Dobinson IMS vs Bilstein 6112

That’s the question.

 

Why just those two? There are many others

 

Similar price point. Both get good reviews. Haven’t seen a comparison.

 

For the price you can't go wrong with 6112

 

Ironman, Fox, King, Icon, OME, RC

Just to name a few more

 

These are the top 2 I’ve debated on upgrading to when I eventually lift the truck. Biggest difference I can tell is Dobinsons is linear where Bilstein is digressive. So theoretically Dobinsons would feel less firm than Bilstein when driving highway/mall crawling. Although the spring you choose with Dobinsons will make a big difference as well. Also Dobinsons IMS can be preloaded 3+ inches which I really wouldn’t advise.

7500 miles in and I’m determined to wait until warranty has expired before making the jump. Wish me luck lol

 

Those generally aren’t at the same price. 6112=$836, IMS=$855 (per pair, including coils)

 

Ironman is $775
https://ironman4x4america.com/nitro-gas-prebuilt-front-coilovers-suited-for-2005-toyota-tacoma/

Fox 2.0 is $957
https://www.shocksurplus.com/produc...air-for-2005-2019-toyota-tacoma-4wd-rwd-6-lug

RC Vertex is $1300
https://www.roughcountry.com/toyota...89041.html?find=2021-toyota-tacoma-4wd-756520

Icon is $1535
https://www.shocksurplus.com/products/icon-2-5-internal-reservoir-coilovers-ext-travel-58635-700

King is $1805
https://www.shocksurplus.com/produc...oyota-tacoma-6-lug-4wd?variant=39667991281713

6112's are $950
https://www.shocksurplus.com/produc...2022-toyota-tacoma-4wd?variant=39795040813105

OME is $652
https://www.shocksurplus.com/products/old-man-emu-nitrocharger-2-3-lift-kit-16-21-toyota-tacoma

King and Icon require frequent rebuilds but are pretty good quality. RC is coming along but you will get flamed for those. Everyone else is right around the same price...

 

Thanks. Right or wrong, I had limited my scope to monotubes just based on experience. I'll take a look at all of them though. Still, the 6112 and Dobs are at the top of my list.

 

for a 3rd gen 6112 is limited to about 2" and IMS can get you closer to 2.5-3" I would take IMS all day long bc you can adjust them on the vehicle with their threaded collars, have a big selection of coils. Get the extended travel fronts.

 

Debating the same thing. Both seem great bang for buck. I want something a little bit softer, so when we are on the trail, not quite as much headshake since I have kids so I was leaning towards the IMS, but then I read the 25k review on Trail Tacoma, which indicated that the ride was a little firm. I do like that you can get the IMS, rebuilt, and revalved. You cannot do that with the 6112s.

 

Dobs all day

 

Same. IMS was out of my budget and I went with Twin tubes. Very happy with how it rides/handles.

 

Dobinsons is much softer

 

I would honestly wonder if IMS is better.

They look just about as thick, but with a thread adjustable perch for perfect height setting.

The rhetoric around 6112 is that it's digressive valving resulting in stiffer road manners, but softening on dirt the faster you go.
To me, that's not valuable. Nobody is desert prerunning on a 6112.
And speeding up to smash into a rock to climb a wall is not something you do.

Dobinsons probably specializes in offroad. Bilstein generally makes cheap OEM shocks for the general public, including selling TRD Pros.

I am not saying 6112 is bad. I have them, will probably continue to run them. May not be worth switching to Dobinsons if I already have 6112.
Better than previous setups and comfortable. I'm not complaining. They're popular, many folks have it and are happy with it.
But if you're starting from scratch, who knows, maybe IMS is better.

Plus, it looks like the IMS may be rebuild able. I believe 6112 is not.
I kind of glanced over IMS. Wish I would've considered it at the time. Heard good things about it.

I feel like 6112 was cheaper back then. IIRC $750 and kind of the next closest step up above/past thinner 5100.

It's also appealing that 6112 has optional HD springs to handle armor.

if I ever change down the road it'd probably be to Fox adjustable w/ reservoir

 

I’ve been trying to decide on the right setup as well. I originally bought the Fox 2.5 IFP non-resi coil overs, not installed yet. I have been reading some mostly negative reviews on these. Actually contacted 3 different vendors that sell these and all of them have tried to steer me in a different direction. 1 recommended Dobinsons IMS, 1 recommended 6112’s, and one recommended Fox with DSC.
So I know everybody has a different opinion. I’m just trying to get it right the first time.
The DSC Fox’s are out due to my budget. So either going with the Dobs or the 6112.
I am tempted to just keep the Fox IFP’s but it sounds like they might ride fairly harsh and nobody want to recommend them.

Won’t be dessert running at speed, just slow mountain trail driving mostly and hoping I can keep a great street ride with 2-2.5” lift

 

Toytec seems nice but you pay for it

 

I don't like colored springs so I'd go Bilstein. My OCD can't take dirty colored springs. Especially teal.

 

mine are red