Bilstein 6112s for my TRD PRO

Hi Guys, I was looking to replace my shocks front and rear, after 109,000 miles the originals are toast. I reached out to Toyota and was quoted $4588 for parts alone. Can’t justify that nonsense on an 8 year old truck. But I want something nice because I hope to put another 100k on her. Shock surplus quoted me $1164 for Bilstein 6112s upfront and 5100s on back. Has anyone done this on a PRO yet? I don’t know what setting would give me stock ride height? I want the front of the truck to sit like it did the day I pulled it off the lot. Thanks for the help.

2016 Toyota Tundra TRD PRO Double Cab

 

I don't have a Pro so I can't say that I've replaced Pro shocks for 6112's, but I have put over 100k miles on 6112's and think they are some of the best bang-for-your-buck shock setups. If memory serves, your 2016 has Bilstein-tuned TRD Pro shocks as opposed to the later iteration of Fox-tuned TRD Pro shocks; from everything I've read about the Bilstein setup, the 6112 is very VERY similar, minus the reservoir. For the rears, the 5100 is sufficient, but I would pair it with the 5160 if you are looking at like-for-like comparison. The 5160's have a remote reservoir that clamps to the shock body for better fade resistance, as well as a longer stroke on the shock itself. I also have over 100k miles on 5160's paired with the 6112's. I've got maybe 20k miles with 6112's and 5100s and prefer the 5160's. But that's me.

As for ride height you will want the third clip from the bottom - or second clip from the top - to get the same ride height as the TRD Pros. Should be 1.9" of lift compared to a stock tundra, though you will most likely get a little more than that until the springs have settled a bit. You will also need a small 1/4" spacer (for about 1/2" of ride height) on the drivers side to compensate for the typical lean. You can run without, but it is recommended.

 

There are some TRD Pro coilovers/shocks for sale in market place now I think.

and you should look at Eibach Pro truck suspension, could be a better alternative to what you are considering. About same price for fully assembled, adjustable coilovers and matching rear shocks. Out of the box they are set for 2 inch lift, same as TRD Pro.

 

This post nailed it. I have 70k on my 6112/5160 setup and have been extremely satisfied.

The ride won’t be as plush as the Pro shocks but to save over $3k I bet you’ll be okay with it.

 

I've never seen, much less ridden in a TRD Pro with the OEM suspension, but from what I've read on here they provide the plushest ride. It's a shame how expensive Toyota prices them. Anyway, I'm sure there's a difference between the Fox Pros and the aftermarket Fox 2.5 coilovers in terms of ride, damping, etc., but I thought I'd mention those as another option.

I have a pair of Fox 2.5 remote resi's sitting in my garage that cost less than half what Toyota offers for their Fox Pros. I haven't installed them yet, so I can't describe how they ride. I'm currently riding on 6 year old Bilstein 6112s set at 1.9" with well over 100K miles, and they've been trouble free. They ride better than the stock non-Pro suspension, but I'm guessing they don't offer the same plush ride as the Fox Pros. With that said, I think they're the best bang for the buck when it comes to 2.5" diameter front shocks for our Tundras.

 

Find some cheap take-off TRD OR on FB or CL and install them temporarily while sending in your TRD Pro to be rebuilt (assuming you have the Fox ones - not sure if the older Bilsteins can be rebuilt).
You’ll be looking at ~$600-700 depending on where they are rebuilt at.

you can put a spacer lift on top of the fronts to maintain level. And it will help you realize how nice those TRD Pro socks are when you get them back!

 

Edit - I just saw you listed in your post that it’s a 2016, so it’s got the Bilstein shocks. Not sure that those can be rebuilt.

If you’re looking at buying 6112/5160 set up, @memario1214 at HotShot Offroad is the guy to reach out to

 

So I just did this on a 2017 platinum that I had the trd pro shocks put on at the dealer when I bought the truck. Had 108,000 miles when I changed over to the 6112’s. I honestly can’t tell a difference in the ride. Maybe it’s slightly firmer. I even broke down the trd pro shocks and took the dust boot and put it on the 6112 struts since you can’t get one for them. Its ad close of a ride as you are going to get without getting the pro shocks.

 

$600 to $700 to rebuild the Fox Pro shocks?!? I'm guessing that price includes shipping. For just a bit more Toytec sells a brand new set of 6112s: Or, I suppose one can buy a rebuild kit and try rebuilding them at home? Do they sell rebuild kits for the Fox Pros?

 

I have now had 2 sets of coilovers, 6112/5160 and currently Fox 2.5 PE DSC. Hands down Fox for everyday ride comfort and an all around shock. Never will I buy a digressive(Bilstein) shock again for everyday driving. For off-road, sure, they are great. Going from your Pro suspension to Bilstein is a downgrade.

 

There’s also a substantial price difference between your fox dsc shocks and the Bilsteins. Luckily, ride comfort is subjective; I went from a linear tuned shock back to 6112’s because the compromises of a digressive valve worked better for me than the compromises of a linear tune, even with external reservoirs and adjusters. Hence the title of best bang for your buck on the 6112’s. Are there better shocks? Yup. Is everybody willing to pay that price? No, not really. But that’s what makes it fun

 

My Fox costed me $2800, more, yes but not as much as other higher end CO. Ride comfort is subjective, but when you feel every pebble on the road with the 6112/5160, well that's not comfort or subjective to me. It's a rough ride when compared to stock and a down grade for the Fox pro suspension. I would even take the Fox 2.0 over the 6112, I also had those in another tundra. I have also ran Sway-A-Way CO.

 

$2800 I about three times what my first set of 6112/5160's cost me. I did try some Fox 2.0's but they were terrible to me. I get seasick whenever I drove the truck and towing a trailer felt like I was driving a waterbed, which is prolly why I skipped any of the other offerings from Fox. I also frequent roads that aren't straight or level, so the digressive valving of the Bilsteins made for much better ride and handling - for me. My truck is virtually never empty, so unloaded vehicle ride means just about zip to me. Just highlighting some of the subjectivity to ride comfort and desired handling characteristics.

 

I’ve been riding the 6112s with 5160s for around 3000 miles now and I can say I am happy. They are not OEM TRD PRO shocks, but they are pretty close. On the road I see a little more body roll, a little more nose dive, maybe 10-15% more. A bit harsh on small bumps. But at a big cost difference. Highway driving hasn’t changed. I will try to update the thread after I get some off road action this summer. Thanks for the suggestions.

PS…I thought I’d miss the red but I am digging the silver.

 

How did you know that your PRO shocks were "toast?"

 

We bought the truck new. At 60,000 miles the OEM PRO Bilsteins were performing like new, best ride I ever felt in a full size truck. At 80,000 miles ride quality began to deteriorate. By 100,000 miles the front shocks were no longer providing any dampening, I would ride over a minor imperfection in the road and the trunk would rock forward and backwards for a quarter mile. Taking a slow speed turn in a parking lot would make you nauseous. I knew I had to act but kept putting it off until my neck started to get sore from sailing my ocean liner to work and back everyday.

Anyway the new set up is really good, good value good performance. I would not hesitate to buy them again.

 

I’ve got a bilstein pro set I bought with 48k miles on them. I’m super tempted to swap my current 6112s for them. Now I’m thinking it may not be worth it. I’m over the 6112 firm ride…may be worth it to have a more plush ride for a couple years! Suppose I’ll be the judge.