper control arms and supporting suspension components, we can put together a package based on your vehicle, added weight and what you actually want it to do.
KRAVE Automotive carries Dobinsons suspension for a wide variety of 4x4 platforms, with products available both online and through our Calgary shop.
