Installed Bilstein 6112s - Love it!

I get the allure of doing the rear too - but how necessary is it? So many posts talk about, well if I do this in the front, I need these in the rear. Not talking height, but ride.

So I have 6112s in the front now - are the 5160s just a nice to have for the rear, or am I missing some big point here?

**Intended use - pavement princess

 

Yeah @MotoTundra , I have issues

 

Maybe it's like revalving those WP front forks but keeping your rear shock stock? Haha.

As a pavement princess I don't think it will matter too much.

I can't stand how my stock rear TRD OR Billy's rusted so fast. Debris chips the yellow paint, salt and water touch the metal and the rest is history.

I plan to take the 6112/5160 route in a few years, when I do, I am going to wrap the body of the new rears with clear paint protection film to hopefully prevent that from happening again.

 

Lol - which I did. I sent off my 4CS for complete rework, but didn't touch the rear.

 

That's awesome! That garage is king!


I thought the top of your tool box looked familiar. I have the same Husky box.

 

Don't spend the extra money on the 5160's if your not going off-road. 5100's will do the job. I have 95k on my Trd shocks and they have held up very well. Just my .02.

 

I did the 6112/5160 on my 2015 best upgrade that I’ve done. I also put the camburg upper arm on, don’t know whether I needed it ,went to the 3rd setting on front shocks. Ride is night and day difference.on my alignment though guy said he could not all the caster down in the green but I called camburg told me with that upper arm you are going to have more caster, got 15k since it was done and have no tire wear ???

 

Not a bad idea. 5100s at $200 for a bit of improved ride doesn't sound bad vs the nearing $400 for the 5160s. Both are 1in friendly if I opt for blocks or shackles later?

 

That's where I'm headed , just a matter getting there. Hahaha. I thought about shackles, but will just go with a 1 " tapered block. Good luck on your set-up and post pics

 

Hello. I just got a great local Craigslist deal for the 6112s set to top setting and 1/2 inch shims also to bring it to 3 inches in the front. 6112s are brand new unmounted.
Do I need anything else up front since they will be at the top setting and shimmed to 3 inches?
For the rest, what about an add a leaf and 5100s to level it off? I can afford 5160s also but am in South Carolina and not off-roading other than gravel and dirt state park roads. No towing really and no extra weight in the back. I plan on running 18 inch SCS Ray 10s (group buy purchase) with 285/75R18 Toyo ATIIs. Thanks in advance for any info.
The shims came with the purchase but I do not have to use them. I am 6’5, so a total of three inches is still comfortable to me to get in and out of but if you guys know that the shims will screw something up then I’m cool without them too.

 

It's possible you may need uca's to get your alignment within spec, especially if you add the shims.

 

+1, not off roading then I would not spend on 5160s. Several choices for rear. Block, shackles, add a leaf, new leafs. If not carrying loads then scratch the last one. You need about 1" in the rear to level. Again not off roading so I would say block. May go 1.5". Mine is perfectly level at 1.9" on front.

 

I'm wondering if replacing the rear (either 5100's or 5160's) will do anything to help with the bed bounce?

 

CB Shackles with the poly bushings helped some with mine.

 

Thanks guys! So no shim. Leave at top setting since it’s already there. I don’t want to go the UCA route for 1/2 inch of front. This setup was meant to avoid that can of worms.
As for the rear, I am still a bit confused. What about 5100s and an add a leaf? The only reason I ask is because I always see people on this forum with way more knowledge say to stay away from blocks. Sorry for the follow on.

 

I just had 6112/5160 installed yesterday. One of the MAIN reason I went 5160 in the rear was to tame the bed bounce on some concrete highways here in Colorado.
I drove back and forth on the worst stretch after install and I can tell you it made a difference. The bounce is not completely gone but it is much more tolerable. I looked back and the bed was much less bouncy so I’m pleased as hell because the bounce was driving me nuts.
Well worth it for me!

 

This is how it sits at 1.9 setting. I hate to buy tires but the stock Michelin’s don’t look right anymore.

 

Yeah I'd pass on using a block, shackles or add a leaf and upgrade the shocks

 

They look fine to me! Looking good!

 

Soooo 5100s and add a leaf in the rear? Front on top setting no shims? Sound like a winning combo?

 

Could you pm me where you got your 6112 assembled for $700ish ? Thanks!

 

Boss 4x4

 

Forgive my ignorance here but what is the purpose of shackles meaning what are they designed to do?

What did the shackles and poly bushings do to the ride quality?

Sounds good. We have some concrete hwy's around here too. BB isn't too bad but it is noticeable and a little annoying at times. I've already pretty much decided on the 6112's (at the 1.9 setting) in the front and if the 5160's can help eliminate (or at least noticeably decrease) the BB, that will help justify the expense. Thanks

 

So is this just a shock replacement? I’m so confused by this stuff

 

Aftermarket shackles can be used to lift the rear instead of using a block or add a leaf etc , the poly bushings will help with the ride and pivot better than stock one's. Aftermarket shackles are much beefier also.

 

Yes. This is replacing stock or old used and abused suspension to gain ride height, comfort and better quality but without having to open a can of worms that some lift kits can that involve upper control arms and other parts to make it all work.
The Bilstein 6112/5660 combo is a less costly and very effective lift technique that also enhances your ride quality compared to just a block kit.

If done properly it can even get you the same or a little higher than the Pro which then allows larger tires to help us all crush commoners.

 

Thank you

 

I had the 6112/5160 installed yesterday and I’m loving it. Ride quality is excellent and just pushing the front up 2 inches and leveling makes it feel and look so much better. I always hate the rake look on my vehicles.
Now I want new tires from the stock but I’ll wait until I can save a few more bucks.
If anyone is on the fence I would say go for it! You will not be disappointed..

 

Now this is what I wanted to hear as the bed bounce is killing me.Any reason for not going with the top setting?

 

So I went to a local shop yesterday and all the guy did was badmouth bilstein. I’m glad you guys are sharing a good experience. I’m going to get mine done soon.