Bilstein 6112 front shocks and 5100 rear? Any regrets?

My regular on road ride quality has become shit especially with passengers or even a light load, and it's time to upgrade/refresh the suspension. Planning out my lift and have convinced myself that the 6112s are probably the better long term option over just the 5100 in the front. There just really isn't a middle ground compromise between 5100s and 6112s, at least for the Tacoma. For the rear I would just be running 5100s ( since the 5160 just aid in oil cooling for prolonged off road bumps). I will probably set mine to only 2" lift to mimic the TRD Baja/Pro..and not require new UCAs.

Does anyone run this setup have any thoughts or longer term impressions to share on how this setup performs on road? I'm interested in hearing whether or not these would refresh the suspension feel to that brand new again(that crisp shock rebound sound/feel) and whether it would actually be sustained or otherwise whether that newness still fades away as fast as with as the OEM shocks (if that makes sense). I do have the tendnacy do take long 6 hour trips ( which makes your suspension mush at the end of a trip, for those who notice), so having a more robust shock is justified even if its just for on road. Just curious on some of the long term impressions since these have been out for a few years now.

 

At 30k miles on my 2013 i hated the ride, especially bottoming out over railroad track crossings. I did research for a while and finally pulled the trigger on 6112/5160. Front is on the 4th notch and got about 2.5" lift, camburg ball joint UCA, and Old man EMU dakar leafs. I do have a cap on the bed so that adds weight. It has been through 1 winter and about 7k miles. Only thing I would change is I probably would have wrapped the shocks in a clear vinyl so that they wouldn't have corroded over the salty winter. Rides amazing and think it was well worth the investment. Great for towing too. Highly recommend purchasing through Headstrong Offroad and if you have any questions Marie is more than willing to answer and help you out. I may have jumped the truck and other than an alignment adjustment afterwards it still rides great. They can def take the abuse of daily driving.

 

Plan on a UCA.

5100's up front on my truck at the 1.75in setting and alignment was just barely within spec.... SPC uca's with 3.4* of caster has made driving my truck so much more enjoyable... and the UCA doesnt hit the coil at droop.


My next set of fronts will likely by the 6112's they seem like a really nice shock for the price.... in the rear, it would all depend on measurements and what i plan on doing at the time. But if i had to id probably go with some fox / icon / king IFP rear shock. 5100's will work in the rear for sure.

 

UCAs needed for just 2" of lift? I would be interested to know how the Baja and TRD Pro alignments were set then.

Maybe just go with 1.5" for now then get UCAs later.

 

I have 6112s set to about 2" with stock UCAs - no issues

 

These 6112 do sound like a helluva great shock. I'm planning on 5160 in the rear, with a custom leaf spring from a local shop here in L.A. Those rear 5160 do look sweet, and aren't too much more costly compared to 5100's. I want a great on road feel, with great off road capabilities. I won't be doing rock crawling, I live in SoCal so theyll see mostly desert trail riding. According to Jason above in post #2, they sound well worth your hard earned cash. I'll prob call Headstrong OffRoad late this summer to get all my parts, and get my local suspension shop to install them.

 

What shop are you referring to? Curious as I live in LA too and have been looking for a good shop for awhile.

 

You won't regret it. I'm very impressed with how well that set up handles on trails. It's plush

 

Atlas Suspension, in Industry/La Puente I forget which city. They'll will make a leaf spring specific for your needs, custom. Been there a few times to talk to the owner, nice guy. Imma use his shop.