Suspension Questions w/ added weight - Bilstein 6112 & 5160 vs Icon

[Stein2424]

Hi everyone. Hoping for some feedback on a suspension upgrade. Mostly curious to hear any feedback from 6112 owners on rangers since it’s somewhat limited.

I currently am running a 2.25” level with the eibach pro truck struts only front and rear. Stock spring, no reservoirs on the back. I have since added a 150 lb topper, 150 lb sliders, going to add aluminum skids, and a 115 lb RTT (which may come off at some point) and my current suspension is sort feeling over whelmed. The rear end specifically can slam or bounce on hard compressions. Getting more body roll and nose dive than I would like also considering how much I70 driving I do in CO.

Also, I’m hoping for just better improvement in general. Even before I had the topper, washboard around 25-40 I’d like to be improved as well as hitting big pot holes on said roads. I under estimated how long I’d be driving some of these dirt roads to go fishing for. I do some mild overland trails too but nothing too crazy, but a bit more articulation would be nice (for ex I don’t have aspirations much higher than running like engineer pass).

So I’ve been thinking about getting the 6112s up front, 5160 in the back, and the icon leaf springs that I can add the extra leaf to to handle the weight.

I think this would be a great bang for your buck set up to have a big upgrade in suspension, but also if I’m spending this much I’m stuck in the “why not just spend the extra 1k and get the similar set up from icon?” for truly more ideal performance. If they lasted as long as bilsteins without needing a rebuild I’d probably go that way, but the durability and value of bilstein seems hard to beat. Looking at the icon 2.5 without reservoir up front but with the reservoir in the back

Also, I think the 6112 are same shock length as stock, so at a 2” level, is there any real value to getting new UCAs?

Any feedback appreciated. Thanks guys!

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[Dereku]

UCAs could help your alignment be more in spec than it is now, plus they will last longer under off road abuse.

Check your tire pressure, 300lbs should not cause a harsh ride or squishy feeling one. I have 5100s all around, and the front is on the lowest setting above stock, say 3/4”. I have had 1000lbs in the bed numerous times and it feels nice at that point not rough.

Then again a 2” level will make the front end pretty stiff. But 300lbs of added weight should not change driving dynamics that much. Its like having 2 extra people in the truck.

 

[Mighty Little Blue]

No input on shocks, but I like the idea of Icon rear leafs. Your setup with weight is similar to mine and I have Icon’s using option 2. Very happy with them I am running Fox 2.5 shocks front and rear.
I paid around $800 for the leafs just recently someone mentioned getting them for under $500 I think it.

@Racket posted this great price under $350 through
Real Truck.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Skip the Icon leaf springs and go with the Dobinson leaf pack. I've run the Icon and they don't stand up to weight. I currently have the OME 2.2" medium duty leaf springs and they're... ok. I know that @AndyMedic switched from the OME to the Dobinsons and i s much happier. The Dobinson are on my list of upgrades.

As for the UCA, you only "need" them if you are going more than 2.5" of lift. Try the OE UCAs and see if you can get in to spec.

I have a Ranger buddy who runs the Icon and loves them. I don't know anyone, personally, that runs the Bilstein. I've heard good things about the Bilstein, and have nothing bad to say but, if you can get a full 2.5" shock body coilover, I would do that.


I will also say that your body roll and nose dives are more shocks/struts than springs. Springs hold the vehicle up, shocks/struts keep the vehicle from bouncing/diving.

Also, where in CO are you? We have a good group of Ranger guys here.

 

[Captaintacoz101]

I have the 6112s front, 5100 rears, stock leaf's (planning on getting Tremor leafs at some point). The new suspension gets the body roll and nose diving under control very well, I am very happy with them. Its a firmer ride than stock but since I do 99% on road driving, its what I was looking for. I have stock UCA at about 2"-2.5" lift and they sit well within their safe range of motion. I do tow about 5-6k lbs pretty often and it does sit low in the back but doesn't feel or drive bad at all.

As far as what you are looking for, I don't think Icon will help you out any better than the Billies, especially since your are looking for some help with the extra weight. A heavier leaf pack is more what you should focus on, OME is quite good if your going to have more than an extra 750lbs at all times. If your not going to have that much weight, I've heard the Tremor leaf pack is quite nice if you can find a set.

 

[Frenchy]

On the shocks, there are certainly some different options. I can only speak for OEM and Old Man EMU Nitrocharger on the Ranger, but I have experience with 6112/5160, Dobinsons IMS and now Old Man EMU BP-51 on my 2012 Frontier. For the springs I personally like Old Man EMU better than Dobinsons. In reality it depends on the application. As one that lives in the Denver area, j would have no problems meeting in person and taking a look to see what I can suggest.

 

[Stein2424]

On the shocks, there are certainly some different options. I can only speak for OEM and Old Man EMU Nitrocharger on the Ranger, but I have experience with 6112/5160, Dobinsons IMS and now Old Man EMU BP-51 on my 2012 Frontier. For the springs I personally like Old Man EMU better than Dobinsons. In reality it depends on the application. As one that lives in the Denver area, j would have no problems meeting in person and taking a look to see what I can suggest.

Thanks for the comment!

I actually ended up finding some 6112 and 5160 lightly used for cheap which was enough for me to go with them.

Also, thanks for the super pro post. Gonna be grabbing a set of their UCAs while on sale!

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