ICON Vehicle Dynamics 1996 – 2002 Toyota 4Runner Suspension Systems

[TotalAutomotiveLV]

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The 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner was an excellent vehicle off the showroom floor over a decade ago, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability and performance continues to draw the attention of both hardcore off-road enthusiasts and newcomers to the “3rd Gen” platform to this day. The ability to purchase one of these vehicles at a reasonable price and effectively rebuild it with performance-oriented aftermarket components has created a segment in which ICON can truly stand out from the rest. Recognizing this, ICON Vehicle Dynamics is proud to introduce several performance suspension systems that will significantly increase the on and off-road performance of the 1996 – 2002 Toyota 4Runner.

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ICON engineers have assessed the 3rd Gen 4Runner front to back in an effort to develop components that work together to extract maximum performance out of the vehicle. As a result, fitment and function are spot-on, and ICON’s trademark of performance and quality comes standard. Once these components were prototyped and thoroughly tested, ICON organized them into several unique “systems” ranging from a baseline Stage 1 to an all-out Stage 5 setup.

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These staged systems were developed to provide optimal performance for several unique driving styles, but features like ICON-engineered coil springs, fully serviceable shock absorbers, vehicle-specific shock valving, FK Rod End bearings, and high quality CNC-machined components are found in every layout. As the stages increase, more robust components and additional technology such as remote reservoir shocks, tubular steel upper control arms, and ICON’s CDC (Compression Damping Control) Valve are introduced to further increase the performance of the 4Runner.

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KEY FEATURES

• Increased wheel travel and ride quality over stock
• Decreased body roll
• Vehicle-specific tuned front and rear shocks provide superior damping and control
• Coilovers are adjustable from 0-3″ of lift height
• Shocks are fully rebuildable and revalveable
• Corrosion resistant CAD plated coilover shock body with 7/8″ shaft
• FK Rod End bearings for extended longevity and minimal deflection
• CDCV technology allows for quick and easy compression damping adjustment
• CNC machined 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum components
• Bolt-on design makes for straightforward install
• Made in the USA

PART# & PRICING

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Contact Total Automotive Performance for the best ICON Suspension Pricing around! We have the knowledge to help you select the best kit for your needs and the pricing to keep the wallet happy!

[email protected]
702.979.1577​

 

[ajonesnv]

So they are selling Taco coilovers for the 4Runner or did they change the top cap to match the 4Runner bucket?

The taco and 4Runner coilover bucks are not clocked the same.

 

[the great him]

So they are selling Taco coilovers for the 4Runner or did they change the top cap to match the 4Runner bucket?

The taco and 4Runner coilover bucks are not clocked the same.

um i believe they are the same, everything else is the same on the front of these trucks...

 

[turbo8]

um i believe they are the same, everything else is the same on the front of these trucks...

Nope the bolts holes are rotated about 15º from the Tacoma.

 

[JWaldz]

Are you specifically talking about the ICON CO's or in general. I have sway-a-ways for the Tacoma and they bolted up just fine.

 

[ajonesnv]

Are you specifically talking about the ICON CO's or in general. I have sway-a-ways for the Tacoma and they bolted up just fine.

They are still clocked different, so the articulation is partly limited...puts more pressure on the upper heim joint. They work, but are not as ideal as the Tacoma setup.

BTW, I have the sway-a-way's too and they work but again not idea. I plan on drilling new holes and welding in an additional support to cover the old holes.

 

[Brilliant]

So they are selling Taco coilovers for the 4Runner or did they change the top cap to match the 4Runner bucket?

The taco and 4Runner coilover bucks are not clocked the same.

Nope the bolts holes are rotated about 15º from the Tacoma.

You can remove the bolt to the hat, and flip the tops. Taco and 4runner are interchangeable. I bought some used taco icons.

 

[ajonesnv]

You can remove the bolt to the hat, and flip the tops. Taco and 4runner are interchangeable. I bought some used taco icons.

Doesn't matter...they stay clocked about 15* like mentioned before. On a Tacoma the joint is perpendicular with he truck, the lines make a perfect "T". The 4Runners have those joints about 15* clocked towards the front of the truck.

They fit, they work, but still limits articulation in the upper heim joint, as most coil overs were designed for the Taco first.

For example Radflow builds a 4Runner specific set that allows for the same perfect "T" and wouldn't do that if they were put on a Taco.

 

[Brilliant]

Doesn't matter...they stay clocked about 15* like mentioned before. On a Tacoma the joint is perpendicular with he truck, the lines make a perfect "T". The 4Runners have those joints about 15* clocked towards the front of the truck.

They fit, they work, but still limits articulation in the upper heim joint, as most coil overs were designed for the Taco first.

For example Radflow builds a 4Runner specific set that allows for the same perfect "T" and wouldn't do that if they were put on a Taco.

The rotation of the joint on the ICON allows freedom of movement. There is no restriction.

 

[absalom]

Help me understand the difference between "extended travel" and regular travel Icon C/O's. Does it just refer to the shock body length?

 

[ajonesnv]

Help me understand the difference between "extended travel" and regular travel Icon C/O's. Does it just refer to the shock body length?

Everything is identical, except for a small internal stopper that limits travel on the regular ones. The extended ones remove this stopper, but shouldn't be used unless you have uni-ball upper control arms.

 

[ajonesnv]

The rotation of the joint on the ICON allows freedom of movement. There is no restriction.

When the suspension compresses it pushes the bottom of coilover outward, perpendicular from the truck, hence when they (and other Manufacturers) made these (for the Tacoma) the joint was designed/build perpendicular with the truck. On the 4Runner it works, BUT the more compression, say from harder off-road travel, the more that joint is put under opposing pressure. The joint is facing one direction while the truck is pushing it 15* in another, even at full rotation back it is off by 6-10*

I can attest to the fact that ever time my sway-a-ways have been rebuild this joint has to be replaced. While on the other hand my buddies Icons on his Taco haven't.

 

[MTD]

When the suspension compresses it pushes the bottom of coilover outward, perpendicular from the truck, hence when they (and other Manufacturers) made these (for the Tacoma) the joint was designed/build perpendicular with the truck. On the 4Runner it works, BUT the more compression, say from harder off-road travel, the more that joint is put under opposing pressure. The joint is facing one direction while the truck is pushing it 15* in another, even at full rotation back it is off by 6-10*

I can attest to the fact that ever time my sway-a-ways have been rebuild this joint has to be replaced. While on the other hand my buddies Icons on his Taco haven't.

I am not saying your wrong, but could you provide data to prove what you are saying. The fact that yours needed to be replaced is not enough to base this off of since sway-away is a much cheaper shock and they are a different brand altogether. I have had my Icon's on the 4Runner 45,000 miles, I got them used and I haven't had to change the joint. The sample size is not big enough to say that it isn't a problem with Icon's, but gives you an idea of what I mean.

Let's see what [MENTION=57546]4-Ripcord[/MENTION] I will defer to him because he is the suspension specialist lol

 

[MTD]

Help me understand the difference between "extended travel" and regular travel Icon C/O's. Does it just refer to the shock body length?

The stopper the other gentleman was referring to is just a spacer that limits down travel only. It is shaved by 80/1000" I believe and that gets you quite a bit more down travel at full droop, thus the reason for UCA's. Stock upper control arms would have the ball joint ripped out after a few times going to full droop.

 

[4-Ripcord]

I haven't looked at a 4runner or tacoma top mount in too long to be of any real use to this conversation.

I can say that with the top mount style most aftermarket coilovers use, mounting them at an incorrect orientation will definitely mess up the top mount.

The OEM style top mount, similar to the rear shock top mount, has a lot more flexibility for movement.

 

[TotalAutomotiveLV]

This is from the FB group, a mounted set.

 

[ajonesnv]

I am not saying your wrong, but could you provide data to prove what you are saying. The fact that yours needed to be replaced is not enough to base this off of since sway-away is a much cheaper shock and they are a different brand altogether. I have had my Icon's on the 4Runner 45,000 miles, I got them used and I haven't had to change the joint. The sample size is not big enough to say that it isn't a problem with Icon's, but gives you an idea of what I mean.

Let's see what [MENTION=57546]4-Ripcord[/MENTION] I will defer to him because he is the suspension specialist lol

The internals of the shock have nothing to do with it. Surely your not suggesting that Icon is using a better upper heim joints. It's a pretty straight forward part, no matter the size. Similar to Uni-balls used across different UCA platforms.

My point is simple, and I don't want to sound like Im arguing...Im just in a simple discussion . The buckets are clocked different...Icon did not design a coilover for the 4Runner (as most haven't) simply put from Icon "they will bolt up." I never said they won't work...as I have Sway-a-ways built for the Taco on my 4Runner...I said they are not as ideal, with the implication, that they are not as a ideal as a coilover built for the 4runner.

I don't have access to my buddies old photos from his taco to his 4Runner, but I found these in a quick search and I didnt put a lot of time into showing what Im talking about but the photos show the difference. Red Line coilover articulation angle and green line suspension articulation angle...they are different.

First is a Taco Driver Side
Second is a 4Runner Passenger Side

Edit: To convert .pdf to .jpg

This is from the FB group, a mounted set.

These clearly show what Im talking about

I haven't looked at a 4runner or tacoma top mount in too long to be of any real use to this conversation.

I can say that with the top mount style most aftermarket coilovers use, mounting them at an incorrect orientation will definitely mess up the top mount.

The OEM style top mount, similar to the rear shock top mount, has a lot more flexibility for movement.

For SURE...bolting these and most in the wrong orientation will have adverse affects...ask me how I know

 

[ajonesnv]

[MENTION=120150]TotalAutomotiveLV[/MENTION] What part of Vegas are you in?? You should look up the Vegas FJ Cruisers FB page...they are super cool guys. Many of us have 3rd Gen 4Runner's too

 

[MTD]

The internals of the shock have nothing to do with it. Surely your not suggesting that Icon is using a better upper heim joints. It's a pretty straight forward part, no matter the size. Similar to Uni-balls used across different UCA platforms.

I am not suggesting it I am telling you that they do use different uniballs. I can tell you have never spec'ed out any mechanical parts, there is vast variety of uniballs and even though a pair may look identical one could be much softer than the other or made from cheaper steel in general. The overall cost of the shock has to be cheaper to offer prices that low.

My point is simple, and I don't want to sound like Im arguing...Im just in a simple discussion . The buckets are clocked different...Icon did not design a coilover for the 4Runner (as most haven't) simply put from Icon "they will bolt up." I never said they won't work...as I have Sway-a-ways built for the Taco on my 4Runner...I said they are not as ideal, with the implication, that they are not as a ideal as a coilover built for the 4runner.

I don't have access to my buddies old photos from his taco to his 4Runner, but I found these in a quick search and I didnt put a lot of time into showing what Im talking about but the photos show the difference. Red Line coilover articulation angle and green line suspension articulation angle...they are different.

First is a Taco Driver Side
Second is a 4Runner Passenger Side

Edit: To convert .pdf to .jpg



These clearly show what Im talking about

I see what you mean, but I personally still believe that the difference will be negligible. As you said it isn't ideal, but it isn't a big enough difference to justify the extra cost involved to develop separate 4runner specific top plates.

 

[TotalAutomotiveLV]

[MENTION=120150]TotalAutomotiveLV[/MENTION] What part of Vegas are you in?? You should look up the Vegas FJ Cruisers FB page...they are super cool guys. Many of us have 3rd Gen 4Runner's too

Ive been on one of the drives and two of the reps here are members in the FB group