Help - Icon Lift Second Thoughts

[Suspect_U]

After months of shopping, I recently purchased a 2001 Limited.

I am (of course) looking to lift it and upgrade the wheels/tires. Seeing as how I am not mechanically inclined at all, and have no tools I've been trying to get quotes from local shops for parts and installation. I was originally thinking of going with the Toytec BOSS lift.

However, the shops around me either:
1) Will install whatever I bring in parts wise, but basically only work on Jeeps... So I could bring in the Toytec kit and they'd put it on, but they don't really work on Toyotas so I wonder how good of a job they would do.
2) Will only install parts they supply and only carry the expensive kits (Icon)

So I bit the bullet today and put a deposit down at a shop for an Icon 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner 0-3" Suspension System - Stage 1, a set of tires and installation.

The thing is, I realized afterward that the kit does not include a rear spring. The shop owner said this was no big deal, they just use the factory springs I already have.

After I left I started thinking that didn't make sense so I called Icon to ask how the kit provides 3" of lift in the rear. I was told by Icon that the rear provides NO LIFT at all. Factory Height. So now I am worried that I'm about to drop way too much money for half a lift.

Can anyone help me figure this out?

 

[A.Wilson013]

Can anyone help me figure this out?

Stop. Just stop it.

Get your deposit back and order the Icon stuff from [MENTION=118252]Chas of MRT[/MENTION] . You'll need springs for the rear, but he can square you away with those too. I BET that even with springs, it'll be cheaper through him.

As for install... Coil/Shock/Spring install isn't rocket science. A jeep shop, ford shop, or even Bubba down at the local lawn mower shop could do it.

 

[MarkamisPrime]

If your willing to make the trip up to NorCal I'd install the lift for you.
The shop only working on jeeps doesn't know this kit provides no rear lift. There work is probably still pretty good
Can't really mess up installing new struts and shocks
But unless you buy some rear lift springs I don't think you'll be happy with the outcome.

 

[Suspect_U]

Stop. Just stop it.

Get your deposit back and order the Icon stuff from [MENTION=118252]Chas of MRT[/MENTION] . You'll need springs for the rear, but he can square you away with those too. I BET that even with springs, it'll be cheaper through him.

As for install... Coil/Shock/Spring install isn't rocket science. A jeep shop, ford shop, or even Bubba down at the local lawn mower shop could do it.

Thank you! I had a feeling something was a bit off. They were nice enough about the whole thing, but I was kind of concerned when they didn't actually want to see my rig before quoting a price (even though I drove it there), and kind of dismissed my question about the rear springs.

If your willing to make the trip up to NorCal I'd install the lift for you.
The shop only working on jeeps doesn't know this kit provides no rear lift. There work is probably still pretty good
Can't really mess up installing new struts and shocks
But unless you buy some rear lift springs I don't think you'll be happy with the outcome.

Wow, that is super generous of you! I really appreciate you being willing to help me out like that. It's been a little while since I've been up that way, and I wouldn't mind taking a trip. I'll see what happens once I get my parts squared away.

And thanks for the confirmation about the rears. I really don't want negative rake.

 

[Chas of MRT]

The front is a complete coilover, so its an assembled unit consisting of a shock and spring. The spring sits on an adjustable spring seat, which is where the lift comes from.

In the rear the shock is separate from the spring. Youll need a longer shock to accommodate for a taller spring, which is where the lift comes from.

ARB makes the most popular springs for basic 2" of lift, they run about $160 a set.

You should be looking around this price point.
Stage 1 - 1270
Diff Drop - 30
Springs - 160
Install 3-4 hours + alignment.

You could also get SPC Control Arms for $410 more, which would allow you to use the extended travel front coilovers from ICON.

 

[phattyduck]

This might also be a good time to consider getting some tools and learning to DIY. Once you have the front end up and the wheels off, it is 3 nuts and 1 bolt to remove the strut assembly... Put it back together, get front-end alignment at a good shop and you are done.

Even on a 'reliable' Toyota, little repairs will eat you alive for cost if you have to pay labor. I have a feeling there are plenty of SoCal guys willing to help out.

-Charlie

 

[Suspect_U]

ARB makes the most popular springs for basic 2" of lift, they run about $160 a set.

You should be looking around this price point.
Stage 1 - 1270
Diff Drop - 30
Springs - 160
Install 3-4 hours + alignment.

You could also get SPC Control Arms for $410 more, which would allow you to use the extended travel front coilovers from ICON.

Thanks for the price specifics. That is super helpful. I asked about a drop diff as well and was told not to worry about it.

I'm going to PM you about an order.

 

[Suspect_U]

phattyduck, I know you are right about learning some basic DIY.

I definitely need to spend more time in the SoCal forum and make some new friends. None of my other friends are into wheeling or cars.

 

[masson74]

Spend the extra and get the CDC valve and remote reservoirs, it is AMAZING!!!

 

[absalom]

Lift installs on these trucks are stupid easy. That being said, I still wouldn't trust anyone but myself to install one on my own truck.

Get the kit as advised above. When it arrives, let us know and we'll guide you through every step of the process.

In the meantime, get down to Costco, get their $100 mechanics toolset, which has 1/4, 3/8, 1/2" and most everything you need. While you're at Costco, get their $100 alum/steel floor jack.

Next, head over to Harbor Freight, and get the longest, 1/2" breaker bar they have. Also, get two of the large jack stands they have. Finally, get the 1/2" extension set they have. Mind as well also get some 7mm nitrile gloves while you're there.

Now, we're going to ignore other lift install threads that tell you to use a spring compressor, because they are dangerous and a lot of work. Instead, we're going to use the LCA and UCA as spring compressors, with help of your new floor jack. More on that later.

Finally, while waiting for your new Icon lift to arrive, I suggest ordering new lower ball joints, new outer tie rods, from Camelback, new steering rack bushings from Amazon, and new control arm bushings also from Amazon.

You're going to have access to all these components while installing the lift, and they'll make the truck handle light years better!

 

[cbr900boy]

After months of shopping, I recently purchased a 2001 Limited.

I am (of course) looking to lift it and upgrade the wheels/tires. Seeing as how I am not mechanically inclined at all, and have no tools I've been trying to get quotes from local shops for parts and installation. I was originally thinking of going with the Toytec BOSS lift.

However, the shops around me either:
1) Will install whatever I bring in parts wise, but basically only work on Jeeps... So I could bring in the Toytec kit and they'd put it on, but they don't really work on Toyotas so I wonder how good of a job they would do.
2) Will only install parts they supply and only carry the expensive kits (Icon)

So I bit the bullet today and put a deposit down at a shop for an Icon 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner 0-3" Suspension System - Stage 1, a set of tires and installation.

The thing is, I realized afterward that the kit does not include a rear spring. The shop owner said this was no big deal, they just use the factory springs I already have.

After I left I started thinking that didn't make sense so I called Icon to ask how the kit provides 3" of lift in the rear. I was told by Icon that the rear provides NO LIFT at all. Factory Height. So now I am worried that I'm about to drop way too much money for half a lift.

Can anyone help me figure this out?

Where in socal are you? Join the socal thread and reach out to people who are able to do the install. Even better if there is a mod day a group of guys could knock out that lift real quick and you can see and learn in the process. Also one of the best shops around here is Yota Masters in Corona if you ever need to get stuff done. These guys know Toyota and Offroading...best of both worlds.

Oh yeah, at the very least please replace the lower ball joints with new bolts while you are at it. OEM Toyota only for this part!!! Use Camelback Toyota Parts. There is a long list of parts to replace but the LBJs are the most critical, especially for a lift.

 

[cbr900boy]

Here is the video Absalom is talking about.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkVLBOnAifc

 

[Suspect_U]

Lift installs on these trucks are stupid easy. That being said, I still wouldn't trust anyone but myself to install one on my own truck.

Get the kit as advised above. When it arrives, let us know and we'll guide you through every step of the process.

In the meantime, get down to Costco, get their $100 mechanics toolset, which has 1/4, 3/8, 1/2" and most everything you need. While you're at Costco, get their $100 alum/steel floor jack.

Next, head over to Harbor Freight, and get the longest, 1/2" breaker bar they have. Also, get two of the large jack stands they have. Finally, get the 1/2" extension set they have. Mind as well also get some 7mm nitrile gloves while you're there.

Now, we're going to ignore other lift install threads that tell you to use a spring compressor, because they are dangerous and a lot of work. Instead, we're going to use the LCA and UCA as spring compressors, with help of your new floor jack. More on that later.

Finally, while waiting for your new Icon lift to arrive, I suggest ordering new lower ball joints, new outer tie rods, from Camelback, new steering rack bushings from Amazon, and new control arm bushings also from Amazon.

You're going to have access to all these components while installing the lift, and they'll make the truck handle light years better!

Got it. Looks like I have some shopping to do. I'll post up when I get all the parts and tools together. It has been super encouraging having everyone offering so much help and support. I should have stopped lurking a long time ago.

 

[Suspect_U]

Where in socal are you? Join the socal thread and reach out to people who are able to do the install. Even better if there is a mod day a group of guys could knock out that lift real quick and you can see and learn in the process. Also one of the best shops around here is Yota Masters in Corona if you ever need to get stuff done. These guys know Toyota and Offroading...best of both worlds.

Oh yeah, at the very least please replace the lower ball joints with new bolts while you are at it. OEM Toyota only for this part!!! Use Camelback Toyota Parts. There is a long list of parts to replace but the LBJs are the most critical, especially for a lift.

I'm in Orange County, specifically the Anaheim area. I made an introduction post in the SoCal welcome thread. I guess I'll head back over and start reaching out.

Thank you for posting that video and for the shop recommendation too. Corona is just over the freeway from me so I'll definitely keep Yota Masters in mind.

 

[Chas of MRT]

I'm in Orange County, specifically the Anaheim area. I made an introduction post in the SoCal welcome thread. I guess I'll head back over and start reaching out.

Thank you for posting that video and for the shop recommendation too. Corona is just over the freeway from me so I'll definitely keep Yota Masters in mind.

YotaMasters are great and have been around forever.

Weve send most of our installs to some great guys we work with at SxS Industries in Stanton which isnt too far from you. They normally do UTV work and dont sell many parts, but they have installed MANY ICON 4Runner kits and can mount and balance your tires. They will most likely charge a lot less than the prices you had sent me for labor, with the only downside being that you may have to drive across the street to get the alignment.

 

[Renton4runner]

As for install... Coil/Shock/Spring install isn't rocket science. A jeep shop, ford shop, or even Bubba down at the local lawn mower shop could do it.

Yah should be able to wrap up an icon install before lunch!

 

[Suspect_U]

Update for anyone who is curious.

I did end up cancelling my order with the local place. Apparently they already got the tires in so they wouldn't give me back my full deposit. Something something "restocking fee."

Still trying to decide on the exact set up I want. All this research is fun in theory, but honestly it's really stressing me out.

 

[cbr900boy]

Update for anyone who is curious.

I did end up cancelling my order with the local place. Apparently they already got the tires in so they wouldn't give me back my full deposit. Something something "restocking fee."

Still trying to decide on the exact set up I want. All this research is fun in theory, but honestly it's really stressing me out.

I have have the Sonoran Steel 1.2 which is as complete as they come. Just add larger wheels and tires. Steve the owner is well know and respected in this forum.

1996-2002 - System 1.2 - $1,365.00 : Sonoran Steel, Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Toyota Truck Parts