Bilstein 6112 or spacer? Input on dilemma

Is there anyone that's went from the coil spacer to a bilstein shock? Wondering about the ride quality difference.
I just had a rough country leveling spacer put on the front with 3" lift and it just feels like the ride is terrible, but also wondering if it could be the new wheels/ tires.
Got 20" kmc xd134 wheels with 275/60/20 Falken wildpeak tires.

Seems like I can feel every little bump through the steering wheel now, seems much harsher.

Any input? I had them quote installing the Bilsteins on front and its 670$. Just had the rough country put on a week ago for 400. If I would have known that was the difference, I would have went with the shocks to begin with.

 

The quote for the Bilsteins seems off. The parts run about $700 so I'm assuming the $670 is just for labor? If so, that is way high. Should be less than half that amount.
To answer your question, I have 6112s set at 1.9" and the ride is nicer than my stock TRD off-road ride.

 

No, that is parts installed and aligned. That's what I'm saying.

 

are you sure it's 6112 and not 5100s?

 

This. No way they are installing 6112s for $670 otd parts included.

 

If that's 670 installed. You do that, and you do that right now!

 

I didnt think I would get my wheels for the price I did either.

 

I take that to mean the kit (parts) cost $670. I'm guessing he has not given you the price for install. As said above, if its legit, don't think twice... get them installed.

 

I just called him and its definately the price installed.
The question is, will it take all that harshness away? Or is that more changing upper control arms to get my geometry back?
I did not think it would have changed the ride so much. But wheels/tires/ level kit were all done at same time, I dont think it's the wheels though, there's not that much change there.

 

That is a killer price. I'd do it for sure.
Regarding the ride, you took two steps towards a harsh ride by installing the spacer lift and installing the bigger tires on 20" wheels. Replacing the spacers with 6112 will definitely help but the truck will likely still ride firmer than the squishy stock shocks.

If you want the softest ride, do not put the 6112s on the highest setting. The higher the setting, the more pre-load on the spring resulting in a rougher ride.

 

What he said.

You will notice a better ride, 3" of spacer lift is really going to stiffen up the ride, the 6112 will make a big difference at 1.9. If you put it on the top 2.5, it will be harsh, but not as harsh as the spacers.

 

So your saying it's mostly the wheels but with a combination of what was done?

Do you think it would improve any if I pulled the .5" of spacers out and reduced it to a 2.5" lift instead of 3, to reduce the preload a little?

 

No, I wouldn't say it was mostly the wheels/tires but the combination of both spacers and wheels/tires compounded the harshness of the ride. I wouldn't expect pulling out a .5" worth of spacer to make a significant difference. What psi are you running in the tires?

 

Running at 37psi

 

I'd get rid of the spacers and install the 6112 at 1.3" or 1.9" and see how it rides. The new springs that come with the 6112s should definitely help smooth out the ride. I believe Falkens are among the lightest tires so there isn't much you can do to save weight on the tires if you are determined to run that larger size.

Regarding the 6112 install, measure from the ground to the fender well through the middle of the front wheels ahead of time to see if your truck rides level side to side. If it is low on the driver's side, you can have them install a CB shim plate on top of the 6112 on the low side to get rid of the side-to-side lean.

 

@YoTundra I went from a 3" spacer to the 6112s... top notch with CB shim. I'm running 20" wheels (305/55/20 tires at 36 psi). The ride was a night and day difference. With the spacer lift, very harsh ride especially when hitting speed bumps, etc. Now, not so much. Very comfortable, feels better than a stock truck. It's no Cadillac ride but night and day difference.

 

Agreed!

 

6112s on any setting will ride better than any spacer lift. It's a far better shock than stock. If you like the look of 3" lift then do 6112 top seating and cb shims. Ton of tundra's run them and love it.

 

Thanks everyone for your input. I'm getting them done Friday. $670 OTD.
Kind of sucks I wasted the $400 on the spacer lift. All well.

 

I think most people that pay for 6112 installation end up paying around $1k otd so don't feel too bad. This forum will end up costing you much more than $400.

 

Yeah. It already has, seeing all the Tundras with the nice upgrades. Did the chrome delete on bumper/ grill, had it painted twice because it was off, its farther off now than the first time but have decided to live with it.
Then got the wheels and tires and level blocks.
Now the shocks.
Now I need some fender flares because the new wheel/ tire setup slings dirt all over the side of it like crazy.

 

Please post a few pictures

 

Picked up the truck after getting the 6112's on the front. Will get a pic of the whole truck tomorrow, it's too dark right now.

 

Great choice. You won't regret it. Enjoy.

 

After Bilstein shocks

 

Bilstein beer can thickness

 

I’ve had the 6112/5160 on my truck for some time. It does tighten up the truck. I would do the same set up again if I bought a newer truck. Have enjoyed it very much. Also installed the Coachbuilder 3s on the back.

 

Pic? What setting are you at on the 6112? How many miles? I just put mine on a couple months ago so I’m interested in how they last. I went 1.9” with Cb+2 shackle.

 

My apologies I don’t have any pictures. I set mine at the highest setting. I would guess that I have around 5000 miles on them now. I like the ride. It stiffened the truck up some but I’m good with that. Again I would install the Bilstiens again. No complaints