Bilstein 8112 or Fox 2.5 RR with DSC (poll)

Currently looking to purchase a new suspension for the truck. I am between the Bilsteins and the fox shocks.

I use my vehicle for trail runs in the Rockies but I'm looking for the best all around option, looking for 2-3 inches all around lift.

In addition to the coil overs I will be adding SPC UCAs and likely Deaver u402 stage II or Stage III leaf pack.

I would appreciate any input you have on these two coil over systems and help me make a decision.

Cheers

 

There is a major shortage on Bilstein products right now so for that alone, Fox is likely a better option. Performance wise, they are both great options. Fox have a better corrosion resistance if you are in the rust belt however.

 

What kind of ride are you looking for? Daily driver? How much dirt offroading do you do?

I've been considering the same as i have 6112/5160 how and love them. But looking for more control, i'm likely going with 8112 with DSA as i like the road control with digressive. Fox seems to get a bit more roll when driving around.

 

Bilstein 8100s all the way. IMO Bilstein is such a leader in shock manufacturing across the board. They are less talked about in the mid travel market, but I think they just don’t market their products as much as the other brands given they already are so well known across markets. There’s a reason that Tacomas come from the factory with Bilstein shocks.

I spoke to one of the Bilstein reps down at king of the hammers last year and got an in depth walk thru of their 8100 shocks. All around just an incredibly impressive shock. You should also check out this write up from Wheel Every Weekend (a big distributor of these bilsteins as well as all the other mid travel brands) did that compares internal bypass shocks. They also have a YouTube series out that compares all those shocks on a 3 gen Tacoma, which is a solid watch. Their #1 was the Bilstein 8100s. Calling Wheel Every Weekend and getting their input on which shock will be best for your uses would be a good idea too. They really know their stuff.

I’m actively looking to upgrade from my 6100/5100 setup to 8100s, so keep me posted on where you land!

Also, I would recommend choosing something other than an SPC UCA. Although popular here on TW, they have (may have fixed it by now, bought mine in Nov 2021) a manufacturer defect with the bushing and develop play incredibly early. Mine had play in them after only ~15k and constantly clunked at low speeds. I recently upgraded my SPCs to JBA HD upper control arms have been very happy with them for the last few thousand miles. There’s a ton of good UCAs on the market, so not saying JBA is only good one out there, but I liked the ability to easily maintain & rebuild them. Both the ball joint and bushings are greasable and both can be replace easily at home, where as SPCs you can only replace the ball joints.

If you’re ever looking to wheel, let me know! I’m in the Denver area and try to get out as much as possible during the wheeling months!

 

Can the 8100 shocks replace the stock Bilsteins with no other mods required? I have the TRD Off Road 4X4.

 

if you are wheels are staying the same, you should need to do anything. if you go to 33s, you will need UCAs to prevent rubbing and wheel alignment. Also, if you go 33s, you will need a CMC and some other minor plastic trimming in the front wheel well.

 

Hit up @AccuTune Offroad will tune to your rig specs etc. keep it at 2” IMO

Good luck

 

Yep. They are direct fit specifically designed & tuned for Tacomas.

 

Stock wheels with 285’s will not need cutting or aftermarket control arms if staying around 2in of lift.