New Bilstein 6112 vs Fox 2.0 Setup

[The Snoman]

Hey All, I just got a 2015 ram 1500 quad cab 4x4 with the 5.7 hemi and it is going to need new tires soon. The rig is bone stock and I'd like to get it on some 35's as I do a fair bit of offroading on rough loggin roads. I know to get the bigger tires I am going to need a bit of a lift, around ~2" in the front at a minimum. In addition to clearance for the tires I'd like to get a buttery smooth ride on and off pavement, but not looking to go 60 mph in the woods.

After a fair bit of research, I have come to two options for new suspension. Also, regardless of the decision I plan on new UCAs as I think the stock ones are shot.

Option 1: Carli Fox 2.0 Commuter system. I am a fan of everything they mention in their ad with the exception of A) not a ton of lift (2" in the front, 0.5" in rear; though they do say 35's would work) and B) the price (1900 bucks is a bit steep). Also, how does 10" of front and 13" of rear travel really compare to stock?
Dodge 1500 Commuter System - 2009+ - 1500 Systems - Dodge Ram 1500 - Products

Option 2: New Bilstein 6112 & 5160 system. Can get up to 2.75" Front lift (I'd shoot for closer to 2.5") and 0-1" in the rear with rear resi shocks. I am not too worried about buildin the coilover with the stock isolators. I do not see a lot of web info on these, but the larger shock diameter in the front and the resi rear is nice. My concerns are A) ride quality (I hope it is equal to or softer than stock, not stiffer, but I cannot find much info in the web) and B) longevity (not rebuildable, but 6112s have lifetime warranty, rears do not).
https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/ram/1500-ram/bilstein-6112-0-2-75-front-5160-0-1-rear-lift-shocks-11-17-ram-1500-4wd/


Another thing is that the Fox shocks are progressive while the Bilsteins are digressive... I am not completely sure how much they will really differ though. Obviously one option is much cheaper than the other, but if they are that much different then it may be worth it?

Let me know what you think.

 

[16WhiteQC]

Hi,

Check to make sure aftermarket Control arms will fit with 6112's if you go that route, I am not sure if the OD is bigger than factory.

Don't waste your money on the 5160's, they are the same as the 5100's valving wise with limited warranty, go std. 5100 or fox 2.0.

Also take a look at Icon, they have some nice kits as well.

 

[JB1]

I have the 6112's on my truck and the max lift height is set @ 2.60" per instructions, the 5100's go to 2.75". My truck rides great, very smooth. I have Bilstein 5100's in the rear and they too ride smooth, both are lifetime warranty. The 5100 and 5160 rear shocks are both valved at 255/70 so they both ride the same, only difference is 5160 you get the reservoir, but 5100 you get lifetime warranty, just depends what you want/need.

There's only a few of us here with the 6112's, but they have been out for other trucks like Toyota etc, search youtube etc for their reviews on fox and bilstein. I have only had mine for about 6 weeks so I cant give a long term review

 

[The Snoman]

I forgot to mention I know the truck is a 2015 but it has over 70k miles so some of the concern with the suspension is wear based as well.

Hi,

Check to make sure aftermarket Control arms will fit with 6112's if you go that route, I am not sure if the OD is bigger than factory.

Don't waste your money on the 5160's, they are the same as the 5100's valving wise with limited warranty, go std. 5100 or fox 2.0.

Also take a look at Icon, they have some nice kits as well.

Good call on the UCAs. I had assumed because the 6112's re-use the stock isolator that they would be the same OD but I'll research it to confirm. I had researched the ICON stage 2 option but have ruled that out because of the heims and they are also digressive valved... not to mention they are the most expensive.

I have the 6112's on my truck and the max lift height is set @ 2.60" per instructions, the 5100's go to 2.75". My truck rides great, very smooth. I have Bilstein 5100's in the rear and they too ride smooth, both are lifetime warranty. The 5100 and 5160 rear shocks are both valved at 255/70 so they both ride the same, only difference is 5160 you get the reservoir, but 5100 you get lifetime warranty, just depends what you want/need.

There's only a few of us here with the 6112's, but they have been out for other trucks like Toyota etc, search youtube etc for their reviews on fox and bilstein. I have only had mine for about 6 weeks so I cant give a long term review

Thanks for the info. How would you compare the ride to stock? I did some research on the reviews for toyotas running the 6112 and the consensus is mostly positive.. a lot focusing on the fact they are beefier than almost everything out there (2.65" shock body OD). It IS $260 cheaper to go the 5100 in the rear also, so definitely something to consider.

https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/dodge/09-12-dodge-ram-1500/2009-2017/bilstein-6112-0-2-75%E2%80%B3-front-lift-5100-0-1-rear-lift-shock-coil-kit-2011-2017-ram-1500-4wd/

 

[JB1]

This member has the 6112/5160

http://www.ramforum.com/f40/16_sport_4x4_bil_6112_5160_a-111165/

Fox 2.0 adjustment

http://www.ramforum.com/f40/fox_2_0_coil-overs_adjustment-110333/

My truck

http://www.ramforum.com/f40/my_ram_night_37s-110444/

 

[The Snoman]

This member has the 6112/5160

http://www.ramforum.com/f40/16_sport...5160_a-111165/

Fox 2.0 adjustment

http://www.ramforum.com/f40/fox_2_0_...stment-110333/

My truck

http://www.ramforum.com/f40/my_ram_night_37s-110444/
Today 08:05 AM

Thanks for the reply. I am feeling more confident that you and 16ramsportjc both mention the ride with the 6112s is smooth. From what I can find on the web, the OD of the springs with the 6112s is the same as stock so no issue with UCAs... thinking of getting the Zone UCAs as a middle of the road non-ball option.

Thanks!

 

[PDXRam]

I had Fox 2.0’s in the back and it was a pretty darn stiff ride. With a 6” BDS lift and 35x12.50x18’s. However, I’ve read here that a lot of people have said the opposite - that they were too soft.


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[JB1]

Thanks for the reply. I am feeling more confident that you and 16ramsportjc both mention the ride with the 6112s is smooth. From what I can find on the web, the OD of the springs with the 6112s is the same as stock so no issue with UCAs... thinking of getting the Zone UCAs as a middle of the road non-ball option.

Thanks!

I have the zones with mine and yes the coils are the same OD, the 6112's use the stock oem top plate

 

[16WhiteQC]

I had Fox 2.0’s in the back and it was a pretty darn stiff ride. With a 6” BDS lift and 35x12.50x18’s. However, I’ve read here that a lot of people have said the opposite - that they were too soft.


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Mine are perfect, they are not too soft, and not stiff, at least compared to the 6112.

Yes, they do ride firmer and way more controlled then stock. The stock setup was "soft" to me....mushy and sloppy would be the best I could compair the stock to the 6112/2.0 combo I am running.

 

[The Snoman]

Thanks for the replies. I am just looking for something soft/smooth enough to comfortably go 25-30 mph on the main logging roads while still having control/confidence on highway. Right now I am edging towards the 6112 @ 2.3" in the front with the Zone UCAs and the 5100 with a 0.75" spacer in the rear.

A friend/coworker suggested I look into new bump stops to ease the occasional rock/hole you can't see in the dark. Does anyone have any experience with these? He recommended the Timbren ones below:
Timbren Kit for Dodge Ram 1500 (2009-2017) - 2WD/4WD - FRONT [DF15004B] | $214.67 | SD Truck Springs | Leaf Springs, Helper Springs and Suspension Parts
Timbren Kit for Dodge Ram 1500 (2009-2017) - 2WD/4WD - REAR [DR1500DS] | $214.67 | SD Truck Springs | Leaf Springs, Helper Springs and Suspension Parts

Thanks

 

[Oliver_Closov]

Hey am I crazy for noticing that most, if not all, sources are out of stock on the 6112s?
Are they updating these for a future release or something?

 

[Nick@GotExhaust]

6112's have been out of stock for a while now and look to be for a few more weeks.

We have some options but if you seriously want a good ride off road and still a smooth ride on the road, ICON has the answer. Check out their kits here http://iconvehicledynamics.com/shop/424-complete-suspension-systems . If you go with a less expensive kit I recommend to add UCA's to it.

Let me know if you would like a quote on anything with your forum discount!

 

[Quick_Shifter]

Have you looked into the Eibach pro truck kits. 4 new coil springs and 4 shocks for roughly the price of the Bilstein 6112’s
https://eibach.com/us/i-8814-pro-truck-lift-system-stage-1.html

Adjustable Up to a 3.5” lift up front and the new rear coils are 1” taller. I have them with my Zone 6” lift so I can’t speak for the rear but it’s eibach.
You can also use piece the kit together to keep your oem springs in the front. I just did all the research you’re currently doing and it’s exhausting so I feel your pain. I bought my truck used and the dealer put quick struts on which were not even oem quality

 

[Chief_6.7]

6112's have been out of stock for a while now and look to be for a few more weeks.

We have some options but if you seriously want a good ride off road and still a smooth ride on the road, ICON has the answer. Check out their kits here http://iconvehicledynamics.com/shop/424-complete-suspension-systems . If you go with a less expensive kit I recommend to add UCA's to it.

Let me know if you would like a quote on anything with your forum discount!

Dam..... a lot more expensive also then the 6112s

 

[JB1]

Nick do you sell Fox shocks?

 

[ram1500rsm]

Dam..... a lot more expensive also then the 6112s

And in a complete different league as well, hi performance coilovers are expensive for a reason, cheap shocks wouldn’t hold a candle to Icon/Fox/Kings/Radflo etc etc 2.5 coilovers/shocks If you’re trying to go fast when off-roading.

 

[2010 Infantry Vet]

Nick do you sell Fox shocks?

I have the Fox resevoir shocks in the rear of my ram (already we’re on it when I bought it) and I hate them. Super stiff. Had them on my 4 door wrangler, and it was also like driving a dump truck (super stiff). Wouldn’t reccomend them to anybody.
Also unless you are driving baja at 80mph resevoir shocks are a waste of money.

 

[Oliver_Closov]

Have you looked into the Eibach pro truck kits. 4 new coil springs and 4 shocks for roughly the price of the Bilstein 6112’s
https://eibach.com/us/i-8814-pro-truck-lift-system-stage-1.html

Adjustable Up to a 3.5” lift up front and the new rear coils are 1” taller. I have them with my Zone 6” lift so I can’t speak for the rear but it’s eibach.
You can also use piece the kit together to keep your oem springs in the front. I just did all the research you’re currently doing and it’s exhausting so I feel your pain. I bought my truck used and the dealer put quick struts on which were not even oem quality

I did, my friend got the set. Because they are so new (shocks at least) there was very little comparison reviews to research. The price is right, but often there is a reason for it (sorta like when you pay way more than Bilstein for Icon,etc), so I was reluctant. Bilstein have a known quality level for their price point.
Since the 6112s are STILL out of stock, I may just pull the trigger on the Eibach setup.

Nick - I am not a "power user" so the higher end stuff is less justifiable for my budget.
Thanks for the responses.

 

[Quick_Shifter]

I did, my friend got the set. Because they are so new (shocks at least) there was very little comparison reviews to research. The price is right, but often there is a reason for it (sorta like when you pay way more than Bilstein for Icon,etc), so I was reluctant. Bilstein have a known quality level for their price point.
Since the 6112s are STILL out of stock, I may just pull the trigger on the Eibach setup.

Nick - I am not a "power user" so the higher end stuff is less justifiable for my budget.
Thanks for the responses.

Just to clarify The eibach would compare to the Bilstein 5100 series the 6112’s are supperior and the price reflects that.

 

[Gary2]

Just to clarify The eibach would compare to the Bilstein 5100 series the 6112’s are supperior and the price reflects that.

Not to be a smart ass but , Out of curiosity what makes the 6112 superior if valving is the same as a 5100 and the reservoir really don't do diddly for the average driver here who use their trucks for a daily driver VS Prerunner ?