Is it cheaper to replace icon stage 2 coil overs or service just the shocks? Also what are your thoughts on rebuild or brand new, any major prob and cons with rebuild/service? TIA


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Significantly cheaper to rebuild in most cases. But - you have to have your vehicle out of service for a week or so while they are in shipment back and forth unless you DIY the rebuild. Plus side of rebuild is that you also can have custom valved for your vehicle if you want. Rebuild should be as good as new.

I'm sure there's a point where it's not economical to rebuild because too much is being replaced. But in most cases it's just spherical bushings, oil, and seals. You can DIY the rebuild for around $100-150 for both front coilovers if you have the right tools. I'd guess a typical shop rebuild is about $150 each plus shipping. So maybe $4-500 total depending on shipping costs. That's less than half of the cost of new. My fox shocks used reuseable fittings for the hose, so replacement hose at the same time was cheap. I think ICON uses crimped hose fittings so you'll have to buy new hoses if you want to replace, but there's really no reason to unless they're leaking or worn through.

If you do try to DIY - the biggest hurdle I found with Fox shocks was the through pin on the top hat. Mine were siezed to the point that I literally broke the 3/8 drive adapter off in the allen key before it would let go. Ended up requiring heating with a torch to get it to release. Otehrwise everything else was easy. You'll also need to have them nitrogen charged at a shop (or if you're like me you can just use a bicycle shock pump and life with regular air in them. - It works perfectly fine, just like it does in your bicycle shocks.)

In most cases in my experience if the shocks aren't leaking, all you really need is some spherical bushings replaced. Those are about $15/ea. The most common size is called a "COM 10" and they can be replaced in a few minutes with basic hand tools once you pull the shock out. In my experience the uppers usually live a lot longer than the lowers.

I've had a very hard time removing the lower shock bolt in my 5th gen because it seizes to the misalignment spacers. But only on the passenger side for some reason. I've had to cut them out twice. Best tool is a oscillating multitool with carbide blade and then just replace them. A set IIRC is around $40. I've had to cut mine out twice. Not amount of heat from a torch or soaking in fluid would release them. Not sure what the deal is with that. I liberally apply antiseize when installing. Just be aware.

There's a few well known shops. Accutune is probably the best known, but there are others that I'm sure do a good job as well.

Rebuild the Icons and sell them and get new coilovers that don't need rebuild