help me decide, narrowed down choices to the Bilstein 8812/8110 combo and Old Man Emu BP-51s for my 2020 TRD Pro. Already have SPC UCA's so will just be the suspension. I know theres about an 800$-1k price diff, anyone with experience running either or very knowledgable about added benefits of the B8's to push them way ahead of the BP51s? looks like the bilsteins don't require new bump stops which will bring the price closer. I like the adjustability of the OME's and have hard a few reviews saying the on-road feel is unbeatable but also a few design issues on the tacoma versions that caused probs. its my daily driver so weight fluctuates when i'm loaded up for trips. don't do any high speed off-roading so i ruled out more race style shocks like the fox/icons/etc (plus i dont wanna rebuild every 30k), but the terrain around here can get rocky and rutted out so travel and durability help. not looking to go extended travel though. just a very capable great all-around setup
Bilstein 8112/8110 vs OME BP-51
- Thread starter aaron_clt
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Thnx, yeah I hear ya....guess I'm just thinking that if for the couple times I year I do run it pretty hard and hit technical obstacles if they would make big enough a difference to justify the overkill the rest of the year. Trying to work through situations where the bp-51s would fall short. If it's just the extra cooling from remote reservoirs at extended use fast speeds I could prob do without, if they save me from bottoming out or doing any damage elsewhere on the truck than it's worth it to me
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kmeeg
New member
I too looked at BP-51 but worried that adjusting them with the provided tool would be hard. The 4x4 shop recommended me this new suspension from ELKA. I only had them since mid Jan so not much time behind the wheel. So far I love the ride and ability to adjust with no special tool is a plus. They have knobs you can turn by hand.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCyzwYRZqwc&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCyzwYRZqwc&feature=youtu.be
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Kamalani Mahie
New member
Bilstein has been around much much longer than ARB or OME (over 100 years longer). Maybe they weren't off-road focused in the beginning, BUT THEY KNOW SUSPENSION.
To the OP [MENTION=579084]aaron_clt[/MENTION], it sounds like both of these kits would be overkill for your applications honestly. Might I recommend the Bilstein 6112 and 5160 or 5100 with maybe some OME 895e rear springs. This is what I am running and I love it for street use and I have put this suspension through a lot of tough, challenging, and technical terrain and it has performed exemplary. You can get that setup brand new for around $1500 (which includes assembly of the coilovers and is half the price of the BP-51 setup).
I have heard of some supply issues for this suspension though because it's so popular and manufacturing during COVID fell behind. So it might be hard to find or take a while to get. Honestly if I had $4000 to blow I'd throw on the 8112/8100 setup without hesitation.
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Mudballz
Member
Mahie your absolutely right bilstein has been around forever but they were also replaced by fox (issues included) because of issues I had 2 sets of bilstein/pro that at less then 18k miles they thunked and leaked from miles of mall cruising
My responses were in connection of the original choice ARB/ bilstein
And made my choice and never looked back get the bp51 and get a lopro bumper with the price difference over the bilstein 8112 setup in case in the future you want to go wild
My responses were in connection of the original choice ARB/ bilstein
And made my choice and never looked back get the bp51 and get a lopro bumper with the price difference over the bilstein 8112 setup in case in the future you want to go wild
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Here’s an FJ Cruiser running Bilstein 8112’s and 8100’s:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODaJOHME6BQ&feature=youtu.be
The owner of was running BP51s prior to these. He said they Bilsteins are overall a lot better than the OMEs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODaJOHME6BQ&feature=youtu.be
The owner of was running BP51s prior to these. He said they Bilsteins are overall a lot better than the OMEs.
Kamalani Mahie
New member
And now Fox is having similar issues lol. Why can't either get it right?! I totally understand man, If I had issues with multiple sets of the same product I'd look elsewhere too. I guess I am one of the lucky ones since my TRD Pro Bilstein setup has lasted me 85k miles so far with lots of hard wheeling. And for the most part, everyone I know that has Bilstein has had no issues. To each their own...I was suggesting a great suspension setup at half or less than half the cost.
If the OP wants my recommendation on the 8112 vs BP51, I think he'd be happy with either setup. 8112 setup is on the whole next level from the BP-51 which is why it's $1k more expensive, but I'd run either honestly. For the OP's applications, both are overkill, so it really comes down price and company. Both companies are GREAT.
Kamalani Mahie
New member
Gnarly vid! That looks like so much fun! Dude was flooring it haha
baldrik78
New member
I thought that was a video game at first
I have the 8112's. Still waiting on the 8100's for the rear.
Here is my train of thought. First off, im only running about 1.5" of lift. Any more than that is not really needed here in AZ. So right away the 51's were out. I think the minimum you can go with the 51's is 2.5".
Now as why I didnt go with Kings or Icon, old tech, Yeah there nice, but at the end of the day its a tube with gas and oil in it and some valving that controls the shock. Top dollar for old tech. Sure you could go to Accutune, but now im spending even more for old tech.
I come from GM products. Im used to magnaride or DSSV dampers. If you have ever driven in a new Z-28 you would understand. The suspension on that thing was incredible. Almost bought one, but that is another story.
So I wanted something that was not the usual adjustable shocks. Then I saw the 8112/8100 setup. See, I drive around with 2 kids, the wife and 2 dogs. And if the wife is not happy with the ride, then im not happy with the ride. If you have ever had people get sick in your car, you understand.
With the 8112/8100 setup there is no compromise. On the highway and around town the wife was extremely happy with the smoothness of the ride. Lane changes, off camber turns and bumps are handled very well. The truck is just planted! Driving is almost so smooth its boring! Im sure when I get the 8100's installed it will be even better. Bumps right now are good, but when the rear tires hit them, your reminded that you have the stock shocks in.
Off road. I have not bombed any trails. I usually drive at a moderate speed. Washboard rutted roads are much smoother than before. I notice myself driving faster than I did before with more comfort. Im talking before I was doing 20-25 and now 40 feels slow and smooth. With the resi I have enough reserve oil there that even tho the temps are above tripple digits, im not going to lose responsiveness of the shocks. You can still tell that the stock rears are not doing a great job keeping up. I really have not pushed these things too much offroad yet.
One thing to note, they do require a break in period. Once they are broken in, there really smooth. Oh, and when you get it aligned, bring a towel, all the tech will be drooling over your setup!!! These things are beautiful!
I will also add, I hear there is a adjustable 8112 in the pipeline and a 8100 that is not adjustable also coming out. Right now its vaporwear, and I have no idea when they will be out.
My final thoughts, If your looking for something that does everything really good, and you like a smooth ride around town, then get the 8112/8100 combo.
Here is my train of thought. First off, im only running about 1.5" of lift. Any more than that is not really needed here in AZ. So right away the 51's were out. I think the minimum you can go with the 51's is 2.5".
Now as why I didnt go with Kings or Icon, old tech, Yeah there nice, but at the end of the day its a tube with gas and oil in it and some valving that controls the shock. Top dollar for old tech. Sure you could go to Accutune, but now im spending even more for old tech.
I come from GM products. Im used to magnaride or DSSV dampers. If you have ever driven in a new Z-28 you would understand. The suspension on that thing was incredible. Almost bought one, but that is another story.
So I wanted something that was not the usual adjustable shocks. Then I saw the 8112/8100 setup. See, I drive around with 2 kids, the wife and 2 dogs. And if the wife is not happy with the ride, then im not happy with the ride. If you have ever had people get sick in your car, you understand.
With the 8112/8100 setup there is no compromise. On the highway and around town the wife was extremely happy with the smoothness of the ride. Lane changes, off camber turns and bumps are handled very well. The truck is just planted! Driving is almost so smooth its boring! Im sure when I get the 8100's installed it will be even better. Bumps right now are good, but when the rear tires hit them, your reminded that you have the stock shocks in.
Off road. I have not bombed any trails. I usually drive at a moderate speed. Washboard rutted roads are much smoother than before. I notice myself driving faster than I did before with more comfort. Im talking before I was doing 20-25 and now 40 feels slow and smooth. With the resi I have enough reserve oil there that even tho the temps are above tripple digits, im not going to lose responsiveness of the shocks. You can still tell that the stock rears are not doing a great job keeping up. I really have not pushed these things too much offroad yet.
One thing to note, they do require a break in period. Once they are broken in, there really smooth. Oh, and when you get it aligned, bring a towel, all the tech will be drooling over your setup!!! These things are beautiful!
I will also add, I hear there is a adjustable 8112 in the pipeline and a 8100 that is not adjustable also coming out. Right now its vaporwear, and I have no idea when they will be out.
My final thoughts, If your looking for something that does everything really good, and you like a smooth ride around town, then get the 8112/8100 combo.
Mudballz
Member
I know that the bp51 is designed to used with most stock hardware it was made to be a better replacement for trucks lifted to under a 3” lift
I’m not against the bilstein but the price difference is substantial that money could be used to make the 4Runner more formidable
Mike :thumb:
I’m not against the bilstein but the price difference is substantial that money could be used to make the 4Runner more formidable
Mike :thumb:
I've commented about the Bilstein 8112's and 8100's in previous threads, but I cant say enough good about them. As mentioned above, they perform excellent on road; very planted. I was running 6112/5160s before these, and immediately noticed the handling difference as soon as the 8112/8100s were installed.
Offroad, they're just as good. I've put them through all sorts of conditions, and high speed is where they really shine. Once you get them going, they float. They handle big dips really well....you get the feeling of being "caught" instead of the usual crash and bottoming out. Rebound and bottom out control is excellent. I'm not sure when, or which applications, but the 8112's will have dial adjusters available. The 8100's are dual bypass, and already have 7 steps of adjustment for rebound and compression. The adjustment knobs they're adding to the 8100's will just make it easier.
I've had them installed on my 4Runner for about 2 years now, and they're still going strong. I'm not sure what the recommended interval is, but they can be rebuilt. They're KDSS compatible, and can be used with OEM UCAs. Built quality is top notch. IMO, they're the best setup on the market, short of going Long Travel.
Offroad, they're just as good. I've put them through all sorts of conditions, and high speed is where they really shine. Once you get them going, they float. They handle big dips really well....you get the feeling of being "caught" instead of the usual crash and bottoming out. Rebound and bottom out control is excellent. I'm not sure when, or which applications, but the 8112's will have dial adjusters available. The 8100's are dual bypass, and already have 7 steps of adjustment for rebound and compression. The adjustment knobs they're adding to the 8100's will just make it easier.
I've had them installed on my 4Runner for about 2 years now, and they're still going strong. I'm not sure what the recommended interval is, but they can be rebuilt. They're KDSS compatible, and can be used with OEM UCAs. Built quality is top notch. IMO, they're the best setup on the market, short of going Long Travel.
not to muddy the waters or anything, but the BP51 is built exactly like Fox/Icon/King coilovers. aside from the rear shock shield why do you think it would be any more durable than the others?
MAST4R
New member
As others have said, the 8100s and the BP-51 are plenty different enough to allow for a straightforward choice.
1/ OZ-style, heavily loaded rig = no going real fast over really rough terrain = BP 51 is enough assuming you want 2.5" lift, which most seem to want.
2/ Baja-style, definitely Bilstein 8100. This is a 60mm piston vs 51 mm piston working with even more oil to boot. The 8112 is a more sophisticated design and dual adjusters are coming (not that they are needed in the front but people want stuff to show off and play with). The 8100s is a Baja-style shock.
I will have to see down the road if the 8112 on 550 springs is really sufficient around here, which I still doubt, or if it will require 650 which I have anyway on my 6112s. But that's easy to change.
When it comes to price, the 8100 series makes hydraulic bumps unnecessary as the 8112 literally incorporate a hydro bump. The 8100 have a large bump zone above the compression tube. So when looked comprehensively, the 8112 is a better deal than any of the other high-end setups.
The BP 51 is obviously designed with Australian needs in mind. And for really heavy rigs, it may be a great fit in the US as well. The 8100s would be overkill since it would be not a clever idea to boom down on a really heavy 4R. Then people start breaking things.
So two great products with very different applications. I am waiting on my second 8100 and will go 8112 down the road. For now, 6112 on 650 lb are all I need up front. The road plushness of the 6112 on 550 is gone but off road there is no issue at all. I have bottomed out very hard on 550 and not once on 650 (all the 6112 complaints can be attributed to the soft springs, which Bilstein put in there because they know very well most people would never need anything more than that offroad).
1/ OZ-style, heavily loaded rig = no going real fast over really rough terrain = BP 51 is enough assuming you want 2.5" lift, which most seem to want.
2/ Baja-style, definitely Bilstein 8100. This is a 60mm piston vs 51 mm piston working with even more oil to boot. The 8112 is a more sophisticated design and dual adjusters are coming (not that they are needed in the front but people want stuff to show off and play with). The 8100s is a Baja-style shock.
I will have to see down the road if the 8112 on 550 springs is really sufficient around here, which I still doubt, or if it will require 650 which I have anyway on my 6112s. But that's easy to change.
When it comes to price, the 8100 series makes hydraulic bumps unnecessary as the 8112 literally incorporate a hydro bump. The 8100 have a large bump zone above the compression tube. So when looked comprehensively, the 8112 is a better deal than any of the other high-end setups.
The BP 51 is obviously designed with Australian needs in mind. And for really heavy rigs, it may be a great fit in the US as well. The 8100s would be overkill since it would be not a clever idea to boom down on a really heavy 4R. Then people start breaking things.
So two great products with very different applications. I am waiting on my second 8100 and will go 8112 down the road. For now, 6112 on 650 lb are all I need up front. The road plushness of the 6112 on 550 is gone but off road there is no issue at all. I have bottomed out very hard on 550 and not once on 650 (all the 6112 complaints can be attributed to the soft springs, which Bilstein put in there because they know very well most people would never need anything more than that offroad).
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