Mixing different suspension brands?

[axio]

Hi guys, original owner on a 2011 SR5 with 155K miles. Still on stock suspension, but finally wanting to do a very mild lift. I've already ordered the parts: Bilstein 6112 / 5160 and some rear springs. SCS wheels should be arriving today. The problem is, the 5160s and rear springs have arrived, the 6112 -- Toytec has no answer on when they'll actually show up, and I get it-- backordered.

My question is if it's ok to mix and match the suspension, meaning can I just skip the 6112 in the front and go with a different brand like Dobinsons (since people seem to like them)? Would there be any issues with the overall setup by doing a mixed setup like this? If there is non, what's a comparable Dobonsons shock/spring?

Thanks again guys!

 

[ahtoxa11]

The biggest 'gotcha' here would be the damping rates. You might find yourself with an unbalanced setup where front or rear is over/under damped compared to the other.

I don't have first-hand experience, but I understand that Dobinson's is very good at suggesting a set up based on use case, so perhaps you can give them a a call and see if they can recommend a setup similar to 6112s or some other option.

In the end, it might not be a huge deal and you might not even feel it, but then again, you might.

 

[Agent_Outside]

Your suspension doesn’t care what branding is stamped on it. There no issue mixing brands, however Bilstein and Icon use digressive valving, pretty much no one else does. I wouldn’t mix valving types because both operate very differently.

 

[Shotgunut]

Hay axio, hop on the dobinson suspension thread and ask Mike from exit offroad he'll fix you up

 

[axio]

Thanks, guys, I'll check with him to see if they have digressive valving... if not, might just have to wait it out!