Donahoe Coilovers or TRD Tundra/5100???

[SCRunner12]

I found a set of Donahoe (now Icon) coilovers on craigslist for $100. I've been talking to the guy and he said they are good to go, but I'd want to get a rebuild before putting them on. My question is what would you rather have? I have the Tundra TRD's with 5100's now and like the ride, but I would more adjustability out of them. I'm limited to the perch settings and can't correct drivers side lean as well. I know Icon rebuilds for $125 a side so I would be around $350-$400 in if I went with the Donahoes. Anyone have any experience with the ride with Donahoes? I believe they have 650 lb springs on them, would that be too much for a DD?

 

[PitbullRescuer]

You should donate your Tundra TRD coils to my Budget Build Project. (or sell them to me real cheap). Deal?

 

[Gerdo]

In theory, the Donahoes should out perform the 5100. I have no experience with the Donahoes. I have had a few models of Bilsteins and I really like how they ride and make the vehicle handle. True an upside of the Donahoes is that they can be re-built and re-valved. For the cost of a rebuild, you can replace the Bilsteins. As far as re-valving, that is a science. If you are serious about re-valving, you will disassemble the shocks a dozen times or so to get it right for your style of driving and vehicle weight. This is great for a purpose built race rig that doesn't change weight like a street rig does. Also the 650# springs are stiff. Again, depending on what type of wheeling you do can determine spring rate needed. Usually a DD/wheeler 4runner will run a 600# coil. A 500# coil will allow more flex when rock crawling but is too soft for most DD. Even a 550# can be a little too soft on road but still will flex great. The 600# is better on road but starts to limit compression. I know of someone that used to have some ToyTec 650# COs and they would flex very little.

The TRD coils are ~595# spring rate. I had them and they rode great. About the same as my ToyTec/Eibach 600# coils.

Thread adjustable coilovers are great that you can dial in the exact lift that you want.

I would not run a 650# coil.

 

[SCRunner12]

You should donate your Tundra TRD coils to my Budget Build Project. (or sell them to me real cheap). Deal?

Haha, you would want me to do that.

In theory, the Donahoes should out perform the 5100. I have no experience with the Donahoes. I have had a few models of Bilsteins and I really like how they ride and make the vehicle handle. True an upside of the Donahoes is that they can be re-built and re-valved. For the cost of a rebuild, you can replace the Bilsteins. As far as re-valving, that is a science. If you are serious about re-valving, you will disassemble the shocks a dozen times or so to get it right for your style of driving and vehicle weight. This is great for a purpose built race rig that doesn't change weight like a street rig does. Also the 650# springs are stiff. Again, depending on what type of wheeling you do can determine spring rate needed. Usually a DD/wheeler 4runner will run a 600# coil. A 500# coil will allow more flex when rock crawling but is too soft for most DD. Even a 550# can be a little too soft on road but still will flex great. The 600# is better on road but starts to limit compression. I know of someone that used to have some ToyTec 650# COs and they would flex very little.

The TRD coils are ~595# spring rate. I had them and they rode great. About the same as my ToyTec/Eibach 600# coils.

Thread adjustable coilovers are great that you can dial in the exact lift that you want.

I would not run a 650# coil.

That's the exact response I was looking for. Thank you. I really like the idea of a rebuildable and adjustable front lift, but I figured the 650# coils would be a bit much. I plan on getting a tube bumper in the next year or so, but until then I don't think I would want to deal with the stiffness. Thanks Gerdo I appreciate it.

 

[Gerdo]

A tube bumper will be about the same weight, or less, than the stock bumper and junk.

 

[Desertrunner]

Sounds like you got the info you were looking for. But if you wanted any input on the Donahoes I will tell you that i loved them.

Mine were definitely stiff, but thats because I had them cranked all the way for max lift. But, I have ridden in a tacoma with the icons at a more resonable height and I thought that the ride was awesome on an off road.

That being said I'm more used to larger trucks and stiffer suspension, so a smooth ride to me may not be as smooth as you are looking for.

Just my 2cents

 

[t4r4life]

Donahoe Coilovers is pretty much ICON, and for 100 bucks its deff a good deal and good stuff, but i will never buy it because of ethic issue. im not gonna say it here but if you are not aware go search for the Donahoe scandal