Fox vs bilstein vs ??

Hey everyone, I’m a new Taco owner and am looking for advice on things to do to my truck. It’s a pretty much stock TRD off-road with the towing package. The PO put on Wrangler Duratrac 265/75R16 tires and air spacers on the rear, since he towed a camping trailer.

I do know the rear shocks need replacing and from research, it appears the main difference between the TRD Pro and Off-road editions are the shocks. Is that true? And if so, which ones would you recommend?

My goal is to have a truck I can confidently take off-road on camping trips in the mountains and sleep in the back. Thanks for your time! Dre

 

Welcome to TW!

 

It’s hard to beat Bilsteins. I have a 2009 TRD 4x4. I use it to pull my boat and to get into the back country for hunting, fishing and camping trips. I recently replaced my shocks/struts with Bilstein 4600 heavy duty shocks. They are the same as 5100’s only they are built for trucks that are not lifted. I’m very impressed with them. They are great both on road and off road and when towing my boat. Check out the 4600’s.

 

Dobinson's!

Only.have my rear leafs/shocks on at the moment. (Waiting on a boat from down under) but they ride great, and service from Mike has been great as well

 

Thank you for the welcome and responses! I will look into both the 4600’s and 5100’s + the Dobinsons. Are the Bilstein 4600’s what originally came with the truck?

Any opinions on the Fox Shox? Are they really the only difference between the off-road and pro versions (besides badging and skid plate)?

 

The foxs that came on the pros and aftermarket foxes are two different shocks.

IMO if you're going to spend that much, might as well go aftermarket foxes.


Offroad and pro in general are similar. The big difference with the others is the traction control, tires, shocks, hood scoop, and locker.


I bet the 5100s would be a good fit without overpaying for more suspension than you'd likely need. The 5100s have a strong following of folks that use them well.

 

Here’s a little write up comparing the 4600’s and 5100’s . The 5100’s are designed for lifted trucks but can be used on stock trucks. Otherwise basically the same and 4600’s are cheaper. In any event get what you think is best for you and fits your needs.


Although they are different models and may appear to be very different from each other the Bilstein 5100 and Heavy Duty actually share many of the same components and ride characteristics.

The main difference between the Bilstein Heavy Duty vs Bilstein 5100s is that the Heavy Duty or 4600 series is designed for stock height trucks and the 5100 Series is built for lifted trucks. The other major difference between the Heavy Duty and 5100 is that the Bilstein 5100 Series shocks have a zinc coating with a brushed metal shock body and a black boot while the Heavy Duty uses a painted yellow body with a blue dust boot.

The Similarities: The 5100 series and the Heavy Duty shocks use the same technology internally. Both use the same internal valving and at stock height will ride the same (shocks for lifted trucks may use different valving settings in order to accommodate the extra weight of larger tires). Both shocks are pressurized with 360 psi of nitrogen to prevent shock fade and foaming of the shock oil. The outer construction of both shocks is identical as well with an extruded metal body rather for maximum strength and top of the line seals. The 5100 series and Heavy Duty 4600 series are both covered under Bilstein's limited lifetime warranty that protects against any manufacturer defects for the life of the shock.

 

Great post, very informative.

 

I recently put Fox on mh Tacoma and Bilstein 4600 on my wife's Expedition. Both were in need. The Bilstein were a major improvement over the worn factory shocks on the Ford but do not have the same ride as the Fox. That said they were half the price. I'd recommend either but for different applications. If better ride at a good value is your goal, go with the 4600s. If you want the best ride and performance possible go with the Fox.

 

Cool, thanks! I didn’t give ride quality a huge amount of thought until I was driving through Chicago, which is pretty much like driving off-road! The ride was pretty bouncy (dare I say harsh?), so maybe the Fox or 5100’s will be worth the $.
It seems I have a chicken and egg problem tho, as I have to decide on lifting ideas before selecting a shock, as they come in a variety of lengths.

 

I have had Bilsteins, Fox, and now running Kings. All are great shocks. I personally love the Kings. Good luck and welcome to TW.

 

Billys...people say fox are too stiff but some like it all comes down to personal preference