Bilstein 6112/5160 Installed (2 Viewers)

[kbohtx]

We don’t take big trips often but if you need to prop up the back end just a bit once in a blue moon the airbags are a nice option. Let’s us keep the stock rear spring ride. Maybe not so great if you’re loading up lots of weight frequently. They work great when towing.

Another question: have you experienced any reduced wheel travel in the rear? This is totally a guess but I’m wondering if, to allow for up to 2” of lift in the rear, the piston is longer and when paired with the stock height springs the piston bottoms out before hitting the bump stop? I doubt I’ll see much technical terrain that requires that level of articulation but you never know! Thanks!

 

[DomSmith]

I have not used it enough to know. Hopefully some others can post up to help you out.

 

[kbohtx]

Like I said, I doubt I'll ever be in that situation, I was more curious than anything.

 

[HustleHard]

I just picked up a set of these today. What spring compressor are people using to initially install the springs on the coilovers or adjust the perch position?

EDIT: I see a couple posts above about rentals. Maybe I'll give that a try.

I'll post up the assembly instructions here also.

FYI you don't need a compressor at all. Use the method I describe in post #71

 

[sdnative]

FYI you don't need a compressor at all. Use the method I describe in post #71

I found removing the struts pretty straight forward following the video in post 63. I disconnected the spindle at the UBJ, didn't need to touch the LBJ at all, although I did need to loosen the lower control arm bolts slightly to allow it to droop (mark alignment cams if needed). I also needed to remove the two bolts holding the swaybar (both sides of the drop bracket connecting the swaybar to the lower control arm) as shown in the video.

I did need to use a spring compressor to disassemble the old strut and assemble the new one, but not much compression was required so this was easy.

I found the rear springs to much more of a pain, although I used a spring compressor to install instead of disconnecting the panhard rod and other things preventing the axle from drooping enough.

 

[sdnative]

I do have a couple of questions that do not seem to be covered in the instructions.

Are the rear springs DS/PS specific? They appear to be identical and there are no markings indicating side.

Is there a specific mounting orientation for the front springs / struts other than the top plate facing out as marked? They also appear to be identical and there are no markings indicating orientation.

 

[CharlieS]

Rear springs are longer on the gas tank side. I've not used spring compressors on the rear.

 

[sdnative]

Rear springs are longer on the gas tank side. I've not used spring compressors on the rear.

Yeah the factory springs are definitely different heights but the Bilstein are the same height.

 

[CharlieS]

Yeah the factory springs are definitely different heights but the Bilstein are the same height.

Interesting. How do they avoid a lean? By the way, the old man emu springs also have two different lengths in each set.

 

[kbohtx]

Just placed my order for the 6112/5160 sans rear springs with Katherine at AJ USA!

 

[sdnative]

Interesting. How do they avoid a lean? By the way, the old man emu springs also have two different lengths in each set.

Not sure. Yes, I am aware of the OME height difference. I sent an email to AJUSA about this but haven't got a response. Next will try Bilstein directly. I have about a 1/2" difference L/R but that could be attributed to KDSS.

I also asked if the front shocks are directional (sticker in or out or doesn't matter) I put sticker in as it looked cleaner. Of course the top plate needs to be installed in the correct orientation.

 

[CharlieS]

In my limited experience find that the orientation of the rear springs is dictated by the bottom mount. There is a formed metal portion that the spring rests on that has an almost vertical stop where the end of the spring coil rests when installed correctly. The top isn't specific, as long as the top bump stop piece goes over the circular locating ring on the underside of the vehicle - sometimes it likes to come off, or gets pinched so it doesn't fully seat, and you can get weird leaning behaviors. I never considered that the label/sticker serves any locating function, but maybe it does?

 

[sdnative]

IIRC the rear bottom spring pocket is the same on both sides allowing either spring to go in either position but I'll have to check.

My comment on the label / sticker was for the front shock. I couldn't find any indication it mattered which way they go.

 

[Colby Murphy]

Coming right up. 4WP see last sentence

Final lift amount 2.25" up front (#5 clip), 1.5" rear. I still have third row seat.

Still waiting for everything to settle to do alignment. I maxed out the cams currently to get the most caster.

Hub Center to Fender	Before	After
Front​	19.5"	21.75"
Rear​	21.0"	22.5"

@25LGT you achieved 2.5" lift up front on the Bilstein's with winch and bumper? trying to get an idea of your added weight over factory with the lift you achieved with the bilsteins

 

[NoClue]

Interesting. How do they avoid a lean? By the way, the old man emu springs also have two different lengths in each set.

I have no kdss lean after the bilstein install, but I also did not undo the KDSS valves for the installation of the rear shocks and springs.

 

[25LGT]

@25LGT you achieved 2.5" lift up front on the Bilstein's with winch and bumper? trying to get an idea of your added weight over factory with the lift you achieved with the bilsteins

2.25" with probably 150-200 lbs. Winch, bumper, and roof rack.

 

[Colby Murphy]

2.25" with probably 150-200 lbs. Winch, bumper, and roof rack.

Great to know!!! Thank you

 

[DJCloz]

Interesting. How do they avoid a lean? By the way, the old man emu springs also have two different lengths in each set.

my icon rear coils came with a small spacer to put on the gas tank side. I believe it was 10MM

 

[Mehdi k]

Hello everyone,

I just installed this suspension and i had an issue with the rear suspension the cylinder is heating the sway bar.

Anyone can help?

 

[jefo13]

and you have left and right correct?