Bilstein vs Old Man Emu vs Fox Suspension for a 2016–2023 Tacoma
Verify fitment with the merchant before you buy.
Reviewed by DoesItFit Editorial · How we evaluate compatibility
PICK THE SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE—THEN THE EXACT LOAD AND SKU
Start with Bilstein 6112/5160 for a modular, large-bore digressive front and remote-reservoir rear path. Start with Old Man Emu MT64 when you want a matched complete kit selected by permanent front and rear load. Start with Fox 2.5 Factory Race when external reservoirs, premium heat capacity and factory service support justify the added complexity. None is a universal kit: drivetrain, six-lug status, lift range, upper-control-arm requirements and constant load must match the exact part numbers.
Quick comparison
| Path | Architecture | Adjustment/load approach | Most important boundary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bilstein B8 6112 + 5160 | 60 mm front monotube; 46 mm remote-reservoir rear | Stepped front spring seat; select rear springs/leaves separately | Verify exact front/rear SKUs and build a complete rear-load plan |
| OME MT64 matched kit | 64 mm-bore aluminum monotubes; no external reservoir | Six spring-seat positions plus distinct constant-load kit variants | Buy the published front/rear load band that matches installed permanent weight |
| Fox 2.5 Factory Race | 2.5-in coilover and reservoir-based performance families | Preload/ride-height variants; some higher-lift SKUs require a UCA | Exact year, drivetrain, six-lug, lift range and service plan |
This is a system-path comparison, not a claim that every box includes the same parts or targets the same performance tier.
Bilstein: modular and direct
Bilstein's Tacoma path pairs the B8 6112 front coilover kit with a B8 5160 rear shock selected for the exact application. The 6112 uses a large 60 mm monotube/digressive piston, includes two front springs and spring seats, and provides stepped ride-height adjustment—up to 2.75 inches depending on application.
The 5160 is a 46 mm monotube rear shock with a remote reservoir for added oil volume and heat dissipation. Bilstein describes it as the intended rear complement to the 6112.
What this path does not automatically provide is the complete rear spring/load solution. If the truck carries a constant topper, drawer system, bumper, tools or trailer tongue load, choose the rear leaf/add-a-leaf system separately and then match the shock travel to the resulting height. Do not buy a generic 6112/5160 bundle without checking every included part number in Bilstein's current catalog.
Choose Bilstein when you want a straightforward modular upgrade and are comfortable specifying the rear load support independently.
Old Man Emu MT64: select the truck's permanent load first
OME treats the suspension as a matched system. Its MT64 is a large-bore aluminum monotube with a six-position spring seat, velocity-sensitive damping and no external reservoir or user damping adjuster.
The useful difference is the kit matrix. ARB's current third-generation Tacoma catalog separates combinations by permanent load. For example:
- 1108K targets roughly two inches front/rear with a 0-pound front and 0-pound rear constant-load designation;
- 1109K targets roughly two inches front/rear with 220–330 pounds of constant front load and 0 pounds rear; and
- other current variants add rear-load designations rather than asking one spring pack to cover every build.
Those numbers refer to permanent accessory weight, not passengers or cargo carried occasionally. A heavy-load spring on an unloaded truck can produce the wrong height and ride; a light-load system under permanent armor can sag.
Choose MT64 when you can inventory the finished build and want the shocks, coils and rear spring solution selected as an integrated load-specific package.
Fox 2.5 Factory Race: reservoir hardware and serviceability
Fox's 2.5 Factory Race Tacoma family uses vehicle-specific coilovers and remote reservoirs to increase oil volume and heat control. The current 880-02-376 front coilover is a 2.5-inch smooth-bore reservoir design with application-specific valving and adjustable preload/ride height.
The family name is not enough to order. Fox's live fitment records separate lift ranges and configurations. The 880-02-418 higher-lift variant, for example, explicitly requires an upper control arm. Current records also preserve six-lug and drivetrain/year notes that must be checked on the exact SKU.
Fox provides shock-service support, which matters if the truck sees repeated rough-road use and the owner is prepared to budget for inspection/service rather than treat the damper as a lifetime sealed component. A reservoir alone does not guarantee better daily comfort; spring rate, valving, tire pressure, vehicle weight and setup still control the result.
Choose Fox when sustained rough-road damping, reservoir packaging and a serviceable premium system are worth the additional parts and maintenance planning.
Permanent weight changes the answer
Before selecting any brand, weigh or document the permanent build:
- front bumper, winch, skid plates and auxiliary battery;
- sliders and underbody armor;
- topper, rack, drawers, spare tire, tools and recovery gear; and
- typical constant tongue weight, if applicable.
Do not put passengers, groceries or occasional camping cargo into a constant-load spring category unless the manufacturer instructs you to. The goal is to support what stays on the truck while retaining enough usable travel for what changes.
Use the Tacoma payload-after-modifications guide to keep spring selection separate from the truck's legal payload and axle limits. Heavier springs do not raise GVWR.
Lift height does not prove tire fit
A two-inch or three-inch suspension listing describes ride height under specified conditions. It does not guarantee a tire size. Wheel width/offset, actual tire dimensions, caster, upper-control-arm clearance, body mount, liners and full steering/suspension travel still matter.
Use the Tacoma no-rub tire guide after the suspension and alignment targets are established.
At higher front settings, confirm droop travel, CV angles, brake/ABS-line routing and alignment. If an exact product says an upper control arm is required, treat it as required—not an optional upsell.
Which path should you choose?
- Choose Bilstein 6112/5160 if you want a modular large-bore/digressive system and will choose rear load support separately.
- Choose OME MT64 if permanent accessory weight is known and you want a matched kit explicitly built around that front/rear load band.
- Choose Fox 2.5 Factory Race if external reservoirs, sustained rough-road heat control and factory service support are priorities—and the exact lift/UCA/application notes fit the truck.
Then require an itemized quote showing front shocks/springs, rear shocks, leaf or add-a-leaf parts, UCAs if required, reservoir mounts, brake-line/ABS provisions, alignment and every install consumable. Comparing only the front-coilover price is misleading.
Bottom line
Bilstein is the modular path, OME MT64 is the load-matched complete-system path, and Fox 2.5 is the premium reservoir/service path. The right answer comes from the truck's exact configuration, permanent weight and use—not a brand ranking. Verify every part number and included component before ordering.
Sources & notes
- Bilstein: Tacoma B8 6112 and B8 5160 and product overview, accessed 2026-10-15. System architecture, dimensions, adjustment and intended pairing; exact application finder still controls.
- ARB/OME Tacoma kit catalog, MT64 technical page and 1109K example, accessed 2026-10-15. Current load-specific kit structure and MT64 specifications.
- Fox Tacoma collection, 880-02-376 product record and direct-replacement instructions, accessed 2026-10-15. Current family, reservoir/service architecture and exact-SKU boundaries.
- Prices are intentionally omitted. Recheck applications, load bands and required parts before purchase. Hero is an original centered generic illustration, not exact-product, lift or ride-quality evidence.