Should I go with Fox or Bilstein 6112/5160 Combo?

Currently I run Bilstein 5100s on my 2016 Trail w 33" tires, Victory Bumper and a Winch. I also happen to got my hands on a used TRD pro fox suspension with low miles. Was thinking to simply swap them but then I think I'm gonna lose some height on the front since Fox front shocks are shorter than 5100s and I don't wanna do unecessary cutting or adding spacers/Westcott and possibly comprimise the performance...

But I do want to change the suspension though with something better suited for Offroading. Plus I'm planning to add a roof rack, possibly a steel rear bumper with a tire rack (currently have UltraSwing), and want something that can also handle an extra weight. Do you think Bilstein 6112 would be justified? Open for suggestions. Thanks!

 

Both suck compared to higher end stuff, if you have the money get some nicer fox or kings or dobinsons or even bilstein 8112 there’s a night and day difference ride quality wise between those and the 6112 5160

 

I wouldn't bother with a used TRD Fox setup, especially if you're running extra weight. Out of the two, I'd go with the Bilsteins.

I have 6112's with medium load springs, and am perfectly satisfied with them for my needs. I haven't used 5160's, so I can't speak for them. I have 5100's in back, and am definitely looking to upgrade the next time around. I wish Bilstein made a rear shock comparable to the 6112.

What type of off-roading are you doing?

 

The 6112/5160 combo is excellent but the performance is only slightly better than 5100s... their real appeal is volume so they don't fade a quickly. If you aren't experiencing that, you don't really need the upgrade and I'd slot the Fox Pro shocks as a downgrade personally - they just aren't tuned for any kind of weight.

 

I’m happy with my iron man set up so far, got about 10k on it now, only moderate off roading so far, but higher speed on forest road and stuff. Hope to test it a bit more this fall or next summer out at MOAB

 

Mainly overlanding, with some rock crawling, mudding etc, do not hesitate any terrain. Not saying that 5100s are not good enough, but would prefer better ride quality as well as some extra weight.

 

OK.

I was just curious if you were into high speed stuff, in which case you might want something higher end. For what you're describing, you should be fine with something more economical. But, if cost isn't a consideration, there's nothing wrong with buying top of the line stuff.

A newer option is the OME MT64. They're a little beefier than a 6112. I'm actually considering them for my next upgrade.

 

I initially went 6112/5160s, which served me well for awhile but eventually upgraded to Kings and they are night and day difference on and off road

 

I liek the 6112s 2.5" damper, closed system, and set and forget. They also eliminate the side lean. Ive read that other then high frequency repeating terrain the 5100s work fine

 

I would hope so at over twice the price. There is no disputing how good King/Fox or even 8112s are, but the question most fail to ask is if they actually need them. Way too often people buy them for clout and they are way higher maintenance. Bilsteins should be good for 50k minimum, typically good for 70k even with off-road use. Fox and King are a 50k on-road shock, and the more off-road you do, you may very well be looking at rebuilds every 20-30k.

I couldn't care less because I have the tools and knowledge to do the rebuilds myself but I still bought 6112/6150. The only time I regret them is super harsh washboard but I just drop pressure a little more and keep the speed reasonable.

 

5160 6112s ride really stiff so they’re not great for steeet driving. You have to actually be going pretty fast off road for them to ride the best if that makes sense

 

I have the 6112 with heavy spring set at 2.5 lift and the 5160 with the B12 1.5 heavy springs, had the B12 medium duty but my trailer tongue weight with load3d rear was too much so put on the heavy load. I don't really think the ride is too harsh but I'm just a couple thousand miles in. I did have a 5160 start leaking at the reservoir. I've got the warranty claim started its only going to cost me 30$ for the shipping. Time will tell but as far as ride for the price difference I would buy again. I'm not hard core but will put her through the paces.
Got a set of Medium duty B12 specials if anyone looking, okc area.

 

If you decide to sell the swing away I might be interested if you're in my area, Oklahoma city.

 

After about 15,000 miles now, I don't find them too stiff at all. Stiffer than stock, for sure. Maybe the ones you experienced had different spring rates than mine.

 

they might seem fine to you but once you rode in kings or a higher end shock you’ll realize how stiff the bilsteins are