Bilstein 5100 vs 6112/5160 Lift

Hi, im a recently new owner of a 2015 DCSB 4X4 looking for a little advice on a lift setup.
The truck currently is running stock suspension, on 2018 sport wheels and tires.
The truck will be primarily used for driving on rough forest roads to access remote trail heads and such. I do not plan on rock crawling, and prioritize performance at fairly high speeds on moderately rough roads.
I'm only looking for a moderate lift (1-3") and am looking to keep a minor rake (1") for possible very light duty towing. I'm running a full set of 3/16" skids, and will shortly be adding a beefy set of rock sliders, and i have a custom bed box/drawers that weighs approximately 60 pounds.
For tire, I have decided on BFG K02 (likely on fj cruiser steelies 17"), but would like to go for the maximum size possible without doing a CMC on such a new truck.
I am ok with having to purchase after market upper control arms, and would likely go with JBA. However, I wouldn't mind having the option to defer that purchase a little while, if i could get decent alignment in the time being.
Mainly, i'm trying to decide between 5100s and the 6112/5160s, and would like to hear from people that used either or with a similar setup in mind.

 

Forgot to add, i do not plan on ever adding a front bumper or winch, but could see adding a aftermarket rear in the future.

 

higher speeds will appreciate a larger diameter shock. Go 6112.

 

Thanks for the reply! What are you running?

 

I had 5100’s with toytec springs on my last truck.

Then the TRD Pro bilstein shocks that came on my current truck. (Similar to the 6112)

Changed them out for icon 2.5” with 700lb springs because of all the added weight.

 

Awesome thanks! Sound like you've had experience with most of the common setups.

 

What no one seems to talk about is progressive vs digressive valving.

I’ve run both and currently have 6112s on the front of my 4Runner and 5100s in the rear. The real is stupid stiff and the 6112s are night and day significantly smoother of a ride than any vehicles I’ve had with 5100s.

However the digressive valving can give people some puckers on a top heavy vehicle with a lot of body roll if you make some quick turns at high speeds etc. Takes a little getting used to if you’re at all in tune with the drive if your vehicle haha.

When I go over bumps like railroad tracks, potholes etc in my commute I now floor it rather than slow down. Way smoother. Off road they’re great since they’re nice and stiff when I’m crawling slow over an obstacle and nice and loose when going fast but I will say going fast on washboard gravel the front end is more loose than I like and the rear end hops out a lot more than I like. All a trade off. But the 6112 is the better shock hands down.

 

Thanks for the input! I expect my build to be reasonably bottom heavy because i'm running full armor. The only top weight ill have is my softopper, which i expect is fairly insignificant.
Its looking like 6112/5160 is the correct option for me, but id love to hear from others as well.

 

I've had a significant amount of seat time in a stock 2017 TRD OR 4x4 if anyone could give a comparison to that.

 

I have 5100's all the way around. They have been great for my needs. I am now stepping it up to 6112's in front and possibly doing 8100's In back with bags because of towing and weight but at $1,000 a shock I'm not sure I want to yet.
If not then i will run 5160's in the back.

 

Thanks for the input! what exactly are the bilstein 8100s? Haven't heard of those.

 

You wont regret the 6112s, I had them on my second gen tacoma and loved them. i have 5100s on my current truck, don't hate them but definitely don't love them, they will be switched out ASAP for either 6112s or fox. If i were you, id spend the extra cash and go with the 6112s

 

Thanks! Whats the major complaint/downside on the 5100s?

 

I’m on 6112s in front maxed out with TC UCAs and Dakar leaf pack in the rear with Bilstein 5125s for 2-3” lift . Didn’t get the 5160 because somewhere here I read unless your running the desert you don’t need the reservoirs. Had a 5100 lift before with AAL in rear and it rode nice but had a couple leaking shocks after a while . . Go 6112s

 

Are the 5125s just extended travel 5100s or is there another difference?

 

Pretty much ,there is also a B110 . Have you looked on the Bilstein website? Or @HeadStrong Off-Road or @Wheeler's Off-Road Inc or @Toytec Lifts ?

 

I have looked at the bilstein site, and understand the the general specification differences between the more common models. Mostly just looking for some firsthand reviews. Ive also heard great thing about @HeadStrong Off-Road, and will likely be making my purchase though them.

 

There isnt anything wrong with 5100s, a ton of people on here run them and they are fine. 6112s are just much better in comparison to ride quality, durability, etc

 

Sounds like 6112/5160 is the way to go!
What UCAs are you guys running with them?

 

I have SPCs and have been very pleased with them.