1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Bilstein suspension or Eibach pro?

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by Miller1236, Feb 11, 2020.

  1. Feb 11, 2020 at 4:46 PM
    #1
    Miller1236

    Miller1236 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2019
    Member:
    #12066
    Messages:
    38
    Gender:
    Male
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Premium OR
    Interior LED,LED Back up Lights, Oem Led fog lights,Screen Protector,Canvasback Cargo Liner, Front Film Protection,TRD skid plate, Eibach Pro lift kit, JBA Uca. OEM Door edge protection, Rola cargo roof rack
    Which is the better suspension to buy.
     
  2. Feb 11, 2020 at 6:54 PM
    #2
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,647
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    I don't think you could go wrong either way.

    There are at least a handful of members here who are very happy with the Eibach setup.

    I've been researching the Bilstein 6112's and am hearing a lot of positive reviews as well.

    It might come down to the different ride characteristics of each and which suits your preference.

    I'm curious what others have to say.

    :popcorn:
     
  3. Feb 11, 2020 at 7:06 PM
    #3
    ForRun

    ForRun 4Runner

    Joined:
    May 25, 2019
    Member:
    #10019
    Messages:
    3,045
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 orp
    I hear good things about each one. Eibach is much cheaper for now, they are releasing a new line soon, fully adjustable rear front and rear. not sure about cost?
    Many other choices, many rave about Dobkins, bilstiens, kings, icons
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  4. Feb 11, 2020 at 8:31 PM
    #4
    RusPro17

    RusPro17 Back home again!!

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2017
    Member:
    #4821
    Messages:
    1,577
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Don
    Pa.
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD Pro Solar Octane
    SCS wheels and Westcott lift
    Since my 2020 Pro is new I’m just having Cornfed spacer lift added for now. Then I will put on 285’ down the road. Can not justify changing out a brand new suspension especially I don’t do off roading. Just my opinion unless you have the extra money to throw on a new suspension lifted the results on the fox suspension with added spacers there are really good reviews going this way. Guys are adding them even if you don’t have the fox suspension.
     
    travelinscout and KSJ08 like this.
  5. Feb 12, 2020 at 1:06 AM
    #5
    Miller1236

    Miller1236 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2019
    Member:
    #12066
    Messages:
    38
    Gender:
    Male
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Premium OR
    Interior LED,LED Back up Lights, Oem Led fog lights,Screen Protector,Canvasback Cargo Liner, Front Film Protection,TRD skid plate, Eibach Pro lift kit, JBA Uca. OEM Door edge protection, Rola cargo roof rack
    Does the Bilstein Trd Pro suspension level or add any lift.
     
  6. Feb 12, 2020 at 2:08 AM
    #6
    RusPro17

    RusPro17 Back home again!!

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2017
    Member:
    #4821
    Messages:
    1,577
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Don
    Pa.
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD Pro Solar Octane
    SCS wheels and Westcott lift
    My 17 Pro has the Bilstein and now my 2020 has the Fox suspension. They both sit about the same height. I believe there one inch higher. Comparing both I think the fox suspension feels better than my bilstein did. I like how the fox rides and I’m just improving the ride by adding the Cornfed spacers. Should have added they sit higher than the SR5 and off road.
     
  7. Feb 12, 2020 at 6:46 AM
    #7
    Miller1236

    Miller1236 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2019
    Member:
    #12066
    Messages:
    38
    Gender:
    Male
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Premium OR
    Interior LED,LED Back up Lights, Oem Led fog lights,Screen Protector,Canvasback Cargo Liner, Front Film Protection,TRD skid plate, Eibach Pro lift kit, JBA Uca. OEM Door edge protection, Rola cargo roof rack
    Will the TRD PRO suspension kit PTR13-89160 fit 2020 OR Premium.
     
  8. Feb 12, 2020 at 8:33 AM
    #8
    JimmyAGR

    JimmyAGR New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2019
    Member:
    #11457
    Messages:
    77
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jimmy
    Jacksonville
    Vehicle:
    2020 ORP

    Can't speak to the TRD kit, but I just put 6112s and 5160s in my 2020 ORP withh KDSS. I love the ride.
     
    DrewMan and travelinscout like this.
  9. Feb 12, 2020 at 11:12 AM
    #9
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #3777
    Messages:
    4,473
    First Name:
    Jake
    California
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5P
    Both are great and will perform similarly.

    TRD Pro Bilstein will give your roughly 0.8" of lift height, will cost you more and will have less adjustability.

    Eibach adjustable front shocks will give you 4 different height setting you can choose from and will cost less.
     
  10. Feb 12, 2020 at 11:57 AM
    #10
    Charlievee

    Charlievee New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2018
    Member:
    #8149
    Messages:
    1,287
    Fyi, may want to hold off. Eibach is working up fully adjustable rears. "4 weeks out". That being said, eibach can't make their kits fast enough.
     
    KSJ08 likes this.
  11. Mar 28, 2020 at 7:27 PM
    #11
    Barcelona Trail

    Barcelona Trail New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2018
    Member:
    #6282
    Messages:
    203
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado in Winter - SoCal in Summer
    Vehicle:
    '16 TEP w/ KDSS
    Bilstein 6112 & 5100 - Built Right UCAs - AFE Intake, TBS, & Exhaust - Pedal Cmndr - Icon Rebound - 285 BFG KO2
    Unfortunately... it may be a bit longer now
     
  12. Mar 28, 2020 at 8:05 PM
    #12
    Charlievee

    Charlievee New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2018
    Member:
    #8149
    Messages:
    1,287
    They released them, but got wrapped up in all the fear mongering and had to shut down.
     
  13. Mar 28, 2020 at 8:16 PM
    #13
    ForRun

    ForRun 4Runner

    Joined:
    May 25, 2019
    Member:
    #10019
    Messages:
    3,045
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 orp
    One left, they sold the 1st batch. I didn't buy because not sure how long my job will last with the media frenzy

    Screenshot_20200328-221522_Samsung Internet.jpg
     
  14. Mar 29, 2020 at 4:59 AM
    #14
    SeekNDestroy

    SeekNDestroy 346Runner

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2020
    Member:
    #13468
    Messages:
    13
    Gender:
    Male
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2018 4Runner TRD
    Eibach stage one pro loft SPC UCAs With 285/70/17R BFGoodrich KO2 Two 30inch light bars inside grill Hood Protector
    I’m running the eibach with Toytec springs. SPC Upper control arms and front diff drop

    My overall ride and suspension has improved. I finally have a great alignment thanks to the SPC and no more nose dive

    Haven’t tested it out off road yet
     
  15. Mar 29, 2020 at 6:57 AM
    #15
    Miller1236

    Miller1236 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2019
    Member:
    #12066
    Messages:
    38
    Gender:
    Male
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Premium OR
    Interior LED,LED Back up Lights, Oem Led fog lights,Screen Protector,Canvasback Cargo Liner, Front Film Protection,TRD skid plate, Eibach Pro lift kit, JBA Uca. OEM Door edge protection, Rola cargo roof rack
    Went with the Eibach pro lift kit stage one got a great deal for the kit will not be adding any weight front or back just looking for leveling , should I also purchase UCA for alignment to be safe.
     
  16. Mar 29, 2020 at 7:02 AM
    #16
    SeekNDestroy

    SeekNDestroy 346Runner

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2020
    Member:
    #13468
    Messages:
    13
    Gender:
    Male
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2018 4Runner TRD
    Eibach stage one pro loft SPC UCAs With 285/70/17R BFGoodrich KO2 Two 30inch light bars inside grill Hood Protector
    It wouldn’t hurt
    But it’s totally up to you
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  17. Mar 29, 2020 at 7:21 AM
    #17
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2019
    Member:
    #10964
    Messages:
    5,638
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gary
    Albuquerque, NM
    Vehicle:
    2019 OR, KDSS, RSG sliders, Eibach shocks, 265/70 Falken Wildpeaks
    Where did you end up buying from?
     
  18. Mar 29, 2020 at 7:24 AM
    #18
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,647
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    How high are you lifting the front?

    It seems like 2.5-3 inches is the point where it becomes necessary, depending on who you ask.

    I went 2.3", and did UCA's. I could have gotten by without them, but they're not hurting anything.
     
    Oldtoyotaguy and 7385 like this.
  19. Mar 29, 2020 at 7:31 AM
    #19
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2019
    Member:
    #10964
    Messages:
    5,638
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gary
    Albuquerque, NM
    Vehicle:
    2019 OR, KDSS, RSG sliders, Eibach shocks, 265/70 Falken Wildpeaks
    What is it about aftermarket UCAs that makes alignment better? IFS has me mystified...
     
    Thatbassguy[QUOTED] likes this.
  20. Mar 29, 2020 at 7:50 AM
    #20
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,647
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch

    I believe you need them to get the camber in spec. At some point, the stock ones are going be maxxed out and you'll have negative camber, if I'm not mistaken.

    I thought I had read that the BDS uppers that I installed added camber. I assume that this is the case with the other brands as well.

    I think it also said that they were NOT recommended for vehicles at stock height, or with less than 2" of lift.
     
    Oldtoyotaguy and 7385 like this.
  21. Mar 29, 2020 at 8:06 AM
    #21
    Barcelona Trail

    Barcelona Trail New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 17, 2018
    Member:
    #6282
    Messages:
    203
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado in Winter - SoCal in Summer
    Vehicle:
    '16 TEP w/ KDSS
    Bilstein 6112 & 5100 - Built Right UCAs - AFE Intake, TBS, & Exhaust - Pedal Cmndr - Icon Rebound - 285 BFG KO2
    Careful w that diff drop. It's not uncommon on the 5th gens for the diff drop to cause more problems than the slight angle change of the CV axle with a lift. CVs will ultimately need be addressed whether the truck is lifted or not. The added risk of additional parts failing (pinion angle on the driveshaft will lead to failure eventually) is an unnecessary risk in many people's opinions (this is a 5th gen side effect - not seen in older models)
     
    Last edited: Mar 29, 2020
    Oldtoyotaguy, 7385 and Thatbassguy like this.
  22. Mar 29, 2020 at 8:12 AM
    #22
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #3777
    Messages:
    4,473
    First Name:
    Jake
    California
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5P
    It's actually the caster. Caster moves the tilt your tire forward and back in the wheel well. Positive caster gives your stability, helps maintain straight-ahead direction and promotes steering wheel self-centering.

    upload_2020-3-29_8-3-36.jpg


    When you lift your truck and your stock UCA sits at a lower angle, the geometry moves the caster closer to the neutral position and it gets harder to move the wheel in the more positive direction. The higher you lift, the worse it gets. Aftermarket UCAs help with this and the good ones allow you to get the caster numbers up to the higher end of spec (positive 3.5 to 4) where the truck drives much better (and also can help prevent rubbing on mudflaps and body mounts if you're using the stock wheel backspacing, wheel width, and offset).
     
    Last edited: Mar 29, 2020
  23. Mar 29, 2020 at 8:15 AM
    #23
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,647
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    This makes me feel better about skipping the diff drop. My #1 reason for lifting was to get the front differential further off the ground. Dropping the diff seemed counterintuitive.
     
    7385 likes this.
  24. Mar 29, 2020 at 8:27 AM
    #24
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,647
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    I stand corrected. I know what caster and camber are, but I didn't fully understand how they were affected by lift. Thanks for the information!
     
    7385 and nimby[QUOTED] like this.
  25. Mar 29, 2020 at 8:58 AM
    #25
    Miller1236

    Miller1236 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2019
    Member:
    #12066
    Messages:
    38
    Gender:
    Male
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Premium OR
    Interior LED,LED Back up Lights, Oem Led fog lights,Screen Protector,Canvasback Cargo Liner, Front Film Protection,TRD skid plate, Eibach Pro lift kit, JBA Uca. OEM Door edge protection, Rola cargo roof rack
    On Amazon for 658.24 + tax now the price is 836.29 + tax free shipping
     
    Oldtoyotaguy and 7385 like this.
  26. Mar 29, 2020 at 10:42 AM
    #26
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2019
    Member:
    #10964
    Messages:
    5,638
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gary
    Albuquerque, NM
    Vehicle:
    2019 OR, KDSS, RSG sliders, Eibach shocks, 265/70 Falken Wildpeaks
    So if you lift your front suspension (any amount) and have oem UCAs, how does an alignment shop adjust the caster?
     
  27. Mar 29, 2020 at 10:47 AM
    #27
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,647
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch

    I think there's enough play in the stock ones to get in spec with smaller lifts.

    I'm not really sure how it works, though.
     
    nimby likes this.
  28. Mar 29, 2020 at 1:58 PM
    #28
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #3777
    Messages:
    4,473
    First Name:
    Jake
    California
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5P
    With our trucks, caster is adjusted at the LCA but the UCA needs to be able to support that alignment change. As you lift the truck, the less the UCA can support positive caster. The good aftermarket UCA's have higher caster adjustments built into them so that when you lift the truck (and align it at the LCA), the new UCA can handle that change. Some aftermarket UCA's allow for up to +5 degrees of caster for our trucks.

    I have a 1.6" lift in front with the stock UCA's. The alignment tech was still able to get me to +4 degrees of caster and mine drives really nice like this. I don't know at what lift height +4 degrees becomes impossible with stock UCA's......maybe 2" and higher???.......I'm not sure. But at some point, it does.

    And I'm not saying you have to be at +4 degrees caster. There's people out there with 2.5" lifts and stock UCA's that think their trucks drive fine with their caster maxed out at +2.5 degrees (which is still within Toyota specs); however, their vehicles will not feel as stable, the steering wheel won't snap back to center as fast, and they'll wander a bit more on the highway. If you want to reduce all that, you'll want the caster to be on the higher end of spec (+3.5 to 4 degrees).
     
  29. Mar 29, 2020 at 3:04 PM
    #29
    Oldtoyotaguy

    Oldtoyotaguy Paid cash for it

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2018
    Member:
    #7224
    Messages:
    1,600
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 Toyota 4 Runner Offroad
    Hey JimmyAGR, what settings did you use and how much lift did you get? Any photos? Thanks.
     
  30. Mar 29, 2020 at 7:36 PM
    #30
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2019
    Member:
    #10964
    Messages:
    5,638
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gary
    Albuquerque, NM
    Vehicle:
    2019 OR, KDSS, RSG sliders, Eibach shocks, 265/70 Falken Wildpeaks
    Thank you. I appreciate the explanation. I'd like to be knowledgeable about all this when I take it to the shop.
     
    nimby[QUOTED] and Thatbassguy like this.

Products Discussed in

To Top