5100 vs 6112

I figured we didn't have enough suspension threads.

On a serious note...I've searched the living crap out of this, but I suppose I need someone to make it simple for me. I'm about 2 or 3 months out from buying a new set of tires; and being as my truck is paid off, I'd like to lift it and potentially get a new set of wheels. Am thinking a 2" lift.

Basic driving characteristics - live down a gravel road that gets quite nasty at times (e.g., 9-10" ruts in the road), but aside from that, most driving is on back country highways/interstate.

I was initially sold on a Toytec lift kit (the Aluma), but am thinking that from what I'm seeing, Bilsteins might meet my requirements. With that said, I'm seeing a ton of people with 6112s in the front and 5100s in the back.

SO....wanting some suggestions. 6112's or 5100s all around? Or 6112s in front/5100s in back? I'm so cornfused. LOL

 

Look at the shock bodies of 6112 and 5100.the 6112 body is bigger giving it more damping capabilities

 

Right - that I did/do see. So it seems to me that you'd definitely want this up front as that's where most of the weight is. What I'm not sure about is whether or not I should also just go ahead and get 6112s all the way around and call it done, or if I'll be satisfied with 6112s up front.

I'd like to keep the ride characteristics as close to stock (or better) as possible.

 

Way better than stock unless if your talking about a trd pro suspension

 

As always, It really depends on what you want to spend and preference. I had 5100s on my Tacoma and loved them (some would say they were to stiff) and they are a pretty affordable option. I was in your same situation and wanted to get the 6112s but ultimately decided on the toytec aluma 2.0s for the adjustability and they were just slightly more than the 6112s with assembly. I have also heard the ride quality of the toytecs are pretty smooth. I am about to install the coilovers this weekend and can report back on how they ride. Also went with the 5160s in the rear and love them. You can really go down a rabbit hole with suspension.

 

I believe 5160 for rear is the popular setup

 

Also if decide to switch over suspension later on 6112 and 5160 do well in the resale

 

I just did 5100s for my fronts @ 2.3”. Not sure if previous measurements with my stock suspension, but I’m sitting 38-1/4 on passenger side and 37-3/4 on driver side.

That drivers side lean is real.

I’m going to be doing TC 3/4 shackles with rear 5100s as well.

 

Well, I *want* to spend on Toytec Alumas, but my bank account may dictate something a bit cheaper. LOL Or I may just put it on the credit card (that I just paid off) and pay that off over the next month.

 

@805Tundra - that'd be great, if you don't mind. To clarify, it seems like you went with Toytec Aluma 2.0's in the front and 5160's in the rear? Or are you going with Toytec Aluma 2.0's all around and having those installed this weekend?

 

Lol, the bank account always has the final say in these matters.

Sure thing! Yep, toytec aluma's up front and 5160s in the rear. I am just leveling my truck at this point in time so keeping stock height in the back. The 5160s are a better option for stock hight and were the same price as the toytec rear shocks and the 5160s have a resovoir , but overall very happy with them.

 

5100 is for street with bigger tires, 6112 & 5120 is for off-road.

 

I think this is fair. I’ve had my 6112/5160 for nearly 3 years with zero complaints.

 

LMAO - I may do just that. May be tomorrow before I'm able to get free long enough to call however.

 

@805Tundra - what's the haps on the suspension upgrade?

 

@Kung Finished the install over the weekend but haven't had a chance to test drive it, hopefully getting an alignment later this week and then will take it out for a solid drive to feel it out. They definitely look pretty sweet

 

By that, of course, I mean "I'll gladly be patient and wait for you to test it out and give me your impression."

 

Not offroading, 2" front lift, want a soft ride. I don't know why you are looking at 6112s and 5160s. You'd be wasting your money, as these are a step up from 5100s, for offroad. More damping, and more surface area and oil volume for extended rough roads.

For a soft ride I don't think you'd want 5100s either... people seem to think the Eibach shocks have softer valving. Another option is the Rancho Quicklift, which has adjustable valving so you can dial it to taste.

The Ranchos seem to give 2-2.5" lift usually, and you can't adjust it down. If you got the Eibach you could put it at a low setting (like 1.2") add spacers to the top to get you additional lift from length rather than spring compression, which should help it ride smoother. You definitely would want to add longer bumpstops to a spacer lift so you don't bottom out on the shock itself.

 

Mainly because

a) I'd like better quality than Ranchos/Rough Country; and
b) while I don't offroad much, where I live, the back roads that I drive every day are seriously crap (like 10-12" ruts). Probably 5-10 miles a day of pretty crap gravel/mud roads.

I don't necessarily need a 'soft' ride; I just don't want it seriously harsh, is all. But ultimately that's why I said "wanting some suggestions" in my original post - I fully realize that what I 'think' I want may not be necessary.

 

One other thought - there are more than a few people on this board that have 5100's or above that probably see move pavement than mine on a regular basis that DON'T complain about the ride....so I'm thinking that while the 5100's may be a 'stiffer' (heh) ride, they may not be what I'd consider harsh. I mean, it's a truck - I don't expect it to drive like a cloud. I just don't want to feel like I'm driving a HMMWV or a WWII-era Jeep. LOL

 

Gotcha... didn't realize your gravel road was that long. I don't think the Ranchos are poor quality (they actually honor lifetime warranties from what I hear... ), but they will overheat on long offroad jaunts. If you don't like Rancho, I think the basic Eibachs (the ones with adjustment slots for the lower perch that take your stock coils) would be your best bet.

There is *some* bitching about 5100s being rough, and I haven't heard that from Eibach owners... but there are fewer of them as well.

 

Yeah, I don't live that far off the road, but I have to drive back and forth a few times a day, run errands, etc., so it adds up over time.

The more I'm looking into it I'm thinking the Eibachs are the way to go; you're not the first to suggest them. I appreciate the advice.

 

@Kung These things handle beautifully, super smooth on and off road. I am extremely happy with the ride, I drove on a road that is going through some heavy construction and is pretty beat up and wow it felt great. Also took it through a dirt parking lot with some deep holes and smooth as butter. The best part is it feels like a truck and the handling is much more stable but it isn't so stiff that bumps are uncomfortable. I would definitely recommend them. The bling factor is nice too .

I know im a first gen , but just my experience.

 

I put 5160 all around, does great on ruff roads, but not good for rock climbing.

I also have stock tires, 32" on the truck.

Stock tires works better for towing heavier loads, any thing over 5,000 lbs.

I have friends running 35" tires with 3 " left, and there all over the road pulling a large trailer.

 

Do you mean 5100s all around? the 5160s are for the rear only

 

Nope, nope.

 

Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Kit for Toyota Tundra 4WD 2007-21. Includes Front Ride Height Adjustable Shocks #

$145 24-232173 Single 5100 Series Ride Height Adjustable Front Monotube Shock fits 2007 2021 Tundra 4WD - Provides 0.875-2.3" Front Lift

24-232173 & Rear Shocks # 24-186971 by Bilstein. Life time warranty. Front adjusted at mid level.
Both are B8 5100. $480

 

I had 5100s all the way around on my 16 Crewmax Tundra. They were stiffer but not bad at all. On my 2020 Tacoma, I had 6112s up front with 5100s in the rear. 6112s rode much better up front. I couldn't get the 5160s at the time for the rear. Now on my 2020 Double cab, I have Icon 2.5 up front with Element Billet UCAs and Icon Rxt rear springs with 2.5 Rxt shocks with the remote resi.

 

With the 6112's is it recommended to also replace the UCA's as well?