I’m using bilstein 5100 in all corners on my Tacoma 2004 4wd off road 3.4 xtra-cab. It improved the appearance, but at a high price, they are too firm, if you don't do off road I don't recommend them, very hard drive, you will feel even the small holes in the pavement, I would have liked to investigate more before buying them, now I'm going for fox 2.0 good luck
I agree. I sold them and had the 5100s on my previous truck. I have since went to the Fox 2.0. Comfort for daily driving the most important and you are still getting better handling out of these shocks compared to factory anyways.
@@Searchin4tone That is actually not accurate. It depends on the needs and preference. Fox is actually a more comfortable should for comfort and dampening, If you are not towing much, commuting. Billstein is a stiffer shock and will handle better and be better for most towing applications.
Had 5100s o my 4runner for 3 years on stock springs and a rear spacer. Great shocks but lacking a little offroad. Once I decided to increase my tires to 285s, I went ahead and bought an icon stage 1 suspension kit and their 3" variable rear spring. Night and day difference in road comfort and offroad capabilities. Yeah it was about $2k but I wont be changing these ever.
good move, and yeah - much more support and capabilities in a 2.5 shock. If/when the Icon need servicing, we can make it happen. Keep those 5100s around in case you need to ship the Icons for service
Thanks for the info, would love your help with my build. I have a ‘72 early bronco currently with the original suspension but looking to add a 2.5in suspension lift + a 1in body lift. It’s my daily & I most just drive it around town. However, I want to be able to take it on long road trips mostly on the highway but capable off-road as well if needed. What shock would you recommend?
I have a 22. Just curious, I know that the truck comes with a 1” factory lift. What tires did you go with? Wondering if a pair of 2”front struts will be enough for 35’s? Thanks.
Thank you thank you and thank you so much. This is exactly what I was looking for. I want a comfortable soft ride like factory OEM and hate the stiff suspension for my daily F150. but I do 4 to 5 easy to moderate off-road trails a year. I think Fox 2.0 is the way to go! Liked and subed😊
Definitely a great choice. I think my number two, if available for the application would be the Eibach Pro Trucks as they last a little longer before needing to be serviced or replaced like the Bilsteins. They are not quite as soft and plush as a Fox 2.0, but they are definitely more comfortable than a Bilstein
Thanks!! I’m in that dilema right now! I have the stock suspension on my 2015 4runner, reaching shortly the 100k miles and looking to make some upgrades, its my daily car, maybe once or twice a month hitting some offroad but nothing that stock suspension can hanle, just want a better shock that can move less while cornering at 65 mph and have same or better offroading capabilities with similar comfort as the stock ones. Any advice?
similar comfort to stock = Fox better handling/cornering = Bilstein, but Fox is still good and better than factory offroad = fox more comfort, bilstein more chattery but can take harder hits better hope that helps, hit us up 213-433-3616
I just replaced my ranchos with 5100s. I dont think they are too firm. They are more planted and less bouncy. I feel that it floats over the small bumps. I feel less of the bumps than i did b4. Thats on a trailboss with 18s on 33s. Maybe the lighter trucks might feel different.
yeah, the big problem is that people's definition of 'firm' or 'harsh' is vastly different, so the sharing of information around shocks is so convoluted
I put fox 2.0 on my 08 ram 2500 and to me it’s pretty firm and harsh. Uncomfortable really. I feel everything. But then again maybe it’s to do with the rim size. I’m aware the truck is heavy and isn’t going to ride smooth 100% but I know when it’s to harsh
I just put 5100’s on the front my 14 250 was thinking of possibly switching it up with fox on the rear being that I don’t do towing much at all other than hauling diesel in my fuel cell and I do just as much off roading as road driving in my line of work. What do you guys recommend?
The front 5100s are going to be a lot tighter on low speed compression than the Fox 2.0s so although you may gain a little comfort, the mismatch in valving may upset the handling balance. Either way you go, it will probably be best to just run a matching set up front and rear
I am not sure I would say softer than the stock shocks as there are a lot of situations they are more controlled and composed, but they should be one of the most comfortable options out there for your application.
I have a 2nd Frontier Pro4X with 5100s on it. Shocks set to highest, do you think can I fit 285/75/16 on it? I also have a offroad bumper for extra room in there but it’s also heavier than stock bumper for sure.
They should, but I would run something like an SPC upper control arm to get a little more caster in the front to push the front tires forward and you may need some wheel spacers to avoid rub under compression when the front tires are turned and the rear axle is flexed out
You could either run shock extenders for the bottom, or mount conversion on the bottom clevis to an eyelet and then find a 16" extended length eyelet to stem shock
Depends on how you are using it and your goals. Give the team a shout with a better idea of what you are looking for and we can definitely steer you in the right direction www.shocksurplus.com/pages/contact-us
They are definitely the softer of the two and can be more compliant but they will also need fairly frequent service, so if you like the idea of a softer ride, but do not want to have to rebuild your shocks quite as often, Eibach Pro Trucks Sports are great option if available for your vehicle
I would measure just to be safe but you should be able to run IFP part number 985-24-004 in the front and then I would run 980-24-649 in the rear. It is not universal but is the stock height rear shock for an old Ranger so the valving should be spot on and they are a better length than the available universal shocks.
I’ve tried the bilsteins and they were too firm for my liking. For Daily driving use the Ranchos. Adjustable ride. You can custom it to soft for everyday driving and firm for off-road at a fraction of the price of the Fox’s. I love them.
Unfortunately we wish the rest of our customers were as lucky as you are. Ranchos and especially the 9000s account for the vast majority of our defective product and warranty claims. So if you get a good set they are great, but that is becoming less and less common these days. Not to mention they just do not last like they used to, so most of our customers are on their second set of Ranchos by them time a set of Fox 2.0 need their first service or a 5100 is just getting broken in. If you like something softer than a Bilstein, then the Fox 2.0 is definitely the way to go and will cost you less than a Rancho RS9000 in the long run.
Fox 2.0 or the 6112 for a 5th gen 4Runner? Hitting trails and dispersed camping on the weekend but still road trip worthy and office a few days a week.
If handling gear / big family, etc, and something that will last a really long time, Bilstein is a good idea www.shocksurplus.com/products/bilstein-6112-strut-spring-assembled-rear-b8-5100-shocks-set-for-2010-2023-toyota-4runner-rwd?variant=39801307922481 If comfort - both on and offroad - is more of a concern, you dont mind having to possibly service the shocks between 50-100k, better offroad performance by a slim margin due to the aluminum body, Fox is the best www.shocksurplus.com/products/fox-2-0-performance-series-coilovers-shocks-set-for-2010-2019-toyota-4runner-4wd-rwd?variant=32323204677681
Somebody tell me what would be better for a job worksite going through ruts and bumps and mud and dirt, but also get back onto the road and drive decent
Eibach Pro Truck Sports are a great choice. The ride better, handle better, and take loads better than stock. Plus they last a long time and although not the cheapest, are a heck of a value.
Fox uses the same parts on KDSS and non KDSS models, but we do find the KDSS 4Runners do tend to handle a little better. When fully engaged the KDSS sway bar is stiffer than the sway bar used on non KDSS models.
In my case, I use my tacoma every day, which one do you recommend? I have about 5100 in the back and I really feel that it jumps in the slightest bumps for day to day. I feel it very stiff in the back, which one do you recommend? It's rare that I add too much weight or any kind of weight to my truck.
They are not bad by any means, but they definitely are not built to the same caliber or quality of a Bilstein or Fox. They should however be comfortable enough and last a somewhat decent amount of time
They are not bad, but if you are really towing or hauling with the truck and want a Fox you are going to want to spring for a shock with the CD or DSC adjusters to bring up low speed compression when you are loaded down. That will give you the best ride unloaded and give you the ability to tighten things up when you have the trailer hooked up. Otherwise I would recommend something like a Bilstein 5100, Eibach Pro Truck, or even an Icon shock instead. They will be a little firmer unloaded, but will be much better under a load than a non adjustable Fox 2.0.
They are definitely firmer than both of these options so they are not bad if you are carrying a fair amount of constant load, however we think most people would be happier with either a Fox, Bilstein, or even an Eibach
If better to you means more comfort and softer, then Fox is the answer. If better for you is tighter handling on and offroad, Bilstein is a better option. High speed bumps are their own beast, hard hits that force the suspension to the bumpstops are one thing, BIlstein has better bottom out protection most of the time.
We generally find the Bilsteins will last 2-3x as long as a Fox before the Fox needs to be rebuilt so I am not quite sure that will be the solution. If you are going through shocks that fast you may need something with a reservoir or something with larger than a 2" body for the way you are using the vehicle.
On something with strut suspension they are definitely similar in price, but surprisingly we get asked all the time whether the 5100 or 2.0 is the better option although they are fairly far apart on price. With that said they are both around 2" body monotubes so in the real world, their performance is a lot closer than you might think
Actually Bilsteins account for the majority of our sales and have the lowest percentage of failures and warranty claims of everything else we carry. Every brand has the occasional dud but if you had a Bilstein fail on you I would definitely do some investigating on the vehicle as there is a better chance the Bilstein failing was a side effect of another issue than the shock itself being bad. Where one in every 10 Ranchos is bad, and one in ever 40 Fox/King/Icon shocks is bad, Bilstein failures are more like one in every thousand. It definitely is unfortunate you had a failure, but if it was in fact an issue with the shock, you would have a better chance of it happening with any other brand.
Eibach is great and we love their product but we also love Bilstein and Fox as they all have their own pros and cons and some suit other builds more then others.
If I buy fox and if I want to service it after like 30k or 50k miles where do you think I can do that? That’s the only thing worries me a about buying fox
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I’m using bilstein 5100 in all corners on my Tacoma 2004 4wd off road 3.4 xtra-cab. It improved the appearance, but at a high price, they are too firm, if you don't do off road I don't recommend them, very hard drive, you will feel even the small holes in the pavement, I would have liked to investigate more before buying them, now I'm going for fox 2.0 good luck
I agree. I went the same route and wish I would of went with the Fox.
I agree. I sold them and had the 5100s on my previous truck. I have since went to the Fox 2.0. Comfort for daily driving the most important and you are still getting better handling out of these shocks compared to factory anyways.
yep caleb is spot on, fox is generally more comfortable than bilstein, and still a net increase in handling over stock.
All the forums steers you towards the Bilsteins.
I'm enjoying the stage 1 Eibach setup
@@Searchin4tone That is actually not accurate. It depends on the needs and preference. Fox is actually a more comfortable should for comfort and dampening, If you are not towing much, commuting. Billstein is a stiffer shock and will handle better and be better for most towing applications.
Fox 2.0 all the way no doubt. My 4runner rides like a dream
I run both great brands but the 5100 better for towing
@@sonny62denalimost trucks unfortunately, never see a trailer their entire life😂
@@supersoni126 i use my all the time for a 22 ft equipment trailer
I put Fox 2.0 on my 2012 f250 and they're crap! May have lasted 6 months.
@@Michael-ft3rc 😂 sucks to suck
I needed this knowledge. Thank u guys again!!!
Bilsteins are legit
Had 5100s o my 4runner for 3 years on stock springs and a rear spacer. Great shocks but lacking a little offroad. Once I decided to increase my tires to 285s, I went ahead and bought an icon stage 1 suspension kit and their 3" variable rear spring. Night and day difference in road comfort and offroad capabilities. Yeah it was about $2k but I wont be changing these ever.
good move, and yeah - much more support and capabilities in a 2.5 shock. If/when the Icon need servicing, we can make it happen. Keep those 5100s around in case you need to ship the Icons for service
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
I have 5100s on my 4th gen 4Runner. They ride great on road and even better off road from stock
I’m installing mine to my 06 4 runner next week. I got the 5100/ome kit with upper control arms
Thanks for the info, would love your help with my build. I have a ‘72 early bronco currently with the original suspension but looking to add a 2.5in suspension lift + a 1in body lift. It’s my daily & I most just drive it around town. However, I want to be able to take it on long road trips mostly on the highway but capable off-road as well if needed. What shock would you recommend?
The fox’s ain’t what they used to be 🤷♂️ bilsteins are still great from what I’ve seen.
My setup feels pretty great.. I love my 5100s. Will be trying fox next
Getting the bilstein 5100 installed on my 21 ram 1500 built to serve edition
solid choice!
I have a 22. Just curious, I know that the truck comes with a 1” factory lift. What tires did you go with? Wondering if a pair of 2”front struts will be enough for 35’s? Thanks.
Thank you thank you and thank you so much. This is exactly what I was looking for. I want a comfortable soft ride like factory OEM and hate the stiff suspension for my daily F150. but I do 4 to 5 easy to moderate off-road trails a year. I think Fox 2.0 is the way to go!
Liked and subed😊
Definitely a great choice. I think my number two, if available for the application would be the Eibach Pro Trucks as they last a little longer before needing to be serviced or replaced like the Bilsteins. They are not quite as soft and plush as a Fox 2.0, but they are definitely more comfortable than a Bilstein
Thanks!! I’m in that dilema right now! I have the stock suspension on my 2015 4runner, reaching shortly the 100k miles and looking to make some upgrades, its my daily car, maybe once or twice a month hitting some offroad but nothing that stock suspension can hanle, just want a better shock that can move less while cornering at 65 mph and have same or better offroading capabilities with similar comfort as the stock ones. Any advice?
similar comfort to stock = Fox
better handling/cornering = Bilstein, but Fox is still good and better than factory
offroad = fox more comfort, bilstein more chattery but can take harder hits better
hope that helps, hit us up 213-433-3616
Super helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
I just replaced my ranchos with 5100s. I dont think they are too firm. They are more planted and less bouncy. I feel that it floats over the small bumps. I feel less of the bumps than i did b4. Thats on a trailboss with 18s on 33s. Maybe the lighter trucks might feel different.
yeah, the big problem is that people's definition of 'firm' or 'harsh' is vastly different, so the sharing of information around shocks is so convoluted
Bilsteins for a truck, Fox for a jeep.
I put fox 2.0 on my 08 ram 2500 and to me it’s pretty firm and harsh. Uncomfortable really. I feel everything. But then again maybe it’s to do with the rim size. I’m aware the truck is heavy and isn’t going to ride smooth 100% but I know when it’s to harsh
Fox 2.0s are pretty darn plush, so you may be onto something with the wheel and or tire size.
I just put 5100’s on the front my 14 250 was thinking of possibly switching it up with fox on the rear being that I don’t do towing much at all other than hauling diesel in my fuel cell and I do just as much off roading as road driving in my line of work. What do you guys recommend?
The front 5100s are going to be a lot tighter on low speed compression than the Fox 2.0s so although you may gain a little comfort, the mismatch in valving may upset the handling balance. Either way you go, it will probably be best to just run a matching set up front and rear
@@ShockSurplus gotcha, thanks for the quick response and the helpful knowledge I’ll get some 5100s ordered
I am looking for a soft ride on my 3rd ten 4runner; a bouncy ride like luxury cars. Woud the fox shocks be smoother and softer than stock shocks?
I am not sure I would say softer than the stock shocks as there are a lot of situations they are more controlled and composed, but they should be one of the most comfortable options out there for your application.
I have a 2nd Frontier Pro4X with 5100s on it. Shocks set to highest, do you think can I fit 285/75/16 on it?
I also have a offroad bumper for extra room in there but it’s also heavier than stock bumper for sure.
They should, but I would run something like an SPC upper control arm to get a little more caster in the front to push the front tires forward and you may need some wheel spacers to avoid rub under compression when the front tires are turned and the rear axle is flexed out
I want to upgrade to the Fox 2.0s, but I can't find them in a length for my lift height, 1-3 front, 2 rear
You could either run shock extenders for the bottom, or mount conversion on the bottom clevis to an eyelet and then find a 16" extended length eyelet to stem shock
I need the best advice for 6” lift in my 6.7 cummins
Depends on how you are using it and your goals. Give the team a shout with a better idea of what you are looking for and we can definitely steer you in the right direction www.shocksurplus.com/pages/contact-us
Thanks guys , So it is more recommended foxs for daily driving, I never do off road ?
They are definitely the softer of the two and can be more compliant but they will also need fairly frequent service, so if you like the idea of a softer ride, but do not want to have to rebuild your shocks quite as often, Eibach Pro Trucks Sports are great option if available for your vehicle
Which SKU for Fox Shocks 2.0 fit a universal fitment for a Jeep CJ7 with. 4 inch lift?
I would measure just to be safe but you should be able to run IFP part number 985-24-004 in the front and then I would run 980-24-649 in the rear. It is not universal but is the stock height rear shock for an old Ranger so the valving should be spot on and they are a better length than the available universal shocks.
I’ve tried the bilsteins and they were too firm for my liking. For Daily driving use the Ranchos. Adjustable ride. You can custom it to soft for everyday driving and firm for off-road at a fraction of the price of the Fox’s. I love them.
Unfortunately we wish the rest of our customers were as lucky as you are. Ranchos and especially the 9000s account for the vast majority of our defective product and warranty claims. So if you get a good set they are great, but that is becoming less and less common these days. Not to mention they just do not last like they used to, so most of our customers are on their second set of Ranchos by them time a set of Fox 2.0 need their first service or a 5100 is just getting broken in. If you like something softer than a Bilstein, then the Fox 2.0 is definitely the way to go and will cost you less than a Rancho RS9000 in the long run.
Fox 2.0 or the 6112 for a 5th gen 4Runner? Hitting trails and dispersed camping on the weekend but still road trip worthy and office a few days a week.
If handling gear / big family, etc, and something that will last a really long time, Bilstein is a good idea
www.shocksurplus.com/products/bilstein-6112-strut-spring-assembled-rear-b8-5100-shocks-set-for-2010-2023-toyota-4runner-rwd?variant=39801307922481
If comfort - both on and offroad - is more of a concern, you dont mind having to possibly service the shocks between 50-100k, better offroad performance by a slim margin due to the aluminum body, Fox is the best
www.shocksurplus.com/products/fox-2-0-performance-series-coilovers-shocks-set-for-2010-2019-toyota-4runner-4wd-rwd?variant=32323204677681
Somebody tell me what would be better for a job worksite going through ruts and bumps and mud and dirt, but also get back onto the road and drive decent
Eibach Pro Truck Sports are a great choice. The ride better, handle better, and take loads better than stock. Plus they last a long time and although not the cheapest, are a heck of a value.
Would Fox 2.0 on a KDSS then provide better handling than a Non-KDSS ?
Fox uses the same parts on KDSS and non KDSS models, but we do find the KDSS 4Runners do tend to handle a little better. When fully engaged the KDSS sway bar is stiffer than the sway bar used on non KDSS models.
Which is better for highway towing?
Bilstein 5100 or KYB Monomax
In my case, I use my tacoma every day, which one do you recommend? I have about 5100 in the back and I really feel that it jumps in the slightest bumps for day to day. I feel it very stiff in the back, which one do you recommend? It's rare that I add too much weight or any kind of weight to my truck.
Fox for sure there, the bilstein aren't friendly on stock leaf springs unloaded unfortunately.
www.shocksurplus.com/search?query=tacoma-fox
hello , will the 5100 fit a 2005 ram ?
2005 Ram 1500 or 2500? If its a 1500 4WD, there are no 5100s available, only 4600.
@@ShockSurplus 05’ hemi rwd
I inherited some Rancho front How do the Rancho compare to the Fox and Bill Steins?
They are not bad by any means, but they definitely are not built to the same caliber or quality of a Bilstein or Fox. They should however be comfortable enough and last a somewhat decent amount of time
Are they good for trucks that haul gooseneck trailers
They are not bad, but if you are really towing or hauling with the truck and want a Fox you are going to want to spring for a shock with the CD or DSC adjusters to bring up low speed compression when you are loaded down. That will give you the best ride unloaded and give you the ability to tighten things up when you have the trailer hooked up. Otherwise I would recommend something like a Bilstein 5100, Eibach Pro Truck, or even an Icon shock instead. They will be a little firmer unloaded, but will be much better under a load than a non adjustable Fox 2.0.
@@ShockSurplus thanks I was thinking the same, just wanted to be sure
I wonder why Toyota switched though?
what do you mean? Toyota uses both still, Bilstein twin tubes on their TRD models, and then Fox 2.5 IBP on their Pro models
@@ShockSurplus I know the earlier pros had bilstein but the newer one have fox.
Just bought my firts Yoda. 2014 4runner
155xxx miles.
Whats the Old Man Emu nitros all about and how would they compare?
They are definitely firmer than both of these options so they are not bad if you are carrying a fair amount of constant load, however we think most people would be happier with either a Fox, Bilstein, or even an Eibach
I went with the fox 2.0 and so happy i did@@ShockSurplus
So bilstein would be better at high speed bumps and fox would be better a slow rock crawling?
If better to you means more comfort and softer, then Fox is the answer. If better for you is tighter handling on and offroad, Bilstein is a better option.
High speed bumps are their own beast, hard hits that force the suspension to the bumpstops are one thing, BIlstein has better bottom out protection most of the time.
My bilstein 5100 lasted about 10 k miles..no rebound ..I will go fox next time..or maybe some cheapies..
We generally find the Bilsteins will last 2-3x as long as a Fox before the Fox needs to be rebuilt so I am not quite sure that will be the solution. If you are going through shocks that fast you may need something with a reservoir or something with larger than a 2" body for the way you are using the vehicle.
6112/5160 is more comparable to fox 2.0
On something with strut suspension they are definitely similar in price, but surprisingly we get asked all the time whether the 5100 or 2.0 is the better option although they are fairly far apart on price. With that said they are both around 2" body monotubes so in the real world, their performance is a lot closer than you might think
Kings all day 2.5
Fox requires maintenance for best ride
Billstein failed on me, can’t recommend em.
Actually Bilsteins account for the majority of our sales and have the lowest percentage of failures and warranty claims of everything else we carry. Every brand has the occasional dud but if you had a Bilstein fail on you I would definitely do some investigating on the vehicle as there is a better chance the Bilstein failing was a side effect of another issue than the shock itself being bad. Where one in every 10 Ranchos is bad, and one in ever 40 Fox/King/Icon shocks is bad, Bilstein failures are more like one in every thousand. It definitely is unfortunate you had a failure, but if it was in fact an issue with the shock, you would have a better chance of it happening with any other brand.
Neither. Eibach
Eibach is great and we love their product but we also love Bilstein and Fox as they all have their own pros and cons and some suit other builds more then others.
If I buy fox and if I want to service it after like 30k or 50k miles where do you think I can do that? That’s the only thing worries me a about buying fox
Fox is lame
that's not fair =O
@Shock Surplus I just bought fox cause kings are out of stock