Okay, I'm 10 days in on the 6112 install, ready to speak on some observations.
Full suspension change consists of:
Bilstein 6112 front struts, the extended travel model (newly released)
Bilstein 5160 rears
Bilstein B8 control arms.
I have the fronts set at their lowest height option, which is listed as 1.85" over stock. The new model of the 6112 requires the use of a UCA. As reported to me by bilstein, the bushings and balljoint in their arm are moogs.
All in all, i'm very happy with them. They are SHOCKINGLY heavy, like I struggled to lift the box they came in haha.
Ride quality - Very firm. They are compliant, but they are resistant to completing a full cycle for normal road duty, even in my areas dakar-esque roads, i have yet to note a bottom out. They are as controlled as they are as firm. There is no harshness or jittery-ness like you'd feel in a 2500, but it does have a VERY heavy/planted feel like you get in a 2500. They are ready for anything anyone would throw at them in a 1/2 pickup.
Large road bumps and dips are soaked up without much feeling and without any hint of reduced control. In the dirt, wow, impressive. You barely feel a thing.
I have a short bed crew cab, so, wheelbase is definitely lacking. I have determined the one area where they "fall short" of expectation is a true evenly spaced washboard road. While it keeps total control, you note a bounce between the front and rear dampers doing their thing.
The package on the whole did a number for firming up my steering which I view as a benefit. Hopefully a little more front end work will get the steering resistance where I like it.
On sections of missing pavement, or small diameter deep potholes where the pothole walls are at a steep angle to the road, or poorly aged railroad crossings, you 100% feel the hit, but nothing after the initial hit. No loss of control. no side stepping. It just keeps moving.
For those looking for a "plush" ride, these ain't it chief. For someone wanting a controlled and as capable but firmer ride, these may fit the bill. If you like tight handling but want max travel, these are an excellent choice. The behave much differently than a 5100 IMO. Far smoother and less initial firmness than the 5100. Then when you get into a compressive phase, the shaft moves way more than a 5100. Time will tell if they were worth the expense, but my immediate impression is, this is a wicked nice kit, but not suited for everyone.
Full suspension change consists of:
Bilstein 6112 front struts, the extended travel model (newly released)
Bilstein 5160 rears
Bilstein B8 control arms.
I have the fronts set at their lowest height option, which is listed as 1.85" over stock. The new model of the 6112 requires the use of a UCA. As reported to me by bilstein, the bushings and balljoint in their arm are moogs.
All in all, i'm very happy with them. They are SHOCKINGLY heavy, like I struggled to lift the box they came in haha.
Ride quality - Very firm. They are compliant, but they are resistant to completing a full cycle for normal road duty, even in my areas dakar-esque roads, i have yet to note a bottom out. They are as controlled as they are as firm. There is no harshness or jittery-ness like you'd feel in a 2500, but it does have a VERY heavy/planted feel like you get in a 2500. They are ready for anything anyone would throw at them in a 1/2 pickup.
Large road bumps and dips are soaked up without much feeling and without any hint of reduced control. In the dirt, wow, impressive. You barely feel a thing.
I have a short bed crew cab, so, wheelbase is definitely lacking. I have determined the one area where they "fall short" of expectation is a true evenly spaced washboard road. While it keeps total control, you note a bounce between the front and rear dampers doing their thing.
The package on the whole did a number for firming up my steering which I view as a benefit. Hopefully a little more front end work will get the steering resistance where I like it.
On sections of missing pavement, or small diameter deep potholes where the pothole walls are at a steep angle to the road, or poorly aged railroad crossings, you 100% feel the hit, but nothing after the initial hit. No loss of control. no side stepping. It just keeps moving.
For those looking for a "plush" ride, these ain't it chief. For someone wanting a controlled and as capable but firmer ride, these may fit the bill. If you like tight handling but want max travel, these are an excellent choice. The behave much differently than a 5100 IMO. Far smoother and less initial firmness than the 5100. Then when you get into a compressive phase, the shaft moves way more than a 5100. Time will tell if they were worth the expense, but my immediate impression is, this is a wicked nice kit, but not suited for everyone.
