Bilstein 6112 Install

I received the brand new Bilstein 6112 from Down South MotorSports today and decided to do the install. I didn't document much of the install because of time but for you guys who want to see these on a 4x4, here it is. I measured before starting and got 34 1/4 Inches from the floor of the shop to the left fender centered on the hub. I measured 34 5/8 on the right fender. The results, left side 37 Inches, the right side 37 1/2 Inches. That means I got 2.75 Inches of lift on the driver side and 2.87 Inches of lift on the passenger side. I realize these numbers may "settle" a bit but thats what I got. I also used the top ring, #5 for max lift.





Before


After


Overall I'm very happy with the ride. I will be getting an alignment done at my next oil change(sometime this month). Oh and Down South MotorSports was great to buy from, really fast shipping too and cheaper than anyone else!

 

If you wouldn't mind, how would you describe the ride:
- Smoother, harsher, or same as OE?
- Softer, firmer, or same OE?
- Yielding/compliant, teeth jarring, or same as OE?
- Other thoughts, comments?

Any changes in handling?
- More, less, same body roll as OE?
- More, less, same steering responsiveness as OE?
- Other thoughts, comments?

 

Smoother over bumps for sure.. feels really firm handling wise... obviously a little more body roll because the center of gravity has changed a bit. I really like them, and I'm not just saying that. Worth the money...

 

did you do anything to the rear?

 

Must be nose high now.

 

nice Bro lean

measure center of hub to fender

 

It sits about an inch low in the rear.. Nbd..

 

I'm glad to hear that the ride isn't to harsh on the highest lift setting. Definitely considering these!

 

You'll have to report on gas mileage if you calculated it before the install.

 

Thanks for the report...subd for updates !

 

Make sure you adjust your headlight throw down. I was an inch low and blinded everybody until I got my rear in. Just my .02

Here's my low beams hitting a car 30 yards away.

 

If the highest lift setting is comfortable, I wonder how they feel at the lowest setting. Also what can you tell us about the coils? Are those your oem coils?

 

6112's come with replacement coils.

 

Just did the same lift with a 3/16th" spacer on drivers side and 10mm on right of the 6112's @ 5 and AAL with 1/4 " spacers under the leafs. I got a little over 3" front and 2 1/4" rear. Just test drove it without alignment yet and she has more sway than I care for but alignment and my new SCS wheels with more backspacing may help this, If not I may have to put the sway bar back on.
My only issue so far is I am getting a little whine/growl in 4x4. This is opposite of most who get a whine and it goes away when put in 4x4. Any suggestions? Is over 3" to much?
12ProTaco: What size tires are you running?

 

Truck is looking good!

 

Thanks Jesse for sharing your install and experience. Your post is the first mention/review of the Bilstein 6112 at the highest level - 5 (2.5" lift) that I could find. I just ordered my Bilstein 6112 set from Down South Motor Sports as well. I also want to install them at the highest level, but I'm reluctant to install them right away until I see more feed back from other installs at the highest setting like yours. Have you taken them off road yet?

 

I also thinking about getting these but waiting on more info

 

Yeah buddy, you're too high for the stock CV axles. I'd drop 'er down to 2.5" of lift or less in the front for sure (I personally wouldn't go over 2", but that's my conservative nature due to intending to keep my Taco until it blows up). That whine/growl will quickly turn into popping if you don't. Ask my Toyota tech buddy that cranked his icon's all the way up and had to replace the CV's. Note, he forked out the cash for sick CV's and left his lift at about 3.5". He likes it, but they're too stiff for my liking... Great off road, beat you on road.

And as far as the body roll, the coil rate on the 6112's isn't nearly as high as something like Icon's. Down south estimates the billy coils to be just over 600lbs if I remember correctly (like 620 or so). Icons are 700 and just stiff enough to reduce roll. Unless you really need the articulation off road, put that sway bar back on for road driving.

My $.02 bud. Keep us updated, I will be going with the 6112's and 5160's after I hit 50k miles. At 35k now.

 

OP Truck looks great ! Did you get any vibration ? Keep us posted on any other issues .

 

Nice looking set up this is on my short list for lifting. Thanks for the pics!