ADS Extended Travel Clicker Resevoir vs Bilstein 8112’s

hey Everyone,

Ive pretty much narrowed down my suspension choices between ADS and Bilstein. Looking to replace my OME 888 springs and 90021 shocks in the front.

I think I’ll keep the backs until they are shot then get matching rears.

Shocks I’m deciding between:
- the ADS remote resi with adjustment in extended travel.
vs
-Bilstein 8112’s

I WANT THE SMOOTHEST RIDING SHOCKS FOR ON AND OFF-ROAD. I AM NOT A HARDCORE WHEELER AND DO NOT ENJOY BREAKING SHIT ON MY TRUCK...so keep that in mind with any thoughts/advice.

What’s on the truck?
- C4 Lo pro bumper (85lbs)
- Smitty 9500 winch Syn cable (50lbs)
- BAMF sliders (ehhh 100lbs)
- Softopper canopy
-OME medium weight kit, CS series Dakar pack

The reviews on both are excellent. The Bilsteins have a unique design with triple dampening. Both have pretty much proven themselves over immense testing and design.

Will be on my daily driver/commuter, but I do wheel forest roads with some decent articulation (sometimes 3 wheels touching) situations, and do some fast desert driving.

Want to maintain 2.25” lift.
Tires and rims will be
255/75 r17 with TRD PRO (4-runner) wheels

Thoughts?

Here is a link to both:

Bilsteins
https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyo...MIl9zOlIXG3QIVh_hkCh1DsgPUEAQYAyABEgIMWfD_BwE


ADS
http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p453/ADS_2.5"_Coilover_with_Remote_Reservoir_and_Optional_Compression_Adjuster.html


Cheers on any advice or insights.

 

Interested, bump

 

The struggle is real. I've been researching those two options along with the OME BP-51s. Here are some TW threads for research purposes if you (or anyone else) haven't seen them already:

ADS
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ads-off-road-racing-shocks-information-pictures.341630/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/why-isnt-there-more-info-on-ads-suspension.529897/

8112
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-bilstein-8112-coilovers.532739/

BP-51
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ome-bp-51-install-report-and-height-adjustment.476085/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ome-bp-51-review-on-3rd-gen.485741/

 

ADS. They make a great product and have a great reputation.

I have no personal experience with them but many people compare them to Kings

 

I would argue that the BP-51s aren't in the same league as they're not a true 2.5" shock. Also, several local members have leaky BP51s with barely any miles on them.

 

My final decision was between the same shocks and ultimately decided on the 8112's. Based my research ADS makes a great product and you can't go wrong with them. What sold me on the 8112's was the JCO (jounce cut off) system which provides bottom out control. Both are zinc coated which was important to me for where I live. If you are looking for heavier springs ADS can be ordered with them. The Bilstein's come with 600lb springs and I will be changing to 650lbs springs once my bumper is installed.

 

How do they ride on and off-road. One thing I hate is feeling all the vibes of a rough street that start and make you think it’s a driveline vibe. I want something that dampens that shit well. The 8112’s technology looks amazing. Wish they had an extended travel version. How does the 600lb spring feel? Stiff? Soft? Too soft?

 

Also, how much lift did you get out of them? Is it better to preload them as designed or add a top plate spacer above the coilover with less preload?

 

I love the way the ride. Very controlled offroad and on road. They have digressive valving but aren't anywhere as stiff as the Icons, which I had on my last truck. I haven't experienced any vibes like you mention. I maxed them out and got 2". I actually have a couple of the Headstrong 1/4" spacers that I might install and crank them down a little. I checked the travel length of these versus the extended length and there was not that much difference, if I remember right. I believe they have an extended length of 22.5"

Also it looks like Bilstein has released the "heavy load springs" for these shocks. If I remember right these will be around 655lb.

 

So I called ADS today and I’m sold on the extended travel with 700lb springs. They make some quality stuff, they just don’t spend a lot of time on marketing. I think brand names sway people vs buying a real quality product. If you compare the ADS components to King or Icon you can see that ADS is a far better product

 

Ok I pulled the trigger on the ADS extended travel 700lb with adjustable clickers. Getting them installed next week. I hope I don’t regret not going with the Bilstein 8112’s.


We will see

 

You won’t. But if you do, eh it’s only money...

 

The Billy’s are badass, but it’s only a 600lb spring with the option of going to a 650lb I’ve heard

 

Good move going 700 with the extra weight.

 

Thanks, but I’m still leery because it’s 120lbs ish bumper and winch. Then the sliders which only affects the front a little with braking and what not. The guy at ADS said the stiffness is more due to valving and not spring weight.

My OME 590 lb springs have settled about .75” less than when I installed them.

Will report back when installed.

 

Looking forward to seeing the results. I’m on 700lb springs with my ARB and it’s super nice. I have icons so they’re stiff. But I’m good with it.

 

Yah we will see. I can’t stand stiff shocks which is why I chose ADS

 

Going in next week

 

Ride is instantly nicer than my OME 90021 with 2888’s. Clickers are amazing as you can tell the difference pretty noticeably every 3 clicks. Really can’t wait to upgrade the rear shocks as well from the OME nitrochargers.

No regrets, just design recommendations for one more hole in the shock head for the wrench when preloading. There is a certain spot where the UCA and shock head will not have room to accept the wrench because the Allen bolt that holds the head together prevents the wrench from sitting well enough to get torque to turn no matter which end you use. The threads without lube are hard as F***!

 

I met reps from Bilstein on top of a mountain and they showed me a 8112 that had cutaways so you could see the insides. It looked really well made and the people were great guys.