So its ok to mix different suspensions from different companies?
I'm a bit of a newb when it comes to understanding shocks and stuff....
I've heard of the following types of setups:
OME Suspension
Bilstein 5100 with OME springs
Toyotech (which appears to be Bilstein 5100 with OME springs again....) right?
ICON Vehicle Dynamics (and as of now, only the back setup seems good)
Radflo Suspension - this looks pretty nice...buff....but nicely priced. - The stuff at Overland Warehouse looks way way buff. This is the one right?
Full suspension kit
First off....I'm super confused about what a Coil Over is.
The front of a 2006 4Runner uses Coil Overs right?
The rear uses a separate shock and coil right?
how do adjustable shocks....adjust? You measure before installing? What if wanted achieve a 2 inch lift? I don't need spacers right? Just get adjustable shocks?
All these suspension companies and setups have my head spinning!
Yes, you can mix and match if you prefer. Icon is a good brand, but it depends what you want out of them. If you do any fast off-roading you don't want their rear shocks. Mine over-heated to the point that the metal on the shock body distorted in color and shape.
Coilovers refer to adjustable aftermarket front suspension components... Not the stock suspension, OME, etc. The benefits of coilovers such as King, Fox, Icon, etc is that coilovers allow the adjustment of ride height. This becomes especially important when you start adding weight. For example... If you have the medium rated OME and add weight, it will sag and become less controlled. If you start out with the heavy coils, you will have an extremely harsh ride until all of the weight is added (winch, bumper, dual battery, etc). With coilovers, all that is needed is a simple adjustment to accommodate the additional weight. If you have no plans to add weight, you don't absolutely need coilovers, but yes they can essentially just be adjusted to the desired ride height(no spacers needed) which is worth every penny IMO.
King, Fox, Icon, etc all allow valving adjustments. You can get them valved for your specific needs, which allows for better suspension cycling and handling. OME, Bilstein, and other lower end suspensions are "one size fits all" setups.
Lastly, most coilovers excluding Toytec can be rebuilt. When your suspension starts fading, rather than buying an entire new setup you can just get them rebuilt and they are like new. Users with OME will have to make a full suspension purchase again so in the long run coilovers are cheaper.
The Radflo setup on by Overland Warehouse is a great setup. It was designed specifically for our vehicles, whereas most brands are fit for either FJ Cruisers or the Prado. Search on Toyota120 for reviews on the setup, as quite a few guys already have the kit installed.
You are correct as far as the rear components. The shock and coil are separate, and some people mix these as well (i.e. Icon shocks with Sway-a-way coils).
I hope I answered most of your questions... there was a lot to keep track of in your post. If there's anything else you want to know, ask away. Also, list your needs, ride height preference, price range and all of your future plans for additional weight so we can fine tune what would work best for you. Once you narrow down your needs, it becomes much less confusing.
