Ok, I posted this on DFW Forum and got some interesting advice. What do you think?
Countdown to lifting my rig has begun! Seeking recommendations: I’m about to add a lift kit to my ‘18 SR5P 4x4. What’s better, a nearly new OEM TRD Pro Bilstein lift (or similar 6112/5160 kit with 1-2” lift) OR new Eibach Pro Lift Kit 2.75” front / 1” rear?
I hear the Bilstein is a better kit but rides a bit harsher than Eibach, the valving is less responsive as a daily driver, but it’s highly engineered for the 4Runner. I only go wheeling 3-4x per year. Any thoughts?
What is your "mission profile?" I don't deal with looks, lol. But a suspension upgrade can definitely be functional on road as well, certainly for a vehicle without KDSS. I don't think running 3-4 trail days a year should be a big part of your decision.
The 6112/5160 might be ideal on road. This is a digressive setup though Billstein would not say specifics about the valving. I have the 6112 with Icon 2.0 rear but I have driven a stock Pro with the softer springs and 5160 and it drove extremely well in town. It had BFG and higher tire pressures so I cannot compare ride quality directly but it was a bit harsh over small bumps at low speed whereas my Icon 2.0 and P metric tires at 33 and Eibach spring are amazing. The Icon is only digressive on rebound and only mildly so.
I would say either 6112/5160 or 6112/Icon 2.0 with P metric tires would be great on road. You probably don't want to pair the 6112 with Fox 2.0, that's known to be harsher though some like that, too.
I am not a fan of 5100s though they work. But I don't think replacing just the shocks will do the trick. The springs play an important role in handling and cornering from what I have read. I also know it from my own 4R experience as I had aftermarket coils and stock shocks for about 7,000 miles.
I am very impressed with all I have read about Eibach shocks and I would surely go for those over 5100s.
In terms of durability, 6112, 5100, and Eibach are probably a wash; all with very long life expectancy for a monotube. 5160 and Icon 2.0 are more of a toss up.
The 6112 give you better customization than the other options and they also account for driver side lean. With all of them, you may get a bit different lift than expected, I would say plus or minus 0.25".
If going Eibach, I would personally use stock setting on Dobinsons lift coils in the front and the 1" Eibach shock in the rear.
Personally, I strongly dislike lifts over 2. I know several people on this forum put such lifts to excellent use in a variety of offroad terrain, but I am in the less is more camp; I have 1" all around with 3/16 armor everywhere it is needed. But that's offroad specific.
As for how a truck looks, I really don't care (unless it is damage: I do care for that!).
Edit: also, with higher lifts you alter the balance between up and down travel more and that results in harsher ride.
