Entry Level Suspension

Hey guys. Im new to the suspension game. I have my 2018 TRD Offroad with 70k miles on it and im looking to upgrade to a new suspension. Ive been doing as much research and watching as many videos on it as possible and my top 3 choices are Eibach stage 2r, Icon stage 1, and Bilstein 6112 with 5160 + icon springs in the rear.
my intent is to lift the front about 2-2.5 inches and the rear 2 inches while going off roading every now and then and also up to the slopes for snowboarding in the winter.
Ive been hearing people say the best bang for the buck is the 6112 and the 5160 set up but why is that? Have you tried the Icon stage 1 and compared it with the rest because I see a few negative thoughts about them from people. Not really sure why? They dont provide the "why" when they say negative things about them.
Thanks!

 

Hey @chrispy4runner
Welcome here, and great name!

Bilstein really is a great bang for your buck, with long track record, regardless of some who dislike Bilstein (they usually have better setups).
I run 5100's on all four corners, 3" OME lift springs in front, 2" ICON lift springs in rear. For my use, I really enjoy this setup from these three brands. I knew virtually nothing I know now when I did the upgrade, I would 100% pay a little extra for 5160/6112 and the improved performance they bring.
Goodluck

 

Hey thanks for your input! I meant people tend to talk negatively about the Icons not the Bilsteins.
and around how much would the whole set up be for the 6112 ome and the 5160 with the icon springs?
Also Ive heard you need to rebuild the Icons after every so many miles.
Is that the case with the bilsteins as well?

 

Right, so I only have Icon springs and none of their struts. The rear coils are dope.
I don't think Bilsteins can be rebuilt.
They last as long as other many other shocks, I think ppl say <100k miles
Someone else can tell you the cost from their experience

 

@djwantke
I'm interested in getting the 2" Icon rear springs for mine. Do you know your rear measurement from wheel fender to center of hub? I'm trying to figure out if it would cause too much rake or be about just right. I'm at a fairly level stance right now with about 130 lbs. of deckbox with gear. Thx!

 

The topic of “entry level” suspension will draw lots and lots of opinions and generally, what people have is what they comment on. I fall into that group!

I have Bilstein 5100’s on my 2021 TRD OR along with Dobinsons 302 front and 599 rear springs and JBA upper control arms.

This setup gives me right at a 2” lift all around while supporting the weight of RCI aluminum skids (incl gas tank skid), sliders and hybrid steel bumper and winch. The lift is from the springs as the front 5100’s are set at OEM height.

This “budget” suspension cost me approximately $1500 with me doing the install.

The ride is fairly firm on the highway greatly reducing the nose dive and side to side wallowing you get from the OEM setup. I did about 600 miles of off pavement on the Wyoming BDR last summer and the setup handled great.

Maybe the only complaint I can share is that the Bilstein 5100’s being digressive shocks do take small bumps harder than some of the more compliant, higher end shocks. That said, I’m still very happy with how they ride.

My rig sees 95% use on pavement so this setup provides me with great pavement handling along with good to very good off pavement handling at a good price point. Also, I’m running BFG K02’s in 265-70-17 on the stock OR rims…

I was able to register for the Rocky Mountain Toyota Roundup in Ouray Colorado for July 2024 and this is the setup I will be running for all the trails there…

Let us know what you choose…

Cheers,
Bob

 

I also use 5100’s and Dobinsons 302 front springs and Ironman Rear springs (couldn’t pass up holiday deal) giving me 2.5 upfront and 1.5 in the rear. Since mine is mostly 80% street/road driven, I drive mine daily at work which is unkempt mix of potted asphalt, rocks and dirt at slow speeds. The why of it is cost & put them on and forget. Zero maint for 60-100k mi.

 

Hey man, yeah for sure happy to help here's my measurements after normal amount of spring settling:

Also, some rake is good, and needed, as opposed to perfectly level doesn't and rear. Because when you load up people, gear, and/or tow something, that back end is sagging and front tilting up. Keep in mind, the 4R lines are deceiving, the fenders naturally sit at different heights on the body, as well as from the ground. So the truck frame is level even when the fender to tire gap is larger I'm the rear.

On a heavy Camping trip this summer my rear end icons compressed 1" fyi. Was cool to see.

FD: 22"
FP: 22-1/4"
RD: 23-1/2"
RP: 23-3/4"

normal rake

weighted rake




^fender height off ground also

 

Okay bro, so for pricing
Heres the shop invoice in $CAD in 2021
See the 5100 pricing and add xx% for 5160/6112
Labour is listed as well, I did not install lift myself

front ARB/OME 2884 springs 590lb spring rate $271.15/pair
front 5100's $356.40/pair
labor: $244.00

rear 2" ICON 158506 springs 700lb spring rate $301.99/pair
rear 5100's $267.30/pair
labor: $244.00

Alignment $122.00

TOTAL: $1,806.84 +tax(approx 12% here = $216)
Just over 2k all in

 

Hey did you need an upper control arm for your lift?
im looking at 2.5 lift and some guys tell me I would still need it for that lift and some guys tell me that I can get away not needing one.
I just got a quote with the upper control arm plus installation an extra 1000...

 

Problem is, you don't really know until you try, which is why you get different answers depending on who you ask. Each 4runner is different and you may or may not get lucky. I bought UCAs when I got new shocks and coils just to be safe because I didn't want to pay for a 2nd installation.

I think someone may have mentioned Dobinsons in an earlier post - that's what I have and absolutely love them. I went with IMS shocks, which are slightly more expensive, but I've heard good things about their base shocks as well and think I would have been fine with those

 

Yeah I paid $1094.49 CAD in '21 for UCA's.
*edit: plus tax
I recommend them if you run 285/70 or larger size tires
Positives:
Robust
Adjustability

 

Out of the setups you listed. I go with 6112/5160. The 6112 are larger and the valving is excellent. Theres plenty of quality reviews on them. From what I remember they also offer more suspension travel then the eibachs(not sure about icons).

If your lifting over 2"(in the front) id sugguest aftermarket uca.

 

6112/5160 get my vote!!