Eibach vs. Bilstein vs. Rough Country Lift?

I’m looking to get a modest lift on my truck and my local shop priced out some options for me. Im interested in hearing some opinions on these 3 manufacturers and how they rank (never mind price). It’s my daily driver and my “off roading” consists of mostly just exploring class six roads and stuff. No extreme off roading or anything.

Bilstein B8 6112 Series Front Kit Bilstein

$524 B8 5100 Series Set of Front & Rear Shocks fits 1996 2004 Tacoma with 1-1.5" Lift | TrendsAuto Decal | 24-249928 33-247724 33-247717

B8 5100 Rear Shock

Or

Rough Country 2in Leveling Kit - N3 Struts Rough Country N3 Rear Shock Pair

or

Eibach Pro-Truck Lift Stage 1 Kit 2016-2023

I realize the rough country is just a leveling kit and I may have them price out the next model up which would be a softer ride.

thanks!

 

I ran 6112's and 5160's Very happy, only negative was they corroded bad do to being in salt belt
I should of coated them, with Sharkhide. Eibachi, and Bilstein very similar, Rough Country junk.

 

How was the ride quality with the bilsteins? Was it pretty firm?

 

It was a bit softer then stock sport. But not as soft as offroad.

 

5100s all around and icon 3 leaf AAL in the rear is exactly what you need based on what you are describing. Set the 5100s to the top clip setting in the front for a 2” lift and let it rock!

 

RC….stands for really crappy

I ran Billsteins 5100 on my 4R (65,000+ miles) and they were solid.

 

I’m Hijacking sorry, would that setup work if you had a 200lb cap and another couple hundred lbs in gear in the back? Or would I look at getting a whole new leaf pack?

 

leaf pack

 

Avoid the budget lifts like RC……if you can

 

You want the Icon rxt, it’s a 3 stage setup so you can run up to 500 lbs plus in the back, and it doesn’t squeak. Hundreds of members in here (including me) have had great success with it.

 

Not sure how RC is even considered

 

because it’s shiny and red…..and dealers charge $10k over sticker for it installed

 

5100s for 6 years here with almost 30k miles on my truck, was on the 4th now 5th setting, ride is great, better than the stock Sport shocks. I used a 1 in rear block with some light SL rated 285s and I'm supe happy with it. Great highway ride and and just a great 2/1 inch basic lift. Bilsteins are a solid way to lift, lots of love here for the 5100s!

 

Good to know! Thanks for the info. Time to get the side hustle going to save up.

 

So here’s what the shop priced out based on what I had kind of described what I was looking for. It’s an off road shop so I kind of figured they know what they are talking about but I’m relatively new to all of this. Are you saying to add leaf springs too? What does AAL stand for?

 

A 6112, 5160 will compliment each other over the 5100 rear. But honestly for what your describing 5100' all around will be more than enough. Rear shocks don't equal lift you will need a block, add a leaf or full leaf pack to bring the back up aswell.
Be prepared for phantom vibes post lift these trucks are known for the front diff needle bearing causing issues. It doesn't always happen but it's not uncommon. You will also want to consider angled shims and carrier bearing spacers to help get the drive shaft back in line.
One thing I would recommend over a lift is a 0 offset wheel with a 265/70r17 or 265/75r16 tire. This give the truck a great look with virtually no downsides.
The second you lift it starts to mess with the geometry and it puts additional wear on all components. Only other thing is if you use your truck as a truck make sure you retain some rake or the second you load the back it'll squat down and your riding around nose high.

 

Very true, solid advice. I did do the ECGS Clamshell bushing, front diff drop and rear carrier bearing drop. My angles are close to factory specs. I know some on here frown on the front diff drop but hey it works for me, zero issues, no vibrations, shakes or shimming what so ever! I drove my family member's new 23 Pro on a day road trip from Va, to NC. and I swear the ride in the new pro was awesome and honestly a little more refined maybe because its a 23 and 500 miles but it wasn't that that much better than mine. This was back country highway driving and I was impressed but for the money, light if any off roading the 5100s are a solid and nice choice for someone wanting a better than stock off road shock, little lift, great price and a great warranty 5100s are where its at.

 

This is great stuff! So the shop that I go to did actually price out the clamshell bushing and carrier bearing drop and brought that to my attention. The last thing I want to do is mess with a reliable truck. I got new wheels and tires earlier this year and I got 17x9 +12 offset paired with falken wild peaks AT3W 265/65/r17. The shop said that only stock size tires would fit without a lift or some trimming but I’m pretty sure I could’ve fit 265/70/17. It’s a good look without looking over the top but I am definitely interested in larger tires when I need new ones to give it a slightly more aggressive look.

So to get back to the suspension are you saying just go with 5100’s all around and use the factory springs up front? And then just replacing the rear shock? I think you might be on the right track with this approach. I don’t really think I see myself ever needing an aggressive lift. It’s my daily driver and I live in area where most of the “off roading” I’d probably do would be class VI roads and just access to camp sites. I don’t want to have this jacked up truck that drives on asphalt 90% percent of the time lol. Also I’m all about affordability.

After looking around a bit, is this what you’re suggesting?https://www.shockwarehouse.com/prod...ide-height-adjustable-kit-24-263108-24-186728

Seems really affordable and really more of just a leveling look with improved ride quality. Would installing this affect the geometry enough to require the bushing and bearing work? Thanks again!

 

285/70/17s will look great with 2/1 5100s set on the top perch with factory springs. Use the factory coils as that's what Bilstein designed them for. I have been on different setting and the ride is the same as some will say it makes the ride harsher. I never experienced that! A one inch rear block will retain a great ride and try and find a tapered block, rear carrier drop and a front diff drop, ECGS clamshell bushing and maybe later a set of SUMO bump stops, the blue ones would really dial in a nice useful set up when you decide to hit the trails. Now with the neg 12 offset you may need a cab mount chop. I have the exact set up but with a plus 4 offset whel with 285s and no rubbing or cutting, still retaining the factory mud guards. Hope this helps.