Level Kit vs Bilstein Front Shocks?

Medic I believe I saw 600-700 spring rate for the 6112's. I'm going that route too, but gonna spend the extra money for the 6112 vs 5100.

 

Hello Jay.......Sounds like you may be kinda new to this suspension stuff. FYI, a shock will never lift a vehicle, it is the springs that do it. Like others said, a Pro rear is the same as a SR5. I too would greatly advise against the spacer lift. Do the 5100, top setting and your riding level and comfy. Ride is just as nice as stock. I did the 5100, top setting and still sat a little higher in the rear ( stock height ). All trucks will vary some. Hope this helps. Oh by the way, some shocks will lift ( if it's on your 67 Camero with air shocks). Good luck with all........

 

650

 

You are correct on that 650 for the 6112's. Good call Eric. I spoke with Bilstein direct and said the OEM spring rates around 700-725, and they went with a softer spring and increased the compression and rebound for a beautiful ride. No heim joints to wear out and make noise either. Lots of R&D with that Billy 6112 and most anything they make.

 

Yeah I think you have the option for 700, but don't hold me to it

 

Fair enough. I just don't see the point in saving a few hundred bucks on $40k truck for a ride you may end up disliking if affordable. My approach is to not do it until you can afford to do something in a more efficient way.

It is an option. I couldn't recommend it but I haven't driven for extended lengths of time.

 

I've looked into these pretty deep over the last few days. I get a bit obsessive when I start researching. I can't believe they are not more popular.

 

I think this is the route I will go. The 6112 is a 60mm tube over a 46mm tube on the 5100. Huge difference for oil capacity and cooling etc.

 

FYI....In case anyone is interested. Per my contact at Corporate Bilstein, they do have a full wrench adjustable front shock coming out for the Tundra. Like the Fox, King, ADS etc etc. Can't remember the part #, but my contact said for the huge price jump, he would stick with the 6112.

 

No worries bro. Me personally, I got a itchy ass and had to have it. The mod bug was in full swing. I agree with you though. Wait until you can get what you want. Buy once cry once. Haha

 

Thanks for the advice. Quick question, is it easy to adjust the ride height if I try the middle setting and then want to go to highest setting? Is it something I can look at while installing or is it pretty much a second job to adjust it once its on?

 

The spring has to be compressed and the ring moved. I don't know if they have to remove the shock or not. It's not a simple adjustment in my mind. I installed my coilovers myself but I'm not sure I can move that ring. Might require a special tool, I dont' know. I'm guessing it would require another alignment at the least.

 

Warren, help fill this thread
https://www.tundras.com/threads/gen-3-will-it-fit-answers.10327/

 

I saw on another thread that the middle setting is the correct one for level or slight rake. I think the highest which I believe is 2.5" gives a little bro lean.

 

I've been bitten by the Festool Tool bug. It's like the Snap-On of Carpentry tools.

 

Like I posted earlier, every truck will be a little different. I have mine at top setting (5100) and it is still a good 3/4" higher in the rear. And I am not aware of changing the setting on the truck. Even cranking down that spring compressor on the work bench is a little scary. If you haven't used one before, be very careful or have a pro do it. Think you will be best at top setting if you are trying to get it level for daily driver. Think Billy advertises the 5100 @ top setting between 2-1/4 & 2-3/8" lift . Hope this helps Jay.....

 

Its basically a second job. You have to take the spring off to be able to remove the spring perch, which sits on the adjustment ring. No special tools are needed to move the ring from one setting to another, its a snap ring and you can pry it out with a flat head screw driver.

 

So what would a person need to do to the rear of the truck if they run 6112 up front at the top setting and want the truck to be even?

 

Nothing.

 

I agree with Warren.......The 6112 top will do about 1/4" higher than the 5100, but the 6112 will give you a nicer ride due to the new spring and better valving. I too would leave the rear alone and should give you an almost level stance. Good luck..........

 

Thanks. I'm going with 5160s in the rear but did not know for sure if I would need shackles or blocks.

 

So simply a pair of 6112's up front, nothing in the back - and you're level and keep a good smooth ride?

Would putting 5100's on the rear do anything over what's there already?

 

Got a question and yes it may be a dumb one but I am asking it anyway, can the front shocks be replaced without having to remove the strut assembly to compress the spring on Tundras?

 

Yeah, give you a even better ride. 5100's are gonna be an upgrade from stock shocks.

 

6112s have 3 settings so I assume you are asking about the tallest setting

 

Anyone have input on ride difference of a TRD suspension compared to 5100 or 6112's? Other than the extension of the shock for a lift/ level, the 5100's seem to be comparable to TRD shocks

 

I would assume if set at a factory height the 5100 would ride better than the TRD Off road shocks as those are a class down of bilsteins.

Versus a TRD pro suspension I would suspect the 6112 would at least be comparable if not better but a 5100 would be a step down.

 

What ever it takes to level it out and give it the best ride - that's what I'm looking for. Street ride with the very occasional dirt back road.

Wheels are in, just don't know WTH to do for leveling and giving it the best ride. To many options can be a PIA some times.

 

Yep, top setting.

Depends on your budget. LT with secondary bypasses would probably be the best ride but not terribly practical or affordable. A re-buildable c/o Like Fox, King, ADS, Icon would be 2nd IMO. Toytec is really popular on this forum and gets great feedback. Pro, or Bilstein 6112 then OME or 5100. This is just my personal order. The bigger the tire you're gonna run, the better shock you should have IMO. And, your intended use of course. Best of luck with your decision. Really, not a bad problem to have....Hmmmm How to upgrade my great truck with new shocks?

 

This^^

I just found out the 6112's are rebuild able, but you have to send them out to Bilstein. Seems like only a select special few can rebuild their own anyway.