Bilstein 6112

I've driven both multiple times. I always feel like Fox is meant for speed, the wheels feel like they stay connected to the ground faster and more consistent over rough terrain.

6112's are great off road, but to me, feel a lot softer and much more tame to drive. They soak the bumps up better in my opinion, but I wouldn't consider them an upgrade from TRD Pro, more of a lateral.

At the very least, go 6112 front, and bigger matching 8100 rear, the 5160's are great, but they are small and for your demands you'd need bigger.

 

So cool that you have actually driven some different setups and thanks for sharing! I should share that o was also planning to add
ICON 0522 Tacoma Multi Rate RXT Leaf Spring Kit w/ U-Bolts and JBA UCA’s . Would you still go with the 8100’s in the rear? Don’t they make some pretty loud clacking sounds?9

 

My ’22 Limited came with the factory Hitachi shocks and I’m finally ready to commit to my first suspension upgrade.

I’ve decided on the Bilstein 6112 front + 5160 rear and Icon AAL set up as many of you have suggested.
I’m hoping for 1.5”-2” lift all around while maintaining the rake.
I also live in the Pacific NW and want a sturdier, smoother ride for the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route.

As of right now, I have added roughly 500lbs from stock with:

• Rock sliders (160lbs)
• OEM front skid plate (27lbs)
• CBI rear skid plate (85lbs)
• CBI gas tank skid (80lbs)
• Prinsu cab rack (50lbs)
• Front bed molle panel (25lbs)
• Tonneau cover (70lbs)

In addition to these, I also have changed my factory wheels/tires with Method 703's and 265/75r16 AT tires. I'm not sure exactly what the net impact to weight would be vs the stock wheels/tires.

My question: which springs and clip setting I should go with to achieve what I’m looking for considering my truck’s added weight?

 

With that weight, you will come in at least 1.5" on the front, throw in a spacer for taco lean. The aal with that weight wont be much ahead the front either so some rake should still be there.

With that same setup, once i get a couple hundred pounds of camping gear in, its pretty smooth over the quicker rough non technical trails (swaybar delete goes a long way in ride quality off road)

 

Do you plan to add more weight to the front in the future? ie front bumper, with/without winch, hidden winch mount? If you do, plan to go with maybe 650lb springs up front and set them on a lower setting until you add the weight then move the clips up a few if you get some sag. if you dont plan to add more weight then agreed with somebody above, lean spacer if need be.

I didnt plan to add more weight when I first lifted then I added more weight and had to change out the front suspension. If I was doing it again I would have started with 6112's and the heavier spring instead of 5100 and a softer spring.

 

Thanks for the input!
I guess what's currently on there isn't really that much weight overall.. Yes, I do eventually want to add a steel front bumper, but likely no winch.
Going with the stiffer springs now does feel like the more efficient route.

Do you know what clip settings I should be running with the stiffer springs?

 

You can run top settings with 650 springs with weight up front you will be good.

 

I ran 650# springs without weight on 11/9 for a month or so, it was stiff but not unbearable or anything, I actually mostly thought it rode pretty nice. I don’t think I’m as picky or finicky as some people in this forum so ymmv.

 

I just put on brand new 6112's with 650s I have a winch, low pro bumper, sliders, and full skids. the springs are finally wearing in and they are dead on softness wise. just enough cushion for me. If you dont mind stiffer ride until you get a bumper put them on 11/9. especially if you dont want to mess with pulling them out and adjusting the clip when you do get the bumper. you will definitely want the stiffer springs though the moment you go front bumper.

 

Thanks everyone! I think I know how I will approach this now.

 

Welcome bro!!

 

I will add, that off road you can definitely feel the lack of down travel set at 11/9

 

Ordered a set of 6112/5160 and some 650# Springs, after reading most of this thread I think I made the right choice

 

FYI,

From the Wheel Every Weekend Site- The guy that did the shock comparison vids:

Note:We do not install 700 lb springs on these shocks and do not recommend any customer run 700 lb springs on 6112s.

These shocks are not rated for that spring load and more importantly, not valved for it. Your ride quality will suffer both on and off-road. Additionally if you have any issues with the dampers your warranty will be denied due to using them outside of the parameters they are built for. We also do not recommend lifting your vehicle past the recommended lift heights, which will cause poor ride quality and increased wear on components.

 

Do you have a link to the vid?

 

It was a comparison of the higher end shocks, including the Bilstein 8112. I was just pointing out him a source, an authorized dealer with rebuild experience.

It was a joint effort with Overland Outfitters
https://youtu.be/u7cygv76f8Y

 

I had a buddy on 700lb springs heavy up front with no issues at all. Just saying

 

That's fine, but anecdotal. He may not know what he's missing.
I'm trying to provide facts with sources. If you're spending ~$800-900 for shocks, then a couple hundred more on springs, then buying a spring compressor or paying someone to assemble you are approaching the higher end shock category.
I'm learning as well.

 

Yes I understand

 

I watched their videos, and now am watching one from Bilstein. I am re-thinking my setup.

I've been considering lowering my spring setting (playing with the preload), to get a little more overall suspension travel. After watching this Bilstein video, I realize I made some incorrect assumptions regarding the shock design - specifically the 700 lb. spring. I believe I am oversprung and under dampened.

I think my best bet is to get a new set of 6112s - the heavy duty set with 650 lb. springs.

These shocks are rebuildable - I have not called Down South Motorsports to get a price. I'm guessing by the time I rebuild mine and get a set of springs, the price will probably be close to a new set.