Bilstein6112/5160 or BDS Fox 2.0 3/1

Finally looking to level/lift my 16 Limited crew.
Not looking for hardcore off-road setup I am between 6112/5160 with driver shim and toy tech shackles or the BDS Fox 2.0 kit. The BDS kit comes with just about everything I need but can’t seem to find many reviews on that kit on a Tundra.
Any input would be appreciated. I was hoping not to have to get into replacing ucas but the bds kit comes with them.

 

If you are planning to lift the front to 3" with either kit, you will most likely need to replace your UCA. If you are not planning to off road and just want an improved ride the Bilsteins should save you some money. Talk with some of your local shops to see if they can get you the Bilsteins or the BDS at a better price since sometimes they can. Ride quality should be a little better with the Fox suspension but if you aren't off roading much, you probably won't notice in your daily driving.
Me personally, I liked that the BDS system includes everything you need and it's easy. But you can save money going Bilstein and shopping around for the rest of your parts. Don't think either will steer you wrong.

 

I have also been looking at suspension options for the Tundra. On my 2018 Tacoma I did the 6112/5160 and was really happy with it, but was considering Fox for the Tundra to try something different. My research has led me to believe that the Bilsteins will give you a better ride on paved roads and the Fox will be a little better for unpaved roads. The difference is in the valving, Bilstein being digressive and Fox being more linear. Since I daily drive my truck and take it on off-road adventures much less than it's on the freeway, I'm planning on doing the Bilstein's again. I'd rather have a more controlled ride on the highway since I am there more often.

Now don't get me wrong, the 6112/5160 combo is great on the dirt roads, but my understanding is that the Fox shocks will be more controlled over whoops, ruts and washboard. Ultimately, it depends on what feel you like best and where you use your truck most.

 

I did the 6112/5160 change on my '18 Limited CM. The install tech at my local tire shop put me at top setting on the 6112's saying that they would settle and come to level after several miles. Well, I am basically level all 4 corners but the ride definitely changed from the 4600 Bilsteins that came on the truck (factory). It is stiffer in the front on the highway than it was originally, but the off road (deer camp, shitty oilfield road) ride is 10x's better. Sucks up all the bumps, holes, washboards, and gigantic limestone boulders that they have on the 4 mile trip into the camp. That said, I am 1/2" lower on the driver side (Tundra lean) so I ordered a Boss Offroad .25" shim that I was told would bring it up .500" give or take. When I need new tires, running the stock Michelins now, I plan on dropping to the second highest setting to bring a slight rake back to the nose, add the spacer, and new tires with alignment. All in all, I am satisfied with my set up. If you are just going to level, with the ability to raise later, then Bilsteins are the way to go IMO!

 

Had the generic 3+2 lift kit in my '10 for a few yrs. Needed new shocks after a few yrs (general wear not from lift kit) and because putting that 2" spacer on top of the coil over sucks I put the 5160's on the front on highest setting and left the 2" block in the rear.

5160's rode and handled much better at highest setting. After 2yrs with those a rear leaf broke and since I wanted to get rid of those stupid blocks I had local suspension shop do an AAL. Truck lost a little rake but it actually rides better with the AAL. Probably going to put a 1/4" shim in front and 1" longer shackles on rear next year.

I would do the 5160's again in a heartbeat. They ride good and way easier to install then the spacers. I would still put the axle diff drop in regardless of what setting you have springs on. Easier on cv shafts.

I run 295/75/17 STT Pro's with no problems.

 

The issue I keep coming to is the majority of shops around all do spacer kits which I’m not willing to do. The shop I’m leaning towards recommended the bds/fox 3” but it’s the 2.0 for $2,200. I’ve always heard the 2” fox shocks were not big enough for the tundra.
I did run Bilstein 5100’s on my f150 and was fairly pleased although it settled after about a year to barely above factory.
With all the Covid issues shipping woes etc, I’m afraid it will take a while to order from different venders and get all the parts needed.
There’s not a lot of 4 wheeling around Savannah so off road is only whenever I can make it to the mountains maybe once a year

 

Bilstein 46206084 Shock Absorber

https://www.amazon.com/Bilstein-46-206084-46206084-Shock-Absorber/dp/B00T36AAL6

$173 Bilstein 5160 Series 07+ Toyota Tundra Rear 46mm Monotube Shock Absorber (25-237429)

https://www.amazon.com/Bilstein-25-237429-5160-Shock-Absorber/dp/B00NT5T8CY

Free Prime shipping, at your door by the end of next week.

Your situation sounds a lot like mine in that you don't get to off-road as much as you'd like. The Bilstein's will be a better pick for that situation.

 

Bilstein 6112 are digressive.

 

My bad. You are correct, I mixed the terminology.

 

I have the 6112/5160 set up and I love it! Does really well off road, gf even commented how smooth it is at high speeds over bumps and pot holes. Love love love the ride!

 

Apples to oranges IMO

Bilstein
Digressive with larger shocks

Fox
Progressive, smaller shock diameter

Between those 2, hands down Bilstein. (And im not a digressive valving fan)
2.0 is much too small for our large trucks.

 

Just installed 6112/5160 with +1 Coachbuilder shackles. Set the front at 1.3+ drivers side spacer. Thing rides amazing! For right around 1K it's a sweet setup. I found my 6612's used for 300, got the 5160 for 340 and then 240 for the shackles. POW!

 

I’m leaning more towards the 6112/5160. Not 100% on the shims. And don’t really want to change ucas but like to be at 2 1/2 in the front with Coachbuilder 1” shackles.
Can the shackles be used with oem bushings?

 

The alignment shop got me within specs on stock UCA other than castor with 6112s on top setting. I’ll probably upgrade eventually.

as for the shackles...if you are already there, replace the bushings. With a ball joint press it was an extra 10 minutes per side if that and a $20 part. It improved my ride quality and helped with bed bounce.

 

Did you use any shims? I have seen many people have problems getting the old ones out.

 

I used shims with 6112s on both sides.

And the factory bushings on the leafs were a pain on the first side since i had to figure out the best way to position the balljoint press and which one of the attachments to use. You’ll need a really good impact on the press, or in my case a breaker bar. Took about 15 minutes. Once I figured it out, the second side took me 5 minutes or less. The factory bushings were really in there and made a lot of popping noises on the way out.

If my wife noticed ride quality difference, then you’ll for sure notice the difference. I had the 5160 in the back for a year before installing the new bushings and she noticed the $20 upgrade more than $400 shocks.

 

Fox 2.5s