3rd Gen Bilstein 6112/5160 vs Fox 2.0

Looking to upgrade my Bilstein 5100's and have been looking at the Bilstein 6112/5160 and the Fox 2.0.

The 5100's were a good first upgrade and the height setting (1.1" front / 1.25" block in rear) has been perfect.. But I'm looking for a tad more.

The truck is on 265/65/16 Falken Wildpeaks and 16x8 -12 Method NV wheels.

I drive Baltimore City roads often with the fire department, so I might as well be off roading.
But other than that, I drive mainly normal city roads and highway.
My only other plans are eventually hit some random trails and the beach at some point without tearing my truck up.

My area (Maryland) definitely sees a lot of salt in the winter, which has me leaning toward the Fox 2.0.

But for the ride quality, dependability/reliability and the cost.. What is my best option if I want to get a little more height and the best/optimal ride quality for my driving and future conditions?

 

idk i am looking at 5100 for my second gen. but how is that truck so clean? ceramic coating and paint correction?

 

I have had the 6112 5160 combo on for a couple years and for your driving environment I think you’d like them. They are digressive so they have a firm, sporty feel. You feel road imperfections, but they corner super flat and the truck doesn’t dive under panic braking.

The Fox are progressive, so they will give you a softer, pillowy ride. Very comfortable but more roll and dive. Fox are also rebuildable IIRC and the Billies aren’t.

 

Do you know of any fox shocks for stock ride on a second gen? i do off roading (hunting and having a little fun as a teenager) the most i would do is a 2 inch lift but stuff big tires under it(love that look).

 

Fox shocks are not all that great with salt, unless further measures are taken.

Id go with the bilstiens personally. At that price point you're dealing with high internal pressures and the difference will be minimal. I think the bilstien would be a great option

 

The Eibach kits should get some consideration in your list.

 

do you have one? thoughts if so?

 

No, not on the new Tacoma just yet but I had on on my 15 Colorado Z71. I also just had the TRD Pro Bilsteins on my 19 4rnr which is similar to the 6112 just no adj options. Both firm it up yet still drivable. For cost and performance its hard to not consider. All good choices no matter what you choose.

 

k i got a 14 Tacoma and just looking around right now at different ways to go but all i think i will do below the truck is slidersright now and tires soon(got a flat yesterday). tires will be duratrac in 265/75r16 in c load.

 

I would go with the Fox. I have those on my 2014 and the Bilstein on the 2003. They are both good shocks but the Fox is definitely a step up. You will get a firmer ride with the Fox shocks.

 

You know of shocks and only them because I am trying at stay cheap and not lifting.

 

Man, good luck finding anything with a Bilstein component like the 6112's I ordered a 3/2 SST kit with the 6112's in a coilover and everybody is at a standstill because they dont have the shocks....ive contacted a lot of places and its the same thing...out of stock/backorder...I just want a 3/2 and I really dont want a block and spacer lift. But its probably going to be quite a while before Bilstein gets anything out. Can anyone help me out of a good alternative? The dealer put in a crappy 3/1leveling kit and its been overtorqued up front on the passenger side.
Thx in advance.

 

This is the world currently. It’s so bad in the biking industry that my bike shop can’t get brake pads for my trail bike or a replacement fork for my busted one.

 

Yep...its bad.

 

No sir! I'm not sold on that expensive shit. Hand wash and wax has yet to fail me.. My buddy showed me his ceramic coat and then he touched my paint and asked me to do his.

Hand wash, clay with Chemical Guys clay and luber (lol), waxed with Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax.

The plastic pieces (black pieces) are taken care of with Chemical Guys VRP and Factory Finish Trim Coating and Protectant. The wheels are cleaned with Chemical Guys Diablo wheel cleaner and then shined with some spray stuff which isn't Chemical Guys.
And no, I don't work for Chemical Guys lol but after using a bunch of stuff, I feel their stuff is fairly priced and it does the job.

 

Just a heads up.. I ordered the 6112/5160.

I was able to piece it together (a few companies have the front in stock) but you have to call around.. I ended up ordering the front, and one rear from one company.. And the right rear from another company.

The 'kit' is not in stock, anywhere - and I can confirm that with my 29 phone calls.

Think outside the box and piece it together, but the right rears are a bitch to find and took me awhile.

 

Why dont you just change the 5100s to a higher clip? you'll get more height in the front and it wont cost you any money

 

I'm having trouble finding the rears as well.