Bilstein 8112 with OEM UCA

I found this thread where someone briefly mentioned running this combo but that the external reservoir gets in the way.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/anybody-running-bilstein-8112’s-with-5160’s.102189/

but I just wanted to follow up if anyone has tried and successfully found a way to get it to work?

 

You will need aftermarket UCA's.

 

You are going to spend 4k+ on really good suspension components and want to risk damaging them by not replacing the UCA which they state is required? I'm all for trying to be cost efficient but sometimes you have to just spend the money. I would not try and make the stock UCAs work.

Hit up @memario1214 and buy some UCAs that will allow the shocks to last and not get damaged.

 

Actually my thought process was that the OEM ball joints on those UCAs are better hence why I wanted to stick with stock.

If I was wrong and aftermarket UCA ball joints are better then I’m all for them.

 

OEM ball joints are very good, but the clearance of the arms is most likely the reason that Bilstein are saying you'll need aftermarket arms, to give the proper clearance to the thicker/wider/larger coil springs, and also to get more droop. Pretty much all aftermarket UCA's give extra droop compared to stock, to allow the coilovers to get to their full travel potential.

 

I believe some aftermarket UCAs use a uniball style UBJ, some use the OEM style UBJ. Several options.

 

Short answer, no. Long answer… I currently have the stock upper arms with the 8112 shocks at their lowest preload setting. This will change very soon, and here is why. The arms lightly chaff the rezi hoses when in droop. I have wrapped the hose to prevent damage. Additionally, the alignment with stock arms, has inadequate caster (even at the relatively low lift height), so the daily driving steering feel and slight wandering/non-centering is almost as annoying as the poor small bump ride quality caused by the digressive valve stack. Last thing, in attempting to gain caster, the alignment cams pull the lower arm forward, and cause the anti roll bar to contact the lower spring seat on the 8112.

Some aftermarket arms can be modified to accept stock ball joints, I did this on my last Tundra with arms, and may again do so to correct for the above mentioned issues.

 

FWIW, I have put my SPC's through some rigorous workouts and they have not failed yet and they have suprisingly held alignment well too. No regrets, would buy again with zero concetns!