Cheaper but More Flex? Truth About Extended Travel Coilovers for Toyotas

[@lpruler1]

Dude! You are absolutely killing it with these videos! Thanks for doing the research and for sharing.

[@Bananahammock88]

That thing hitting the back of your throat ?

[@bobjibbers7521]

For real, this guy destroys all the BS in this community lol.

[@IJustAccidentallyThe]

This content is phenomenal. Just straight facts, not bs or regurgitated broscience. What a refreshing change from the usual 4x4 and off-road community content.

[@YUKONCAMINO]

Excellent video! So many questions off-roaders have asked over the years answered in 7 minutes! 5100's are extremely popular, and with the rising popularity of the 6112's I would be very interested in a 5100 vs 6112 comparison. Keep up the good work!

[@lateralus4567]

I'll second this request! Love to see a 6112 video.

[@MHam1]

Hear, hear! Although, I’m reading that the travel distance, compressed length, and extended length is the same for both the front 5100 and 6112 shocks.

[@spacecruisers]

I have 6112 in my 03 Sequoia and I was under the impression they are simply a bigger diameter. Interesting question. It would be nice to know if adding a thin spacer would add down travel to my current setup.

[@Tanner731]

my assumption of the 6112 is that its just a thicc 5100, I am running a first gen tundra 6112 because it works out to about .5in extra shock travel over the 4runner. 5100s share the same travel numbers

[@phild9813]

I agree!

[@micahwhite9864]

These suspension videos are hands down the best straightforward explanation of IFS out there. Well done and keep them coming. 👏

[@ronaldrussell5481]

Thank you for your continued analysis of the Toyota front suspension. At the very least it is educational and for those who actually off road and can apply some of what you share with us I'm sure they find valuable. It's quite clear that the suspension system on our vehicles is a most important aspect of the vehicle's overall performance. I watched a video the other day of a tour of SVC in California who make/install/tune true long travel suspensions particularly on the Ford Raptor and that was a GREAT video. It doesn't matter how much power you can squeeze out of your engine if you can't put it to the ground effectively.

[@jdyouland3455]

Appreciate all the research and real world testing you do!

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Awesome research! Thanks for the information and for the shoutout in the video! 😁👍

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thanks for sharing the only numbers i could find on the entire internet!

[@ericroot8475]

I'll be changing out my stock 1st gen tacoma struts for Bilstein 4600s very soon. I'll do a side by side measurement to check for extended travel. Thanks for your efforts on Toyota IFS.

[@bromano843]

As an engineer I appreciate the detailed analysis and comparison.

[@shalehausler4383]

I have a lot of respect for how you deliver your information. When you find that what you believed for fact from previous videos may not be as clear cut as you once understood, you have no problem showing those facts. Much respect to you for this!!!

[@Ironman4x4America]

Another great video, Kai. Thanks for sharing this information with the community.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thank you!

[@vegvisiroverland]

Y'all owe Kai some sponsorship money. I've got the Foam Cell Pro in my shortlist to replace my TRD Pro suspension

[@macdaddy1617]

I would love you to list package builds on your opinion from basic lifts to advance. Too many shops just over sell products to consumers that are getting into this field. Your channel is definitely very educational.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thanks. That is a good idea. I'll do a video like that in the future

[@pn312]

I'd be interested in hearing about digressive vs. linear/progressive damping. Thanks for your detailed information and hard work.

[@ElPeladoConBarba]

Your channel is amazing ! I did this same experimentations ona brand new 2023 Toyota Hilux 4x4. And I managed go from 16cm travel to 22cm by lowering down with the sock rod bump stop with a smal spacer. Keeping factory suspension offset. Thanks for the detailed info. As you, I had same issues figuring out all the shock specs and sizes, even for huge companies like Monroe. I live in Argentina BTW and most of the products you show aren't available here.

[@taliesinangling3564]

These videos are fantastic please dont stop making them

[@petyweestraw]

I ran 5100s and OME springs for a couple or so years. Put about 70k hard miles on them. Loved them never had a complaint. The only reason they got replaced with the Dobs longtravel IMS setup was because I wasn't running bumpstops and broke the shaft from one of the lower mounts in the rear. When I pulled them off they still had strong rebound. A guy bought the kit from me for only $100. No doubt he will get plenty more use out of them. Anyhoo great video yet again. Always learn a lot from watching your work.

[@Absolute_Unit135]

Thank you for taking the time to measure and put together all of this data, Kai. Very eager to see new videos.

[@MNunez42]

Even though i have yet to get a long travel kit, let alone a mid travel, I been binge watching all your videos to soak in the information so I can make the best decision!

[@LimitOfN]

Honestly some of the best youtube content available on the subject. Fantastic job.

[@dirttales]

I'm running Dobinsons extended travel shocks/springs from Apache Offroad, and they definitely add more travel! I'm also running JBA high caster UCAs though which has helped a lot with steering.

[@SPARTAN-107]

You never fail to blow my mind on every video!

[@RoyFJ65]

It makes me happy to have Bilstein 6112 Kit from TRD for my FJ Cruiser that was used in the TTUE FJ Cruiser. The performance on and off road is excellent.

[@chadsmall9447]

Bloody brilliant yet again by far the best no bs facts love it mate cheers

[@TrevorDyck]

Still loving this series, Kai. So helpful!

[@007johnie]

Love the videos. At 1:22 you showed the wheels droop, I think you should split the screen right in the center of the wheel instead to show the difference in before/after instead of overlapping the footage cause it just blurs it. Keep the videos coming.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

That is a great suggestion. I will keep that in mind for future illustrations. Thanks!

[@daver.2871]

Dude. Your videos are legit. You answer a lot of questions I've had for a long time. I hope you keep making content like this.

[@VikingsGarage]

Thank you so much for this super useful information. I’m much better informed now that I am shopping for coil overs.

[@PhildoBaggins]

Thanks for actually breaking out a tape measure and checking things. Rare these days.

[@asplenic16180]

I appreciate you share learned material through time. It's a demonstration of science as a process, review the learned information and assess the data for what it says, given new or more information. I've now subscribed after lurking for some Time.. 🤙🏼

[@BryanTTga]

My rear cheap icons are slightly longer than my old 5100. And run those in the back with longer sway bar links and 5100 up front on 1.75”/1” lift. Running 255/80r17. Perfect set up, although I kinda want to stuff some 255/85 in it. Not sure I even need to do much.

[@jailbreakoverlander]

Man your banging these vids out, awesome info as usual brother.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thank you Richie!

[@Annon89]

I had 6112 on my 2nd gen and it rode great despite lifting through coil compression/settings. I never did testing like you but I have driven other newer trucks and with the exception of the 4th gen’s it rode significantly better.

[@michaelbias3438]

Wow, another outstanding video. Thank you for putting these together. They're helping me a l

[@naam92]

That channels deserves way more views. And I’m sure it will, keep up the good content! 🙏🏼💯

[@jankydriveway4694]

I love this guy. Such excellent videos. Love the dry humor too.

[@agentchowdown4938]

I’ve been rewatching these videos over and over ever since you uploaded them, today I finally got around to measuring my Freedom Offroad Coilovers, and they are a full INCH longer than the stock ones. Talk about extra extended travel! By motion ratio that’s 1.85 inches longer. I’m flabbergasted, especially given the fact they are only $550! I wonder how their upper control arms are, I’m debating between them, the SPC’s, and the JBA’s. They also make lower control arms but they aren’t long travel… very interesting! Great video!

[@TinkerersAdventure]

hmmm, that sounds way too much to me if your measurement was accurate. I'd watch out for your inner CV binding. stock UCA will probably bind right around there too. Check if the top hat bushings were installed properly because that would affect the overall length.

[@Shiryas]

Kudo's for pointing out corrected/updated information from your other videos. Another great video and wealth of fact based knowledge.

[@ryanjacobsongolf7845]

Your videos are awesome. Thanks for the easy to understand explanations.

[@KenJohn777]

Well I can tell my experience on the Toyota Hilux, the suspension between the tacoma, prado, 4runner and FJ is very similar. The factory UCA is good up to 2" of lift. With a extended ball on the factory UCA you can go from +2" to +3.5" of lift, even 4" but with some flex limitations. UCA replacements are stronger but some of them limit the flex a lot and will be hitting the coil spring like the Dobinsons UCA.

[@TaylorKelln]

I'm so glad your channel exists

[@lorenzoronpedrique2952]

Best channel for Toyota fans on KZbin

[@MikeyB00o]

Good year to save money on a simple upgrade. Thanx for taking the time to do this work

[@markmitzlaff8672]

Glad you mentioned Hayden, you guys should Collab. Love both of your channels

[@dorkyninja04]

Kai exposing all these companies! Keep the videos coming!

[@cmedina61]

I dig the data only bias. Helps me decide, still gonna run my Bilstien max height 😂. “ I don’t want peace, I want want problems, ALWAYS “

[@rhcockrum8746]

Awesome video. I am getting ready to level my 2019 Tundra. My local shop suggested the Bilstien 5100's over a spacer block. I have watched several of your videos, and they have clearly explained all of the nuances to making suspension changes on a Toyota. I wish it were possible to get have a one-on-one chat with you about my application. I think it would likely save me some money! Thanks again for your time.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

thanks. send me a note here and i'll see what i can do. tinkererdesign.com/pages/contact

[@fouUili684]

Thanks for your research, this just makes me want to buy any Toyota trd pro version and keep all the suspension stock going off of what you’re saying. I have king shocks “regular” not extended adjusted to about 2” to level the front on my tundra like the trd pro with stock UCA and it bottoms out quite a bit going fast off-road hitting some unseen little whoops

[@TinkerersAdventure]

You can rebuild your King and let them swap in a shorter top out spacer to gain some down travel. I really like the TRD Pro Fox coilovers. They are internal bypass, which gives ride characteristics these Fox/King/Icon 2.5 diameter coilovers can't even touch.

[@fouUili684]

@@TinkerersAdventure yea I was gonna take them off soon to get rebuilt and tell them that, like you said Toyota made the pro suspension with stock UCA so I’ll stick with that

[@robertjustin1291]

Top notch content my friend ❤

[@kindasupersonic7114]

I went with the bilstiens 6100 series for my Tacoma and oh boy !!!! I can not be happier

[@rudedogii]

Look at the factory replacement offerings for lifted IFS vechicles in Austarlia buy Monroe. Typically 3/4 longer over the factory specs. I run imported Koni Raids on my 2018 Chevy Colorado. Koni also has diffrent part numbers for lifted IFS suspensions. I run Koni part number from the Holden Colorado and Izuzu D-Max.

[@boostbogan]

I bloody love your videos mate, only facts, no anecdotal "evidence"

[@conradium117]

Great videos. Debunking myths through actual engineering and not just marketing lingo. Carpe Diem! Following your style, it would be great to see a side-to-side comparison of the most popular coilovers. Something similar to what Project Farm in his channel does. Would gladly help you set something up for that.

[@rideordivekerry4830]

I love how informative and detailed your videos are 💪🏼

[@Mines220]

This is Gold! Please keep them coming! Thank you!!!!

[@agnstthegrain]

Man your videos are the Shiznitz! Thanks for all the info, this is exactly the type of explanations i needed to make sense of all this crap that i already thought was marketing BS and nonsense in many areas. Your explanations are perfect in an understandable way for all of us to come to our own conclusions for what we want to achieve. I dont regret saving some money and buying the ironman stuff lol

[@samirkadhim2097]

Amazing job. So informative and so clear. You have one of the best quality videos out there!! Keep it up please. I look forward to watching your new videos.

[@Maximus01776]

I'm running the ironman stage two and love it, so far it's been great system, places I go that they sell icon lift kits call the ironman "entry level" 😂😂😂

[@deadbrother5355]

What is the maximum stroke length at factory ride height before potentially damaging limitations (ball joint, cv's etc) occur? I cannot find straight answers anywhere. Just parrot talk and bro science as well as salesman speak. I have 3rd gen tacoma and want better shocks with more travel, but no lift. I use my truck for work and don't want to lift heavy items any higher than I already do, but more articulation on the trails is always a plus. Specifically I have had my eye on fox performance elite, and your videos make me think I *might* be able to get away with the 0-3" front c/o's set to oem height. But only data can tell me for sure. (Accutune thinks I'm going to lift it to 3" with oem uca, but im not. I told them that but they don't believe me.) I just want daily driver/sleeper abilities.

[@overlandme]

Very informative...I have got TJM XGS coilovers installed on my toyota fortuner...Fortuner front suspension is exactly similar to FJ and prado...TJM XGS is 2 inches longer than my fortuner standard coilovers and I found significant improvement in suspension travel distance

[@osmarorozco963]

Wow! fantastic research and information man! As a proud owner of 21’ trail edition 4R you’ve answered a great deal of thoughts i’ve has regarding doing any suspension mods. Again, great video & great info!! Thank you for all you do here!!. Be blessed brother🤙

[@nictank]

Love how detailed and professional you make these videos. Keep it up!

[@lonesomecricket7721]

I am running the Bilstein 5100 and OME med coils up front and Bilstein 5160 with OME coils in the rear on my 07 FJ Cruiser. It’s a great budget lift.

[@pmcandrews12]

Keep it up! I went with the eibach pro lift on my 4runner as a beginner it seems to do the job right so far. But I am learning and these are all things I am now paying attention to! Thanks

[@IdaReggaeMon]

Love these videos. Information packed and well produced. No filler! Keep it up!

[@markwilson5699]

I just fitted bilstein 5100 was about 25mm longer than the factory coil over from my 2015 n70 toyota Hilux. I ordered a 2inch lift kit.

[@roberthohlfelder9780]

Thanks for another outstanding video. I feel like I have to play these at slow speed so I can keep up with the fire hose of information.

[@1Coolbanana]

Love your videos mate, No one does them like this 👍

[@tire26]

I truly appreciate your videos. Thank you!

[@White_buffalo_4r]

Great info as always. I've often wondered how much more travel the ext. travel coilovers added. Cause I would think that in the end it's limited by Lower control arm down travel and my the tires hitting on the upper control arms reducing the travel.

[@batbawls]

High quality content. Very refreshing to see.

[@targeterror4044]

I love how it's hard data and facts. I feel like I'm in an AP suspension class

[@Sw20boosted]

Not 100% about the Tacoma, but many vehicles I’ve lift/level, the control arm actually with hit and bind on the coil spring where a aftermarket control arm is required to avoid this. I changed mine for better alignment specs and more clearance. Plus the OME control arms look fantastic. Even Toyota installed a new control arm in the TRD Pros.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Good point. I plan to mention this in my UCA video. On Toyotas the UCA will contact the coil with incorrect setup that adds way too much droop, such as strut top spacers. I verified the factory UCA will not contact the coils with extended travel coilovers in 2.5 diameter shocks. But there won't be room for remote reservoir hose.

[@jerryquintana2508]

This is interesting and great research. Having my Icon extended travel rebuilt. Running 5100 during the rebuild. Going to have to test them out on the trail.

[@SENDITorBENDIT]

I’ve read in the Tacoma forums you don’t need UCA for 2” or less of lift. 3” lifts is a must for aftermarket UCA’s.

[@timglascock5558]

Excellent videos! I've watched them multiple times to make sure I get the most out of them! Im looking at ways to maximize travel without going LT and have been frustrated by the lack of details. It would be amazing to see how much travel each brand has, similar to what you did here. Similarly, it would be really interesting to see how the rear suspension does as well. I know there are several different strategies for gaining length such as the Metal Tech LT which uses a longer shock but requires a 3" bumpstop compared to the Sonoran Steel Radflo option that is the same length as stock but uses a remote resi and internal trickery to give about the same length as the MT LT but with the stock bumpstop. It seems like they provide a similar length of travel but in different ways. Being that I have KDSS, I'm also interested in the different panhard bars that attempt to alleviate contact with the KDSS system on uptravel. It would be great to see if the different strategies like Treaty Oaks KDSS spacer, basic panhard bar upgrade (i.e. Dobs, Ironman, etc.), or Sonoran Steel bar make a difference. Love everything you are doing and cannot wait to see what you come out with next. Definitely interested in the UCA convo, especially since I've had a OME lift with stock UCA for 90k miles sitting at 23.5 up front (effectively 3.5" lift) with no issues at all. I'm sure an extended travel shock and slightly less lift would help the ride since it's pretty stiff but that's a whole other story!

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thanks! You have some good points made. I pieced together my rear long travel with random shocks for other vehicles just to help retain up travel. If you haven't already, check out my KDSS video which I showed how the rear panhard and kdss spacer help.

[@philsrandomstuff2392]

Like you said most people have no idea if there new lift gives them more travel. All of the IFS kits i fit actually reduce the amount of wheel travel the vehicle has from stock in the front. This is mainly due to a heavier coil that the vehicle cannot compress any further which results in the bump stops never being able to be contacted by the lower control arm under articulation. In my own vehicle with the preload set to 50mm of lift I actually lost 6 inches of ramp travel, lowering the vehicle down to 35mm of lift I gained full travel out of the struts. The one thing I have learnt is the higher you lift a IFS vehicle the more crap it handles, this is caused by the geometry of the suspension which no one ever looks at. The more lift you have the more toe in and out action you have as a suspension cycles which makes the car handle like crap, This is why the manufacturers ad such stiff coils I believe to limit the amount of wheel travel.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Yes I agree. I have made a video that measured how much articulation was lost with too much lift. Check it out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/omLXhZiincl4n68

[@BaconCruiser]

Best suspension videos on YT!

[@roadrider1100]

Another clearly articulated video

[@LordVallee]

Thank you bud. I just learned so much more about my TRD Pro suspension. This knowledge is definitely going to help me with my direction of my build out. Great Research!

[@overlandingand4WD]

Love your work, keep tinkering and sharing your findings.

[@Shoeless_DA]

Your vids are the best, so technical.

[@jvogler_art4708]

Alright i'm pulling the trigger on some 5100's for my next upgrade on my 3rd gen 4runner thanks to your research. Gonna run TRD tundra springs for that optimal 2 inch lift you showed in the other video.

[@dallasvanwyk]

THANK YOU for putting this info out there. If you want an Eibach Pro shock to measure, let me know.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thanks! If you can share your top hat to lower eyelet center distance. It will be helpful to others considering the Eibach pro

[@UrbanOpsOffRoad]

Great analysis dude! You sir have a new follower 🤙🏻

[@lucky-leif]

This dude is awesome! Cuts through all the bro science online.

[@mattgrover3096]

Your videos are great bro!

[@zaintlouis]

Please make a video on how we lubricate Option Upper Control Arms and all the other ball joints and moving parts on the front suspension system specially those with no grease nipples. OR how we can put grease nipples to those parts who doesn't have

[@BryanTTga]

I found that the cheap icon rear shocks are better than the rear for the Bilsteins. So I run 5100 up front and icon in the back. I’m tempted to go with the Ironmans next.

[@TheGunner11]

Fantastic video, seriously some of the best info out there.

[@DrewPeabawls]

This videos are crazy informative! Good work!

[@jhreels874]

Finally someone is doing this... great video.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

Another awesome video! I'm curious if the Eibach 2.0 coilovers are "extended" or not. I'm installing them very soon.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thanks! Line them up side by side to your factory one. I’m curious to know!

[@MC-je7qm]

@@TinkerersAdventure in eibachs instruction manual for the Pro truck leveling springs it says "Note: The Pro Truck Leveling springs must not be used with the OE shocks. Extended travel shocks are required to avoid damage to the suspension." So I would assume that means the pro truck suspension has ext travel shocks. If you have a email I can send you the manual.

[@jamesvo3709]

I am REALLY looking forward to your UCA video… because I need ucas and can’t decide between spc or jba

[@TinkerersAdventure]

it is coming up next! stay tuned!

[@EvergreenOffroad]

Once again great info. You do a good job of explaining it so it’s easy to understand.

[@MayhemInc]

Please do a video on custom longer travel shocks, i'm apart of that 5%

[@bryanrudy4625]

Dude! Nice work! Keep it up! I love the de-bunking of internet regurgitated bull crap! Soooo much miss information out there!

[@Kiwigd]

Loving the content, still looking for resources related to torsion bar front suspension 😉

[@bradenb]

Once again, excellent info. Really appreciate these videos.

[@ryanchambers7378]

This is FANTASTIC content!

[@bc4198]

I would love to see your take on fancy bumpstops.