Bilstein or Fox shocks

Have a 24 SR5 premium. Looking to improve performance off road...primarily beach driving.

Any recommendations/suggestions ? Having been looking at Fox Performance Series 2.0 and Bilstein. Not too interested in adding any additional lift. Maybe 1-1.5 inch.

Is it wise to maintain the factory rake ?

 

Bilstein 5100's or Bilstein 6112/5160 are some of the best bang for the buck.

Maintaining factory rake will maintain stock load carrying capacity and avoid the rear end squatting when loaded down.

 

Bilstein 6112/5160
Front adjustable from .85 - 3.00 IIRC

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! Bilstein and Fox have been around forever, both have quality product lines.. but Bilstein is a little more bang for the buck, like stated by PVT Pablo above.

 

Thanks! I have read that the Fox 2.0's are a softer more luxurious ride. Is it really noticeable or the old to each his own ? Any comments on Eibach ?

Is an alignment recommended after installation ?

 

I've never personally ridden in a vehicle with the Fox's or Eibach. But remember spring rate is just as important as the shocks when it comes to a soft ride. You can ask any reputable vendor what the spring rate is of the coilovers/coils you're purchasing.

Definitely get an alignment.

 

Fox 2.5 front and 2.0 rears were softer than factory when I had them on my Tacoma. It would cadillac over certain sections of the highway and the shocks would clunk at full droop. Offroad they offered barely any dampening. This was off the shelf valving which can be changed. I do not recommend though.

 

Neither.

Eibach is what my plan is, they appear to be a better medium.

 

I set the 6112s at 1" and have 5100s and .75" dobison 323s in back.

 

Bilstein 6112/5160

Have this set up on my truck which doubles as a daily driver. I was going to go with Kings but after being asked what I plan to do with my truck, this setup was recommended. Living in Colorado, I was mainly looking to get back as far away as I could from the masses. I was told this setup would not only cost a fraction of the cost, ride better on my day to day commute, but wouldn’t have the maintenance issues that Kings come with. Most importantly, he said this would cover 90% of the terrain in Colorado and if I was never going to be crazy on the trails, it can’t be beat.

Saved myself a bunch of cash, wound up running with Icon springs, and Total Chaos UCI on 285/70/17 Falken Wildpeak 3’s. Went out and bought Dr. KDSS on/off switch and for what I do, couldn’t be happier.

I am pretty sure Fox clock in higher on the cost but apart from being in a Pro, I couldn’t tell you if they are better or not. The Billstein setup is a can’t go wrong though.

 

6112/5160 setup here (2.7" front, 1.5" rear) and its mostly a daily driver. Love the ride, much better than stock. While I haven't had it in a serious offroad situation yet, the limited times its been offroad have been just fine.

 

I went with Bilstein 6112/5160 on both of my T4R’s. I researched different shock manufacturers and how they valve their shocks.
I chose the 6112/5160 setup and have never been disappointed. When I bought my 21 during the plandedemic , Bilstein was effected like a lot of manufacturers not being able to obtain raw materials. So I went with Eibach.. Smaller diameter piston and body, the ride was slightly better than OEM. So I waited until I could source the Bilsteins, purchased, installed and never looked back!

 

Bilstein will typically ride stiffer than your OEM shocks - especially if you're looking for a softer ride than what you have.

 

Thanks ! Just ordered the 6112's/5160's setup. Will post pics when install is complete.

 

Eibach should be on your list. If you call them directly and say I want to buy yours or Bilstein they will throw a 10% “coupon” on it. I have them and absolutely love them. My suggestion would be eibach or Bilstein. Both great shocks. What’s nice about eibach is they are literally bolt on. They will ask what heights do you want them and will adjust them to your height before they ship them.

 

I would not purchase the Bilstein 6112/5160 setup on a 2006 Tundra. Due to digressive valving, on-road ride was as stiff as a lumber wagon. If were to do over, would go with Dobinson IMS.

 

I disagree.
If you want a lower quality shock, then Eibach would be the choice. I am speaking from experience, not conjecture or guessing.
But what do I know?

 

My 5100’s are stiffer than stock, but not by a heck of a lot, but the road improvement was huge, it feels more secure and planted than the stock shocks. (23 OR).

 

Ride quality is going to be about 95% damper and 5% spring. Same with controlling the motion of the vehicle - springs pretty much only set static ride height. If you put 550# and 750# springs on a 4runner in the correct lengths and set the valving properly, I can almost guarantee you'd never tell the difference.

Make sure the driver side is set a notch or two higher (towards the hat) than the passenger side or you'll have a lean. I did 6th and 4th on mine and it gave me a perfect 1.75" lift with aluminum sliders and skids.

 

And other motorists like me will be grateful for your headlights not blinding us at night.