Bilstein 5100 vs. 6112 vs.....

Hoping to get some input on what the best suspension setup for my truck would be. It is a '98 3.4 MT
Truck is used daily in winter months, occasional light/med trails/off road, playing in the dunes, and camping trips (pulling small camper). Ideally would like to improve comfort on the road with a minimal 1-2" lift and avoid replacing upper control arms for now.

I thought I was set on 5100s w/ stock springs, then found the 6112/5160 combo, and also seeing OME options, I am torn on what would be the best shock/spring setup would be.

Thanks in advance for any help

 

I had 5100s for a few years and they were fine. I then upgraded earlier this year to Icon 2.5 Adjustable Coilovers (they range from 0-3" of lift) and they're awesome. The ride quality is superb on and off-road. Highly recommend

 

I upgraded to 6112/5160 a few years ago and love it. I was considering the 5100's due to price, but just about all the research I did pointed to the 6112/5160 as being worth the extra price.

With that said, that is a relatively expensive upgrade for a 98. No idea on miles. For that reason I might think differently and do the 5100s. Been a while since I looked at prices.

On the UCAs, I got a 1.5" lift on my front with the 6112s. I cannot recall the circlip setting used. I think 10/8? My mechanic said I could prob stick with stock UCAs, but I opted to buy and have him install the Bilstein UCAs. He said the closer you get to 2" the more sense it makes. I just wanted to be safe vs. having to redo it later if needed.

 

Research digressive vs progressive valving.

5100 ride sucked on my ‘12 Taco.

Liked the 6112s in our ‘99 Runner for the straight and fast stuff. Wasn’t a fan of the valving as much on quick direction changes (dodging deer/traffic/whatever). YMMV.


If I were you I’d stick with stock suspension, and a +1 tire size.

 

The truck is in extremely good shape with lower miles, so i don't mind spending the money on the best thing for my needs. I spoke with Toytec and they recommended their 5100s w/ stock springs due to different valving from regular 5100, but apparently Toytec is in the middle of being purchased and they do not know when/if they will have stock again. This is all so confusing lol

 

OP what's your budget for this suspension upgrade?

My opinion on Bilstein 5100s is they're a great option if you can't afford anything better. But if you can afford Icons/Kings/Fox/ADS, then the 5100s become a semi-lousy halfway measure. For a few hundred dollars more you can get coilovers that will blow 5100s out of the water

 

At most im looking to spend around 2k

 

What are you going to do about lifting the rear? Neither the 5100s or 5160 will give you any lift, you would need an add a leaf or new leaf springs. I installed ICON RXT on mine. I didn't read great things about add-a-leafs under load.

 

Well as @BattleKat asked, what are your plans for the rear?

You'll want an add-a-leaf at minimum or an all new leaf pack in an ideal world. The OME Dakars are pretty much the go-to off-the-shelf leaf pack most go with (and if memory serves me right you can get them for $500-600). That should leave enough leftover to buy a top notch brand 2.0 coilover set (like Fox/Icon/King/ADS) + rear shocks, while coming in under the $2k mark.

Just to put it out there though, aftermarket UCAs can really enhance the driving experience of a lifted truck (increase caster, and makes the whole truck feel more stable, especially when turning). So once you spend that $2k, another $1k for UCAs would really make your setup slap

 

Just to give you an idea of what I've found works awesome on my '03:

Front: Icon 2.5s w/ Icon Delta Joint UCAs


Rear: Alcan Custom Pack (+3"), Toytec Aluma 2.0s




Total Cost: ~$4k

 

Initially thought I would install the front bilsteins at a lower setting, and was looking into blocks, add-a-leafs, and entire new packs. I would like to keep the lift minimal, around 1-2", and would prefer to not have excessive rake and it appears the Dakar packs are 2.5". I may be overthinking the height however, and I am sure the stock leaf springs are a bit tired

 

In that case maybe an AAL might be the ticket for you, and will be very cost effective. The downside being that you are just slightly prolonging the service life of some likely tired leafs.

Or alternatively you could maybe look at General Springs (budget leaf option). You'll get a lift, relative to current ride height, just because your leafs are sagging already (I assume).

 

I have a 2023 so not apples to apples but I put 6112 front and 6100 back

 

Stock springs sound like the best option to me as well.. any input on what the best shock option would be?

 

Fwiw I recently upgraded from the 5100s to the 6112s on my 98 MT 4R and think it’s a major improvement. I have the 5100s on my 2000 Taco as well, and wish they were the 6112s now. The 6112s are way beefier than the 5100s.

 

This is great input...Do you have any additional weight on the truck? My major concern is that 6112s feel harsh when unloaded

 

If you mean rear shocks it'll really depend on lift height you go with. For stock height rear you'd probably be fine with Bilstein 4600s or 5100s. Then that'll save money to get higher end front coilovers (if you want a higher end ride quality)

 

No, not at all. Zero concern.

My decisions to go w/ 6112 & 5160 was one of the the major shock dealers on YouTube had an episode - he looks at the camera (they sell all kinds of brands and crazy high end stuff) and says " This combo is simply the best bang for the buck on shocks for your tacoma out there". Sold.

 

No extra weight on the front, clip 7/6 which is ~1.5”. I do have a roof rack and a rear steel bumper on the back with OME +200lb coils.

The coil you choose (and lift height) will have the most influence over the stiffness feel of the ride. I suggest <2” and stock weight coils for sure.

both 5100 & 6112s are digressive shocks - which some people complain feel “stiffer”

my Taco is all stock with the 5100s and 1.5” too - definitely more stiff than stock but they work as a budget option. If you only DD the Taco 6112s are probably overkill, but I’ve been pleased with them on the 4R, which is my camping mobile

 

Thanks everyone for the input, I think I have decided to give the 6112/5160 a shot w/ new stock springs