Bilstein 6112 coilovers give the 5th gen 4Runner a 1.5"–3.2" front lift with better damping than stock and bolt-in installation — pair with 5160 rear shocks for the most common build path.
The 5th gen 4Runner (2010-2024) ships with soft front coilover struts tuned for highway ride. They sag noticeably under bumper, winch, and skid plate weight, and they fade hard on washboard. The two most common upgrade paths are Bilstein 6112 (best value, ~$850 front) and Icon Stage 2 (better damping, ~$1850 for the matched kit). Old Man Emu BP-51 and Dobinsons IMS sit in between.
The 6112 is a 60mm-piston monotube with a snap-ring-adjustable spring perch — five positions giving 1.5", 1.85", 2.25", 2.75", and 3.2" of front lift. Most builders run the middle position (around 2.25") which gives clearance for 33" tires without burning through CV axles. Going to 3.2" puts the front CV angles past their happy range — expect shorter CV life unless you also drop the differential.
Pair with Bilstein 5160 remote-reservoir shocks at the rear (about $425/pair) for a matched-tune ride. 5160s help with brake fade and heat dissipation on long descents and have rebuildable internals. If you're going further than 2" of rear lift, you need new rear coils too (not longer shocks) — Bilstein doesn't make them, so source from Icon or OME.
Install requires breaking the upper ball joint (or removing the upper control arm), separating the tie rod end, and dropping the lower strut bolt. The struts come pre-assembled — no spring compressor needed. Key torque values (verify against the trail4runner torque list before final tightening): upper strut nuts 47 ft-lb; lower strut bolt 100 ft-lb; tie rod castle nut 67 ft-lb; upper ball joint nut 80 ft-lb. Alignment is mandatory after — caster and toe both change.
If you're doing the upper control arms at the same time (recommended for any lift above 2"), order those first so they're ready to install alongside.
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| Bilstein 6112 Front Coilover Kit (5th Gen 4Runner) | Bilstein | ~$850 |
| Bilstein 5160 Rear Reservoir Shocks (5th Gen 4Runner) | Bilstein | ~$425 |
| Icon Stage 2 4Runner Suspension Kit | Icon Vehicle Dynamics | ~$1850 |
| Old Man Emu BP-51 Front Coilover Set | ARB / OME | ~$1650 |
| Dobinsons IMS Front Strut (assembled) | Dobinsons | ~$720 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.