Bilstein 6112 vs Ironman Foam Cell Pro

Hello all,

I've used the search function, I've read a lot. I haven't found any information leading me to a decision though. I understand both are supposed to be good and I'd be happy with both, I'm trying to figure out which is better for my use case. I'm hoping someone can provide some experience or reasoning as to why I should go one way or another.

My truck (2008 reg cab 4x4 5 speed) is primarily a daily driver with some light weekend off-roading (I'd like to get into some more aggressive off-roading though so on-road and off-road performance are pretty much equal to me.) I have a 200 pound cap that I plan on raptor lining so probably 250lbs soon, I usually have 50-100lbs worth of tools back there, and will have around 100lbs of camping gear occasionally for weekend trips. I've also been towing assorted trailers more than a few times per year. I live in northern NY so uniballs are out and I don't want to spend Fox/King money for something that will ultimately get pummeled by salt. I'm hoping to have a lift by the next time I need tires so I can buy some wheels and step up to 33s.

The Bilstein Kit below is not at all set in stone so if you have recommendations for improvement please let me know. I think although it would end up being a little more money I have more freedom in parts selection and it might be a better performing kit. I haven't seen a lot of on-road drive quality with a 6112 kit and Deaver leaf springs, so if anyone can chime in regarding that I'd appreciate it.

The Bilstein Kit
6112s up front with 5160s in the rear [~$1200]
SPC or JBA UCA's [~$500]
Deaver stage 2 leaf springs [~$1200]
Ubolt flip with superbump bumpstops [~$250]
Diff drop [$40]
Total [~$3200]

Ironman 4x4 Foam Cell Pro Kit [~$2600 on sale]
https://ironman4x4america.com/foam-cell-pro-suspension-kit-suited-for-2005-toyota-tacoma-stage-2/

The pro to me for the Ironman kit is that everything comes in one box ready to install, and it's a little cheaper. I question how the Ironman leaf springs would compare to the Deavers though (I've read only great things about the Deavers.) I also only have a ubolt flip in the Bilstein kit because I figure if I'm going to replace the ubolts anyway I might as well.

The price point of these two are so similar that I don't see that as a deciding factor. The primary question is which will provide a better on and off road driving experience and which will stand up to north country winters/abuse better?

 

IMO I have 6112’s set up and is great no complaints. Either kit you can’t go wrong

 

My vote is the Bilstein & Deaver springs.

At the same time Ironman is proven in Australia! 35 plus years. They are still new in America, Most of the reviews are very positive! Although the few negatives, was leaking foam shocks and rusty coil springs.

 

Dude I'm in a very similar situation! 09 Single cab, 4cyl 2.7L, m/t, 4x4! It's my daily but I have a constant 200lb load in front and likely 400-500lbs in the rear. Following this thread!

 

And for what it's worth I'm leaning heavily towards the IM FCPs or a Dobinson kit.

 

What did you go with?

If you are still shopping, a few things to keep in mind:

1. 730 lb/in is the lowest spring rate IM offers. Might be too high for single cab 2.7L with no weight out front.
   
2. gen 2 curb weight is way lower (250-370) than gen 3 and stock has a lower spring rate. Actual facts are proving difficult to verify.
   
3. adjusting the Bilstein require it being removed and a spring compressor used to move the clip vs the FCP having a threaded collar that could adjusted on the vehicle. I'm prioritizing the threaded body type.

I'm in the process of figuring out my sus upgrade and high spring rate of the IronMan is the one reason I'm likely not going to pull the trigger on them.

 

I run bilstein 6112 5160s on my baby taco with dakar heavy pack

 

Where was this picture taken?

 

Very nice set-up!

 

im in the same boat. Check out Tinkerer's Adventure on youtube for alot of good technical knowledge on IFS, shocks, UCAs, etc.

 

Yesterday was the first time I took my 2019 TRD LB for a fishing trip on the lava roads. My thoughts on the 6112 & 5160s.
Rides pretty rough, very bumpy on the hard “lava paths” to the beach. From the highway to the beach was only a 45 minute ride.
My arms got sore from the steering wheel kicking left to right.
With the 2.5 lift. I hit a couple of times ( I have a full armor underneath). My trailer hitch skid hit two times.

My son’s 2016 TRD with the Bilstein 4600 rides so much better. Same lift ,different shocks, we both run BFG A/T’s 32 inch KO2s.

I am not impressed with the 6112 & 5160s.
Wish I had those dial in shocks. , to allow adjustments. Lava roads are very “hard” & bumpy . Once on sand “wow” comfortable. Tacoma long beds needs at least a minimum of a true 3 inch lifts & 33’s.

 

If your going to go 6112/5160 its hard to beat the price of the kit when ordering through Wheelers off-road. It includes everything you need, free shipping, and is about $1,700 out the door. Could run this setup initially and upgrade to Deavers later for about the same prices as you mentioned above.

 

If I ever get to do it again? I will be willing to spend more on those dial in shocks. Where you can individually select the ride stiffness and softness.

Many years ago I had 4-Ranchos 9,000 on my 1986 Dodge Ram 4x4 with a 4-inch lift. Had 9 settings, I found for the streets 3 on the dial made it a more comfortable ride. Once off roading I found 7 on the dial work for me.
I also had a air controls mounted inside the cab, you could adjust while driving, problem it leak too much, “O” rings were the major problems. Rip the system out, went manually.

You will be much happier if you can control the dial in settings to your liking.

The Bilstein 6112s & 5160 are pre-set. The hard “lava rocky roads” made the ride uncomfortable. Wish I could have being able to soften the ride .

 

@Lava-road

 

Can’t wait to go fishing again. Maybe the second time the off roading experience will provide a different opinion?
The circle hooks have been popular in Hawaii since the 1950’s. to present. It was the Japanese fishing companies that introduced the circle hooks after the war.
The J-shape hooks are great for very small fishes, we use them only for catching “oama” baby Wekes. 3-5 inches long. Limit is 50 per day per person. Very popular eating. Seasonal runs.

99% of the off-roaders use there trucks for hunting , fishing , ranching & and farms. A few just for “looks”.
The riding experience on the coffee farm rides OK. Better then stock for sure.

 

I run 6112/5160s W/SPCs.

No complaints.

A bonus with this set up is that you can go up to 285s and have no rubbing. So no need for a CMC.

 

Agreed with @Lava-road that the Bilstein 6112 are pretty dang stiff. I'm running mine with a 600lbs spring set at the 3rd perch. Still not what i want. Pretty firm on the road and you feel every bump. And the only good thing they do, is when you are blasting down some gravel/slightly rocky road at like 30-40 mph. Thats when they absorb the bumps well. When you are going slowly over any obstacles, they are very rough and dont comply. I only got them casue they were $500 for me.

Next set up will be Fox or Kings. Digressive vs progressive.

 

The 6112's are amazing on the highway at 80 mph and really good off road. I don't know anything about the Ironman Foam Cell Pro.

 

I gonna guest certain years of the Tacoma gave better clearance from tire rubs?
My son’s Tacoma 2016 with the same size lift with BFG 32’s never rub or needed a CMC.
My 2019 Tacoma with BFG-32’s ,SPC, 6112s-6/5 &. 5160. I had to cut twice for my CMC, fender trimmings .
I gonna guest tire widths and back spacing may play a factor?
Lucky to all those who got NO problems.
Long beds really need a true 3” lift or higher. My LB hit too many times for a road that SB have NO problems.
I do not want 33’s . I am already getting “bad mileage” under 12 mpg’s. A Leer camper, full armor under neat, camping/ fishing gears. ( heavy) . Very disappointed with my Tacoma truck.
Not to mention my rear brakes still locks up with rainy weather. ( better after the E- brakes were replaced.) but not 100%.
In my thoughts I will buy another Tacoma, because of its value and reputation. But the Ford rangers & Canyon,Colorados offer more ( “REAL” locking diffs & front/ rear diffs lockers. Plus factory offers bigger tires and matching gearing.
Toyota is way behind on the needs of the Off roaders marketing. The Pros models need to match or offer more then the other guys.

 

Happiness is in the eye of the beholder carry on