Bilstein 6112 & 5100 - installed today

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bamachem

bamachem

Joined
Jul 27, 2004
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Location
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Just dropped the 200 off at the dealer to get the 6112s I bought last week installed up front. Man, those 6112s are HUGE. The size is impressive to say the least. I have to pick it up by 2, and I hope they get the 5100s installed in the rear as well. I'll take some pics and give an initial impression after I pick it up in a few hours. Looking forward to it!
 
Why did you pick those?
 
I bought the shocks on ebay. Fronts were $599 delivered and come with Bilstein 600-lb/in springs. Rears were $159 delivered.

Overall impression on the commute home is very good. I like the feel! Looks like I got about 2.5" of lift over the tired OEM springs and shocks. That's with the adjustable height ring in its lowest setting. I have a T13 and a 12k winch so the OEM were sagging anyway.

They only got the fronts done today. I may swap the rears over the weekend. Still need an alignment but they did get the KDSS dialed in and the stance side-to-side is spot on, unlike the 1" lean I had before.

Feel is very similar to OEM on flat pavement but a heavy bump is soaked up much better. Articulation is good. Overall I'd say the ride quality is great and I'm very happy with the results.
 
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I picked the Bilstein because I love the ride of a German car and was hoping some of that would translate to the cruiser. It's subtle, but it does feel good. I probably should have considered the 650 lb springs as the 600's feel like stock with the bumper and winch up front.
 
I'm sitting about an inch high up front, but I'm adding air bags in the rear so it will be about .5-inch of rake when done. After suspension is dialed in I'm adding 275/70/18 Duratracs







 
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Nice pics! Thanks for sharing. I'm 2 days into owning a 200 series. Someone much more knowledgeable than myself suggested the bilsteins to me, too, once I make the switch from my oem shocks.
 
Excellent write up. I'm not ruling this option out. Fair price.
 
So I've been able to drive it 150 or so miles over the weekend. So far I think the feel is spot-on. Just ever so slightly more firm versus the OEM suspension but the dampening is absolutely unreal. This thing sucks up bumps in a way that I've only seen on high end RC trucks. I really am impressed with the value you get for the price you pay. I really don't see how a suspension could feel much better on a 200.

I actually helped Steve Schaefer @ Sonoran Steel develop the tundra lift for the old 3rd gen 4 runners about 12 years ago. I've always toyed around with suspensions, & I have to say this one works very well.
 
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If you're considering this Setup please contact Brian Jowett here on Mud. I tested this setup for him for about 6 months with 3 different rear shocks before going to the BP51s.
You DEFINITELY need UCAs up front to get the alignment right with these. Also be careful of your brake lines and speed sensor wires as these shocks are 2 inches longer and allow for more droop.
I really likes the Bilsteins 6112s. I've recommended them to a friend who has a new Tundra.
I've had 6 different setups of my 200 to date:
My shock collection- I have tested 4 different brands
What have you done to your 200 Series this week?

I have ONE more item to address before I post reviews.
Anthony
 
arich said:
If you're considering this Setup please contact Brian Jowett here on Mud. I tested this setup for him for about 6 months with 3 different rear shocks before going to the BP51s.
You DEFINITELY need UCAs up front to get the alignment right with these. Also be careful of your brake lines and speed sensor wires as these shocks are 2 inches longer and allow for more droop.
I really likes the Bilsteins 6112s. I've recommended them to a friend who has a new Tundra.
I've had 6 different setups of my 200 to date:
My shock collection- I have tested 4 different brands
What have you done to your 200 Series this week?

I have ONE more item to address before I post reviews.
Anthony
Click to expand...


So even at the lowest setting you get 2" of lift?
 
Just to be sure.. These are the 6112 designed for the newer Tundra?
 
Yes, and Yes. 2" of lift with 08-15 Tundra 6112 front struts on the lowest setting.

Found out the hard way the Tundra 5100 shocks don't fit a 200. The lower eye is too small of a diameter to fit the 200 mounting bolt.

I'm returning those and going to a Fox IFP 2.0 for the rears.

EDIT: My Bilstein guy says the rear of a 200 LC needs Bilstein 5100 33-187174 if you want to go that route. They are for a FJ Cruiser with 2" of lift.
 
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That's awesome you can provide that service. I was looking for a lift up front anyway so it worked out good for me in the original configuration.
 
Just ordered some Duratrac 275/70/18s. Rear shocks, Air Bags, and Tires should all be here Tuesday. Can't wait.
 
Been driving on the new setup for about two weeks now. Man I LOVE this lift and tires. I don't think I could be any happier.

I ended up with:

Front - Bilstein 6112 with 600-lb/in springs
Rear - Fox IFP 2.0 Shocks, OEM Springs, Firestone Airbags (left one ring on the bump stop)

Sits level with right at 1/2" of rake. Rear is adjustable for load/towing. Overall feel is nice and tight, but not jarring. It will soak up some seriously bad stuff.

Tires are 33's, so there's a little lag in the overall feel with the extra unsprung weight and larger diameter but overall it's a very good tradeoff for what you get in ground clearance, traction, and looks.
 
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