The Difference SHOCKED Us! Budget Suspension Upgrade Blind Test

[@OverlandOutfitters]

If you enjoyed this series, we have our MID BUDGET blind test series coming out this summer! Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss it! Bilstein 6112, Ironman Foam Cell Pro, Fox TRD Pro, Falcon, Elka 2.0, Eibach Pro, Dobinsons MRR.

[@jatollar]

Spoiler alert Bilstein wins!

[@jakeriffel]

You guys should add the MT64s

[@jakeriffel]

You guys should add the MT64s in there

[@dan0nym0us66]

🍿

[@MexicanMarine04]

Yall need to do this with a 4Runner as well! It looks like you guys like the front OME front but the rear shock is terrible. Explains a lot in my 4Runner.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

These guys doing god’s work for the community! I would never expect 5100 to be this much better because the hearsay on the forums was “they ride stiff especially with no added weight”. Maybe true for a different truck with a different valving? IDK. Now what do you think about the spacer vs stock. Was it similar or worse? Again, thank you guys so much for doing this!

[@OverlandOutfitters]

I think a lot of people end up running 5100's with aftermarket coils that they are not valved for and add way too much lift/preload/spring force, then complain about the ride. The spacers were definitely worse than stock!

[@WheelEveryWeekend]

Yup it's exactly the case that OO said, a majority are running them with "upgraded" coils which ruins them. 6112 are offered in a heavy load variant for the 4r at least which includes heavier rate coils and the valve stack is completely different.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Very nice. So much to learn!

[@odysseyusa]

For my JLU with stock springs that I’m told will be softer than the big name, higher lifts, Metalcloak and Northridge 4x4 suggested them saying they will ride well with that spring/5100 considering my budget constraint.

[@tsslaporte]

​@@OverlandOutfitters it's like 10-20% spring rate change requires updating valving. There is little to no documentation on shock recommended spring rates.

[@mz1906]

production quality was through the roof, not even bs'ing

[@OverlandOutfitters]

Thanks for your patience guys! Some technical difficulties delayed us, but it was still Friday in Hawaii! Hope you enjoy it, we worked our butts off this time around!

[@Spadookie]

Bilstein was the first to really invest in R and D offroad and it really shows. They were testing at the Baja 1000 years before anybody else.

[@paulthompson661]

Man I love this series!!! Need more episodes need eibach2R vs 6112!!!!!! Keep it up

[@Bananahammock88]

Holy crap! Did not expect that result! Good on Bilstein!!!!!!!

[@John-ke2jm]

Just put 5100's all the way around on my GMC. Really happy with their performance.

[@wyattanker]

The shock collars had me dieing😂

[@toaster3822]

Dude the fact you jumped a basically stock taco with 5100s and didnt grenade anything is a testimate to how solid the Tacoma is. We all run them here in Canada and theyre phenomenal

[@javik98k48]

Wish to have seen the fox 2.0 in this

[@Bananahammock88]

Yeah I run the fox 2.0 on my 4runner

[@TouchofDepth]

Same pretty unfortunate they didn't include it

[@declanconnelly6699]

Great video. Why not include stock shocks in the blind test? Would be good to know if they were rated better than others.

[@genevicente]

Top notch work! Informative AND super hilarious. Really looking forward to the mid tier shootout w/ the 6112s.

[@routeddown66]

Id like to see you guys go into more detail about the valving and spring rates. As well as discussing progressive and digressive valving if any of the coilovers were setup as such.

[@OverlandOutfitters]

Get subscribed if you aren't already! We have deep dive videos on each setup coming out soon!

[@JayBirdPhotos]

Awesome video. Gives great testament to how much Toyota has done with their stock suspension on the TRD trim levels. For most people you may not even need to do any changes to have a good time offroad.

[@DeathGamer27]

The higher TRD trims actually use Bilstiens, so there's that. Those being the TRD Pro, TRD Trail, ect.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Would of love to see the bilstein 5100 vs the 6120 in this testing 37:55 @Overland Outfitters

[@richardstone5241]

This channel is FANTASTIC and I am a NEW SUBSCRIBER!!! I am an old off-roader (in my 70's) going back to the early days of BAJA with Mickey Thompson, Dick Cepek, Ivan "Ironman" Stewart and Phil Reusche (who I worked with). Your content is dead on accurate and hopefully people will listen. BTW, I would like you to do a show on "Bump Stops".

[@justinvanbibber6234]

The fact that test 1 and 4 were so similar even after Ian massaged number 4 is insane given the price difference. Great video y'all, improvement in every way over season 1. For S3 I'd like to see blind footwear reviews too, my money is on the flip flobsters.

[@WheelEveryWeekend]

To be fair, i only drilled 1 bleed hole. I was gonna make a video where i slowly fix them... those foxes now have the actual race series piston and much better valving and the text i got from the customer was its the best riding setup hes ever experienced. Fox has a great product, but bad valving.

[@rajsteint6487]

One thing everyone needs to know is that if you have remote reservoirs, the valve shims and even the 10psi difference in the Nitrogen makes a huge difference. My kings are set to 150psi and its perfect. I have a buddy who and Fox 2.5 adjustable remote res. And his Nitrogen psi was jacked way to much and he had an absolute shit ride on his 2nd Gen Tacoma. After I dropped some psi his truck rode pretty Damn good.

[@Sjackson2369]

This just reinforces my choice in the 5100s for my vehicles.

[@SirEmoSushi]

I love this series. I think as an improvement you could have a grading system to be more precise than just ranking. Like score 1-5 based on a couple categories. 2 being stock, 1 worse than stock, 5 way better than stock.

[@RealeaD]

Thought the same

[@PaulWall78]

this is the best side to side review! now im really convinced that my 1 yr old set of 5100s are good good. thank you guys

[@ra64mike29]

Very surprised on the Dobinson's. Coming from the Eibach stage 2R that rode absolutely terrible (put 20k miles on this setup) going to the Dobinson's MRR's. The MRR's ride so smooth on road and off. I know comparing a $1400 setup to a $3k setup isn't fair, but to be fair I have rode in a couple 6112/5160 setups which rode 100 times better than the 2R setup. If I would've went with the 6112/5160's in the first place, I do not believe I would've bought the mrr's. Thank you for what you guys do!

[@scholotzkys395]

Do you like the ride of the 6112 over the MMR? I’m having this debate on a 460

[@ra64mike29]

@@scholotzkys395 Definitely prefer the mrr's over the 6112's.

[@prrnrngr]

Love my 6112/5160 combo......

[@alphaftw1642]

Have the same set up on 4th gen runner. Love em

[@thedude828-ed2nn]

I'm on 5100s I really think I'm gonna go with the 6112 and 5160s next too. I love the 5100s though they have been awesome.

[@AdministrativeReload]

Yup, this is what I have on my 4th Gen Taco. Big improvement over stock on or off road. Also added roadmaster active suspension, which helped even more.

[@NAR4RYNO]

Great show boys!! I wish the 6112 was thrown in there but maybe in the future? Either way keep up the great work 🤘🏼

[@OverlandOutfitters]

Mid budget will include the 6112. Stay tuned!

[@spencerwarholik2904]

Most excited for this! Can’t wait to see the mid budget, as I think the 6112 will do great

[@TacomaJack09]

@@OverlandOutfitterscan you throw in the Ironman Foam cells into that test as well??

[@WheelEveryWeekend]

@@TacomaJack09 they were included in that test

[@wilson3246]

​@@OverlandOutfitters Any estimate on when the mid budget video will be released? I imagine it takes a lot of work and time since you guys have to remove, install, remove, install, etc the shocks which can't be easy. No rush, I just love these comparison videos and am stoked for the 6112 since those are what I have on my taco. Also, pls bring back the shock collars 😈

[@Nafleming3603]

Incredible video guys. As everyone else is saying - the production quality of this video is absolutely top tier. Love y’all’s content!!

[@spcsistylez]

Such a great video. Excellent editing! Thank you for the content and I can hardly wait to see more!

[@anotherplebeian]

I'd like to see the best of budget, mid and high go up against the highest of the high. Which may be your eventual plan, anyway. Something like ADS, fox elite etc

[@TheNewps]

That was a great shock shootout. Keeping the testers from knowing which shock they were testing was a nice addition. Shock collars for the win!

[@JohnDakila]

What a very detailed and awesome job you guys did! Helped me a lot! Definitely earned my subscription! Do you guys have any review or experience on the Fox 2.0? Specially the one that offers 3" lift?

[@frothycarapace969]

Im happy to hear/see this vid. Makes me feel awesome about the 5100s I have sitting here waiting to go on my first gen tundra. Cant wait!

[@frothycarapace969]

Update. Installed on my truck and have been great so far.

[@9THEBLACKKID]

Best suspension video I’ve seen definitely buying and supporting y’all keep it up you guys are killing it!!! 🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾

[@lukas6369]

Spring rate of each strut option would be great to know.

[@p2thumper07]

Everyone says 5100’s are rough, I loved mine. Smooth, no issues on or off road for over landing purposes. But also did JBA upper control arms. I’d love to see this style test with stock UCA and after market UCA, it’s gotta make a difference

[@MrCayer12]

Great video! What coils are you running with the Bilstein 5100 shocks ?

[@MountainBound17]

Very methodical yet fun test, I'm now subscribed to be on the lookout for the mid-grade test!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

I have always been impressed with Bilstein have had them on dozens of vehicles for 10 plus years Never Exspected them to be close to fox 2.5 on some of the test i am impressed that Bilstein is on top 30:06 @Overland Outfitters

[@ryannylander1819]

I really enjoyed the technical real world performance and comments and comedy thrown in. I’ve had 5100s on a Tundra and loved them. Using some 2.5 Radflo Coilovers now on my long travel desert truck and love those too. Good stuff guys!

[@donventura3844]

Sounds about right. I have 5100 with eibach pro truck coils on my gx470. The eibach springs are pretty supple and the bilstein wrangles em in. The 5100 s weakness are stiff slow speed damping like on bad city streets you feel the little bumps and on rock crawl they will toss your head side to side. I did pair mine with sumo springs bumpstops on all courners when the digressive valving falls off. I haven’t experienced topping out yet but i will probably get a limiting strap as extra insurance

[@jt4277]

Wow - great test! The guys in my local 4WP store recommended Bilstein as a little better than Fox, especially considering the price difference, so they were definitely right. Kinda surprised that the Eibachs weren't better since their springs are usually highly rated.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Holy crap at Whoops section with the jump on Setup 6 thst got Squirrely real Quick 28:40 @Overland Outfitters

[@RWiltz-pw2vu]

Loved the video! Did you guys use the stock rear leaf springs for all the shocks? One thing to consider is that some of the aftermarket shocks (I.E. OME) may be valved assuming they will be paired with the corresponding leaf springs. That could potentially explain the sketchiness of the OME rear shocks if they are tuned with excessive rebound dampening when paired with the stock leafs.

[@thedude828-ed2nn]

They said they just threw on add a leafs.

[@SunshineStateVikings]

Would love to see how the OME BP51s stack up against some other comparable shocks

[@rajsteint6487]

Buy once and cry once. I bought Kings stage 4A from AccuTune and zero regrets. If you can afford it then getr done. If you can't then you will still have fun with lower quality ones don't worry. I had fun with my stock bilstein 4600s on Tacoma TRD Off road

[@gabboGABBOGABBOOO]

How much of a lift did that give? I'm looking for a similar set up for my 4runner

[@rajsteint6487]

@@gabboGABBOGABBOOO with 2.75 is what they recommend with 33s it ends up being 3 Inch lift

[@OutdoorAuto]

The amount of work you guys put into these is incredible... Amazing work.

[@theroadahead415]

I wanna see the fox 2.5 performance elite shocks with the dsc adjusted to your settings! I’m running those on my taco and I love them.

[@4WDisLife]

One of the best suspension contents on the internet period. I now know I will stick to my tacomas stock suspension and when needed, upgrade to the 5100s thank you!

[@reallife3096]

lolol

[@mulligatawni651]

The final reveal was shockingly hilarious! Great work and thanks for both the honest comparisons and entertainment. Looking forward to the next blind test. Do you think the preload collar or the top spacer was the biggest contributor to the Westscott kit's poor performance?

[@ericnexplore]

Thank you guys for your honest reviews. Love the collaboration between both side of the border 🇨🇦 🇺🇸👍🏻👍🏻

[@morganyoung146]

It wasn't mentioned in the video I think but we're all the same spring rates used and we're they all the same as the stock rate? It looks like aftermarket springs were used on each shock but would nice to confirm that. Thanks! Great series to watch!

[@jatollar]

I think each comes with the factory recommended spring. I know that Bilstein tests and configures for each vehicle they have a kit for.

[@that1slowguy]

hands down best off-road suspension video in the world. maybe the best video in the world!

[@dbronco2032]

THIS IS HANDS DOWN MY NEW FAV YT VIDEO! Holy hell these guys are great! I want to get a new suspension just to hang out with these dudes. Sooo funny - SUB’d

[@mikebachar3276]

The guys testing the shocks and actually getting shocked at the end are great sports going through this! Great review and testing! Loved this episode!

[@thedude828-ed2nn]

I got bilstein 5100s on my truck with coils from all dogs off-road and they have been great i hear a lot of people hating on them but they do the job on and off road very well for me. And i do wheel them hard quite a bit and ive been nothing but impressed especially with the the price too.

[@RajivSewnarain]

this video came in clutch as i was looking to buy one of these shocks for my truck this week

[@jessesuderman3710]

Can you guys do the same tests on the Tacoma TRD Pro? I would like to see how it compares with all these shocks.

[@OverlandOutfitters]

Get subscribed, as we test TRD pro shocks in our mid-budget test coming this fall!

[@ryanroland6426]

This was so entertaining at the expense of these guys backs.

[@walt3r88]

This is great. Can we get some 6112, fox 2.0, and Radflo 2.0 in the future?

[@evelynfarfellwooosh1219]

This should have millions of views.

[@RiyuRaz]

Finally a much awaited honest comparison video .. thank you so much guys ❤❤❤

[@kodepop]

I went from a spacer lift on stock Hitachi's to the Eibachs, and the difference is incredible. I'm a little bummed they weren't considered as good as the Bilsteins though. One day I hope to try super expensive shocks for a comparison.

[@SLOzack]

Had those on my 4Runner and seemed like the springs just needed to break in a little bit.

[@goin_outside]

I hope the winner of this round, Bilstein 5100, will move up into the next round of testing. Great video series.

[@Metalwolf765]

Instant sub! Nice work, I have the 5100s like everyone else on the planet and they ride way harder than they should.

[@PolyPerformance]

Love this series, keep it up guys! Would love to see ADS in a future test too!!

[@gx-dan6310]

thank for this! big fan! enjoyed it. why was the 6112 not included?

[@OverlandOutfitters]

They will be part of our mid budget series. Stay tuned!

[@sawyerheslep8493]

@@OverlandOutfitters will you do the 5160s in the rear in junction with the 6112s?

[@tac4bravo]

The ending was amazing 😂

[@mikemiklavic1930]

The 5100 has been my go to on every pickup truck I’ve owned.

[@NVLunarTaco]

This was awesome! Lots of work put into to this and was very insightful. Love how it was blind testing. 👍🏼

[@deadbrother5355]

Why no test on the performance elite?

[@RealeaD]

Fantastic shock show! Can't wait the Mid Tier comparison show. When doing Mid Tier comparison, please indicate which setting/groove you put them in. Or, is it even possible to try different settings on the same shocks? As an example, after so much research through KZbin and forums, my understanding is Bilstein 6112 and Eibach Pro stiffness changes quite a lot depending on groove you set them in. Thanks so much.

[@TheBEAST-ej7oo]

Amazing video! Just one doubt what coils did you use with the bilstein shocks? Thanks a lot

[@mattyr0_T4R]

Would love to see a comparisons video on that road for the bilstein 5100 vs 6112's

[@PrimerBravo]

Awesome video! Had the 6112 on my 4runner and leaning towards that setup on my GX460, any updates on when that video will be coming out, super pumped to see it!

[@fredgarvin7033]

I'm dying here with the shocks. BTW the best testing I have seen and i have tried a few and just went with Bilstein res on my Gladiator .

[@alltheboost801]

Awesome video! I’m curious, what tire pressure were you all running? And tire size? I’m new to off road shenanigans, so just trying to learn.

[@mattb9664]

The stock Bilstein shocks on the Tacoma OR package (2nd gen) were absolute trash from what I remember. The back end would 'scatter dance' over any type of harsh surfaces on the highway, and felt like it could swing out. I was fortunate to get in on the $600 TRD Pro clearance sale, and upgraded to the Bilstein 6112 and 2" lift (in addition to the TSB 3+1 springs)...it was like night and day. Truck felt like it was built for comfort and for speed all in one package after installing that kit. Those stick shocks were endurance tested on a desert a while ago in someone else's channel, and I just remember how they said they were leaking after the test was done- they definitely are not intended for extended off road use.

[@prrnrngr]

I recently (2 weeks ago) emailed Bilstein about if the stock TRD OR shocks were 4600's (even though the body diameter is smaller on the OEM).. their answer was "They make the OEM shocks for the OEM at the spec that the OEM wants", so those shocks are Toyota's creation. I had the same issues with my stock TRD OR Bilsteins....they were cooked and weeping (I'm assuming they had boiled over) after 15 minutes of bombing fire roads in 85 to 90 degree weather.

[@davidromero6335]

Wow such different results than my own. The Dobinsons are way more plush than any Bilsteins i have ran on my 18 Tacoma. They didn’t say how much preload they were running or what position on the circlips which plays a big part.

[@MrSatchelpack]

Yea I was so confused by this. Dobinsons are by and large more preferred over 5100s for their relative plushness.

[@tac4bravo]

I have Dobinsons IMS on my 4Runner and in all aspects huge improvement over the factory XREAS suspension imo, on and off road. Less body roll, not too firm, off road I feel planted, I do mostly beach driving, the beach can be rough in terms of terrain, not all smooth sand many dips and precious tire tracks.

[@rossipremier]

That's a bizarre result for dobs, did they spec the wrong springs and/or preload them way too much?

[@mxer254]

@@rossipremier sometimes the unbiased truth is hard to accept haha. I highly doubt these 2 very knowledgeable guys would've ran the wrong spring and/or preloaded them "way too much"

[@MrJcjet]

This is super useful for a lot of buyers!!! I've had the fox 2.5s and was not impressed until I had them revealed. They should be better out of the box. Weirdly the fox 2.0s we're quite good and plush feeling on my Tundra, but very harsh on a 4Runner. It's like the vehicle formula they're using for the midsize segment is based on a 3000kg vehicle. Thanks again!! Great content.

[@vuemouam3r1]

Awesome job guys. Enjoyed this video very much. It was hilarious. 38 minute video didnt seem long at all with all the laughs. Keep up the good work. 😂👍

[@georgesmith2431]

9mm came from Germany, American's use 22, colt 45, 50 cal, 357, 370, 300, 22 250... but other that that, great video...

[@B-kl8vj]

Great job! Would be great to see the Fox TrdPro bypass shocks in a future test of more expensive shocks.

[@OverlandOutfitters]

Coming soon 😉🫡

[@ryansmith7974]

Im curious as well, but ive got the Tundra version that Ive had serviced but havent installed yet.

[@Will-W]

I'd really like to see or at least have a followup on what exactly he did with the Fox piston and opening up the bleed hole. I kinda understand what he means but I'd be interested to hear why he chose how much to increase the size and how he determined that it needed that modification specifically. Great series, just watched both the first set and this one.

[@SC_XOLOs]

Awesome video. The only brand most Tacoma owners go with is missing. That being kings. I purchased my 6111 for the budget, with the money I saved, I purchased a Yamaha YZ250.

[@rmsfootball63]

I know this is the budget test, but I think a lot of us want a fox 2.5 pes, king 2.5, dobinson mrr, new ride shocks, icon with resi and have them tuned for the Tacoma if people you would buy from offer that (ex: accutune). Also would be interesting to see these with various lbs of weight added as well.

[@OverlandOutfitters]

We did a higher budget test last year with king, fox, icon, elka and bilstein, but we'd be down to do it again if there's enough stoke on this video and our mid budget one coming up!

[@rmsfootball63]

@@OverlandOutfitters tuning is the important part!

[@mohamadyousef3702]

Holy crap I loved this video. It’s very very clear. You definitely need to do some research before getting to this video just to understand the technical and mechanical info. This video helps you zero in on what you ultimately want in the budget shock. (With the exception of FOX 2.5)

[@TheWeissenheimer]

This was a really great video. I went to Dobinsons IMS from 5100s a year ago and have been very disappointed. Funny to see these guys have the SAME driving reactions I had because I’ve been wondering if it’s just me. For the money I spent I was not expecting such a harsh ride. I am surprised their final rating put Dobinsons in 3rd because based on their driving tests it looked really bad!

[@andrewjungkunz2367]

What spring weight did you go with in the dobi’s.

[@christopherb449]

Can’t wait for the video with the Dobinsons MRR, considering adjustable suspensions how much time will be spent adjusting LSC, HSC, and dampening prior to testing?

[@TouchedGrassUniversity]

What springs are you running for the 5100s?

[@mikemoravec3978]

I have eibach stage 1 with spc utc's on my 4th gen 4Runner. I hit this one intersection by my house at 40mph, definite air and they land so smoothly. There must be a big difference between a tacoma and a 4Runner off road. Rear leafs vs. rear coils 🤷‍♂️

[@Gexploringsounds]

For the 5100s did you guys use the stock springs or any other recommendations?

[@OverlandOutfitters]

Check the deep dive videos! We used stock coils as that is what they are designed for!

[@Ryan-cl2mh]

The 5100’s are great shocks the shafts fail off road in Arkansas with the rock shelves and harsh articulation angles we run down here. I run the Dobinsons in my 4th gen 4Runner V8. The shafts and springs are heavy duty. I have heavy duty 2 stage Dobinson springs those are a game changer on the road.

[@johnkoutsantonis7187]

I'm trying to decide what to get for my 4th gen 4runner v8, what are you running on yours? I was thinking of going with Dobinson's, I had the 5100's on a 3rd gen 4runner and didn't think they were that great but after seeing this test maybe i was using the wrong springs

[@BadDrivers101]

After reading other reviews on the 5100s I put a set on my GX with a set of sumo springs for bump stops. I would definitely recommend the setup to anyone looking to lift theirs.

[@signalsoldier28]

Sumo springs overpriced BS

[@BadDrivers101]

@@signalsoldier28 please expand on your dislike. Something wrong with them in your experience?

[@calgreco8607]

What do you think about durobumps bump stops?

[@laithalmas8413]

Would have loved to have seen the stock TRD Pro Fox suspension in the mix here. Great video!

[@OverlandOutfitters]

coming up in the mid budget shootout! get subscribed if you aren't!

[@reynegrete3863]

I’m curious what springs the 5100s are paired with.

[@flat6targa]

Did the spacer use bilstein 4600 shocks? they are supposedly valved the same or very similar as 5100s so did the spacer through off the geometry to make them perform worse?

[@SDwriter.and.surfer]

That's what I was wondering as well. Internally there's no difference between the stock (TRD?) 4600 shocks and 5100s, except the shim stacks each uses. Both are digressive as well.

[@AndrewG2.0]

Would like to see the Ironman foam cell pros on here. Awesome work!

[@RobertsAdventure]

Aren't most of these aftermarket shocks even in their lower-weight "stock" versions intended for overlanders with some additional weight day-to-day? (Bumpers, winch etc even if not loaded down) I'd be curious to see the same test with a couple hundred extra kilos in the back and a steel bumper on the front.

[@liamcrawford2197]

What size bleed holes did you guys drill in the piston of those fox 2.5's?