Bilstein shocks thread

Dndodd · September 7, 2016

I just did my 5100s this weekend. I've had an older version of the OTC StrutTamer -- #6580, a "non-extreme" model -- mounted in my garage for a few years.

It'll work, but you REALLY need to use it in conjunction with #6583, a "bridge" accessory that spans the top of the strut mount. Tried it without and didn't have enough leverage on the stock spring. I then did it with the bridge -- as GM's OEM service instructions even show -- and it worked perfectly. Suspect it's probably the same with the Extreme.

In any case, the bridge is only $50...might as well have it on hand when tackling it.

Thanks for that feedback. Did u have to disassemble anything else when removing the strut?

MRTMotorsports · September 9, 2016

Someone asked about the difference between the 5100 and 6112.

towdog333 · September 10, 2016

Well just had my Bilsteins 4600 series installed and boy what a differnce from the oem shocks.

NIXONRIDE · September 11, 2016

Does that mean you have an ETA on the 6112's?

Haus_Z71 · September 11, 2016

I didn't quite follow what the Z71 package has installed for suspension.

I'm going to put on 285/65/18's, so need to clear that. I definitely want to order Bilsteins from MRT.

I'm looking for 2" up front. Don't mind a little rake. Just don't want front higher than back.

Should I be ordering the 5100 kit?

Edited September 11, 2016 by Haus_Z71

Haus_Z71 · September 11, 2016

Well just had my Bilsteins 4600 series installed and boy what a differnce from the oem shocks.

Were you stock to start with? What tires you running with your Bilsteins?

towdog333 · September 11, 2016

Were you stock to start with? What tires you running with your Bilsteins?

My truck came with low profile tires and every bump you hit you feel it, with these bilsteins on makes a big difference

The stock shocks were just that nothing special

Edited September 11, 2016 by towdog333

jrob56 · September 12, 2016

Does that mean you have an ETA on the 6112's?

I am going to guess that picture is for a toyota or some other platform, but shows the larger bore and how much beefier 6112 is compared to a 5100.

Until I hear from some members with the 6112 Ill just keep struggle busing with a 2inch level on stock shocks that rides like crap..

MRTMotorsports · September 12, 2016

I am going to guess that picture is for a toyota or some other platform, but shows the larger bore and how much beefier 6112 is compared to a 5100.

Until I hear from some members with the 6112 Ill just keep struggle busing with a 2inch level on stock shocks that rides like crap..

Correct, that is for visual purposes.

Does that mean you have an ETA on the 6112's?

I was told I would see them before SEMA

I didn't quite follow what the Z71 package has installed for suspension.

I'm going to put on 285/65/18's, so need to clear that. I definitely want to order Bilsteins from MRT.

I'm looking for 2" up front. Don't mind a little rake. Just don't want front higher than back.

Should I be ordering the 5100 kit?

5100s will give you the lift you want, the 4600 do not have any lift provisions and are for those who dont want to lift it, or are using spacers.

4600s - http://shop.mrtmotorsports.net/bilstein-shock-sets/bilstein-5100-complete-set/2423828124238298/i-2304104.aspx

5100s - http://shop.mrtmotorsports.net/bilstein-shock-sets/bilstein-5100-complete-set/2423830433238319/i-2304103.aspx

Dndodd · September 13, 2016

My experience with the 5100's.

Initially with the stock rear shocks and the 5100's at the highest level in front nice improvement in ride. Stock close enough to level for me.

Add the 5100 rear shocks stiffer but tolerable around town didn't think my wife would like the ride on a long trip so I changed the rears back to stock.

Went on the trip loaded the bed full of stuff I am guessing 300-400 lbs. Thought the truck rode a little high in the front which I didn't like.

Also the more I drove the truck the more I felt the front was over sprung in the front on the highest setting due to the compression of the spring in the highest setting.

Thought about buying a spring compressor and experimenting. But I won't have the time. So I had a shop drop the fronts to the 2nd height level or 1 setting above stock which is how I had my Tundra set up.

No more over sprung feeling and the truck rides great. Currently have the stock rears on but will put the 5100's back on soon as it is very easy to do.

The truck is not level but I would rather have the better ride.

The Tech who did worked on it both times got out of this time and said great truck.

bgweed · September 15, 2016

The truck is not level but I would rather have the better ride.

Do you think the second-highest level would fit a Nitto 33x12.5R20 (actually specs at 32.76") on stock 20" wheels?

Dndodd · September 15, 2016

Do you think the second-highest level would fit a Nitto 33x12.5R20 (actually specs at 32.76") on stock 20" wheels?

Yes. When I do new tires I was planning on 275/60/20 versus 55 and I think those are 33" which should not be a problem at all. IMHO

Dndodd · September 15, 2016

Yes. When I do new tires I was planning on 275/60/20 versus 55 and I think those are 33" which should not be a problem at all. IMHO

But after considering the 60 series tires adds 5lbs of rotating mass I will pass and stick with the 55's.

NIXONRIDE · September 16, 2016

Do you think the second-highest level would fit a Nitto 33x12.5R20 (actually specs at 32.76") on stock 20" wheels?

You might get a little rub on the sway bar...I had 305/55r20 nitto Terra grapplers on stock suspension as well as the 5100's at the highest setting...those tires are probably as close to a 33/12.50 as you can get...they where on stock rims with a +27 offset. The both rubbed on the sway bar and it also rubbed a little on the fender liners at stock height.

MRTMotorsports · September 16, 2016

Update from Bilstein on the 6112 for this week.

Yo Chas!

We finally came out with a few more 6112 Kits including the one for your truck. We are also releasing a revised 4^th & 5^th gen 4Runner which has staggered snap ring grooves, plus we are releasing a 3^rd gen 4 Runner 6112 kit.

The next kits to come will be in October and they will be the 09- Ram 1500 4WD and the 1^st Gen Tundra 4x4.

The F150 and the GM 6112 kits are released but we don’t have a solid date yet on production. These took extra time because we developed a “bomber” lower crossbar bushing.

We are also releasing a leveling kit for the late model Ram 2500/3500 4x4 diesel. (See Below) These are Coil Spring/Shock leveling kits and also include a new heavy duty spring isolater. They come with either a 5100 or a 5160 damper.

Light Truck New Releases:

• 2010 – 2016 Toyota 4Runner B8 6112 front kit – Part# 47-259768

• 2003 – 2009 Toyota 4Runner B8 6112 front kit Part#- 47-260153

• 1996 – 2002 Toyota 4Runner B8 6112 front kit – Part# 47-258624
• 2000 – 2006 Toyota Tundra 2WD B8 6112 front kit - Part# 47-243729