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

Which one and why?

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Overland WT, Aug 13, 2022.

  1. Aug 13, 2022 at 9:47 AM
    #1
    Overland WT

    Overland WT [OP] Grumpy Old Guy

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2022
    Member:
    #25317
    Messages:
    638
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bryan
    West Texas
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD Off Road
    Many with many more to go
    Overlanding rig that will see a lot of highway miles as well since we live 5 hours from the nearest forest!

    Bilstein Front 6112 + Rear B8 5100 Shocks

    or

    Eibach Pro-Truck Lift System Stage 1 Kit

    These seem pretty popular here. I've had 5100's on my last JKU and felt they were a bit stiff as a daily driver, but worked well offroad.
     
    Toffees likes this.
  2. Aug 13, 2022 at 10:07 AM
    #2
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    13,644
    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 have the Bilstein setup you are looking at. I have the heavy load rear springs, though.

    I have mixed feelings about the Bilsteins. I am actually pretty happy with the ride on road. Offroad, it's hit or miss for me. They soak up bigger bumps very well, but can be pretty harsh on washboards. Although, you can usually adjust your speed to the washboards and it improves a little bit. It also gets pretty bouncy in whoops, but I don't know if that's because I have the stiffer rear springs.

    Overall, It's 50/50 whether I would buy them again. I don't think I will, because I will probably try to get something custom valved the next time around. But, if I were sticking to a similar budget, I think I would go with the Eibachs because I hear so much good about them here.

    I don't think either option is a bad choice, though.
     
    blksubykid, nimby, Piney and 2 others like this.
  3. Aug 13, 2022 at 10:10 AM
    #3
    Overland WT

    Overland WT [OP] Grumpy Old Guy

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2022
    Member:
    #25317
    Messages:
    638
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bryan
    West Texas
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD Off Road
    Many with many more to go
    Thanks for the honest answer...

    And then I found these. 2-3 week lead time. OME Springs front and rear with 5100's front and back.

    https://yotamafia.com/product/bilstein-stage-1-lift-kit/

    I believe these springs are a bit softer than stock which may help the 5100 stiffness. Dont know a lot about Eibach other than by name.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  4. Aug 13, 2022 at 11:09 AM
    #4
    Toffees

    Toffees Stuff and things

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2019
    Member:
    #9616
    Messages:
    450
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Micah
    LA
    Vehicle:
    16 LE
    Similar to OP, replacing my XREAS and looking for the perfect combination of quality and value... whatever that is. Would like to keep (near) current height and use OEM control arms, not looking for anything stiffer on spring weight. Other recommendations besides the two offered at top?
     
  5. Aug 13, 2022 at 8:43 PM
    #5
    Henry J

    Henry J Crap…crap crap crap crap…crap

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2020
    Member:
    #15986
    Messages:
    845
    Gender:
    Male
    Sacramento Ca
    Vehicle:
    2008 Brick Red FJ & 2011 Silver T4R Trail
    I had bilstein on my Titan, before my FJ, and they were nice. Stiff, but I liked it.

    for my 4Runner I new I was going to spend a LOT of time driving from LA to Portland so I went OME for highway quality. Very smooth and wife doesn’t hate me.
     
  6. Aug 14, 2022 at 12:45 AM
    #6
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2021
    Member:
    #19810
    Messages:
    5,484
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2021 4runner OR
    Dobinson IMS Warn Bumper CaliRaised Sliders 285/70 K02s
    Dobinsons IMS with dobinson springs. Im a pretty picky kind a guy and this setup gets no complaints from me. It’s firmer than stock, but very well controlled damping, loaded or unloaded. The firmer ride changes the character of the vehicle, from the sedate cloud-like comfort of stock suspension, to that of a well sorted heavy sports sedan (that can off-road lol).

    Not that I drive it around sporty, but dang, it feels good driving around :)
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  7. Aug 14, 2022 at 12:55 AM
    #7
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2021
    Member:
    #19810
    Messages:
    5,484
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2021 4runner OR
    Dobinson IMS Warn Bumper CaliRaised Sliders 285/70 K02s

    I just noticed I missed the detail that you have xreas. I believe the spring rate I got was stock, but the increased firmness comes more from the IMS shocks themselves. I dont know how the xreas compares against regular 4runner factory shocks though, so the IMS may be similar to feel of the xreas.

    i have heard the ironman foam cell shocks replicate the feel standard 4runner shock damping the closest.

    In regard to off-road, it does fine on the places I go, which is Rough gravel roads and forest trails, with bits of slow rocky sections thrown in. I’m no expert on suspensions by any means, but it feels right all around. Cant speak to higher speed desert type trails though.
     
    Last edited: Aug 14, 2022
    Toffees likes this.
  8. Aug 14, 2022 at 6:05 AM
    #8
    Toffees

    Toffees Stuff and things

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2019
    Member:
    #9616
    Messages:
    450
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Micah
    LA
    Vehicle:
    16 LE
    did you replace your springs as well or reuse your original springs?
     
  9. Aug 14, 2022 at 9:45 AM
    #9
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2021
    Member:
    #19810
    Messages:
    5,484
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2021 4runner OR
    Dobinson IMS Warn Bumper CaliRaised Sliders 285/70 K02s
    Dobinsons springs. Although I believe the rate was the same, they were a bit taller to get a 2.5/1.5 lift.
     
  10. Aug 15, 2022 at 8:24 AM
    #10
    blksubykid

    blksubykid New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2021
    Member:
    #23606
    Messages:
    176
    Gender:
    Male
    I ran 6112/5160s for the past four (4) years and they have been great, but I completely agree. I recently upgraded to custom valved Kings (and custom length in rear) and they are awesome. I still think the price of entry is kind of steep but the vehicle feels better in every aspect and I've been messing with the adjusters to see what settings are best for the terrain I'm on.
     
    nimby, K-Paul and Thatbassguy[QUOTED] like this.
  11. Aug 15, 2022 at 8:37 AM
    #11
    K-Paul

    K-Paul Looking for a water crossing

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2021
    Member:
    #23237
    Messages:
    1,062
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Corbin Dallas
    Vehicle:
    SR5 4WD
    I can confirm this statement is just about spot-on. I would say the springs are a bit stiffer when turning so the body-roll is significantly improved over new stock squish.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  12. Aug 15, 2022 at 8:42 AM
    #12
    kmeeg

    kmeeg New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2018
    Member:
    #5853
    Messages:
    5,209
    Gender:
    Male
    If you have extended and compressed length front and rear it would help members a ton. I wish all suspension manufactures post this specs.
     
    Last edited: Aug 15, 2022
    K-Paul and Thatbassguy like this.
  13. Aug 15, 2022 at 12:56 PM
    #13
    blksubykid

    blksubykid New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2021
    Member:
    #23606
    Messages:
    176
    Gender:
    Male
    Fronts are the standard KDSS Kings with "extended travel"
    25001-243 (KDSS) Front Comp: 17.308" Ext: 22.625"

    25001-279 Rear Comp: 16.022" Ext: 24.614"
    My rears are 1.5-1.75" longer to account for +2" lift

    Ben at Filthy explains it pretty well
    https://www.filthymotorsports.com/King_OEM_4Runner_Shocks_p/king-25001-278.htm
     
    kmeeg[QUOTED] likes this.
  14. Aug 15, 2022 at 12:57 PM
    #14
    Kyblack76

    Kyblack76 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2018
    Member:
    #5354
    Messages:
    1,146
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kyle
    Layton, Utah
    Vehicle:
    18 TRD O.R
    A 80 series land cruiser.
    Edit- i only read the title
    Wait, what was the question?
    Double edit- you have a stock 2017 or?? Ans aren't upping tire size? (I didn't see any tire change want) Leave it as is and enjoy. It will do awesome for what your doing/wanting. Save your money.
     
  15. Aug 15, 2022 at 2:18 PM
    #15
    Overland WT

    Overland WT [OP] Grumpy Old Guy

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2022
    Member:
    #25317
    Messages:
    638
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bryan
    West Texas
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD Off Road
    Many with many more to go
    LOL. Not my first offroad vehicle. Have overlanded (hate that term) in 14 western states, Canada and Alaska. My first 4Runner, hence the need for some investigative work. Reading retailers copy and paste marketing is useless. Looking for opinions on what I asked for. OEM tire size. I appreciate the other comments about Dobinson and Ironman.
     
    Kyblack76[QUOTED] likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top