[Advice] Bilstein 5100 or 6112/5160
 

Hey Guys,

I need advice on which suspension setup. I've been doing a lot of research and kinda stuck between these 2 setups.

I have a stock weight 96' 4Runner SR5 w/ 4WD. I live in the bay area, so if you're from here; off-roading/dirt road is rare and far. That being said, ~90% of the time the car is on pavement as my DD.

My dilemma is that is it even worth it to go for the Bilstein 6112/5160. Is ride quality between 5100 and 6112/5160 that big of a difference? Is it worth double of the cost of the 5100?

Thanks for the input guys.

Yes, the difference is substantial. That being said, if you don't plan on doing much off road, the 5100's will be more than enough. I'd save your money -- you'll certainly need it, living in the Bay Area.

I've been thinking about this very same issue, also for 90% pavement use. I've dug through hundreds of reviews on all sorts of vehicles and the general trend I've seen is that the 5100's aren't as nice on pavement as OEM, and the 6112/5160's are maybe nicer on pavement than OEM (as well as being Vastly better off-pavement). This is just based on subjective reviews from random internet weidos, so who Really knows if it's actually better or they're stuck in the confirmation bias circle (meaning they know they spent $1000 on suspension, so they make themselves believe it's actually better ~ happens behind the scenes.) Knowing a little bit about how suspension works because I did it for a job (lol, 20 years ago ~ but hey, I'm certified by Penske to work on their shocks), I can see how the 6112/5160's could perform better than OEM and be noticeable in on-road conditions... at least in theory.

I think I'm going with the 6112/5160 set for a few reasons. 6112's because they are a designed system, no "works within this range" funny business. I've done enough 'one size fits all' work to know that's complete bunk and should Really be labeled 'one size fits nearly no-one'. The 5160's because they're matched to the 6112's. I have the money to spend, though just barely, and have long since learned that when you can afford to buy a better product, you get both better results but better resale.

I'm not looking for a "lift", which might be one reason to go with the 5100's (for the Tundra IIRC? Which are longer). Extreme budget restrictions would be another reason, not only are the 5100 units cheaper but you could re-use the springs (or take your chances with cheap used springs, or cheap non-OEM springs).

If you haven't done all the Other preventative maintenance to your truck, like lower ball joints, radiator, etc... and buying the 6112/5160 set means that would have to wait or not be done at all, then go with the 5100's and put the money towards the other truck stuff.

I do plan to do more off-roading in the future, but I'm nowhere nearly as experienced as a lot of members here. I do want to decide on a suspension setup that I won't consider upgrading for a long while and knowing that the 6112/5160 is substantially better, I think I'm going to go for it.

Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated!

I went with the Eibach pro stage 1 kit. I did this because it's a daily driver and won't see off road. I wanted to put 285/70/17's on it. As I have learned if you're gonna go off-road regularly or at least frequently the OME and Bilstein combo is the way to go. With Eibach you get a better ride quality for daily use seems to be the overall consensus as I have learned. The other set up is a little more harsh from all the reading I've done and calls to manufacturers feed back. Try Wheeler's off road, they put a package together for everything built and shipped was less than $1000. There's a thread for the Eibach pro stage 1 kit on here.

Thanks, I'll look into the Eibach setup.

I have 6112/5160 with ome rear springs. I find the ride to be a little rough. I have yet to take them offroad.
I also have LT tires, so i am sure that is a factor too.

I found someone selling a new set of 6112 shock/coil kit and slightly used 5160 shocks for $850. Is this a good deal? Also, if I plan to lift, can I keep my 99 rear springs?

The rear 5160 are adjustable from 0"-2.3" so yeah you can keep your 99 springs.
but you can buy a brand new complete kit for around $1k with rear springs so essentially you are not saving much. check out bilsteinlifts.com

the 5160 are rear shocks.


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yes and can be used with taller springs.
Rear B8 5160:
Collapsed Length (IN): 12.91
Extended Length (IN): 20.66
Collapsed Length (MM): 328.0
Extended Length (MM): 525.0
Finish: Zinc Plated
Reservoir: Yes
Body Design: Smooth Body (Non-Coilover)
Body Diameter: 46mm
Optional Reservoir Clamp: 11-176015
Rear Lift Height: 0-2.5″
Bilstein B8 5160 remote reservoir shock absorbers are designed as a direct fit solution for lifted trucks and SUV’s. The remote reservoir will offer increased cooling capacity and wheel travel to optimize overall performance compared to a traditional shock absorber. These shock absorbers feature a monotube design for consistent fade free performance and utilize velocity sensitive digressive valve settings which are tuned for each specific application. Each shock absorber is fitted with a unique 360 degree swivel banjo hose fitting, providing a clean, low profile installation. B8 5160 remote reservoir shock absorbers will increase overall durability of your vehicle allowing you to conquer the harshest of off-road environments.

Are they both for 3rd gen 4Runner? Some people use Tundra 5160's or FJ Cruiser 5160's which are longer than 3rd Gen 4Runner 5160's. Not saving much more than shipping for that price. Check out wheelersoffroad.com and shockwarehouse.com

Edit: Tundra 6112's can also be used on a 3rd Gen 4Runner as they have some additional travel.

Specs show for the 4runner specific 6112s, lift can be from 0 - 2.5". With the Tundra 6112's does it get more of a lift (more than 2.5")?

The difference between 5100 specs for 4Runner and Tundra are the same for 6112's listed in the first post here: Tundra 6112 Bilstein On 3rd Gen. Info & Install

Along with different collapsed and extended lengths 4Runner 6112's come with 550 lb springs and tundra 6112's come with 650 lb springs.

TLDR: Not enough to matter or measure. The big difference is travel and spring weights.

There's a HUGE price difference between the 5100's and the 6112's. Obviously the 6112's come with springs and are set up more for the frequent off roader, where as the 5100 is geared more towards the occasional off roader and not as aggressive trails. Kind of an unfair comparison here.