Bilstein 6112/5160 setups

I really appreciate the insight, squeaky leafs are a fear of mine too. Man, all I tried to do is lift this thing a couple inches and it is turning into a huge headache. If I didn’t have the wheels and tires that cost so much, I’d go back to stock and never look back. Lesson learned

 

You are right about lifting this truck and opening a can o worms.

If squeaking is a concern, I highly recommend avoiding the Headstrong 3AAL. It is a squeaker. Don't get me wrong they are a great company and I bought my 6112/5160 setup from them, but I only kept the Headstrong 3AAL on for about 4 months before I had enough of the squeaking and switched out to full Deaver pack.

In terms of avoiding vibration issues, all I did originally was add the Toytec 3 degree pinion angle correction shim to 3AAL and ECGS bushing for front diff and have never had any vibes front or rear.

Stock leaf pack with HS 3AAL and Toytec 3 degree shim.

 

Any squeaking on the Deavers? And what notch are you running on the 6112? I wanted to run the 6/5 but heard I might not like that ride on max setting, unfortunately I’m trying to fit 32’s so I think I need max setting. I’m assuming your deaver leafs were around 1.5” rear lift?

 

Comparison photo below in same spot. Hope that helps for reference.

Deaver leaf pack is closer to 2". At least that is what is advertised. No squeaking with Deaver so far. Only 2k miles to date, but these are pricey and I would not expect squeaking.

I think you will be fine on 5/4 with 32". It will give you 1.5" of lift and I liked the ride.

I have since upgraded to 650# springs on 5/4 which is closer to 2" of lift and they are a bit stiffer but I have a bumper and winch coming next week so I would imagine the ride quality improving once weight is added.

Same with Deaver pack. Empty the ride is good but a little stiff. Once I added my normal bed weight (~ 200#) the ride was much smoother.


6112/5160 600# springs on 5/4 with HS 3AAL and Ironman 4x4 UCA about 1.5" front and rear


6112 5/4 650# w/Deaver U402 stage 1 and Ironman 4x4 UCA about 2" front and rear

 

I like that look, what size tires are you running?

 

265/70 on 17x8.5. Going up to 285 once they are done.

 

I was going to go that size but the company I bought my tires from said I could fit 275 no problem so I figured I would trust the source. They weren’t wrong, it does fit with 2” up front and 1” in the rear with zero trimming. However, there is probably a 1/2” gap at most between the top of the tire and the UCA which has me a little on edge.

 

Looks awesome! This is pretty much what I’m looking to do. 5/4 with a 3-leaf AAL. What are wheel & tire sizes are you running?

 

Thanks! 16x8 -25mm wheels and 265/75 tires.

 

Thanks @WA7 I’ve been leaning towards 275/70’s on a 17x8.5 wheel with 0 offset. Do you think that combo might work with your lift? I believe it’s 3/4” taller and about 1/2” wider.

 

I would check out this thread for the best info...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/official-3rd-gen-275-70r17-tire-thread.394460/

The 265's were perfect, but after installing the lift, I'll probably go up a size when they wear out.

 

I’ll check it out. Thanks! So much to read!

 

Nice new set of UCAs to go with those lovely 6112s.

 

Can anybody recommend a good rear leaf pack to go with those 5160’s to give me about 1.5”? One that doesn’t squeak too bad. Should I plan on shims with the 1.5” in the rear?

 

I’m assuming you mean bed weight? Almost nothing. Maybe a hundred pounds but not all the time…. My biggest concern is I tow a snowmobile trailer in the winter. I’d guess around 3000 pounds or so. I don’t use the truck for work, so there will never be tools or other super heavy things back there.

 

Dunno if I count

 

Not sure if I have ever heard of a lift shackle, what is that?

 

hey @AmateurTaco1313 - how did you get 2.5" on rear with the Icon AAL?