Bilstein 6112 vs Ironman Foam Cell Pro

For anyone else who stumbles across this forum, I swapped out my fox coilovers for the Ironman FCP and can say subjectively that they feel the same on road; better off road. Some folks say they are stiffer on road, but I suspect that's coming from people who also swapped out their back suspension (still running the fox w/ reservoirs back there).

 

What else is funny guys install 6112’s then complain about them. Do your research first and maybe you will be happy.

 

True. And agree with you. In my case, I just saw them on Craigslist posted less then a hour for $500…..had to jump on it right away.

but I agree with you. Have to research before you buy something.

 

Research shows to be a great shock, by one of the biggest name in shock makers (6112s 5160s.) They have “tons” of buyers. Web sites ,YouTube videos all have positive reviews.

I. Decided to get a set, met my budget. Until you use them in real off roading conditions ,each of us have different expectations.
Highways and mild off roading on the coffee farm I will rated very “high” compare to stock, which felt a bit too soft stock shocks.
On the hard lava , rocky roads, a bit jarring, rough riding. Steering kicks a lot. ( arms got tired ). Wish I could have a way to soften the ride . Back on the highway “super great”.
Most us cannot effort to try the many different shocks on the market.

I will for sure purchase those dial in shocks for more personal control of my rides, next time. I had Ranchos 9000 with this feature before , so much better. And I will increase my budget.
Yes I struck with what I have. Just need to except and make the most of it. My fishing/ off roading is mainly a few times a month.

 

I ordered the Ironman kit (Nitro though instead of foam) so I'll let you know how that goes. They had a 25% off all items for Labor Day weekend so I got the kit for a KILLER of a deal. Tax and all at $1900.

 

That is a great price, for a complete lift kit. Ironman is already tune with no-mix match parts. I like the idea of a complete kit from a manufacturer.

 

Same here. It makes things usually go a lot easier, and the different manufacturers can't blame the other if there is a problem.

 

Only thing I'd say is don't get the iron man rear leaf springs unless you take 2 leafs out. They make the rear too tall and are super stiff.

 

Which fox coilovers did you swap out?

 

I'll consider it when I take a look at the kit in-hand. I personally prefer the back to stay taller than the front. Trucks are designed that way for a reason. I ABHORE a leveling kit. It ruins the purpose of a truck and it's reasonable usefulness.

 

What I'm saying is that it's overly tall and stiff unlike other leak packs out there.

 

Gotcha. Well I'll take a look when I get the kit and decide then. I got the option for the light load instead of the heavy load springs, so hopefully it won't be an issue. They offer 2 different load levels you can request.

 

I just watched this video the other day looking at the IronMan and I have to say that I'm not sold. Kai is pretty solid when he is breaking down things.

 

He was overall pretty positive about them…

 

The OEM ones that come on pros.

 

He was in a weekend warrior kind of way. Not that I am crushing the Baja 500 or KOH but I feel that for my style of driving, this wouldn’t be the best for me.

 

I run these and have no issues with stiffness. The "tallness" is actually perfect as I don't see any sag in the back even after the break in period. A few months ago I helped my buddy haul some martial arts mats and the leafs hauled the weight with breeze. Ironman makes some solid products.

Heavy Load (440LBS-GVM) Rear Leaf Springs Kit Suited For 2005+ Toyota Tacoma

 

This is one of the reasons I got the moderate leaf springs instead of the soft one! I haul stuff all the time, and I don't want the "bro-lean" going on when I have a trailer on the back!

 

Great question Tulio, Thanks for starting this thread!!
It’s hard to find feedback/ opinions on the IMs as they are relatively new to the US market and a lot more people have experience with the Bilsteins.
I’m currently contemplating the same 2 products and have similar needs.
I currently have stock suspension on 2nd Gen double cab long bed.
I’m currently leaning toward the IM FCP kit. Med up front and soft for the back sounds like what I might like best.
The fact that the IMs are rebuildable is very appealing to me for lower cost long term with comparable initial investment. Whereas the 6112s at end of life would have to be replaced. Highway ride is very important to me because it’s my daily for 30 min commute. But I’m getting into some recreational trails and also plan to get a small travel trailer for the wife and I to do some camping.