Bilstein 6112- Need Help

Installed Bilsten 6112 4th notch getting 3.5" of lift, installed Light Racing UCAs and got my alignment done. Going over speed bumps passenger side a lot harsher than the driver's side. Also when driving on the highway feels really stiff. Drove a 4Runner with Bilstein 5100 and Toytec springs and ride way better. Was I expecting too much out of the 6112?

 

I'm not familiar with 6112s but 3.5" is a lot of lift to be getting out of the shocks alone...what front springs are you using? If the 6112s are at the top setting then they are going to be super stiff.

The best way to do it is to use the springs to provide the lift and minimize the amount of lift you use from the adjustable shocks, ideally you find the right springs to obtain the height you want and leave the shocks set to 0. Using the shocks to obtain lift (with stock springs for instance) will make your ride stiff; if you max the shocks to the highest setting then they're going to be really stiff.

 

@DrFunker

 

I'm betting your friend's 4runner is probably getting most if not all of the lift he has from the Toytec springs, not the 5100s, which is why it rides better.

 

3.5" sounds like a lot, even for the 4th notch. Could you post an installed picture of them please?

 

Oh yeah, do you have any extra weight on the truck (sliders, skids, bumpers, etc)?

 

Thinking maybe the lower spring seat is on wrong

 

+1

 

eon_blue, appreciate the reply

I used the spring from the kit and was expecting 2" to 2.5" of lift but it's 3.5"
I measured from center of hub to bottom of fender and both DF and PF are 23.5"
I thought about moving the clip down to the 2nd notch but wanted to get peoples opinion because don't want to spend any extra money that I don't need to

 

Here is a chart of what you should get from Headstrong Off Road.

http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p222/Bilstein_6112_Coil_and_Strut_Combo_-_46-241627.html

 

DrFunker thank you for your reply

I believe it is right I see 3 notches below the seat

 

Here are the measurements I am at, for comparison:
Also 4th notch.

• Front driver height: 22 1/2" settled to ~22" (bottom of fender to center of hub)
• Front passenger height: 22 1/2" settled to ~22" (bottom of fender to center of hub)
• Rear driver height: 23 1/2" settled to ~23" (bottom of fender to center of hub)
• Rear passenger height: 23 1/2" settled to ~23" (bottom of fender to center of hub)

* I think the rear has settled more. But we aren't concerned with that for you.

 

Pics of the whole assembly will help with answers

 

What about the spring perch though? Rick and I are thinking that you may have that upside down.

 

This is the problem with the 6112's. You only have the one spring option from Bilstein. It would be better if Bilstein gave an option for a stiffer spring or the option to buy just the shock at a lower price and you get your own springs. Another thing is that 3.5" is alot out of those springs as well. Lower it down a notch and your ride will improve. Or, if you have weight up front like a bumper n winch, buy new springs. These guys sell custom King springs. Contact Bilstein or one of their vendors like Wheelers Offroad to get info on the tallest and heaviest spring you can use.
http://www.filthymotorsports.com/King_Coil_Springs_p/king-spring.htm

 

Post a couple close up pics of the front suspension (both sides). If you got more lift than you should have from the kit then it's possible something was not installed correctly like they're saying above

 

My drivers side:

 

Gotta love the Winters up here huh Doc, those shock assemblies look 5 years old already

 

No shit! That and hosing them down with FF makes them look like shit too.