Bilstein 8112 & 8100 Black Hawk Shocks for the 2022+ Toyota Tundra
Posted by Sean Reyes on
The new 3G 2022+ Toyota Tundra is faster than the 2G, but also heavier. The rear suspension has completely changed, moving to a coil sprung rear axle. This allows the rear suspension to move easier, as there is no leaf spring friction to overcome, which now places more demand on the actual shocks.
The factory shocks were tuned for pavement manners, with some moderate performance standards, but there's only so much a 2-inch shock on a heavy truck can handle.
Bilstein's answer for those looking for the undisputed performance package, are the 8112 Black Hawk Zone Control Shocks. Triple adjustable on every corner, 5-zone position damping, bolt-on installation, finned reservoir cooling - there's simply no equivalent on the market.
What's in the Box
| Position | Part | Bilstein PN |
|---|---|---|
| Front Left | 8112 Black Hawk coilover | 41-332245 |
| Front Right | 8112 Black Hawk coilover | 41-332238 |
| Rear Left | 8100 Black Hawk shock | 25-332315 |
| Rear Right | 8100 Black Hawk shock | 25-352016 |
The fronts come as complete coilovers (spring included, 600 lb/in) with a threaded spring seat and a finned aluminum remote reservoir. The rears are reservoir shocks with the same adjusters. Bodies are aluminum, 2.65" OD, with a 60mm piston: lighter than steel and better at shedding heat on long dirt runs.
How Much Lift? The Black Hawk Tundra Lift Chart
Bilstein ships the fronts at 7/8" of exposed thread below the lock ring. That's the preset, and on most trucks it's where we'd leave it.
Bilstein 8112 Black Hawk front lift by truck
| Truck | At preset (7/8") | Range |
|---|---|---|
| i-FORCE V6 with TRD Sport package | 3.0" | 2.0" - 3.0" |
| i-FORCE V6 (non-TRD Sport) | 2.25" | 1.0" - 2.25" |
| i-FORCE MAX hybrid | 1.6" | 1.0" - 2.0" |
| Capstone (fronts) | 1.4" | 1.0" - 1.8" |
Rear lift is 0" to 1".
Two things worth knowing:
- Don't go above the preset on a stock-weight V6 or TRD Sport truck. Bilstein only allows the 1 3/16" setting when you've added real weight up front (steel bumper, winch) and need to win back ride height. Even then, shock length at ride height can't exceed 18 5/8" (473 mm). Keep front lift as low as possible and as high as absolutely necessary.
- Pick your height before install. Changing the spring seat means pulling the coilover and using a spring compressor. This isn't an on-the-truck spanner adjustment.
All lift numbers are typical. Trim, condition of the factory suspension, accessories, and tire size all move the result.
What Black Hawk Actually Does
ZoneControl in both directions. Most position-sensitive shocks only add damping near the end of compression. Black Hawk does it at both ends. The shock stays soft around ride height, then firms up as it nears bottom-out and top-out (the seal head, where the shock tops out at full extension). The practical result: fewer harsh bottoming hits, no top-out clunk when the tires drop into a hole, and the everyday ride doesn't pay for it. We call this 'bottomless suspension' - perfect transition during the bigger hits that maintains vehicle composure.
Three Knobs Per Corner
- High-speed compression (HSC): the big hits. Square-edge bumps, whoops, potholes at speed.
- Low-speed compression (LSC): body motion. Brake dive, roll in corners, a loaded bed squatting.
- JCO (jounce cut-off): an internal hydraulic bump stop. Turn it up before you go fast in rough terrain, back it off for the commute.
Bilstein's valving is digressive: it softens up as shaft speed climbs, which is how Bilsteins feel planted and predictable when you push them. Black Hawk lets you decide how much of that you want on a given day. From all of our tests on the Bilstein 8112, we've found the daily ride zone to be remarkably softer than your usual 'firm' Bilstein shock like the 5100 or 6112.
So What's the Catch?
Upper control arms are required
The factory upper arms contact the reservoir hose. That's not a "recommended for best results" note; it's a must. Bilstein's own answer is the B8 Pro upper control arm kit (51-332334). Our install truck runs ICON billet Delta Joint arms, which is what we put on a lot of our own vehicles. Either way, budget for arms and an alignment.
No rear air suspension
Bilstein lists the 8100 Black Hawk rears only for trucks without rear air. Capstone and some 1794 Edition and Platinum trucks have it. The front coilovers are still listed for Capstone, but the rear shocks won't go on.
4WD only
Bilstein doesn't list these for 2WD Tundras.
Rear lift tops out at 1"
Fine for stock or a mild rear spacer, not for a tall rear lift.
Price
This is Bilstein's most expensive bolt-in set, before arms. If you want a stiffer, controlled ride and will never touch an adjuster, a non-adjustable setup will feel the same on the commute for a lot less.
Where to Start on the Adjusters
Bilstein's baseline, and where we'd start:
| Adjuster | Factory setting |
|---|---|
| High-speed compression | 6 clicks from full firm |
| Low-speed compression | 13 clicks from full firm |
| JCO | 6 |
Then change one knob at a time:
- Daily driving, empty bed: back off LSC a few clicks for a softer initial ride.
- Loaded bed or towing: add LSC to cut squat and body roll.
- Fast dirt, whoops: add JCO first, then HSC if it's still using all the travel.
- Washboard chatter coming through the wheel: you're probably too firm on HSC. Back it off.
One install note: snug the sway bar end links, then torque them with the truck on the ground. And get an alignment right after install.
Who This Setup Is (and Isn't) For
Buy Black Hawk if you have:
- A 2022-2026 Tundra 4WD without rear air
- A truck that sees fast dirt roads, desert, or rough trails, not just pavement
- Loads that change: empty bed Monday, camper and gear Friday
- The itch to tune it yourself
Look elsewhere if:
- Your truck has rear air suspension
- You want a set-and-forget upgrade and don't plan to touch the knobs
- You want more than 3" of front lift. That's a different conversation about arms, travel, and probably a different shock.
Frequently Asked Questions
1" to 3", depending on the truck. At Bilstein's 7/8" preset, a 4WD i-FORCE V6 gets about 2.25", a TRD Sport about 3.0", and an i-FORCE MAX hybrid about 1.6". The 8100 rears add 0" to 1".
Yes. The factory upper arms contact the reservoir hose, so Bilstein requires aftermarket arms. Bilstein recommends its B8 Pro kit (51-332334); quality aftermarket arms like ICON's Delta Joint arms also work.
No. Bilstein lists the 8100 Black Hawk rears only for 2022-2026 Tundras without rear air suspension.
No. On the 3rd-gen Tundra, Bilstein makes only the 8112 Black Hawk front and 8100 Black Hawk rear.
No. The threaded spring seat is set with the coilover off the truck using a spring compressor. Pick your height before install.
No. Bilstein lists them for 4WD 2022-2026 Tundras only.
Yes. They're fully serviceable by a professional shock tech or Bilstein themselves.
Not sure Black Hawk is the right call for your Tundra, or which arms to pair with it? Call or chat with our team. We've driven them.
We'll see you out on the trails.
