ICON Stage 2 vs. Bilstein 6112/5160

Looking for opinions. I'm shopping lifts for my truck currently. Only looking for 1.5-2" total lift. I was leaning towards the Bilstein 6112/5160 with some sort of a 3 leaf AAL in back (planning on leaving the overload leaf in, I have a Leer shell and generally a decent amount of weight). I just discovered the ICON Stage 2 kit w/AAL, and while it is more expensive than the Bilstein, its not out of my price range. I'm not planning on lifting enough to require upper control arms.

Looking for opinions and owners reviews. I've done alot of research on the Bilstein kit, but alot less on the ICON. I do quite a bit of moderate offroading to get to campsites and photography locations, etc. I do like to drive fairly fast on rough gravel and USFS roads. Additionally, I want a suspension that will last - I don't want problems down the road, reliability is important. I'm hoping this will last me 80-100K miles. Truck currently is on stock rims with Wildpeak AT3W 265/75/16 tires, no plans on bigger tires.

Looking forward to hearing people's opinions on both kits! If anybody has the ICON specifically, let me know what you think.

 

You mean Bilstein 6112 right?

 

Damnit. Yes. Sorry for the typo, fixed it.

 

All good! I’ve been looking at the 6112/5160s too. There’s good value in the suspension at that price. But if you have the coin to go for Icon, they are probably better. Can’t really speak to it though since I haven’t experienced either.

Keep in mind these shocks will have to be rebuilt after probably around 50,000 miles? I think. I’m sure more people will chime in on that.

 

Ya, good point on the 50K miles. 80-100K may be unrealistic. Along those lines, I don't think the Bilsteins are rebuild able, but I think the ICONs are.

Ya, the Bilstein 6112/5160 is a great price point. I have a buddy who has em on his 4runner, I helped him install them. They seem like a great option.

 

Here’s my .02

if you’re off road a lot, the icons are worth it. If you’re off road occasionally, save the coin and get 6112. I’ve noticed zero difference between the two on road. Off-road they both shine but I added a significant amount of weight to my truck since switching to icon, so it’s hard for me to pick a “better” one.

Ive been on icons for almost 40k trouble free miles now. I had the PRO bilstein shocks (comparable to 6112) for a while too.

Clear as mud, I know, but hope it helps.

 

It sounds like the Bilstein’s would serve you right. They’re both digressive so they smoothen out the faster you go. You’re looking for reliability, Icon’s recommend a rebuild around 50k mi which you are already aware; whereas the Bilstein’s don’t have that type of requirement. Similar to @doorsidedown , I’ve experienced the Icon’s and the TRD tuned Bilstein’s(specific for our own model). In my experience, the Icon’s require some really good speed for it to play properly and I simply couldn’t utilize its potential where I live. Granted I had the 700lb coils it came with. The Baja Bilstein’s that came with my truck and actually have on right now again comes with 650lb coils. That’s a better feel for me since I don’t carry extra weight often.

 

Awesome. Thanks for both your responses. I was already kinda leaning towards the Bilsten kit for my purposes. I believe the front 6112s come standard with a 600lb spring. I don't think I want to upgrade to the 650lb spring. I don't plan on adding any weight to the front. Now I just need to find them in stock somewhere....hoping Headstrong has them soon. I want their 3 leaf AAL.

 

I think you’re making a great choice. Good luck & keep us posted!

 

Ok, I voted for the bilstein's because that's what I just put on my 06 DC, they are really nice for the price, I replaced my original coil overs up front, which had 120 thousand miles on them and still worked great! I went on the 5th setting which netted me 2-3/4 inches of lift, they drive great! I'm still on stock wheels and 265 65 17 tires, when the tires are shot I'll get new wheels and bigger tires. I don't really off road, just to go hunting, but i love the look and now I can blast over railroad tracks and pots holes like they're not even there. Got my whole kit 6112/5160 new larger bump stops, u bolt flip kit, carrier bearing drop, all pro leaf pack, extended rear brake lines, front diff drop, for 1,350 dollars from wheelers, a crazy value! I did install a JBA uca because of the lift height, and that too is a great price $450 and excellent quality.

 

Is that a current deal?

I see something similar with aal

The wheelers price without sales tax is a nice bonus!

Is the flip kit generally considered a upgrade? Allpro is all about them, but not seeing it with other kits.

 

I’m looking at both these options as well. It’s tough because when I search threads for info the talk is get the 6112 as they are cheaper and better value

All I can see is that prices must have gone up in the last few years because when I price comparable packages the icon isn’t much more expensive

 

I ended up going for eibachs, spc UCA and icon rear springs