Bilstein 6112 & 5100 - installed today

[delmandi]

Great write up. I need to replace the wife's Radflo's been putting it off for months. Don't want to hijack the thread or anything, but came across this kit?
http://camburg.com/all-products/07-...a-2wd4wd-07-15-bilstein-6112-performance-kit/

 

[bamachem]

Just know that the rear shocks for a Tundra are NOT direct bolt-on for a 200 like the fronts, so if you get a Tundra "kit" you'll have headaches. Also, the upper arms are different length for a Tundra versus a 200. You'll need to use Tundra lower arms to use those uppers.

Also, if you want to stick with 5100s in the rear, then you'll need to get a set of Bilstein 33-187174. These are for a FJ Cruiser with 2" lift. They have the same diameter lower mounting eye as the 200 and are almost an exact match on length. I would have gone this route but I didn't find out about them until I already ordered my Fox IFPs for the rear.

 

[delmandi]

Cool, Thanks! So are the UCA's still required if your running on the lowest setting? The wife's rig has Radflo's on it now, but they are in the need of a rebuild, this sounds like a great economical way to just swap out the front CO's. I will have to shoot Bjowett a PM or email on getting some of these when I get back. Did you or anyone test out the 5160's?

 

[KY Longhunter]

arich / Jowett - are UCA's 100% necessary or only if putting 6112's on highest setting?

 

[bamachem]

Cool, Thanks! So are the UCA's still required if your running on the lowest setting? The wife's rig has Radflo's on it now, but they are in the need of a rebuild, this sounds like a great economical way to just swap out the front CO's. I will have to shoot Bjowett a PM or email on getting some of these when I get back. Did you or anyone test out the 5160's?

I have the stock UCAs and the alignment is fine at the lowest setting - but with the TJM and winch. Might not be the case with a lighter front end.

 

[Willy beamin]

The purchase of UCA's cannot hurt you. It's a win win

 

[arich]

If you use @bjowett (Brian's) modified 6112s then you might get away without UCAs but if you want to lift the front end you need UCAs. SPCs do the job. Make sure you get the new design with the graspable zerks

 

[KY Longhunter]

Ok I give, what's SPC?

 

[delmandi]

Ok I give, what's SPC?

They manufacture some UCA's.

 

[arich]

Ok I give, what's SPC?

Slee - IFS Suspension Arms

 

[T4Runner]

Ok I give, what's SPC?

Specialty Products Company = SPC

When I first got their UCAs for my 4Runner they were known as "Light Racing" UCAs but they go by "SPC" now. I've commented before about them -- they have great customer service and stand by their product. My only gripe has been that it appeared previously that their preproduction R&D was limited and as a result issues would pop up in real world usage and they'd then make modifications to their products. I got tired of replacing parts with upgraded components every few months and finally went with Total Chaos UCAs, which haven't had any issues. That said, I never had major issues or got stranded with the LR/SPC UCAs, but there were those on other forums who reported as much. Now that I know they worked out the kinks on those UCAs I would recommend them as a cost effective replacement if TC UCAs are too spendy, especially if Slee and others don't have an issue with them.

 

[topgun32]

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.

I have the 6112/5100 sitting on my garage. Got my set from Brian Jowett. He provided great customer service and delivered as promised.

Now need OEM rears springs for the install.

I"m going with lowest setting at 2" front and no lift at rears. Later I will look into spacers if I need a small lift at rears.

Tires and wheels... I will hold off and test with current setup before pulling the trigger on wheels and tires.

 

[KY Longhunter]

Top gun 32 are you installing a bumper?

 

[topgun32]

I have the 6112/5100 sitting on my garage. Got my set from Brian Jowett. He provided great customer service and delivered as promised.

Now need OEM rears springs for the install.

I"m going with lowest setting at 2" front and no lift at rears. Later I will look into spacers if I need a small lift at rears.

Tires and wheels... I will hold off and test with current setup before pulling the trigger on wheels and tires.

Installed the set up, along with new Mich LTX A/2 275/60/20 with 1.25 hub centric spacers on Tundra Limited rims. Slight rubbing after removing front mud guards, but will trim down the inner splash plastic.

I could not be any happier with the set up. The truck looks great and has a smooth ride. over large bumps. Tires are quiet too. The tires not the ideal off road solution but they meet our needs. 90% highway/10% desert or gravel.

The 6112 is truly a great coil over set up.. the control of the front end is amazing. The 5100 are great option compared to the OEM shocks but I think the rears need just a bigger shock overall. Maybe down the line, I will swap them out. For now, with new tires and 5100 is just about perfect.

The hub centric spacers are smooth and no vibrations. The OEM rim 60mm offset is too pushed in, with spacers makes rims look around 28mm. To me is spot on and gives an even look from a side profile view. Maybe down the line i'll switch to 18x9 with 25mm 275/70/18 Ko2.. but for now wife is happy and I'm happy.

I also ended up getting a fluids changed at my dealer for tranny, transfer case and diff.

The whole project was about $3000, parts, labor and taxes.

My many thanks to Brian Jowett for the 6112/5100 set up and great customer service.

 

[KY Longhunter]

Any pictures?

 

[topgun32]

Any pictures?

first picture I increased lighting to see the tire thread and wheel well.. Next up I plan to wrap in dark grey the door guards and part of the front bumper between the fog lights. Also in the rear between the license plate.