Toytec Boss vs Bilstein 6112/5160 setup

[3xpert]

I'd like to know more about that setup as well.

- How does the ride differ from stock, both on and off road?
- What is the fuel mileage hit due to aerodynamic changes?
- Could you take frame front/rear height measurements? As I understand it the body sits with a forward rake so level fenders actually mean the frame is in a reverse rake.

I did not take any measurements with the factory suspension. I had the dealer put this on then picked it up. had the extra cost put into the loan.
If anyone has a factory off road or trail they can post the fender heights.

Now from the ground to bottom of fender in the front is 36" Rear 37"
Front driver side is 4th notch up. Passenger is 3rd notch up.
Only have 350 miles on it so far and I love the ride. very smooth and not to stiff that it won't absorb any bumps or potholes.
Have not been off road yet, in a few weeks. My off roading is Northern WI and Upper Michigan logging roads a few times a year and winter snow.
And my KO2's are the C Rated

 

[sport2004]

The 6112 is not a coil-over, just a height adjustable shock.

I would like to know what distinguishes the 6112 from a coil-over...??!!

 

[gundrted+t4r]

Saving up funds for a lift later this year and am thinking about these two setups.

Looking at the basic 3" front / 2" rear lift with SPC or Camburg ball joint UCAs to run the trails out here in CO and Moab. Want to level it out, with reliability pretty high on my list. I limit myself to easy to mid level trails, but want more clearance for those rocks on the trail.

In looking at the various threads, these seem to be comparable choices.

Thanks

What lift did you end up going with and how do you like it?

 

[Throwback]

I would like to know what distinguishes the 6112 from a coil-over...??!!

The 6112 is just a shock absorber with an adjustable spring perch height via clips. A true coilover has a threaded body and the spring preload or height can be adjusted with a spanner wrench.

 

[gundrted+t4r]

The 6112 is just a shock absorber with an adjustable spring perch height via clips. A true coilover has a threaded body and the spring preload or height can be adjusted with a spanner wrench.

The definition of a coil-over is any suspension assembly that has the spring mounted 'over' or around the shock absorber. This is in contrast to having the spring and shock mounted separately. Coil-over refers to the function of the suspension and not its capabilities.

All current 4Runners (Tacoma, Tundra, LC and so on) have coil-overs in the front and separate spring/shock in the rear. Therefor any shock/spring combo in the front of a T4R is a coil-over ... yes even the stock suspension.

Is the 6112 a coil-over - Yes. So are the 5100, OME, Icon, Fox ... you get the idea.

The issue here is ... a lot of people refer to 'coil-overs' blanketly as high-end after market upgrade parts. For example: "Dude .. I just had some sweet ICON coil-overs installed with my Stage 7 kit. It so much better then my old stock shocks." The new and old setup are both coil-overs. The new setup just has a lot more features than the stock setup.

The higher end coil-overs may have more features like external res, adjustable valving, adjustable spring seats and so on. The presence or absence of high-end features does not make the suspension a coil-over. The coil-over still is the type, but the extras are what may make it 'high-end'.

 

[sport2004]

The definition of a coil-over is any suspension assembly that has the spring mounted 'over' or around the shock absorber. This is in contrast to having the spring and shock mounted separately.

Thanks for the comments. For someone with a limited background, who has used this web forum as my sole source of information on the topic, this quoted section is generally how I have seen the term 'coilover' used here. The assertion I referred to didn't seem consistent with that.

 

[cheeser]

What lift did you end up going with and how do you like it?

None yet...had a major unexpected house expense that came up. I'm still watching the threads, but leaning towards the 6112.

 

[gundrted+t4r]

None yet...had a major unexpected house expense that came up. I'm still watching the threads, but leaning towards the 6112.

I hear that. That happened to us with our old clay sewer line. Nothing like a new sewer line to put a kink in the toys. That was a painful year ... ugh.

I'm also leaning towards the 6112/5160 setup.

Here is Denver Slee really likes the OME setup, but I'm nut sure I want to go the full 3in. I'm planning on UCAs not matter what I do. I don't want to pay labor/allighment twice. I also run empty 85% of the time so I'm a little worried about the heavier spring rates that OME uses. Most of my driving is to/from school and up I70 or skiing/mountain biking/camping. Also a few trips to Crested Butte

The OME would be a little cheaper than the Bils. I'm trying to work out what the ride difference would be. That one thing that is hard to judge from the forums.

I did run into a guy at my Starbucks in the Highlands with a '14 Limited. He had the Toytec Boss set and he hated it. No joke ... he said it drove like a tank and he wished he never bought it. He knew the ride would be stiffer than stock but he didn't know it would be that stiff. He told me if he could afford to replace it he would get something else in a heartbeat. I could tell buy the guys face that he was really upset. His parting comment was buy anything else besides the Toytec ...

For me it all comes down to the ride. I drove a lifted 4 door Wrangler Rubi for just over 9 years. The thing was a tank. I am soooo happy with my '17 TRDORP (with KDSS) I don't want to mess up the ride, but I want the ground clearance.

For me my order right now is (1 and 2 are neck and neck to be honest)

1. 6112/5160 - basically the TRD Pro suspension just liftable
2. OME - with moderate spring rates (NOT the HD springs)
3. 5112/5100 - a basic lift in my mind

 

[Big Wormz]

I hear that. That happened to us with our old clay sewer line. Nothing like a new sewer line to put a kink in the toys. That was a painful year ... ugh.

I'm also leaning towards the 6112/5160 setup.

Here is Denver Slee really likes the OME setup, but I'm nut sure I want to go the full 3in. I'm planning on UCAs not matter what I do. I don't want to pay labor/allighment twice. I also run empty 85% of the time so I'm a little worried about the heavier spring rates that OME uses. Most of my driving is to/from school and up I70 or skiing/mountain biking/camping. Also a few trips to Crested Butte

The OME would be a little cheaper than the Bils. I'm trying to work out what the ride difference would be. That one thing that is hard to judge from the forums.

I did run into a guy at my Starbucks in the Highlands with a '14 Limited. He had the Toytec Boss set and he hated it. No joke ... he said it drove like a tank and he wished he never bought it. He knew the ride would be stiffer than stock but he didn't know it would be that stiff. He told me if he could afford to replace it he would get something else in a heartbeat. I could tell buy the guys face that he was really upset. His parting comment was buy anything else besides the Toytec ...

For me it all comes down to the ride. I drove a lifted 4 door Wrangler Rubi for just over 9 years. The thing was a tank. I am soooo happy with my '17 TRDORP (with KDSS) I don't want to mess up the ride, but I want the ground clearance.

For me my order right now is (1 and 2 are neck and neck to be honest)

1. 6112/5160 - basically the TRD Pro suspension just liftable
2. OME - with moderate spring rates (NOT the HD springs)
3. 5112/5100 - a basic lift in my mind

Also from Denver area myself and also thinking the same things you are.

 

[cheeser]

Also from Denver area myself and also thinking the same things you are.

My thinking has changed a little bit over time, but am not looking for a max lift at this time.

I'm happy with a slight lift just so it doesn't look like all of the other 4Runners out there, plus a bit more clearance for those easy to medium trails that I take.

I'm thinking either enough lift in front to level it out, or a bit more with the 1.5" springs from Wheeler.

 

[Jhalko]

I did run into a guy at my Starbucks in the Highlands with a '14 Limited. He had the Toytec Boss set and he hated it. No joke ... he said it drove like a tank and he wished he never bought it. He knew the ride would be stiffer than stock but he didn't know it would be that stiff. He told me if he could afford to replace it he would get something else in a heartbeat. I could tell buy the guys face that he was really upset. His parting comment was buy anything else besides the Toytec ...

That guys just silly, I went from Xreas to the Toytec Boss and have been nothing but pleased for the 3+ years I've had it in. Ride is subjective to a large degree as well, and I would never trust one persons opinion.

 

[JPF25]

[MENTION=151647]Big Wormz[/MENTION] and gundrted+t4r; I recently installed the 6112/5160 in my 16 Trail. Love the ride and quality. Like many, I spent much time researching what kit to get, including the Toytech. For me, better quality suspension with better capabilities than the stock were the primary items of decision. I also wanted a near stock stance and affordability. My first thought was the TRD set up, but for the price of a TRD set up you could get something with more adjustability and arguably marginally better; however, it would also most likely require the purchase of new UCA's (due to lift height), etc. Luckily, through searching this forum I came across the Bilstein set up and knew right away that's what I wanted. This new set up really firmed up the ride on the truck, it eliminated the front end dive and curved the body roll of the truck. On the highway the ride feels tight and the shocks do a great job of filtering the road buzz. Off road on forest roads, pot holes, undulating terrain and alike is where the system shines. The suspension soaks up all the choppy and abrupt terrain. So far, very pleased with the purchase and its performance. If I remember correctly, the 6112/5160 combo plus installation ended up costing me about $1,400, which is about $100 to $200 less than the cheapest TRD set up I found.

 

[MeanoTorino]

This new set up really firmed up the ride on the truck, it eliminated the front end dive and curved the body roll of the truck. On the highway the ride feels tight and the shocks do a great job of filtering the road buzz.

Thank you for this review. I though about purchasing this exact same setup to get rid of the brake dive. Glad to see that it helps.

 

[JPF25]

Thank you for this review. I though about purchasing this exact same setup to get rid of the brake dive. Glad to see that it helps.

[MENTION=153210]MeanoTorino[/MENTION]. Glad I was able to help. I'm new to the 4runner world, so at times it was difficult to feel comfortable with some of the reviews and opinions from other members in regards to suspension upgrades. I am also not as advanced in off-roading as most are, so my priorities and off-road needs are much different than most advanced wheelers. I do however want to get my feet wet at taking my rig off road and learning. The bilstein kit addressed the on-road items I knew i didn't like and wanted to mitigate and also gave me the opportunity to have extended off road capability compared to the stock suspension.

 

[cheeser]

I have never pulled the military card, but am former USAF. Are discounts usually for active or if I hade my HD papers that would suffice?

Most of the discounts I have seen are geared towards active duty or retired...they want to see the ID. This doesn't mean some won't offer...just ask politely....worst they can do is say no.

I'm retired AF.

 

[cheeser]

[MENTION=153210]MeanoTorino[/MENTION]. Glad I was able to help. I'm new to the 4runner world, so at times it was difficult to feel comfortable with some of the reviews and opinions from other members in regards to suspension upgrades. I am also not as advanced in off-roading as most are, so my priorities and off-road needs are much different than most advanced wheelers. I do however want to get my feet wet at taking my rig off road and learning. The bilstein kit addressed the on-road items I knew i didn't like and wanted to mitigate and also gave me the opportunity to have extended off road capability compared to the stock suspension.

Yes...thanks for the review. Everyone has a different opinion, but the important thing is what works for your situation. I'm happy with a better quality setup with a mild lift for easy to mid level trail.

Would I like a King setup....sure. Just seems overkill for some of us. I'm still saving for a blower for my 2013 Mustang 5.0.

 

[JPF25]

I'm still saving for a blower for my 2013 Mustang 5.0.

Jealous!! Love that Coyote 5.0. Good luck, I'm sure that stang is going to be wild!

 

[b407driver]

For me it all comes down to the ride. I drove a lifted 4 door Wrangler Rubi for just over 9 years. The thing was a tank. I am soooo happy with my '17 TRDORP (with KDSS) I don't want to mess up the ride, but I want the ground clearance.

For me my order right now is (1 and 2 are neck and neck to be honest)

1. 6112/5160 - basically the TRD Pro suspension just liftable
2. OME - with moderate spring rates (NOT the HD springs)
3. 5112/5100 - a basic lift in my mind

Can't go wrong with the first option, the second option might result in non-stock ride results, and the third option would be OK; I'd add a fourth option of adding someone's take-off TRD suspension, if you can find a deal.

If you want to keep the ride as similar to stock as possible, either stick with the TRD suspension (if you can find some cheap), or get the 6112/5160. Keep in mind that the TRD front shocks are also 'adjustable', albeit with fewer 'stock' perch settings than the after-market Bilsteins, and with perhaps less ability to go up to 2.75". Adding a spring seat spacer (like ToyTec sells, $159) results in the virtually the same thing as moving up a perch setting on the 6112s; either way, you are increasing spring pre-load (adding a top spacer is different). As far as the rear goes, TRD/Bilstein are effectively similar, as you either need to add a coil spacer or get new springs to lift the rear.

I'm getting ready to add the 1" spring seat spacer to my front TRD shocks (and T13 springs in rear), as I'm looking for another 1.5". Hopefully it will work out the way I'm anticipating it will...

Where'd you pick up your '17 Trail? I went to Mountain States, as Stevinson didn't want to wrench on a new vehicle. Groove does lots of lifts before selling (RSG on Colfax does them), so you could chat with them (or RSG).

 

[gundrted+t4r]

Can't go wrong with the first option, the second option might result in non-stock ride results, and the third option would be OK; I'd add a fourth option of adding someone's take-off TRD suspension, if you can find a deal.

If you want to keep the ride as similar to stock as possible, either stick with the TRD suspension (if you can find some cheap), or get the 6112/5160. Keep in mind that the TRD front shocks are also 'adjustable', albeit with fewer 'stock' perch settings than the after-market Bilsteins, and with perhaps less ability to go up to 2.75". Adding a spring seat spacer (like ToyTec sells, $159) results in the virtually the same thing as moving up a perch setting on the 6112s; either way, you are increasing spring pre-load (adding a top spacer is different). As far as the rear goes, TRD/Bilstein are effectively similar, as you either need to add a coil spacer or get new springs to lift the rear.

I'm getting ready to add the 1" spring seat spacer to my front TRD shocks (and T13 springs in rear), as I'm looking for another 1.5". Hopefully it will work out the way I'm anticipating it will...

Where'd you pick up your '17 Trail? I went to Mountain States, as Stevinson didn't want to wrench on a new vehicle. Groove does lots of lifts before selling (RSG on Colfax does them), so you could chat with them (or RSG).

Very good info

I got mine form HM Brown autobroker. Been using them for years. No dealer BS.

The guys at Slee Off-road in Golden are the best I've found in Denver. Super honest and rely on repeat/word-of-mouth advertising.

Sent from my SM-G930U using Tapatalk

 

[Throwback]

Can't go wrong with the first option, the second option might result in non-stock ride results, and the third option would be OK; I'd add a fourth option of adding someone's take-off TRD suspension, if you can find a deal.

If you want to keep the ride as similar to stock as possible, either stick with the TRD suspension (if you can find some cheap), or get the 6112/5160. Keep in mind that the TRD front shocks are also 'adjustable', albeit with fewer 'stock' perch settings than the after-market Bilsteins, and with perhaps less ability to go up to 2.75". Adding a spring seat spacer (like ToyTec sells, $159) results in the virtually the same thing as moving up a perch setting on the 6112s; either way, you are increasing spring pre-load (adding a top spacer is different). As far as the rear goes, TRD/Bilstein are effectively similar, as you either need to add a coil spacer or get new springs to lift the rear.

Does the TRD Pro use the same rear coils as the rest of the 4Runners?

What I'm getting at is that in order to mimic the TRD Pro suspension one would need the 6112 Coilovers (what circlip perch settings?) and 5160 rear shocks with OEM coil springs?