Fox 2.0 or Bilstein 6112 front only

2017 TRD Sport 2 Wheel Drive. So I'm torn between these two moderately priced solutions for my 2" front end lift. I'm going to go 17" Fuel Vapor D569's with -12 offset with either 285's or 275's Nitto Range Grapplers AT's all around. Might have to CMC, but I'll deal with that, but I'd like to ask the pro's here which one of these choices is a good one. I'm assuming either, but for the price/pain difference I'm already going to be about $3k in, so a few sheckles more isn't a deal breaker, but I'd like to minimize the bleeding a bit (I've got bills to pay ).

It's mostly street, but I do some fun wheeling on trails. Nothing hard, but there some place I'd like to go with some confidence and care that I've got decent components underneath me and I'd like to have a setup like this when I do go out for the weekend and not worry.

Oh great TW Gods. I ask for your advice with mercy and to seek knowledge and learn shit.

Thanks fellas.

 

Anyone? Any advice at all? Even if it's negative i'd love to see it and understand.

 

Are you planning on lifting or changing the rears at all?

I'd go with the 6112/5160 with UCAs and AAL if you're looking for a moderate lift on a budget. I don't think you'll want to keep half stock and half "performance" shocks. My rears blew first on my sport. They blew around 45k.

 

Way to much IMO for a vehicle without 4x4. If I were you I'd go the cheapest route for a front suspension. Maybe go with 5100's and OME coils. You'll have decent to better on road preformance and it will be fine for your "fun" wheeling on trails. Well as much fun as you can have in 2wd.

 

I was not planning on doing anything in the rears. Truck only has 8k miles on it. I figured the rears are good to go for right now. Am I wrong in thinking that?

Also, help me understand why I would need UCA's for the front. Is it because they can't handle the throw of an extra +2"/-2" of travel that would be added by the new IFP's up front?

 

I personally wouldn't run different shocks in front and back unless there's significant information about the specific varied shocks. Why have amazing preforming shocks in the front and leave your rear feeling like ass? I couldn't imagine Fox 2.0 in the front and stock sport rears feeling like a great ride offroad.

 

Okay, I hadn't considered 5100's at all. Fun for me is getting on a trail and enjoying it without going crazy. Most of the trails out here in So Cal are pretty moderate with an occasional beat-to-shit trail now and then. I'm looking for a front suspension I can level, get bigger tires and hit trails with some comfort in knowing that the suspension can handle it. For a while at least. Thanks for the direction. I'll look at the 5100's. Appreciate it.

 

UCAs will help with alignment, tracking, and shock clearance as you increase travel.

If you're lifting you should probably do both front and rear. Sport shocks aren't great offroad but they do give a nice ride on the street. I'd go 5100s or 6112/5160s all around with add-a-leafs for a rear lift and UCAs in the front. I did that setup for under $2k (4x4 included ECGS bushing and some other goodies)

 

God speed. 5100's for the strut then you'll need to pair the OME coil to give you your lift. There's easy charts that show how much each spring will lift the Tacoma. Most leave the strut on the OG setting and use the coil for lift. This is providing best possible ride for the 5100's and price.

 

I'm not averse to going fox 2.0 all around. It's a little extra, but again, what you just said makes sense and I'm learning a lot.

 

Out of curiosity, would any of these upgrades nullify my warranty with the truck by putting aftermarket? Not a big deal, but just curious. Also, this is a 2WD TRD Sport.

So let me understand, if go 5100's that would be 5100's all around. Or if I go to 6112/5160's then UCA's, plus a leaf per side on the rear. Any recommendation on UCA/leaf or is it sky's the limit on how that goes?

 

If you're ok with the extra dough I would just get the Fox kit. You'd have matching valved struts front and rear and you don't have to put anything together (strut and coil) for the front like the 5100 and OME coil option. Fox includes the shock and coil. But this also brings me to my original comment that it might be a little overkill for your situation. But it's your ride and coin.

 

I don't mind overkill. I'd rather have it and maybe need it, then not and run into an issue on the road because I rode the edge of cost/efficiency and end up paying a bigger price down the road. Overkill, in this case, might be cheap insurance.

Oh, I forgot to ask, if I go this route, do I still need UCA's up front and a leaf in the rear still?

 

Crap, I just discovered the 6112/5160 thread. I'm doomed.

 

Since you're going to be running 17's with a 285 or 275 I would think you need to do UCA's. No not because you're getting extra crazy travel or droop from Fox 2.0, but because it might not clear the stock UCA with the wheel offset. Could have potential to rub the UCA. Also with expensive oversized tires I would sure as shit make sure they are aligned to spec or as close as possible to prevent premature wear. Aftermarket UCA will help this

 

With the Fox 2.0 we're talking about here you'll be gaining lift in the front of the truck. Your rear will remain an unchanged height as the rear shocks don't provide lift. You would be creating a funny stance with Fox 2.0 if you're not adding a rear leaf pack (which provides lift). I would maintain a rake for the truck in case you load up the bed and don't want it to look "squatty" or "dumpy".

 

FOx 2.0, loved them on my 09 Tacoma.

 

I wouldn’t run anything less than the 6112’s and I wouldn’t get OME unless you are running extra weight. 5100’s are shite. UCAs are a good idea. You have to spend really big buck$$$ to get great quality out of fox that you could get with other competitors if you were going to go above 6112’s. Check out ADS shocks too

 

Run the 6112s and DO the UCAs. I’ve heard a lot of people say 2” lift is max with stock UCAs, but why chance it. I say anything above 1.5” you should do the UCAs for alignment purposes. If your going to lift your truck why be cheap about it? Either do it right or don’t do it.

I went the cheap way on my 2nd gen and I learned my lesson the hard way. Spacer lifts are bad news if you actually plan to take your truck off the beaten path. If your going to mall crawl and just want the look then go 5100s w/spacers.

I did a 6112/5160 with UCAs and 3 pack aal for about 1600.

@oscolivar1 has ton of insight with the 6112 lift and helped me out tremendously making my decision. I almost went fox and glad I didn’t

 

This is spot on