I had the same RCD 5100's you had from Wheeler's, that replaced some Fox\Icon 2.5" reservoir shocks. I never liked the 5100's and just recently put on 6112\5160 on. So far the 6112\5160 feel a lot better than the 5100's.

The 6112\5160 are a little bit worse the the Fox\Icon setup I had previously, but should require less maintenance, which I was ultimately after.

Thanks for that intel. I guess I'm looking for 'Better than 5100s' with less/no maintenance compared to higher end stuff.

@Endlessblockades way turbo8 stated his experience I like it.
Not having run high end stuff I was assuming/hoping 6112/5160 was a sweet spot so far it is @+-27k mi.
Haven't gotten any air yet though.

Thanks both. That sounds like the middle ground I'm hoping to find. Maybe by Black Friday I will have sorted my other issues.

Getting air (except for unintentionally) is not on the menu until I can secure my gear in a drawer system!

Just to add, Limit straps & Tundra 6112's peas and carrots, haven't done them yet.

Runner on stands cam bolts loose strut in place swaybar disconnected there is enough down stoke to bind CV.
I checked for this with intent for S/B disconnects, S/B connected has yet to be a train wreck
though right situation could bite me. Something to check for yourself when time comes.

100%. It all made sense as soon as I saw King mentioned here.

Haven't met Chris, but 35 years in the industry, I've met my share of luminaries, which is always kinda fun.

Yeah, I'm nowhere near dropping $5K whatever on suspension, not by a long shot. Rarified air in my world....

This is what I did for limit straps. Currently my manual hub cv's are extremely limiting my down travel. I didn't want to run a super short limit strap in the front, for strap mount clerance reasons.

I diy'ed the control arm double shear bracket out of 1/8 steel. It just barley clears the coil over. Shortly after that pic, I removed the rear swaybar completely. Don't notice any difference and flex is more smooth.

Attached Images

   

@2TH4IST nice design my direction also. What length you go with?

@96RedRunner

I went with 10 inches for the front and 17 inches for the rear. But it all depends on your set up unfortunately. I'm running a 10 inch rear shock outboarded w/arcworks kit.

Eta: I really like orw's (off road warehouse) limit straps, exactly like tmr's just cheaper.

Couple things:

Bilstein has digressive valving, which has a certain 'feel' that isn't always the best for off-road in some circumstances. The 'big boy' coilovers will have more linear or progressive valving that allows it to be more plush and still control large suspension events effectively at the cost of 'sharper' handling when you need faster transitions. Read up on valving styles to see what will work best for you.

What tires (size, brand/model and load rating) are you running and at what pressure?

All that said, I run stock front springs, OME2906 rear springs and 5100's all around and it all seems to perform decently at high speeds (stage rally course opening car, up to 70mph on dirt) with 20-22psi in the tires, though I KNOW it would be better to be on a set of Kings, etc.

-Charlie

I probably shouldn't have emphasized Speed but the little hits can be freakin harsh on hard earth - that may be why I prefer sand and am running hot under that strain (I am working on that). The front end also occasionally sounds like a bedspring you'd find in a ghost town. I got the RCD version 5100 (whatever that means) with 881 (I think) and 906 (I know). Not real stiff springs for the added weight I'm carrying, but I also digress...

I am running WildpeaK AT4W LT255/85R16 112/109S Load Range C at
+/- 18 PSI off road.. Maybe I expect too much. I don't carry the spare tire usually and it's here in my office at work LOL.....

Attached Images

 

New tires will need time to break in. So go out, lower the tires psi and get in a rocky trail/rough trail(makes side walls flex). It should also soften up a bit too.

It was like that for my baja boss at in load E. A bit harsh, but after broken in, its plush, but I run them at 15 psi when I'm off road.

BTW, how do you like the at4w's in 255/85? I really want to move to the tall and skinny's.

Put the spare in the runner lol.

Good point - they have less than 5k on them. I will go to lower PSI next outing. I picked up some 'bead-grip' wheels so if it's not a gimmick, I can go a lot lower, too. I was alone last trip and kept the PSI up a bit.


So far they are nice. Anything would be better that the clapped-out Patagonia M/T 32s, though - they got cupped, lost chunks of tread, and were loud AF! These feel great on the road and are quiet. Supposedly they re-engineered the tread compound and pattern. I never felt "my tires are too skinny" in sand or on rocks, but then I'm just enjoying having new tires, period. I'm not qualified to tell the diff between a 255 and a 305 to be honest. I'm sure some fatties would be nice, too. Ah - the spare. Yes I need do do something about that. 33s are big and heavy! It would suck to get one back up on my rooftop platform alone. I do carry a plug kit, some Gluetreads, and a compressor. It's kind of irresponsible not to carry it, but I was sleeping in it and had space issues.....it's on the list......

Find a 1st gen 4runner roll bar, mod the 2 front mounts, use the 4runner stock spare wire crank carrier thingy. Mount the spare in the back! I did this specifically to fit a 255/85 tire, as I didn't want it hanging off the back.

Attached Images

     

I like that a lot. I also remember someone fabbing an inside spare mount bracket and trying to sell it here. My only issue is that I need drawers to keep gear from flying all over on trails and I sleep inside. I could stand up the spare on one side and have a single, wider drawer and sleeping platform....