The Dobinsons MRR Adjustable Remote Reservoir Shock Absorbers are high-performance suspension components designed for vehicles, offering advanced damping control through a 3-way adjustable system. These shock absorbers are engineered to provide a customizable ride experience, adapting to various terrains and driving conditions.
Function Description:
The primary function of these shock absorbers is to control vehicle suspension movement, enhancing stability, ride comfort, and traction. They achieve this through a sophisticated damping system that can be adjusted for different aspects of compression and rebound.
-
Low Speed Compression (LSC): This adjustment primarily influences damping during slow shaft movements, such as vehicle pitch, dive, roll, and wheel traction. It significantly impacts the vehicle's ride harshness and plushness. Lower LSC settings provide a smoother, more compliant ride but may sacrifice stability, while higher settings result in a firmer, less compliant ride with improved body control and stability. The LSC dial is located on the reservoir end and has approximately 20 clicks of adjustment. Turning it clockwise increases damping, and anti-clockwise decreases it.
-
High Speed Compression (HSC): This adjustment controls damping during high-speed shaft movements, typically encountered when hitting harsh or square-edge bumps and during vehicle landings. Lower HSC settings offer a slightly smoother ride but increase the likelihood of bottoming out. Higher settings provide a firmer ride, reducing bottoming but potentially making the ride less compliant. The HSC dial is the larger adjustment dial on the reservoir end and has approximately 10 clicks. Turning it clockwise increases damping (note: this is a left-hand thread, so the assembly moves outward).
-
Rebound Damping (REB): Rebound damping controls the extension phase of the shock absorber, preventing the suspension from topping out too quickly after compression. It affects both high and low-speed rebound valving. Insufficient rebound damping can lead to vehicle wallow, harsh kick-up after bumps, and frequent topping out. Excessive rebound damping can cause a harsh ride, loss of traction over corrugations, and the suspension to "pack down" towards the bump stops. The rebound adjustment is made via a small grub screw/dial adjuster on the rod end. Struts have around 25 clicks, and shocks have approximately 12 clicks. Turning the adjuster clockwise increases damping, and anti-clockwise decreases it.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Adjustability: 3-way adjustable (Low Speed Compression, High Speed Compression, Rebound).
- LSC Adjustment: Approximately 20 clicks.
- HSC Adjustment: Approximately 10 clicks.
- Rebound Adjustment: Approximately 25 clicks for struts, 12 clicks for shocks.
- Gas Pressure (Minimum): 140psi for 18mm shaft, 120psi for 22mm shaft (checked at full extension).
- Gas Pressure (Maximum): 200psi for all shocks.
- Design: Monotube remote reservoir.
- Operating Temperature: Designed to run warm, which may result in a slightly firmer ride when cold.
Usage Features:
- Customizable Ride: The 3-way adjustability allows users to fine-tune the suspension performance to match their desired ride quality, vehicle stability, and specific driving conditions (e.g., road, highway, hard-pack dirt, sandy conditions, towing, heavy loads).
- Adjustment Tools: Small adjustment tools are provided for making damping adjustments. Users are cautioned not to overtighten the dials to prevent damage.
- Terrain-Specific Settings: The manual provides guidance on adjusting damper settings for different terrains:
- Road and Highway: Set to desired ride quality and vehicle stability compromise.
- Hard Pack Corrugated Dirt Roads / Rough Rocky Terrains: Generally require more compliant settings, with both LSC and rebound on the lower side.
- Sandy Conditions: Typically require firmer settings to prevent bottoming out, with less concern for comfort due to reduced tire pressures.
- High Speed Repetitive Corrugations/Whoops/Large Bumps: Rebound should be quite low to maintain chassis stability and prevent packing, and LSC on the lower side for suspension compliance.
- Towing or Heavy Loads: Rear compression and rebound valving can be increased to compensate for the added weight.
- Troubleshooting Guide: A comprehensive troubleshooting table is included to help users diagnose and remedy common suspension issues based on symptoms like harsh ride, bottoming out, topping out, excessive body movements, and steering instability. This guide suggests possible causes and remedies, often involving adjustments to LSC, HSC, and rebound damping.
Maintenance Features:
- OEM Replacement Design: These shock absorbers are designed as OEM replacements and do not require specific routine maintenance beyond regular inspection.
- Regular Inspection: Users should periodically inspect the shock absorbers for any signs of issues, including visible oil leaks, damage to the shock rod, hose damage or wear, and any other obvious damage. Keeping the shock absorbers clean, especially around the shaft seal, is recommended.
- Rebuildable: The shock absorbers are 100% rebuildable. However, rebuilding should only be performed by a qualified suspension technician.
- Gas Pressure Release: It is crucial to NEVER open the shock absorbers without first releasing the gas pressure, as they are under high pressure.
- Race Vehicle Maintenance: For race vehicles, it is recommended to check nitrogen gas pressure before every race and to rebuild the shock absorber (with new seals, shaft guides, wear bands, oil, and a complete clean) every 2000 kilometers.
Dobinsons Spring & Suspension™ offers a 2-year warranty from the invoice date for shock absorbers against defects in materials or workmanship. The warranty is conditional on the vehicle not having a modified exhaust system that produces additional heat on the shock absorbers and does not cover damage from rocks or accidental damage. The warranty is void if the vehicle is used in extreme sports, competition racing, or if the lift exceeds 50mm or more. It is the fitter's responsibility to inform the customer of these warranty conditions. The warranty does not cover abuse, misuse, improper installation, abnormal use conditions, industrial/mining/agricultural use, incorrect product choice, modified goods, or components supplied by third parties. Dobinsons Spring & Suspension™ is not liable for associated costs like freight, labor, or consequential damages.