Not happy with 5100

I put 5100’s on front and rear about 2 years ago and decided I do not like the ride. Ultimately I want 6112 front and 5160 rear. If I put the 5160 on the rear with the 5100 still on the front at the lowest setting would I see a big improvement with the rear? I rarely tow and go mildly off road. I have also ordered grease-able shackles with poly bushings to help. Also if anyone is interested in these rear set let me know. Less than 20k on them

 

I have 5160’s, I’m fairly certain you would not see a “big improvement in the rear”. In fact, some improvement might be a stretch.

 

I don’t know that you’ll see a huge improvement with the 6112s either. You might need to go way up the scale with Fox, Kings, etc. I put 6112s on my 2019 DC and the ride was a little better but not earth shattering better.

 

Not happy with how they perform. Thanks for all your input.

 

Had Fox on my 2014 and 5100’s on my 2020. The Fox are so much better it’s indescribable.

 

Give a very serious look at the Eibachs if you are looking at a value option. They are in a similar price range but provides a much smoother ride. It’s all in the different valving…

 

You really need to describe what you mean by "Not happy with how they perform".

Are they too stiff? Buck too much over speed bumps? Rattle your teeth on washboard?

Give real descriptions of what you don't like and what you would prefer or you'll get terrible answers. Nobody can direct you if you don't say what you want.

The 6112 will ride stiffer. Today I assume you are using your stock coils on the 5100s, that's a progressive coil so it has soft sections to help flex for little bumps. 6112 use a linear coil and that removes the small-bump-friendly section. It won't flex until it hits something hard enough. Anything small that you drive over will feel rigid.

I don't think the valving is much different on 5100/6112/5160. Bilstein likes digressive valving on trucks, makes it ride like a truck.

 

I hate my 6112s, have for 4 years.
Ride is getting worse as time goes on.

Why?
You nailed it, almost..

They're too stiff, every little bump in the road is jarring.
Buck too much over ANY bumps, feels like it hops over bumps.
Rattle your teeth on washboard? Rattle my teeth on any rough road.

Feels like the truck is jumping over any bump in the road.
Up, down, up, down, up, down.

I've tired adjusting tire pressure with no change.

Buying an SL tire to replace my worn D rated KO2s in a few days.
I don't think it's going to help that much.

Thinking about putting the stock black shocks back on with a spacer lift.
It's that bad..
Maybe try a Fox or Eibach set.

To the OP;
I first had 5100s with my 6112s, couldn't find any 5160s.
6 months later found and installed the 5160s.
They ride the same, the 5160 is a 5100 with a reservoir..

Pretty sure it is my front 6112s that ruin my ride, not so much the rear 5160s.

 

Every bump feels like a pogo stick. Thats the most simplistic example I have. Both on and off road in my opinion they do not soak up small or large bumps- jolts etc. they feel fine for cornering on streets and hold the truck fine as far as lean when haulin ass around corners. Coil springs are stock. I prefer something that soaks up the smaller bumps and back roads a little better

 

Had 6112/5160 combo, felt the same as what you describe. I went with Fox DSC 2.5 adjustable in all 4 corners. Yes expensive but fuck it, they are worth it. If the wife makes a comment about how much smoother the truck feels on the back roads, you know you did it right.

Also, just took a road trip with a bunch of gear in the back, set the low speed compression 3 extra clickers on the rear and 2 on the front to help with body roll around corners. Handled perfectly.

Personally, I’d want FOXs even softer than how they come out of the box. Accutune off-road can make that happen with custom valving but I didn’t want to wait 6+ months when I ordered mine. When I have these rebuilt, I’ll have them valved softer.

and no 5160s hardly made a difference from my stock 60k shocks unless I was loaded up, even then they were “meh”

 

May take a look at Falcons. Myself and a bunch of others are really happy with them. Similar price point to 5100’s and Eibachs, but since they use stock coils they are able to deliver a higher quality shock / strut.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/falcon-shocks-are-coming.34355/

https://www.tundras.com/threads/now...port-tow-haul-2-25-leveling-kit-tundra.86448/

 

5100's are designed to handle more unsprung weight from larger, heavier tires and wheels. This is why they are oftentimes a popular option with off-roaders. On a vehicle that sees very little off-roading and has stock tires and wheels they are definitely not a good choice as you've discovered.

 

https://www.4runners.com/threads/ei...eveling-shock-initial-review.8314/#post-73596

Here is a post I made in another forum but it talks a lot about the small bump compliance. I realize it’s a different truck however the other members did post very valuable information in regards to why the valving is so much better. If you have a few minutes it’s worth checking out OP. I had many of the same complaints you do with the 5100’s especially when it got cold out. And keep in mind I always kept mine at the height clip just above stock…

 

Which Fox are you referring to? 2.0?

 

I almost bought the Eibach shocks when I bought the Bilstein. Looking back I should have followed my first thoughts.

 

I put the 6112/5160’s on my 21 Tundra.
The 6112’s are set at 1.3”. So far I’ve got no complaints. I expected a stiffer ride and since I tow a lot and am on unimproved roads much of the time the Bilstein product has proven its worth so far. The breaking and turning control and ride is waaaaay better than factory.
In fact I’ve got the factory front coilovers and rear shocks in my garage and they are for sale. They have 12.5k miles on them. $200 cash.

 

I had 5100s on a 2012 ram and didn't care for them. I'm wanting to level my truck, but I haven't decided on what struts/shocks yet. I'll be watching this thread

 

The Bilstein package can be adjusted for leveling. Lay down a post when you find something you like. I’d be interested to know what you go with. Good luck!