Bilstein 8112 Series with 8100

Any midwest/north guys having any corrosion issues yet? I ask, as I seem to have some after just one Kansas winter. I even fluid-filmed the crap out of them prior to the first snow/ice. I think the road spray just washes the Fluid Film off. They're not rusting, but the finish is corroding in some places.

Still no clunks from mine. Just make the squish noise on hard hits (not normal driving). Still ride as smooth as they did on day 1. Maybe have 5k-7k miles or so on the full setup.

 

Well I've had mine for about six months now and they corrode nicely being they're aluminum, going from shiny to a more dark grey which I don't mind. Aluminum makes that protective oxide layer when it corrodes so I wouldn't worry too much about it but that fluid film doesn't hurt. My only skepticism about putting oil on it is dirt and whatnot sticks to it so just clean them well when they are dirty so that doesn't cause rust, and I doubt it would affect the cooling that much to matter.

Course this is up in northern BC and we don't use salt on the roads either...

As for any noise, I put them to work almost instantly and nothing sounded off. Gave them hell on a few hunting trips and they were godly haha. No clunking here.

 

The resi and shock bodies are zinc-plated steel.
https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/product/bilstein-b8-8112-zonecontrol-cr/

 

My bad read the description wrong on another description, it was talking about the reservoir mount lol. Either way zinc does the same thing more or less.

 

Can anyone besides bilstein rebuild these?

 

Late to the party, but LMFAO on the shitter.

 

Anyone gone from the 6112's to 8100 series? If so, can you compare the difference for me?

 

I was a product engineer at Bilstein for a couple years and had the chance to test the full product line on my 2nd gen. I was also actively involved in ride tuning. Here's a quick summary of my experience. Let me know if you have any questions!
4600-5100, not much of a noticable difference. You get some extra travel but wont really notice it and ride quality is similar.
5100-6112, A good amount more control on the front, better ride quality off road and slightly more harshness on road.
6112 - 8100, Massive Difference. I first put on the 8100s on the rear and kept the 6112s on the front to see what changing one variable at a time would feel like. The 8100 on the rear was mind blowing, I was able to hit large dips in the road at highway speeds and could not feel the rear bottom out, I would feel the front bottom out slightly. Then I put the 8112 on the front with the 8100 still on the rear and I'd say the truck felt 20% better and more resistant to bottom out with about the same ride quality as the 6112 in terms of harshness over small bumps. You can hear the jounce and rebound zones actuating on the 8112 to a small extent but it is only noticeable if you're really feeling for it and on paved roads.

In summary, the 8100 on the rear was the single biggest improvement. If you're on a budget, go 6112 and 8100 rear

 

Thank You for some great information. I have the 6112's up front so adding the 8100's on the rear would be easy enough to try.

 

One more fun fact that I forgot to mention on shock temps.
After 30ish minutes of fast driving on washboards the all of the shocks would reach a steady state temperature. I'd hop out and quickly measure this with an infrared thermometer.

4600-5100: ~200-250deg F
5160(effectively a 5100 with reservoir): ~120-150deg F
6112: ~120-150deg F
8000 series: ~100-120deg F

As you can see, the 60mm diameter systems (6112-8000s) really dissipate heat extremely well.
And despite the high temps of the 4600-5100s I still didn't notice any "fade" (change in ride quality due to oil becoming thinner at high temps).

In my experience, the 8000 series shocks will let you drive to the point that your tire durability becomes the limiting factor, shock fade isn't really a concern for the tacoma like it is for baja 1000 race trucks.

 

Badass!
This is an interesting "test" of the OEM TRD yellow dampers
https://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/...yota-tacoma-trd-off-road-comparison-test.html

 

Not a fan of the bypass design or the appearance after a short time exposed to salt. For the $$$, i think id by kings. Sorry only my thoughts.

 

/\ nice upping your post count reply

 

Im having issues in California. Adjusters are seized - shocks look new. Waiting to see what bilstein will do about it but expecting it to be a total pain in the ass.

agree - or fox. Regretting my purchase and considering alternatives

 

Did you buy them new? Are they under two years from new?

 

yes, I’ve had them on a year.

 

What I want to know about the 8100s on the rear of a Tacoma, how do they work with lift leaf springs, since they are listed as only working up to 1" of lift? I bought 8112 front coilovers, and paired them with 5125s, since they are the only shocks Bilstein lists for a rear lift.
@BamBeds

 

Just don't lift it more than an inch?

 

I know that is the obvious answer, but why have the rear shock not work with any lift, that is supposed to be matched with a front coilover that can lift the front of a truck 1.5-3"? I certainly don't want a "squated" truck, and I am sure 95% of other members here on the forum would agree.
I was just hoping to hear from someone that worked at Bilstein explain why they chose to make the rear 8100 shocks like that. I have contacted Bilstein before, and they didn't explain why, they just said they don't work with a lift.

 

I have Stage 2 Deavers with 8100 about 2.5" of 'lift' and no problems.