Bilstein 6112/5160 worth the coin over 5100's?

Great set up won’t disappoint

 

For some people, the remote reservoirs and increased fluid capacity are beneficial in terms of their ability to handle heat. Something as simple as driving on washboard roads can overheat a regular rear shock to the point of failure surprisingly quickly. The rears are especially susceptible due to the axle vs independent suspension. The added size and fluid of the 5160 allows for them to handle more abuse in that sort of situation.

I just happen to be one of the people who sees a lot of this type of road in my truck so for me I'll take all the extra protection I can get.

https://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/...yota-tacoma-trd-off-road-comparison-test.html

 

Yup, after one fire road session where I went faster than normal, my rear 5100s were too hot to touch. Definitely getting a resi shock next time

 

^^^ This, upgrade the fronts but don't bother with 5160's in the rear. (Speaking from experience!)

 

would they fit?

I notice 6112 has different part numbers for 3rd vs 2nd gen. Not sure why

 

I don't have a comparison 6112/5160 but I did have a basic OME setup on my truck before and I do prefer my Bilsteins. Albeit they are a little more money and I felt the OME topped out.

 

They do fit. The frames are the same, same with hardware and mounting points. There's a few folks on here running them. I'm looking to get a set myself so I'll let you guys know how it goes once I install them

 

6112's ride very nice if you dont crank em (ask me how I know). I have mine set at 4th and 3rd notch and my truck has stayed level and rides/ performs much better than stock in my opinion. I had Toytec struts in the front of my truck which is are similar to 5100's im told and the 6112's are leaps and bounds better and more capable.

 

i've had 6112/5160s for 3.5 years/40k miles and love em

 

I have 5100 with coil overs/toytec on 2nd notch .85, almost 3” of lift.
Rides like absolute shit unless the roads perfect. It’s an access cab with no extra weight so that prob doesnt help. 1 year in and already gotta upgrade. Absolutely no down travel, stiffest ride imaginable.

I’n the process now installing jba uca’s so we’ll see how much that helps.
Only removed passenger side so far but was alot easier than I thought,

MINUS: me watching the wrong video where it said to remove sway bar links,,, cause you don’t have to, and Toyota’s stupid design, took 10x longer messing with links and cutting them out than it took to remove the uca bolts plus $60 for new links

 

If you have the money I would upgrade. However 5100s are a great budget option

 

I'm definitely a bit torn.

The one thing holding me back from the 6112's is that it requires the spring to be compressed if you want any lift; the 5100 offers the use of taller springs where you can get a lift and still keep the circlip in the lowest position sacrificing no travel loss

The only thing I'm still a little confused on is if a guy opted for the optional 650# springs if that increase in spring rate would equate to a moderate lift in the lower circlip. The standard 600# springs that come with the 6112 are pretty close to what the oe springs are rated, so likely not much lift with those (w/o bumping up the perch).

 

No love for Old Man Emu here? Just put a kit on my truck and very happy.

 

Check out the dobinsons IMS fully adjustable with threaded body ...

 

I dont think going up a few notches is going to hurt the ride at all. Also the front end of these trucks only has so much travel to begin with (something like 7"?? could be wrong) its a way bigger shock than what tacomas come with from the factory. its going to be a little bit stiffer but overall the ride is going to be a lot better. I dont think you will find something that will make the ride "softer" and and not sacrifice overall driveability.

I really think you will like the 6112's. I personally think they are worth every penny.

 

The 6112/5160 combo can't be beat when it comes to bang for your buck as others have said.
I have directly compared (same trails)
Bilstein 6112/5160 (set to 2.5" and 2" lift)
TRD pro suspension
ARB OME nitro charger shocks 3" lift
ARB OME BP-51 set at 2" lift

The BP-51s ride a little better on road and fast wash board roads but not nearly enough difference to justify the extra $$$ over the Bilstein.

If you only need 1" of lift a used set of TRD pro shocks would be a great option as well. These ride better than the Bilstein on road and feel the same off road.


My 6112 set at max height had a jarring "top out" when driving hard off road. Lowering the lift to 2" drastically reduced this as it regained some down travel.

White taco: OME BP-51 at 2"
Cement taco: TRD Pro suspension at 1" lift



Bilstein 6112 at max height (2.5" after settling)


Rear is wheelers 3 leaf AAL 1.5" lift

 

Thanks Gents for everyone's input- much appreciated!

After a long deliberation, with much hemming and hawing I've decided to give the 5100's a go. Should be a bump up in performance from the stock Bilsteins and at roughly half the cost.

I'm going with Dobinsons front coils and will be able to run them in the bottom circlip, so should have all the travel available that the 5100''s offer and still get the desired lift I'm looking for (~ 1.5")- 1.5" Deaver AAL in the rear

If for some reason the damping sucks on the 5100's, I know what my next step is