Installed Bilstein 6112s - Love it!

Hey fellas,

Thanks for all the suspension help past few months. Finally purchased, and installed Bilstein 6112s set at the second from highest setting, 1.9in lift. Currently sitting just over 2in of added lift, assuming they settle just a tad. Front is within 1/10th an inch of the rear.

I paid a little extra to get them assembled before shipment so it was a simple swap. Install took about 2 hours, plus trip to Sears to replace a 1/2in ratchet and an extension I broke. No where in the instructions I found does it say to loosen both lower control arm bolts from the front nut. Needless to say, the rear bolt of the rear side of the arm does not spin lol. Only took an impact socket, attached to a breaker bar, with a 4ft jack pole on the end to figure that out. Probably spent 90 mins on the first one, and 30 mins on the second. Super easy stuff once you do the first.

Alignment, so says the tech, was fine. They used an old school machine and didn't give me a printout. Rides well, not going to stress it for now.

Ride is awesome. Slightly firmer, in a good way. Definitely corners better, and felt much better boucing in/out of this particular ditch I go into each time I park. Overall very pleased with the upgrade. If I want to go higher in the future, I'll likely CB shim .5in up front and raise the back an inch. For now - level, with stock tires.

If you are looking to purely level, and can swing the budget up to $700, I don't think there is a better option.

Anyway, few pic. Thanks again for the help!

 

Very nice, I think I am going to install the same setup with 5160’s in the rear.

 

That would be my next step. Probably 5160s in the rear, although I have no good reason to do it, and maybe add in a block or shackles If I wanted height.

I spoke to a few places, including one big name Tundra suspension dealer, and they said that some customers report the 6112s feel better set one from the top so to not load the spring too much, then a CB shim for added height over 1.9in.

 

Thanks for the info. I planned to set them at 1.9 and use CB shims if I needed to. Not looking for a huge lift just level and a good ride.

 

That's awesome! I think this is the route I will go when it's time.

I like the KTM mat too.... brrraaaaappp!

 

Glad you're pleased with your setup. keep a eye on your tire wear, because a lot of these alignment shops just get you in the green and send you on your way. Toyota specs are way too generous and should be fine tuned after lifting. Maybe should see if you can get a printout.

 

Nice.

 

Looking good! I love my 6112s!

 

Welcome to Club 6112!

Congrats, you'll love them! They were my best upgrade to date!

I had mine set on the top setting and love the firm but smooth ride, The have the settings for choices, top setting will not hurt the spring or they would not have that setting. Also after speaking with a tech at Bilstein I was glad to hear they are 700lb springs!

 

I hear ya, and good point. Didn't mean to come off as top is a bad setting. Just expressing that the ride at 1.9 setting, then adding shims, is good as well. Shims seem to be a good option for raising the 6112s a bit without taking them off and changing the clip setting once we realize we want bigger

Firm but smooth is a great way to describe the ride!

 

Right. I brought the specs I found from another forum, the famous "socal specs". They weren't thrilled and ended up putting me at what he described as 0,0. It rides well so I am leaving them alone for now and will likely just not go back. Next alignment will be at an offroad shop.

 

Anyone know what adding a diff drop actually does to the alignment, if anything? I know folks say to get alignment if you touch anything down there, but I wonder if just the diff drop on a properly aligned vehicle actually has an impact.

 

Good question, not sure if it would affect it at all My drop kit been sitting in the box since September lol most guy's say not needed at 1.9 setting

 

Same boat. Mine is at my parents, wrapped as a Christmas gift. It was unusually nice out yesterday, hence the 6112 install ahead of schedule. I didn't put one on my FJ, and it ate CV axles, but it was +3in lift, and the joints were at a steeper angle.

I'll likely wait until my next alignment comes up in a year or two, unless someone confirms it won't bug the current setup.

 

Think i remember reading a few threads either here or TT where drop kit had minimal affect on angles at 1.9 setting and that the Pro has similar amount lift with no drop kit. Who knows? Maybe someone will chime in with more experience

 

I had a thread earlier this week where someone confirmed the Pro, which has the same stance as our 2in front lifts, doesn't have a drop. Guess we are safe? Just seems like a waste to not install the drop, but not at the cost of another alignment.

 

I didn't add it after all , figured the height was not excessive!

 

I have mine at the top setting and the tech said the CV angles were okay without the diff drop. I will see how they do and add it down the road if needed. I love the ride....now I just need the SCS Ray10's to come in so it doesn't look like I skipped leg day....

 

Welcome to the 6112 club. Definitely a step up. You can now look forward to the 5160s in the rear

 

I’ve been without adding diff drop for a few 1000 miles and all’s good, I love those RAY 10’s had them on my Tacoma!

 

Same here with about 3000 mi

 

I hope to be a part of that club one day Steve

 

One day Grasshopper, one day!

 

Yeah man, my daughter getting married put the brakes on that job, hahaha.

 

Congrats on you and your daughter, you must be a proud papa! The Bilsteins will be worth the wait!

Merry Christmas brother!

 

Yes it was a wonderful day for sure.
Merry Christmas to you as well. Stay safe out there.

 

rons 23, what he said ^ me too! Plus a ride on my jet ski!

 

Looking good. We should do a Tundra meet up in January for the 757. There are some nice trucks and good people in the area.

 

I broke my 1/2" rachet installing mine so you are not alone. Only try thing off on alignment was toe