Am I crazy?

[Morphyne]

Backstory: I have an 07 v6 with 5100s and fj springs. That vehicle needs new shocks bc one of the 5100s blew after 50,000 miles.

My wife has an 05 gx470 that has 103,000 miles on her shocks. I want the very best (within reason) for her ride. I was going to replace her shocks with 5100s and if she didn't like the ride I was going to pull them and put them on my 4runner.


Here is my dilemma: I keep coming back to the bilstein 6112 and either 5100 rears or 5160 rears. They are not ICONS but they are better than the 5100s (at least in my mind).

Now the stupid part. The GX470 is a grocery getter and will not get a lift for several years. The 4runner is a highway momma with a mild lift. We seldom offroad but want to.

Can i get some sanity to this whole thing?

Bottom line. I want to put the 6112/5160 combo on my wife's ride and if she doesn't like it then it goes on mine. but if she does like it, was it overkill compared to the 5100s? I can't go with the 4600s because I need to be able to swap wit hthe lifted 4runner.

TIA

 

[mrpurplepenguin]

I'd think 6112/5160 would be overkill for a gx470 that only sees asphalt. Aside from the 6112 just being bigger/beefier overall, I don't know how the valving differs between it and the 5100.

Followup question: Why do you need to keep interchangeability between the T4R and the gx470? From your post it sounds like both vehicles need new shocks anyways; why not the less expensive 4600s on the gx? Alternatively, what's your plan for the T4R shocks if your wife does like the new suspension on her gx?

 

[Morphyne]

I'd think 6112/5160 would be overkill for a gx470 that only sees asphalt. Aside from the 6112 just being bigger/beefier overall, I don't know how the valving differs between it and the 5100.

Followup question: Why do you need to keep interchangeability between the T4R and the gx470? From your post it sounds like both vehicles need new shocks anyways; why not the less expensive 4600s on the gx? Alternatively, what's your plan for the T4R shocks if your wife does like the new suspension on her gx?

Well, the interchagability is because, if the wife does not like the ride on her GX I can pull them and put them on the 4runner.

As far as plans. The 4runner is my DD and work vehicle as well as some play. in 3 years time it will go to my son. At which time the GX becomes mine and my wife gets something new. As I type this, I think the best option is to avoid wasting money on the 6112 on either vehicle. just doesn't make sense. even though they are cool and I want them.

 

[nevada]

Backstory: I have an 07 v6 with 5100s and fj springs. That vehicle needs new shocks bc one of the 5100s blew after 50,000 miles.

My wife has an 05 gx470 that has 103,000 miles on her shocks. I want the very best (within reason) for her ride. I was going to replace her shocks with 5100s and if she didn't like the ride I was going to pull them and put them on my 4runner.


Here is my dilemma: I keep coming back to the bilstein 6112 and either 5100 rears or 5160 rears. They are not ICONS but they are better than the 5100s (at least in my mind).

Now the stupid part. The GX470 is a grocery getter and will not get a lift for several years. The 4runner is a highway momma with a mild lift. We seldom offroad but want to.

Can i get some sanity to this whole thing?

Bottom line. I want to put the 6112/5160 combo on my wife's ride and if she doesn't like it then it goes on mine. but if she does like it, was it overkill compared to the 5100s? I can't go with the 4600s because I need to be able to swap wit hthe lifted 4runner.

TIA

for the GX, I would just put some oem or equivalent replacements. that will likely give the best ride.
then for the 4runner, put on whatever it is YOU are wanting.

 

[Morphyne]

Right. OEM is $2400 for the GX so I am going to give the 4600s a try. i can always sell them if they don't work out. But you are right. leave the fun stuff to the 4runner. I am just really curious about those 6112s.

 

[HiVel-JR]

Just get two sets of stage 1 icons for both vehicles.... you only live once...

I went way overkill on my build, but I am glad i did. It is contagious once you start buying top of the line stuff for your vehicle you cannot stop... unless you run out of money.


(sorry not the voice of reason)

 

[Morphyne]

I hear you. But as awesome as that sounds. I'd rather continue to work to be debt free. I know this is not the place to hang for that mindset but that sound more appealing. So I ordered a set of 4600s and will put them on this weekend. It seems like the right move. We are going on a 1500 mile trip and I need everything to be Sussed out before then. Besides I would hate to have those 6112s or icons just sitting under there doing nothing fun. In 3 years when it's mine, I'll replace the whole thing and start over...

 

[jrm]

Arent the 5100s warrantied?

cant you just replace the blown shock and be done with it?

 

[Morphyne]

cant you just replace the blown shock and be done with it?

Well, you always want to replace in pairs. And then there is the deal with the fronts matching too...

I dunno. I am gonna take care of the wife's ride this weekend and then focus on mine...

 

[HiVel-JR]

I hear you. But as awesome as that sounds. I'd rather continue to work to be debt free.

Very True!

 

[HiVel-JR]

And NO... you are not crazy.

 

[flyfisher4822]

6112's are not just for off-roading. They make a HUGE difference on asphalt. I switched out 5100's for 6112's and there is a big difference in the ride (more control/stability, better recovery, and smoother at the same time).

I have Icon 2.0's resi's on the rear, only because Bilstein was backlogged about six months on 5160's at the time. Love the Icons; curious how the 5160's would compare.

Good luck!