Bilstein 6112

It was recommended to me to go with the 5160s because I have some extra weight on the back and that I would want the remote reservoir to dissipate heat better when offroading, even mild offroading. I only mention this because you mentioned Option 2, which indicates you may have added weight as well.

 

• Above my knowledge level
• The 5160s come with a spacer/bracket to extend the brake line. It doesn't actually extend the line, just moves the brake line location/path. (Someone correct me if I am wrong here)
• Not sure what you mean by spacers? You mean where/how they get mounted? The popular ones appear to be Wheelers and Dura Bump. I bought the Dura Bump bump stops and their u-bolt flip kit so it was an all in the family affair. Sumo Springs is another popular one but pricey, my understanding is these are the best. Well worth it if you wheel hard or have a lot of weight.

Edit to point out that the Dura Bump U-bolt kit has 3 options for the length of the u-bolts. So if you go with those, make sure you plan out what you are doing in the rear and by accordingly. Standard length is with no life, I did RXT option 2 and got 2" of lift and the 8.85" length worked fine. There is one other size up. IF you go too long you can always cut the ends.

 

Colton let me know that it’s okay to use the shock as a limiting strap, so you can let the shock extend all the way to stop the spring/axle from going down more. But you can’t use a shock as a bump stop. I knew that part, but I didn’t know if it was safe to let a shock extend all the way and hang.

 

Just got back from the shop! 6112/5160 plus SPC UCA and Icon AAL. Ended up with just under 2" in front set at 5/4 and just over 1.5" with the AAL in back.

Some befores and afters:

 

Looking great

 

Question about the 6112’s…I’ve been looking at these mainly for leveling out the front end. I don’t care for the forward slant. I don’t want to just go the cheap route with spacers. I know these give me the option to lift it higher in the future as well if I desire. However, they are not cheap. Is there a significant improvement in ride and handling over the stock Bilstein shocks that come with the TRD Off Road? Are they stiffer? Less body roll? Less nose dive? Those kinds of things. I don’t mind spending that kind of money if it will improve the overall handling of the truck. I just can’t justify that amount of money for a small front end lift.

 

The things you listed about what you would like to see different is what you will get with this lift. Great shocks IMO. ALWAYS BEEN a Bilstein fan. Won’t disappoint. Good luck

 

Thank you for your reply. One more question…if I just want to level the truck, would I just need to lift the front an inch? I believe that would be the 4/3 setting for the front coil overs. Would the rear 5160’s just replace the stock shocks and keep the rear the same height? I really don’t want a full lift, just the front to make it level.

 

4/3 should get you about an inch up front on the 6 clip 6112s, if you get the newer 11 clip I think it's 8/6 for 1". You'll get no lift in the rear from 5160s, only lift would be from new leafs/aal.

 

If you mainly care about leveling out go with the 5100s. Yes the 6112s will give you a better ride but I don't think the stock ride is bad. I mainly got the 6112s for offroading. If you don't plan to offroad you will save a decent amount of dough by just doing the 5100s. If offrading, get the 6112s!

I will say the ride on these is PLUSH though, so just consider your budget and needs. Only you can say for sure.

 

Ditto!!! What up bro. Our trip is coming up

 

Can't fuckin wait for Usal

 

I’d go 5160’s. Nice to have the reservoir for heat dissipation if you have the truck loaded while wheeling. My driver side reservoir started leaking, and I don’t wheel as much as I used to so I just put extended 5100’s because my current leaf pack gives me a lot of rake.

 

I wanted to stay 6/6 so I just replaced my cv axles with the CVJ axles for lifted Tacomas. Claim to be higher strength boots.

 

Sounds like you should be good then. As long as the boot isn't rubbing itself when the truck is level. If it is the boot will wear out prematurely.

 

Quick follow-up. This may be a dumb question, but how would your rear shocks help with rake? I thought it was the leaf pack that lifted (or lowered) the rear? Maybe I'm confused......were you just referencing that you needed a longer shock because you have a large baseline rake from your leafs?

 

I believe the heat dissipation is minimal. The main benefit of a remote reservoir is to separate the shock oil from pressurized gas.

 

which, correct me if I'm wrong, serves to help heat dissipation. Increased heat dissipation reduces or eliminates shock fade.

 

https://youtu.be/rpEqmHknBJM