Reviews on the new Bilstein 6112 coilovers?

[1985taylor1925]

Anyone have a good review to offer on these? Haven't heard much about them since the release. How do they compare to other set ups like 5100s, ome, toytec, king, icon, etc.? Road ride? Off road? Are they a good value for the price?

I'm also curious about some technical specs. I'm wondering how these are valved compared to the new 3rd gen specific 5100s. I'm guessing they're identical, with the only difference being the 6112s have 9 adjustment rings.

I am interested in these as a cheaper version of a digressive coilover. If the 6112s are even remotely comparable, I see no reason to pay an extra $500 for icons or kings.

Bring on the comments!

 

[bramuno]

For the cost, no other shock can compare. I love them and won't buy any other setup ever again. Had 5100s and those were great but these are much better off-road. Soaks up a lot more of the high speed inputs while still giving lots of control.

 

[1985taylor1925]

For the cost, no other shock can compare. I love them and won't buy any other setup ever again. Had 5100s and those were great but these are much better off-road. Soaks up a lot more of the high speed inputs while still giving lots of control.

What other set ups have you run? Can you give me details on how they compare to others?

 

[JayRolla]

For the cost, no other shock can compare. I love them and won't buy any other setup ever again. Had 5100s and those were great but these are much better off-road. Soaks up a lot more of the high speed inputs while still giving lots of control.

Your comparing a shock to a coil over setup. We need to know how these compare to other coil over setups like Toytecs, Icon, ect...

 

[kolelt]

Your comparing a shock to a coil over setup. We need to know how these compare to other coil over setups like Toytecs, Icon, ect...

theoretically, our stock suspension a coil-over, a coil over a shock. lol

 

[JayRolla]

theoretically, our stock suspension a coil-over, a coil over a shock. lol

Coil over strut to be exact.

 

[snivilous]

I am interested in these as a cheaper version of a digressive coilover. If the 6112s are even remotely comparable, I see no reason to pay an extra $500 for icons or kings.

I don't know much about the 6112s, as in I just googled them and saw a picture. I don't think they are at all comparable to a King/Icon/whatever setup. Maybe for some ride setups they are "comparable", but imo that's only one reason people get fancier suspension setups. The 6112s are 60mm (2.34") diameter shocks from what I read, so essentially they look like bigger, beefier, more adjustable, 5100s--and by adjustable all I mean is ride height adjustable, nothing else. A fancy setup is not only ride height adjustable, but has infinite adjustment of the actual valving (granted I've seen like two people on this entire forum who have fine tuned their suspension like that) but they are also fully rebuildable and any tiny part of the entire shock can be replaced, and the lifespan can be extended forever effectively which is a very big selling point since all shocks wear out eventually.

Just figured I'd comment, because I think it's a little naive to compare a fully tunable and rebuildable shock with something that's essentially a stock type shock that's fatter and has a movable spring collar. Not to say they probably don't handle great and stuff, but there's a lot of other features that enable those other brands to sell for $500 or $1000 or $2000 more that I think you might be overlooking.

 

[tors10]

Maybe not an apples to apples comparison, but I'd appreciate any comparison or any input for that matter.

 

[bramuno]

I don't know much about the 6112s, as in I just googled them and saw a picture. I don't think they are at all comparable to a King/Icon/whatever setup. Maybe for some ride setups they are "comparable", but imo that's only one reason people get fancier suspension setups. The 6112s are 60mm (2.34") diameter shocks from what I read, so essentially they look like bigger, beefier, more adjustable, 5100s--and by adjustable all I mean is ride height adjustable, nothing else. A fancy setup is not only ride height adjustable, but has infinite adjustment of the actual valving (granted I've seen like two people on this entire forum who have fine tuned their suspension like that) but they are also fully rebuildable and any tiny part of the entire shock can be replaced, and the lifespan can be extended forever effectively which is a very big selling point since all shocks wear out eventually.

Just figured I'd comment, because I think it's a little naive to compare a fully tunable and rebuildable shock with something that's essentially a stock type shock that's fatter and has a movable spring collar. Not to say they probably don't handle great and stuff, but there's a lot of other features that enable those other brands to sell for $500 or $1000 or $2000 more that I think you might be overlooking.

I completely agree with you when it comes to the fact that you are comparing shocks that are completely different. ICON, King and Fox make adjustable rebuildable shocks which the Bilstein 6112s are not. But you are going to spend at least double for these fancier setups than you will for the 6112s. I think ICON 2.5" coilovers start at $1200. The 6112 was designed to be an affordable performance off-road shock.

As for the comment about these just being a bigger, beefier shock, this is true however there are performance related reasons why a larger diameter tube is better for off-road. The most important is it adds more surface area to the working piston which allows for more/larger ports for the oil to flow thru giving you more opportunity for control. Not only does it give you better ability to absorb larger inputs but also improves the rebound control. The vehicle recovers faster and there will be way less oscillation.

I guess what I am trying to say is, while you cannot compare apples with oranges, this is the best off-road shock on the market for the money. I have them and absolutely love them. Don't think I'll ever use another shock setup ever again.

 

[phattyduck]

Coil over strut to be exact.

I'll have to respectfully disagree. There are no struts on the 4Runner (or pretty much any truck, for that matter). There are 4 shocks, two of which are coil-over shocks.

Struts are integral to the suspension geometry, shocks are not.

Remove the front coil-overs, the wheels are still fixed in position.

As opposed to a McPherson or similar strut setup... remove the strut, wheel flops over.

And yes, I know most here call the front coil-over struts... it is still the wrong term.

-Charlie

 

[1985taylor1925]

So, anyone ruunning this setup that can give impressions? I'm not asking about comparing adustability of the bilsteins with the expensive coilovers. I know icons, kings, fox, sway away, radflo are re buildable and have valving and rebound adjustment. Bilsteins have no adjustability and it's given that when you buy them they'll last as long as they last and then they're done.

What I'm asking about are on and off road impressions, compared to ANY other set ups people have run. Opinions on how suspension "feels" can be somewhat subjective, but when someone has run multiple setups that info is still valuable and helpful in helping other people make a decision to purchase. And you have to compare them to other set ups. It's not apples to oranges. They all serve the purpose of dampening the front end, and whether comparing to basic oem setup or remote reservoir king coilovers, you have to compare them to something else to have a reference. If someone said, "out of the box icons are far better handling than these bilsteins and here's why . . ." Well that would be useful info

 

[JayRolla]

So, anyone ruunning this setup that can give impressions? I'm not asking about comparing adustability of the bilsteins with the expensive coilovers. I know icons, kings, fox, sway away, radflo are re buildable and have valving and rebound adjustment. Bilsteins have no adjustability and it's given that when you buy them they'll last as long as they last and then they're done.

What I'm asking about are on and off road impressions, compared to ANY other set ups people have run. Opinions on how suspension "feels" can be somewhat subjective, but when someone has run multiple setups that info is still valuable and helpful in helping other people make a decision to purchase. And you have to compare them to other set ups. It's not apples to oranges. They all serve the purpose of dampening the front end, and whether comparing to basic oem setup or remote reservoir king coilovers, you have to compare them to something else to have a reference. If someone said, "out of the box icons are far better handling than these bilsteins and here's why . . ." Well that would be useful info

Its hard to find reviews on something just released. WE need you to buy them, and give us some impressions!!!

 

[sport2004]

I'll have to respectfully disagree. There are no struts on the 4Runner (or pretty much any truck, for that matter). There are 4 shocks, two of which are coil-over shocks.

Struts are integral to the suspension geometry, shocks are not.

Remove the front coil-overs, the wheels are still fixed in position.

As opposed to a McPherson or similar strut setup... remove the strut, wheel flops over.

And yes, I know most here call the front coil-over struts... it is still the wrong term.

-Charlie

I'm pleased to receive clarification on that...

 

[bramuno]

So, anyone ruunning this setup that can give impressions? I'm not asking about comparing adustability of the bilsteins with the expensive coilovers. I know icons, kings, fox, sway away, radflo are re buildable and have valving and rebound adjustment. Bilsteins have no adjustability and it's given that when you buy them they'll last as long as they last and then they're done.

What I'm asking about are on and off road impressions, compared to ANY other set ups people have run. Opinions on how suspension "feels" can be somewhat subjective, but when someone has run multiple setups that info is still valuable and helpful in helping other people make a decision to purchase. And you have to compare them to other set ups. It's not apples to oranges. They all serve the purpose of dampening the front end, and whether comparing to basic oem setup or remote reservoir king coilovers, you have to compare them to something else to have a reference. If someone said, "out of the box icons are far better handling than these bilsteins and here's why . . ." Well that would be useful info

On road they are as good as anything else you can get for the 3rd gens. Bilstein takes a lot of care tuning their dampers for good road handling and control. With that said, the off road capability of these are significantly better than the 5100s. For any non-adjustable, non-rebuildable off road shock, these are the best I have ever ridden. In my other post I mentioned that these absorb the larger inputs at higher speeds much better than the 5100s (as they should). I don't really know what else you want to know. If you want the best combo of on road control with good off road performance, these are the best shocks you can buy. If you don't care about on road, then spend a lot more money and buy something adjustable and rebuildable. But if this is your daily driver that you take off road occasionally, the 6112s will not disappoint.

 

[1985taylor1925]

Its hard to find reviews on something just released. WE need you to buy them, and give us some impressions!!!

Haha. I would like to. Don't have the money at the moment unfortunately. The truck is in need of a new axle at the moment. But down the road I'm thinking this is the right set up for me.

On road they are as good as anything else you can get for the 3rd gens. Bilstein takes a lot of care tuning their dampers for good road handling and control. With that said, the off road capability of these are significantly better than the 5100s. For any non-adjustable, non-rebuildable off road shock, these are the best I have ever ridden. In my other post I mentioned that these absorb the larger inputs at higher speeds much better than the 5100s (as they should). I don't really know what else you want to know. If you want the best combo of on road control with good off road performance, these are the best shocks you can buy. If you don't care about on road, then spend a lot more money and buy something adjustable and rebuildable. But if this is your daily driver that you take off road occasionally, the 6112s will not disappoint.

Great info, thanks. Are the coils 600lb?

Edit: Which 5100s were you running? I have the Tacoma 5100s and I've never honestly been impressed with them. They're terrible on washboards. Big or small washboards, you loose control instantly. I don't know exactly what it is, but my thinking is that the compression is too stiff.

 

[HiluxSurf SSR-G]

I read somewhere (maybe it was Steve of Sonoran Steel?) that the Tacoma 5100 valving is too soft for the 4Runner. maybe that's why you're not happy with it.

....Edit: Which 5100s were you running? I have the Tacoma 5100s and I've never honestly been impressed with them. They're terrible on washboards. Big or small washboards, you loose control instantly. I don't know exactly what it is, but my thinking is that the compression is too stiff.

 

[bramuno]

Haha. I would like to. Don't have the money at the moment unfortunately. The truck is in need of a new axle at the moment. But down the road I'm thinking this is the right set up for me.



Great info, thanks. Are the coils 600lb?

Edit: Which 5100s were you running? I have the Tacoma 5100s and I've never honestly been impressed with them. They're terrible on washboards. Big or small washboards, you loose control instantly. I don't know exactly what it is, but my thinking is that the compression is too stiff.

Not sure the spring rate on the OMEs. You would have to check with the mfr. I am running the 3rd gen 4runner 5100s. The reason you probably don't like the Tacomas is because they are specifically tuned for the Tacoma. The 3rd gen 4runner 5100s are specifically tuned for the 3rd gen 4runner. And as far as wash board roads go, good luck. Washboards suck on any setup. But getting the correct 5100s will help.

 

[1985taylor1925]

Not sure the spring rate on the OMEs. You would have to check with the mfr. I am running the 3rd gen 4runner 5100s. The reason you probably don't like the Tacomas is because they are specifically tuned for the Tacoma. The 3rd gen 4runner 5100s are specifically tuned for the 3rd gen 4runner. And as far as wash board roads go, good luck. Washboards suck on any setup. But getting the correct 5100s will help.

I meant the 6112s for the spring rate. I was looking on the website and didn't see a spring rate.

 

[d_benet]

I've had my 6112's in for about 2 months now and would be happy to give you my completely subjective and inexperienced review but it sounds like that is not what you're looking for.

I will say that going from my completely worn out stock suspension to the 6112's up front with new LBJ, ITRE, OTRE, sway bar, steering rack and end link bushings paired with 4runner 5100s and OME 906s in the rear was even more amazing than I could have hoped for.:clap2:

 

[Indy4R]

Anyone have any experience with what tire sizes will fit at the different lift heights on the 6112s for a 3rd gen? I'm ready to get a set of 6112s for my 98 but want to make sure that my 285s will fit on the highest setting or if I'll need to add a top plate spacer.