Advice on alternatives to Bilstein 5160

[Mo's TE]

Hi everyone, I have MY15 TE with Bilstein 6112 in the front and 5160 in the rear mated to toytec superflex spring (non-hd) in the rear of course. The front is set to 2.5, rear 2. Camburg UCAs to help caster. have this setup for about two years now. Offroaded a couple of times. Ride WAS very good on the road, now is deteriorating.

The 6112 in the front are still OK, but the 5160 in the rear are showing their age ride is jumpy over bumps during re-bound and ot 80mph and above (140kph) they are choppy or bouncing a little.

So I think its time to replace the rear shocks, not with 5160 as I had bad experience with first set that failed after a week.

Seeking advice as to whether the Bilstein 5100 is good option or toytec boss (same shock right?) to go with super flex spring in terms of ride quality. Reasonably priced option or should look else where such as fox or OME?

Your input is appreciated

 

[Mo's TE]

bump

 

[Teamoatmealpie]

Hi everyone, I have MY15 TE with Bilstein 6112 in the front and 5160 in the rear mated to toytec superflex spring (non-hd) in the rear of course. The front is set to 2.5, rear 2. Camburg UCAs to help caster. have this setup for about two years now. Offroaded a couple of times. Ride WAS very good on the road, now is deteriorating.

The 6112 in the front are still OK, but the 5160 in the rear are showing their age ride is jumpy over bumps during re-bound and ot 80mph and above (140kph) they are choppy or bouncing a little.

So I think its time to replace the rear shocks, not with 5160 as I had bad experience with first set that failed after a week.

Seeking advice as to whether the Bilstein 5100 is good option or toytec boss (same shock right?) to go with super flex spring in terms of ride quality. Reasonably priced option or should look else where such as fox or OME?

Your input is appreciated

I have the same question as you - is the Boss shock the same as the 5100? I have read here at T4R that it is and that it isn't the same.


Regardless I have had a good experience with the Toytech Boss system with non-HD springs in rear. It has been excellent on and off road. Did a 5 day trip with miles of rocky trail and was very happy being able to travel comfortably at higher speeds. Relative to the terrain with out getting bounced around too much or over loading the suspensions capabilities.

 

[CO-Cygnus]

I'm very curious as to how/why the shocks are trashed after only 2 years...

If you actually trashed a Bilstein that quickly I'd be hesitant about putting something more expensive back there.

 

[gundrted+t4r]

I'm thinking the same thing ... how hard are you driving to have worn out shocks in two years or less

Also ... I"m just checking ... Do you have a 4Runner or a Prado? They are basically the same thing, BUT the Prado is heavier in the rear end and would require a different setup.

The 5160 is not going to take heavy loads well. If you are carrying heavy loads and are going off road (a lot), its the wrong shock to use. You need something much stiffer.

Personally I would look at ARB or Dobinsons. ARB will be a stiffer, but Dobinsons will have more valving options to get the feel you want. They will also take a real beating. Both have rebuildable options.

Products like Fox and Icon are great but can wear quickly is certain conditions.

You may be able to get a better recommendation if you outlined: how/where you drive, how you 4x4, how much weight you carry and what are your expectations from the setup.

 

[RUNTHAT]

Are you doing baja style driving?
:snacker:

 

[weeeee]

The 5100 is not an alternative to the 5160, in fact it's probably a downgrade. You'd be better suited to an OME setup vs. the 5110's. The fact is, the Bilsteins with their 2.5" internal pistons and rem-resis in the rear are hard to match at that price point.

My advice, go with a rebuildable setup like the Radflo, King, or Fox and don't look back. Many on here would recommend Icons but given the quality issues I'd go with something else.

 

[Mo's TE]

I'm very curious as to how/why the shocks are trashed after only 2 years...

If you actually trashed a Bilstein that quickly I'd be hesitant about putting something more expensive back there.

5160 isn't that durable, this is the 2nd set, 1st set leaked and trashed within 1 week from installation and replaced by Bilstein.

 

[Mo's TE]

I'm thinking the same thing ... how hard are you driving to have worn out shocks in two years or less

Not that hard, mostly highway. I do go over spec bumps a little fast 6112 are coping just fine 5160 in the rear are ok in the compression, rebounding in jerky way. Maybe the springs are too hard for them.

Also ... I"m just checking ... Do you have a 4Runner or a Prado? They are basically the same thing, BUT the Prado is heavier in the rear end and would require a different setup. Its a 2015 4runner TE US version

The 5160 is not going to take heavy loads well. If you are carrying heavy loads and are going off road (a lot), its the wrong shock to use. You need something much stiffer.

No loads truck is stock apart from the lift

Personally I would look at ARB or Dobinsons. ARB will be a stiffer, but Dobinsons will have more valving options to get the feel you want. They will also take a real beating. Both have rebuildable options. Thanks will look into them

Products like Fox and Icon are great but can wear quickly is certain conditions.

You may be able to get a better recommendation if you outlined: how/where you drive, how you 4x4, how much weight you carry and what are your expectations from the setup.

OK I dont offroad much (once or twice a year), mostly highway driving and school runs, 99% on 2H. no extra weight in fact the car drives better when loaded. When I installed the kit 2 years ago the drive was very good if not excellent now detoriorated for some reason nothing has changed did not modify or install anything else.

Tires are 285/70-17 Michelin defender on method wheels, no roof rack.

 

[Mo's TE]

The 5100 is not an alternative to the 5160, in fact it's probably a downgrade. You'd be better suited to an OME setup vs. the 5110's. The fact is, the Bilsteins with their 2.5" internal pistons and rem-resis in the rear are hard to match at that price point. Not aware that Bilstein has 2.5" rear shock for the 4runner, I'll look into that

No intention of downgrading or upgrading, just interested in matching the right shock to right spring. Toytec are matching the super flex 2 with Boss shocks so just wondering if this setup is better than super flex spring with 5160 drive wise.

To anyone running Toytec super flex and boss shock, please comment on the ride quality are they stiff or bouncy over bumps.

My advice, go with a rebuildable setup like the Radflo, King, or Fox and don't look back. Many on here would recommend Icons but given the quality issues I'd go with something else.

The dealer here has an FJ extreme version, they come with Fox 2.0 in the rear.

 

[gundrted+t4r]

If you are running empty most of the time, OME (ARB) is way to stiff.

If you go rebuildable, you have to plan on at least 2+ weeks of down time.

Personally I would find a good non rebuildable shock and plan on changing them out. Dobinsons would fit the bill. I am sure there are others.

Sent from my SM-G930U using Tapatalk

 

[flipflopnfly]

. . . . .Seeking advice as to whether the Bilstein 5100 is good option or toytec boss (same shock right?) to go with super flex spring in terms of ride quality. Reasonably priced option or should look else where such as fox or OME?

Your input is appreciated

Toytec Boss shocks are rebranded Eibach shocks, IIRC they're a bit larger body and shaft than a 5100. Rear Boss shocks and standard Superflex coils felt fine to me on the '07 and '08, YMMV.

Seems like either Boss or 5100's on the rear will work fine for you. Toytec mates extended length 5100's to their Superflex lift coils, make sure that happens, you don't want standard length 5100's on a lift coil. And you'll need the Toytec rear bumpstop extender also.

 

[borfoo3]

OP, noticed your in Dubai.. Finally someone close around with a T4R!

I believe the 5160 doesn't hold well to heat no our style of offroading (basically not enough of a shock) but beats anything out there (even KINGs) for overall eye to eye travel. Mine were acceptable until rear steel bumper came on and I upped the coils.

Like some have mentioned, I'm considering upgrading to one of the progressive shock brands, KING, Fox, or Radflo as a solution

 

[007Tacoma]

...My advice, go with a rebuildable setup like the Radflo, King, or Fox and don't look back. Many on here would recommend Icons but given the quality issues I'd go with something else.

I apologize as I do not wish this to be a thread-jacking... Can you point me to a thread with more information about the Icon Quality Issues? I have been on the fence about what to go with, and Bilstein/Icon/OME are my runners in the final race.

 

[Hamburgerpimp]

I've got 6112's and 5100's with Toytec rear springs, no issues here.

 

[wfo9]

I apologize as I do not wish this to be a thread-jacking... Can you point me to a thread with more information about the Icon Quality Issues? I have been on the fence about what to go with, and Bilstein/Icon/OME are my runners in the final race.

A few randoms on here said they had leaks.. They were quickly replaced as they offer great customer service in the first year with a full warranty. There are no real quality issues. Its just internet BS. Thousands of their shocks out there on many platforms... They make fantastic products as do all the other major brands. They all have small issues from time to time, even King can frustrate people. However, in the big picture the US made high end stuff can't be beat.

Also, most people get confused by what a progressive vs digressive shock feels like. They get impressed by a mush feel at mid travel which is not what you want. Icons do very well on the road and off when you push them. They won't feel super plush at low speeds though. There is a bit of a platform, but it is not harsh... I think they are the best choice overall (unless you have KDSS, then I'm not sure). I'm going King for my Long travel coil overs just because I figured i would give them a try and see what all the hype is about. I'm afraid I'm going to regret not going Icon again, but we will see.

I don't understand why people keep buying bilsteins when you can get a quality shock for just a little more. You really do get what you pay for folks. If you are picky.. pay for the good stuff and be done with it. Yes you will service them every 50k or whatever... not a big deal. It's that or keep throwing away shocks or go with something like OME and accept what they are ( a shock built to be a compromise of durability with no rebuilds and performance)

You won't see OME or any of the high end stuff breaking like the budget bilsteins either.

 

[Mo's TE]

If you are running empty most of the time, OME (ARB) is way to stiff.

If you go rebuildable, you have to plan on at least 2+ weeks of down time.

Personally I would find a good non rebuildable shock and plan on changing them out. Dobinsons would fit the bill. I am sure there are others.

Sent from my SM-G930U using Tapatalk

I'm also thinking fox and king maybe an overkill from my needs. Never heard of Dobinsons do you have personal experience with their shocks on a 5th gen 4runner?

 

[Mo's TE]

Toytec Boss shocks are rebranded Eibach shocks, IIRC they're a bit larger body and shaft than a 5100. Rear Boss shocks and standard Superflex coils felt fine to me on the '07 and '08, YMMV.

Seems like either Boss or 5100's on the rear will work fine for you. Toytec mates extended length 5100's to their Superflex lift coils, make sure that happens, you don't want standard length 5100's on a lift coil. And you'll need the Toytec rear bumpstop extender also.

You are right, the superflex springs are a tad over 2" lift, 5160 can handle 2" max, that could be the reasons why I'm having these symptoms. Car drives better when back is loaded.

 

[Mo's TE]

OP, noticed your in Dubai.. Finally someone close around with a T4R!

I believe the 5160 doesn't hold well to heat no our style of offroading (basically not enough of a shock) but beats anything out there (even KINGs) for overall eye to eye travel. Mine were acceptable until rear steel bumper came on and I upped the coils.

Like some have mentioned, I'm considering upgrading to one of the progressive shock brands, KING, Fox, or Radflo as a solution

Hey bro quite a rig you got there enjoy

Do you mean that fox will drive better when loaded, steel bumper, etc.?

 

[Mo's TE]

I've got 6112's and 5100's with Toytec rear springs, no issues here.

thanks