Nobody ever answered here so I’ll resurrect this and add my experience as I wished I knew this and other details before install. This week we installed the Bilstein 6112 with the 650lb springs (BIL-47-281202) in our ‘17 GX460 Luxury (air suspension) with 40k miles and also added 3/16” of stainless washers under the rear airbag height sensors, Four M8 washers under each of the four 12mm ride height sensor bolts. Rear shocks remain OEM. The GX is nearly stock for now with less than 50lbs in mods (Front recovery points, switch pro 9100, lots of power receptacles throughout, and ARB compressor) but we have aluminum sliders and a CBI covert bumper on the way, hence the 650lb spring choice. The 6112 coilover unit weighs 6 lbs more than stock per side but we did remove 2 lbs of brackets and sensors.
The coilovers were adjusted and installed 3X before we achieved the target lift. No warning lights on the dash after install, even with removal of the front shock sensors and brackets to save weight. Measurements before and after from wheel hub center up vertical to the inside fender while putting the shock clips on the LOWEST setting are:
DF: Before 20 1/4”, After 22 1/16”
PF: Before 19 7/8”, After 21 7/8”
DR(N setting): Before 21 1/2”, After 22 1/8”
PR(N setting): Before 21 1/4”, After 21 7/8”
Initial impressions are the setup is definitely stiffer than stock with a bit more high frequency road imperfections transmitted (jiggle). But overall Road manners are still quite good. Brake dive is significantly less. The real magic is in hitting large bumps on trail. They are so much much better dampened up front, creamy smooth really, and we haven’t managed to bottom out the shock yet. For comparison, last week we drove the entire length of the 138-mile Mohave Road (4WD+8 inches clearance recommended) and we were able to harshly bottom out on deep whoops more than a few times when we didn’t keep speed in check. Similar hits now are smooth and controlled with the shock feeling like it has a lot of reserve. The worst part of the Mojave Road with the stock suspension was miles of washboard and I can’t wait to see how the new shocks help to smooth this out. We don’t have a trail with extended washboards near home to test this out.
The rear is clearly not keeping up with the front now as we are taking trails faster with the added confidence that the front provides. The front simply soaks it up while the back is a bit harsh and underdamped trying to keep up. I haven’t decided what we should do with the rear yet as from what we have learned, the 5160s are decent but simply not up to the damping nor durability of the 6112 and I’m not sure how they might work with the air springs. We will eventually replace the air springs when they start leaking or fail but for now they are great as we occasionally tow. Maybe we’ll add the 5160s next.