Bilstein 5100 ride quality

I’ve researched and researched bilstein 5100’s in all 4 corners and I am seeing very mixed reviews about them. All positive nonetheless, but more mixed towards how firm/plush the ride is. The majority of what I’ve seen is people saying that the overall ride is stiffer, but handles much better as far as nosediving and body roll, etc.. Then there are some people that say the 5100’s ride even more plush than factory suspension (and I have been doing my best to only look at reviews from 3rd gen owners so there’s less completely worn out suspension that owners are comparing the bilsteins to). I’m looking for anyone that can give me first hand experience of the bilstein 5100 setup (or even the 6112/5160) as far as ride comfort compared to factory. Preferably anyone that upgraded suspension not long after buying the truck. How do they handle stuff like potholes and just overall crappy maintained state roads vs factory shocks?

 

You also have to look at the trim they are using and how high they set the lift:
For Offroad trims, they were a bit plush at stock height but hardly noticeable. On the third clip it was pretty stiff. Bilstein rides rough/stiff for my liking. I didn't had 5100 but my buddy did so that was my experience riding in his vehicle.
I went from the stock which feels like 5100 to the 2nd gen Pro Bilstein which is a non-adjustable 6112/5160 that gave 1.75" lift. It was still too rough for my liking. I want the vehicle to nose dive a little, but it didn't seem to do that. A lot of people likes it firm for handling and such, but I live in Louisiana and potholes are ridiculous so firm feels like a jarring sensation.

Best thing is to try to find someone with 5100 or 6112/5160 to see if you like it. I overall decided I don't like digressive valving so I didn't want Bilstein or Icon for the third set of suspension so I got Radflo instead custom valved to my preference and vehicle. However, as you have mentioned, some people like it, some people think it's too firm or plush.

 

I just got 6112/5160 installed in my 2020 OR with 2500 miles yesterday. Will be picking up the truck today. I can let you know what I think pretty soon.

 

I have 6112/5160 on my taco and it rides so much better than my friends truck with 5100’s

 

Are you on stock coils up front?

 

Can you be more specific? Is it way better on and off road? Man I wish I could ride in some Tacomas from this forum!

 

Over the weekend I installed 5160/6112 on my 2015 with the Bilstein 600lb front springs and OME Dakar (non HD) leafs. I also went from a LT road tire (Bridgestone dueler) to a C load range Nokian Rotiiva AT Plus. First test ride after install had me regretting the choice of suspension because I could feel every little crack in the road and big bumps were jarring... and then I checked the tire pressure... 47psi! The tire shop that mounted them just inflated to max rated pressure and I forgot to check them after I installed the wheels. After adjusting the pressure to 37 front, 35 rear, the ride was back to about the same level of plushness as the stock TRD Sport ride with better body control and less body roll. Small bump compliance might be very slightly more communicative into the cabin but bigger bumps are soaked up much better. I might air down one or two psi further. The stock tire pressure spec is 29 front and rear on 265/65/17 and I went to 275/70/17 with a heavier duty sidewall so I would think I could run it at the same pressure if I wanted.

In any case I am happy with the ride quality and it is a little more comfortable than I expected. Big bumps are handled very well so far, though the only big bumps have been potholes and construction related road surface stuff.

 

with mine it is better on and off road than the 5100’s or the stock off road shocks, mine feels far more planted and does wander all over the roads when I hit a bump. Come on up to the springs and run some trails

 

I went from the stock 3rd gen OR suspension to 5100’s all around with OME 887 coils up front. I had about 8500 miles on the stock setup and I instantly noticed the 5100’s were less bouncy on rough roads and seemed to help my truck feel less flimsy during everyday driving. They are a little bit stiffer than the stock shocks but still very comfortable on and off road

 

Love this question as I have the same one, have you ended up choosing a setup ?