Bilstein 6112 coilovers give the Tacoma a 0–2.5" front lift with better damping than the stock-tuned-soft units, in a pre-assembled bolt-in package matched to either 2nd gen (2005-2015) or 3rd gen (2016-2023) trucks.
Stock Tacoma front coilover struts are valved for unloaded daily driving. Add a bumper, skid plate, and a few weekend trips and the front sags 0.5"–1" below stock, with brake-dive on every stop and float over washboard. The 6112 is the go-to upgrade: 60mm piston, snap-ring-adjustable spring perch, pre-assembled with a Bilstein-tuned coil.
The 6112 ships with multiple perch positions giving 0", 0.5", 1.25", 1.85", and 2.5" of front lift. Most owners run position 3 (around 1.25"–1.85") which clears 265/75R16 or 275/70R17 tires without CV-angle problems. Going to the top position (2.5"+) stresses CV axles — budget for shorter CV life or pair with a diff drop.
Three upgrade tiers. Tier 1: Bilstein 6112 front + 5160 rear ($820 + $425). Best damping-per-dollar; bolt-in; rebuildable rear shocks. Tier 2: Icon Stage 2 ($1950 matched kit). Better damping curve, dual-rate spring, threaded body for fine-tune adjustment, longer service intervals. Tier 3: Fox 2.5 Performance Series with optional DSC adjuster ($1450+). Race-grade damping with on-the-fly compression adjustability — overkill for daily driving, perfect for desert work.
Add-a-leaf or full leaf-pack replacement at the rear is a separate decision. The Icon 1.5" add-a-leaf works for mild trail and overlanding load; for heavier loads or rougher trails, go to a full Deaver or Icon leaf pack instead.
Install mirrors the 4Runner procedure. Break the upper ball joint or remove the UCA, separate the tie rod end, drop the lower strut bolt. No spring compressor needed — the 6112 ships fully assembled. Critical torque values: upper strut nuts 47 ft-lb; lower strut bolt 100 ft-lb at ride height; tie rod castle nut 67 ft-lb; upper ball joint nut 80 ft-lb. Always tighten the lower strut bolt with the suspension loaded (at ride height) to prevent bushing pre-load. Alignment is mandatory after.
For 2nd gen Tacomas (2005-2015), the 6112 part number is different (47-309975) but the install procedure matches. Pre-2005 Tacomas use a different platform entirely; see the dedicated 1st gen Tacoma guide if applicable.
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| Bilstein 6112 Front Coilover Kit (3rd Gen Tacoma, 2016-2023) | Bilstein | ~$820 |
| Bilstein 5160 Rear Reservoir Shocks (3rd Gen Tacoma) | Bilstein | ~$425 |
| Bilstein 6112 Front Coilover Kit (2nd Gen Tacoma, 2005-2015) | Bilstein | ~$780 |
| Icon Stage 2 Tacoma Suspension Kit | Icon Vehicle Dynamics | ~$1950 |
| Fox 2.5 Performance Series Coilover (DSC adjuster optional) | Fox Racing Shox | ~$1450 |
| Icon 1.5" Rear Add-a-Leaf Pack (3rd Gen) | Icon Vehicle Dynamics | ~$260 |
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.