Toytec Boss vs Bilstein 6112/5160 setup

[cheeser]

As mentioned, long term reliability is important to me as I plan on keeping the 4Runner for the long haul.

I noticed there is a new Boss rear shock, but doesn't show in their Boss kit...I assume one can modify the order by calling though. Curious how much better this new shock is though.

FJBOSS25R - Boss 2.5" Rear Shocks for 07+FJ/03+ 4Runner

On another thread, there seems to be problems with leaking 6112s.

 

[T5RUNNER]

I have plans to get the 6112/5160 w/ 2" Toytec rear Superflex springs, 2" rear bump stop kit, and front diff drop kit. Unless someone has them in stock, the rear 5160's are backordered until early December.
I hear its a killer setup, and the Toytec rear springs are supposed to have stock suspension feel.

This is what I went with, minus the bump stops. I think it is perfect. The spring rates are a little higher but not what I would call stiff and the damping is really nice. My friend has 5100s all around and it is much choppier. When I bought my truck it was on brand new Monroe shocks and I hated the way it drove, way too soft and pitchy, now I love it.

You don't need the diff drop kit. I would also highly suggest the JBA UCA. I asked the alignment shop to set the camber in spec and Max the caster, got +6 caster and no rubbing on the body mount. Uniballs and polyurethane bushings are for race rigs, they are not a good solution for everyday trucks.

 

[4R1unner]

This is what I went with, minus the bump stops. I think it is perfect. The spring rates are a little higher but not what I would call stiff and the damping is really nice. My friend has 5100s all around and it is much choppier. When I bought my truck it was on brand new Monroe shocks and I hated the way it drove, way too soft and pitchy, now I love it.

You don't need the diff drop kit. I would also highly suggest the JBA UCA. I asked the alignment shop to set the camber in spec and Max the caster, got +6 caster and no rubbing on the body mount. Uniballs and polyurethane bushings are for race rigs, they are not a good solution for everyday trucks.

ToyTec highly recommends the front diff drop kit, and it's only $30, I believe. They said it corrects the angle (of something). Sorry, I'm new to lifting.
And they said they've seen alignments without UCA's, which I've priced out at around $500. Could I get them later, or would labor be expensive?
Also, what setup has uniball and polyurethane bushings?

 

[RyanEJ25]

The front 6112 is a coilover kit. But you're right, I think that specific model isn't rebuildable, and the ToyTec BOSS are rebuildable. Is it that important?

It depends on you. I opted for a better suspension setup because I'll keep the car till it dies and the shocks can be rebuilt rather than buying a new set. It's also nice to know that you have it rather than wanting to upgrade down the road.

Is it only 5100's that have the lifetime warranty? When my rear 5100's started leaking I got the Boss shocks assuming they would not be rebuildable but knowing I may go a different direction eventually. In my case I needed something better than the bilstein to control the weight in the rear, the Boss shock does a better job than a 5100, and it wasn't a function of heat buildup.

I called Bilstein US and they said that the 5100 have a lifetime warranty but the 6112 and 5160 do not. My suspension is overkill I'm sure but when I have gone through woops and off-road the car settles back down on a cloud. When I road in an explorer with 5100s it felt stock and no different.

 

[RyanEJ25]

ToyTec highly recommends the front diff drop kit, and it's only $30, I believe. They said it corrects the angle (of something). Sorry, I'm new to lifting.
And they said they've seen alignments without UCA's, which I've priced out at around $500. Could I get them later, or would labor be expensive?
Also, what setup has uniball and polyurethane bushings?

Wait hold up?? $500 for an alignment? Dude run away. I got a 4wheel alignment by brake masters for $59. UCA are worth it and I recommend it. PM me if your interested but I can help you with the install. I see your in Anaheim not too far.


Edit: $500 for UCA lol. Hit up Chas @mrtmotorsports and he will give you a good price.

 

[4R1unner]

It depends on you. I opted for a better suspension setup because I'll keep the car till it dies and the shocks can be rebuilt rather than buying a new set. It's also nice to know that you have it rather than wanting to upgrade down the road.




I called Bilstein US and they said that the 5100 have a lifetime warranty but the 6112 and 5160 do not. My suspension is overkill I'm sure but when I have gone through woops and off-road the car settles back down on a cloud. When I road in an explorer with 5100s it felt stock and no different.

Can I ask how much your setup was? I initially wanted the 5100's but upgraded to 6112/5160, assuming it was a step up. My current setup will be $2300 installed.
And where did you get your install done? It seems we're neighbors.

 

[T5RUNNER]

ToyTec highly recommends the front diff drop kit, and it's only $30, I believe. They said it corrects the angle (of something). Sorry, I'm new to lifting.
And they said they've seen alignments without UCA's, which I've priced out at around $500. Could I get them later, or would labor be expensive?
Also, what setup has uniball and polyurethane bushings?

Toytec recommends it because toytec sells it, you don't need it and if you are actually paying someone to do the install it will cost a lot more than $30.

You can possibly barely get your alignment in spec with factory UCAs, but your truck will probably wander on the highway and/or you will have clearance problems between the UCA and spring or between the tire and body mount. Doing it right the first time is the cheapest way.

there are whole threads answering the questions you are asking.

 

[4R1unner]

Toytec recommends it because toytec sells it, you don't need it and if you are actually paying someone to do the install it will cost a lot more than $30.

You can possibly barely get your alignment in spec with factory UCAs, but your truck will probably wander on the highway and/or you will have clearance problems between the UCA and spring or between the tire and body mount. Doing it right the first time is the cheapest way.

there are whole threads answering the questions you are asking.

Thanks for your help, looks like I have to do more research

 

[bigbillyt]

I recently had the Toytec Boss 2.0 kit and SPC ball joint UCAs installed professionally on my 2012 Trail and I love it. I do have the slight extra weight of the Gobi Stealth rack and Shrockworks sliders but nothing else. I had them set it to 2.5" in the front and of course the kit comes with the 2" springs for the rear. It gives the truck a nice level stance and rides great, just a little bit stiffer than the original OEM. It is probably plenty of suspension for me and I expect to get at least a good 50k miles out of the setup. The shop I took it to is well respected and said the diff drop (free with the kit) was unnecessary since the angle of the CV joints was fine and shouldn't cause any problems.

 

[RyanEJ25]

Can I ask how much your setup was? I initially wanted the 5100's but upgraded to 6112/5160, assuming it was a step up. My current setup will be $2300 installed.
And where did you get your install done? It seems we're neighbors.

I went through a group buy and got a great deal that way. But I did all the work myself so that saved a chunk. Ya were neighbors for sure. Hit me up with whatever you want to do.

 

[Avalon786]

How do you like the Icons? Are they stiff? I think I'm getting the ToyTec Superflex.
Doesn't Bilstein claim the 6112/5160 to be rated for extreme off-roading?

Yeah the 6112/5160 combo is really good for the money (less than $1300 if you shop around). The 6112 is not a coil-over, just a height adjustable shock.

The Icons are great, a little stiff without any added weight.

 

[Jhalko]

My suspension is overkill I'm sure but when I have gone through woops and off-road the car settles back down on a cloud. When I road in an explorer with 5100s it felt stock and no different.

Seems like EVERY company hypes their product in the marketing on how extreme it is. I think you generally get what you pay for personally, doesn't mean less expensive kits can't do what you need, but there may be sacrifices elsewhere. The higher level bilstein setup wasn't even available when I lifted my truck, at least folks these days have a ton of options.

 

[axisbogner]

I noticed a few LA folks on the thread. Any recommendations on a good shop on the west side of town that could install one of the toytec kits? I'd like to find someone who'll warranty the work too, if possible. Thanks

 

[TK-422]

I noticed a few LA folks on the thread. Any recommendations on a good shop on the west side of town that could install one of the toytec kits? I'd like to find someone who'll warranty the work too, if possible. Thanks

Look in the Shop Thread in the SoCal section.

 

[3xpert]

Picked this up last week, Had the dealer install 6112/5160 with 265 KO2's C load. Driver side 4 slot up and passenger 3rd slot up from bottom.
Rides great on the street and highway. Normal off roading is Northern WI/UP logging roads a few times a year. Will be going in a few weeks.

 

[Float]

I see this thread is attempting to revive.

What are your thoughts on getting a TRD Pro suspension and adding the toytec TRD Pro lift to it. The springs are a little softer than stock, and the Bilstein shocks are specifically valved for this truck. If you haven't driven one, it really is plush on-road and it can handle fast whoops and off-roading surprisingly well. I don't have the toytec lift added to mine, but others report it doesn't change the ride quality much and it allows enough clearance to fit 285s.

Cost from Toyota is high, but there seem to be people removing the suspension from their Pros and selling them on the forum.

I understand that it won't be as good for rock crawling as some of the other suspension systems out there, but if you don't intend to rock crawl, it's another option to consider.

What do you guys think?

 

[NC14trail]

Toytec are Garbage

I was all stoked two years ago when I got my 14 trail, I did a ton of research and decided to go with the Toytec Boss system. Huge mistake! It rode fine for a while, then the front coilovers started clunking and riding like crap and more recently the driver rear shock completely broke in half right below the top mount. Worst part is that Toytec never got back to me regarding the problems. I can tell you that there is no replacing the many years of experience Bilstein brings to the table. Stay away from the Toytec suspension systems!!!!

 

[Glandnut]

Picked this up last week, Had the dealer install 6112/5160 with 265 KO2's C load. Driver side 4 slot up and passenger 3rd slot up from bottom.
Rides great on the street and highway. Normal off roading is Northern WI/UP logging roads a few times a year. Will be going in a few weeks.

What rear springs did you do since you lifted the front?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

 

[Throwback]

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.

 

[3xpert]

What rear springs did you do since you lifted the front?

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Rear springs are the stock factory. If you want it higher you have to get different springs.
The 5160's dont lift at all.