Bilstein 6112 Question

Hi, folks. Just when I thought my mind was made up about going with 887 coils and NitroCharger (soft valved)shocks, this Bilstein setup has caught my eye.

I have a quick question. I’d like to achieve 2” of lift on my ‘17 Off-Road, but it looks like that is maxing these out. Would the ride be very stiff because of the pre-load??? Are you guys satisfied with the ride quality.

 

I love the ride quality of the 6112/5160 combo, I only have mine set to a half inch lift though.

 

Mine are set at 6/5 and ride better than anticipated. To me they ride great, a little stiffer than stock but in a good way as stock was too soft(TRD Off Road)

 

Having gone from OME 886 to 6112, the difference is night and day. The larger bore is so much smoother IMO

 

What clip setting are you on?

 

Mine are set on the 4th notch. Definitely stiff. But not unbearable. You could also get a 650 pound spring and set it at a lower notch to achieve the same height.

 

Riding at max height and the ride is not stiff to me.

 

Large bore , gettin kinda hot in here

 

only for you, my man...

 

Someone get that man a remote reservoir.

 

Thanks, for all the responses. I will definitely do some more homework. I just don’t know if I want to go with a setup that relies on preloading coils that much to achieve the amount of lift I’m seeking. I fear having an unforgiving & harsh ride.

That is why I find the 887 coils appealing. They’ll give me the amount of lift I’m after because of their length and not from pre-loading them.

I’m also a bit hesitant to go with the Bilsteins because I have some doubts as to how well they’ll hold up to the Pennsylvania winters and the corrosive crap they treat the roads with around here. I’ve seen some pictures of them being used in harsh environments and they didn’t fare too well. I had Ranchos on an F150 that had the same “natural finish” as the Bilsteins and they looked terrible after just one year.

 

You thought of clear coating them with a good urethane clear coat?Before Install

 

I’m running with 1/2” top plate spacers and I think I’m on clips 3/4(maybe 4/5). Rides fantastic. About 2.25” of lift.

 

Did you see the difference more off road or on road? Or both?

 

Both

 

See my signature...

 

Don't mean to thread jack but I don't want to create and flood the forums.I just wanted to know what else is needed for the 6112 F and 5160 R? Add A leafs, Upper Control Arms, am I missing anything else? I am just trying to prevent rubbing on my wheel and tire set up of 17x8.5 -20 265/70/17.

 

I did add-a-leaf in the rear because I run the 6112's at max height. They are cheap and very effective at adding some height and preventing the bed from sagging under load. See my pic to left. I also added adjustable upper control arms. That's optional but at max height allows adjustment for correct alignment (esp. camber, I believe).

 

I know this is a third gen thread but let me add some insight based on my experience...

One, Bilstein shocks use digressive valving, and thus, excessive preload or not, will always feel “stiffer” than shocks valved more linear or progressive, especially at low speeds. However, with that said, the digressive valving is better for handling and “body roll” so some people prefer this trade off.

Two, I can personally attest to the Bilstein finish holding up like utter garbage to Midwest winters. I have a set of 5100s on my truck now that have been through four winters in southwest Ohio and let’s just say, they don’t look pretty.

Three, I’m in the market for a suspension upgrade for my 2nd gen and have been going back and forth between a 6112/5160 setup or a Fox 2.5 setup. Both have their pros and cons, but I’m leaning Fox right now for the adjustability and linear/progressive valving.

After being beat to death by 5100s on these terrible roads, I’m hesitant to believe that the larger diameter 6112 will handle that much differently, especially with the amount of preload I’d need to get 2.5” or more of lift. I’ve had a 1/2” top plate spacer on the driver’s side and a 1/4” on the passenger side (on top of my 885s) for almost a year now and I think I’m ready to move away from the ride quality that comes with it. The front of my truck does not handle washboard roads or harsh bumps at low speed well at all. And while people claim the 6112s soak up these bumps with ease, I don’t know if I can pull the trigger on another set of Bilsteins. The price difference is very appealing though...

 

Thank you, for this honest assessment. You have confirmed a few of my concerns regarding this setup.

I’m still leaning towards the OME 887 w/ NitroCharger (soft valved) for my lift. I tend to like a softer ride and when I spoke to Marie at Headstrong, she indicated that, in her experience, the NitroCharger shock would provide a softer ride over the 5100 Bilsteins when paired with the 887 coils.

I’m about to pull the trigger and find out, but I wanted to investigate the Bilstein 6112 option a bit more before I made a final decision. The fact that the Bilsteins have trouble standing up to harsh winter environments is a major turnoff to me.