Don't be (very) afraid to build Bilstein 6112

Those things freak the shit out of me.

Helped a buddy of mine put some new coils in his 2004 dodge.

Those things go between the frame and LCA’s then you slip the coil in. Taking them out and putting them in was nerve wracking to say the least! First time taking them out, compressors slipped off and popped out near my buddies gonads, I think he has PTSD from that.

 

One per box, so you need to order two of em

 

Boston is expensive, but a great sized city.

So-cal isn't too shabby either. I lived in LA a bit. Drove my first Tundra out there and moved in with my brother, who was then a fashion photographer. I was a poor carpenter working around the Hollywood area, just trying to make money, get famous and bed leggy models. Didn't go so well, and decided to move as far away from there as possible - ended up building wooden boats in Maine. I had a pretty itchy wander lust in my younger days and lived all over the country. I didn't end up coming back to Boston until my mid thirties. Most of my family is still in the Boston area, so that helped.

What area of business are you in, traveling to and fro coast to coast? Staples?

 

Ya, I fucked that up and the vices' did scratch the shaft shaft shaft a bit on the first one. Don't do that part, lol. I also learned that the "out" side of the mount kit needs to line up perfectly with the bottom part of the shock, or else when you are down there trying to get er in, the bottom didn't line up perfectly when I went to bolt it back in, because it was slightly cocked. pita. Had to pull it out and back the spring off and twist it straight. Second time is always easier.

 

Not Staples but my office is very close to theirs. In the consumer electronics industry for sure. Sounds like life has treated you well in New England, enjoy the frozen tundra (pun-intended)!

 

@ Justforfun, thanks for the write up. Did this a few weeks back and followed your DIY. Made it very easy and confidence inspiring. Much appreciated!

 

OP, now that some time has passed, what are your thoughts on the KYB top hats?

I have 3,000 miles on my set, there is a light squeak somewhere in the suspension but I can’t locate the exact point of noise so it’s hard to say for now. Will keep huntin’ for the the noise. Overall the 6112’s are solid at 1.9” but they are not the best off-road. For the price, I’m content with the general performance.

 

Heck of a job and a Good On Ya!! Very nice!! Looks great. So with changing the front only you were able to get er level?

 

Glad to hear your build was successful and you still have enough fingers to type, lol! How are you liking the ride?

I had a squeak for the first week or two, but I thought it was coming from the back. It was hard for me to pinpoint what was making the noise because I did the front, back and sway bar inside of a week. But I loosened and retightened all the big bolts to the correct poundage after three or so weeks just because I hear they can slip in the beginning. But not sure it was needed because everything was solid before I did it. Did you tightened everything down with a torque wrench? I blame the gremlins.

Hows the stance at 1.9? did you do anything to the back? If I go to 285/75/18 I'll pull them apart and go to 1.9 and throw in the couchbuilder 1 shackle in back. Maybe when these tires wear out...

Let me know if you figure out that squeak.

 

The stance at 1.9” is very close to level, the rear is slightly higher but ever so slightly. No lift to the rear, installed the 5160’s. The rubber grommet on the 5160 shaft that acts as a stop for the shock is cracking, shocks have 3k miles and I live in So Cal so no cold temps to speak of. Odd.

I am running 285/70r18 tires and used a CB front bumper spacer and now no rub whatsoever. When I figure out my squeak, I’ll let you know what I learn. Will give all the bolts a once over soon.