Bilstein 6112/5160 setups

You’re absolutely correct, but I drive on the highway a considerable amount and the highway manners with this set up are spot on.

 

@memario1214 and others with experience: I have a 2023 DCSB OR MT and considering a small lift with a little bit of performance improvement when running dirt/gravel roads at higher speed than the stock suspension seems to like. Right now the only constant extra weight is a Leer canopy, but I frequently have my family with me (maybe 220lbs between the wife and kids, but the kids keep growing) and some extra camping/skiing/biking gear etc in the bed (maybe 200lbs). Right now, at 10k miles and without actually measuring, it seems like the back has sagged and I've lost any factory rake, even with the truck unloaded (except for the canopy) and it looks a touch tail low with the above added weight.

Considering Bilstein 6112/5160 based on it being a common setup (lots of experience in the community, so easy to troubleshoot/know issues etc), relative good value, and not requiring other mods like UCAs etc. I'm only looking to add 1-1.5 inches of lift to the front of the truck and want to restore the factory rake when unloaded (except for the canopy).

Questions: 1) Does this require an AAL, full leaf pack replacement (thinking ICON for either) or will the new shocks do this with the factory leaf springs? 2) Are bump stops needed? I'm not bottoming out now, so I would think not, but wonder if there is anything I'm missing? 3) Are extended brake lines needed in the back? Again, I am thinking they are not, given minimal lift and minimal change to travel. 4) I don't currently perceive the common "Taco lean", so I am planning on setting both sides up the same--does that make sense or does the factory setup come with some sort of compensation for lean that I need to replicate with the 6112s? 5) There are some good deals on comparable ICON setups right now, so I would consider not going with the Bilsteins if there is a good case for spending a bit more--worth considering or save the money and stick with Bilstein for my modest needs?

 

Good lord. Just watched the blind comparisons of 5100 vs a variety of others and now thinking they might make the most sense considering the cost savings and my intended us...but I still have the same questions about need for AAL or full spring pack in the setting of sag under the canopy weight--needed or not?.

 

Sounds like you are set up similarly to me, except I have a LB. Here's my $.02

1. Shocks alone will not provide any lift so I would look at an AAL or the Icon RXT leaf pack if I were you. I went with the Icon AAL and am pleased with it. I wanted a 2" lift so I have the 6112s set at the highest position and I am pretty level front/back. If the rear starts to sag at all I will probably go with the RXT because I prefer a bit of rake and I tow a small trailer occasionally.

2. No, I don't think you will need bump stops. I didn't do them on my truck.

3. I don't think so for that amount of lift. I have my 6112s set on the highest setting (~2" lift) with the Icon AAL in the back and didn't do the extended brake lines. Curious to know what others would recommend here though.

4. I have both sides set the same and do not have any lean, but some trucks do need it so it kind of just depends on the truck. I don't believe there is anything from the factory that helps compensate for lean.

5. I don't have any experience with other shocks on my Tacoma but I will say I have been loving the 6112/5160 setup I had installed a year ago. BTW, I also have the Icon UCAs. I love the way the truck rides. Others may be able to give input on other brands.

Here is a picture of my truck right after the lift was installed. My 265/70/r17s are getting pretty worn so I will probably replace those with either 255/75r17s or 255/80r17s here soon.

 

That's really helpful--thanks!

 

Roadmaster active suspension really helps too.

 

I am the club with both of you.
1.) I went with 5100 but you can't go wrong with the 6112/5160 - but so far I am happy with the 5100 if I wasn't cheap though I would do the 6112/5160
I got my 2" lift with OME 2888 coil overs to get the 2" lift rather than from the shocks. I also went with the RXT option 1 which is just shy of 2" lift but with your shell and added weight and not minding the rake (I'm OK with the rake as well -although I can't really tell on my truck) maybe option 2.

2.) I agree you wouldn't really need bump stops - I got them because I go off road some but probably not necessary

3.) Same as teledan no extended brake lines needed

4.) Again same as teledan - I put a level on the hood and did not detect the Tacoma lean

5,) Same again - I am a Bilstein fan boy - like I said I like my 5100 but the truth is 6112/5160 are the next step up that I wouldn't mind having to be honest. I went with SPC UCAs because I wanted to make sure I could get a good alignment.

I also did a CMC and viper cut to accommodate 285/75R16 tires (33s) because I do go off road some but you don't need to do any of that for just dirt and gravel roads. teledans set up with 32s I think would be perfect for how you use your truck.

Here a pic of my tuck keep in mind the bigger tires

 

Ordered a 6112/5160 setup from wheeleveryweekend, hard to pass up the BF price.

My 2017 has 100k on the factory shocks and it rides terribly. Hopefully this will be a nice upgrade and a level look.

 

I almost ordered it from y'all! Still a very good price!

 

I didn't "almost" order from Hotshot Offroad. I ORDERED!! Well finally ordered might be the better answer.
@memario1214 Thanks Colton for answering all my incessant questions. Sounds like the best setup for what I am doing.
I highly recommend Hotshot Offroad for pretty much everything . Bought all my Diode Dynamics from them too.

Paul

 

Im thinking about changing out from my OME/887 coil combo. I have engine&transmission skid as well as sliders and was curious what front setup gets me that 2-2.5” lift

 

That all makes sense. I looked into the Road Active a little bit--not sure that's the way I want to go, but still thinking on it. I see a lot more posts about the ICON RXT leafs than other leaf pack brands. Any thoughts on something like the Deaver N98 (2 inch lift) or J66 (1 inch)? Looks iike they're a bit more expensive than the Icon...Anything worth paying for there? I do worry a little that the RXT's lower spring rate could be an issue when I load up....are the Deaver closer to a stock spring rate with the addition of lift? I know Deaver has an expedition series that are much stiffer--not what I need. Any experience with how they ride? I did a quick search and couldn't find too much--I'll keep digging, but since I've got an experienced ear hear....thought it worth asking!

 

Yeh, this poor guy must have been drowning with messages. I know I was responsible for a good few! Was originally going to go with wheel every weekend, but memarios presence here and getting the 650# springs swapped in for 100 bucks, I was happy to order from them.

 

yea I should have ordered from him too. Haven’t heard anything from WEW since 11/25

 

Had my set up with rxt opt 3 for a couple of years now, with durobumps* Thinking of moving up to 700lb springs but 650's do fine for now with only the sliders and camper... but not when the swaybar's removed haha

 

I'm running 650s, w/ winch in Slimline bumper, sliders, skids(aluminum), steel rear bumper w/swingout, cap, with toolbox inside. And no sway bar. Could tell a little. Wife barely noticed, and doesn't bother her.

It's firm, and controlled. I was talked out of the 700# springs, and glad I was.

 

I added a set of 6112/5160 along with Deaver Stage 1 Leaf Springs almost 2 weeks ago now. Loving the much improved ride. Had Hotshot Offroad set the 6112's to the #9/7 setting. @memario1214 was super helpful and patient with me when ordering, highly recommend reaching out to him/Hotshot if you thinking about going this route.

The ride height has already settle some, current gains with a full tank of gas and an additional ~300#s of bed weight, before and after...

Before Front DS 34 3/8 After 36 3/8.
Before Front PS 35 3/8 After 36 3/4.

Before Rear DS 35 1/2 After 38 1/8.
Before Rear PS 36 1/8 After 38 7/16.