Bilstein 6112 Install

cant compare performance wise, but i built a few sets of the 6112 at work last week, building 5100s all day then grabbing a 6112, holy crap, huge difference in size. we put them on the managers FJ and he has been running them for about a week now, he's been really impressed so far, says on road handling/ride quality is awesome

 

So if I went with something like Bilstein 6112 Coil-over Shocks, Bilstein 5160 Rears with Remote Reservoir, and an ICON progressive add a leaf.. how will I be sitting? Pretty? and about how high.

I have a 2011 4x4. I've been considering 5100s with OME 885, 5125 in the back and an AAL... but now I'm thinking I might get the goods mentioned above. Thoughts?

 

The front is adjustable so front height anywhere between .5in-3in and the back will depend on your add a leaf, Im not sure about the Icon but my hope is to get a little less than 2 inchs in back

 

Yea I know.. the add a leaf is 1.5 like most.. I'm just trying to decide if its that much worth it over the 5100 and OMEs

 

I'm considering the 6112's set low, along with 5160's and going with the Deaver 1-1.5" leaf pack. With a shell hoping to get the 1" lift. Trying to avoid new uca's, wheel spacers, drops, vibrations etc. I really don't care about lift per se, don't tow and haul maybe 500lbs. tops. I just want better dirt road and on road ride. Thoughts?

 

For those interested in a 6112/5160 kit or just the shocks individually let us know, we have both in stock ready to move.
Our kit includes the 6112s, 5160s, our own Deaver speced AAL w/new center pins, and a 1/4" top plate spacer for the drivers side lean. We can also assemble them for you for an additional fee. The assembly includes all new hardware and makes for an easy do it yourself install.

If you have any questions at all call or email, our contact info is provided in my sig below.

 

Cool. Thoughts on the Deaver AAL versus the Deaver leaf pack?

 

A full leaf pack would be ideal, but with the 5160s you would be limiting the capability (droop) of the packs. If you are referring to the 3 leaf AAL, this will provide a slightly better ride over a single AAL, but the single AAL is not a bad option for a budget friendly lift and it still provides a good ride.

 

Hey you guys at Headstrong. I'll likely be ordering the 5100 kit from you guys soon, as I can't afford the 6112 kit. Great prices, and after you assemble the struts is the install fairly straightforward for someone that has never installed a lift? Including the rear AAL.

 

Speaking from personal experience its not that bad at all, just give yourself a whole day. Three bolts up top and the bottom bolt for the lower strut eyelet for the front end. For the back the hardest part is the AALs, the rear shocks are super easy. Just make sure you have a C-clamp handy for keeping the leafs together when pulling the center bolt/adding the AAL and new center bolt provided. DO NOT use the center bolt to compress the leafs together, you will strip them.

Oh and an extra jack comes in handy.

Its not that hard at all and there's nothing technical about it. I suggest watching some videos to get a general idea, you tube should have some and I'm sure there's some on TW as well.

 

I'm considering ordering from you guys, as you have the kit all put together in the configuration I want. I was just curious if you were offering any discount for Tacoma World members? Thanks

 

PM SENT

 

I should be ordering this saturday if all goes well!

 

Is there not a extended rear shock for someone who needs a full leaf pack?

 

Yes. The 5165 series comes in extended lengths. By definition its still the same external reservoir shock but you can order it to fit whatever rear spring lift you have.

I was going to do 5165s, but not everyone has them in stock with the 6112s and I don't feel like ordering from multiple distributors. Plus I'm only going 1" in the back anyways.

 

We hear people talk about these a lot

Here's the deal with the 5165s, the ones that come in the stem to eye configuration are not valved right for the Tacoma so we don't recommend them. Like the 5125s they are a universal application shock in which you would select the shock based on configuration, extended and collapse length, and valving. Since the valving is not ideal for the Tacoma we would rather steer people in a different direction.

 

Oh okay, that explains why they come in so many different lengths if they're designed to be universal. Thanks for the clarification!

 

How much lift can you have with 5160s? just and 1inch right?

 

The 5160 is actually a little longer than the standard 5100s. They will work fine for up to about 2" of rear lift.

 

Dan, do you have experience with the Firestone Ride Rite bags? I'm using stock length 5100s in my rear (0-2") and will be adding the Ride Rites to my OEM 3 leaf (2+1 overload) and Wheeler's 3 leaf AAL. Initially I had 2" of lift in the rear, but have since added a shell which puts me lower. Do I need to worry about longer length shocks to use the bags with, and brake lines needing extending?