I know.... I'm sorry.... But I have a suspension question

[joneseyyy]

Regarding 700lb springs, I talked to Adrian at Icon just last week and he recommended sticking with the standard 650pound springs and using more preload, versus swapping on 700lb springs, even if I was revalving the shocks for a different spring weight. Adrian's take was adding preload due to weight only becomes an issue if (a) you are so preloaded that you have less than 2" of down travel or (b) the coils are binding at full compression, which is quite unlikely.

He gave this advice with the full context of my extra weight and driving style.

 

[Mick1]

I don't think I would characterize what has been described as the suspension wearing out. It is just more weight added and some settling.

MeBe4running stated that The "sag" has been caused more likely by the overall weight than wear however it's a good half inch since install.

When I put the suspension in I left the front coilovers at the factory setting, which was 15 threads showing / 1.25" from top to ring. I had BB skids and sliders on at that time and the height was ok.

I since added a winch and recently a dual battery setup to my truck since putting in my Icon coilovers.

With the added weight of the dual battery I had a noticeable reduction in height from when it first went in. From ground to fender lip I was sitting at just under 36.5" at LF and RF. LR and RR was 38.5" and 38". (I just looked up where I was at when the suspension was installed. LF 37", RF 37.25" so the winch and dual battery caused about a 1/2" reduction in height.)

I recently adjusted the coilovers due to the battery and got to 37.25" in the front and am at just over 38" in the rear. ( I have SAW springs in the rear). (My first use of the Firestone lifetime alignment.)

I think other trucks with the same suspension components that don't have the BB skids are sitting about a inch higher.

Overall, I think it is just a matter of added weight and a bit of settling, and with a non-adjustable setup you have to be willing to accept.


And YES anyone with a lift should adjust their headlights. Even with mine properly adjusted I had a guy in a little civic freak out on the highway and try to flash his brights at me. I think it was the bumpy road causing my lights to bounce a bit higher.

 

[Jono.ful]

FWIW I find it easier to aim headlights on a dark street.

It's nice to have a wall if you're trying to line up cut offs for a bixenon system though

 

[ATL4R]

The spring was the 2887 which is rated if I recall correctly for 200 pounds plus and said to be suited for the weight of a winch and bull bar. The "sag" has been caused more likely by the overall weight than wear however it's a good half inch since install.

I'm running the 887 and have only had them about 4000 miles, but haven't had any sag yet. I'm running bumper, winch, and ARB skids. With 265/70R17s, I'm at 37.3 passenger side and right at 37 on the driver's side.

The 887s are 580 lbs and I don't consider them super stiff, but do consider them very capable. If you want stiffer and want to stick with OME, get the 886's... I believe they are 650-660 lbs. Some guys on FJForum run them - some like them, some say they are stiff as a rock.

I have the 889 in the rear. I feel the rear of my 4Runner sits a tad high, but it doesn't look too bad. It's up around 39.25 passenger, 38.8 driver. That's with about 100 pounds of gear in the back.

 

[mgrande]

Regarding 700lb springs, I talked to Adrian at Icon just last week and he recommended sticking with the standard 650pound springs and using more preload, versus swapping on 700lb springs, even if I was revalving the shocks for a different spring weight. Adrian's take was adding preload due to weight only becomes an issue if (a) you are so preloaded that you have less than 2" of down travel or (b) the coils are binding at full compression, which is quite unlikely.

He gave this advice with the full context of my extra weight and driving style.

Eh, I don't know about all that. I know of a few people that were running icons with armor and winches. Some have ditched their standard 650# 13" coils for 700# 13" and 14" coils. The 650# is set up for a stock truck, when you add around 200lbs in weight it changes things.

 

[joneseyyy]

Eh, I don't know about all that. I know of a few people that were running icons with armor and winches. Some have ditched their standard 650# 13" coils for 700# 13" and 14" coils. The 650# is set up for a stock truck, when you add around 200lbs in weight it changes things.

Not saying you can't/shouldn't do it, just relaying what I've been told by an engineer at Icon, as well as sharing my own experience with my own setup.

I do agree that the extra weight requires adjustment, either more preload on 650lb springs or heavier springs with same original preload, not sure one way produces a better result; depends on user prederence as both affect ride quality.

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

Ok I did not read everyone's post but wanted to throw in a little about the Radflo's. There is no need to stay away from them, they have an excellent product. I have been running my Radflo (purchased through Overland Warehouse RIP) for two years with NO maintenance. The ride was good without the extra weight and performed great in the dirt. I now have front and rear bumpers and swapped the rear spring to the All-Pro 3.5 and still have no complaints. The kit was designed for extra weight of bumpers and goodies.

Now I know Overland Warehouse is not around anymore but you can order the kits with their specs still. I know Metal Tech has there own specs which I hear is doing well too.

So do give Radflo a look when you are choosing a kit.

And for the lights go Bi-Xenon retro fit. My cut off is a straight line, below the line light, above the line no light. LOL

 

[FactoryRide]

Ok I did not read everyone's post but wanted to throw in a little about the Radflo's. There is no need to stay away from them, they have an excellent product. I have been running my Radflo (purchased through Overland Warehouse RIP) for two years with NO maintenance. The ride was good without the extra weight and performed great in the dirt. I now have front and rear bumpers and swapped the rear spring to the All-Pro 3.5 and still have no complaints. The kit was designed for extra weight of bumpers and goodies.

Now I know Overland Warehouse is not around anymore but you can order the kits with their specs still. I know Metal Tech has there own specs which I hear is doing well too.

So do give Radflo an look when you are choosing a kit.

And for the lights go Bi-Xenon retro fit. My cut off is a straight line, below the line light, above the line no light. LOL

Just wanted to saying I wasn't steering away from Radflo as well. I had emailed Toytec in regards to the Radflo and Toytec coilovers. He was just raising concerns of a few things that can wear out on them. Which, I'm sure probably is the same pieces that get looked at when servicing Icons.

 

[jangoforhire]

My two cents about the Icon UCA's - Mine have started to squeak a bit, but it's nothing that bothers me. It will just go on for about 10 minutes on a cold morning and then seems to go away. Or maybe I just get used to it?

Either way I have been very happy with my Icon setup. I don't have nearly as much weight on it as Joneseyyy, but I still put it through it's paces and it handles great.

If you really want your mind blown, then take a truck with a good icon setup, beat it up on some dirt roads, and then go right to driving on a highway. You will be amazed at how solid it feels on both surfaces.

 

[MeBe4running]

Thank you!

WOW.... this is just what I needed! I am very grateful to all of you chiming in and sharing your personal set up and experiences with your setup's.

In going forward I am going to extract the information provided here give Metal Tech and a few others a call and confirm what I have heard here and purchase a stronger spring or a new set up, up front that is. I will post a before and after image for comparison. Prices and of course what I bought.

I must admit I need to learn a lot more about lifts and alignments!

 

[joneseyyy]

Good luck, sure you will end up with something that suits given the thought and research! Looking forward to the feedback.