Ironman Foam Cell Pro

[GCT4R]

I put the stage 1 kit on my 17 TRDORP about a week ago. I set up the alignment and yes, the caster is low. Only 1.8-2.0* the truck still drives pretty well. I initially had Cornfed spacers on 2/1”. The front sits just a hair higher and the rear is probably 1.5” higher (I did not measure). As far as the ride goes it’s very similar to the cornfed’s just rolling down the road. Expansion joints and sharp bumps are a bit softer. Nosedive is less, cornering is better. I’m on 285 Nitto Ridge Grapplers. I’m still aching to get it back in the dirt. Getting the fronts pre assembled made for about a 90 minute install time.

Is the stage 1 pretty much like a stage 2 without the upper control arms?

 

[Run Forrest Run]

Is the stage 1 pretty much like a stage 2 without the upper control arms?

Yes, you are correct. You can get by with a stage 1, but caster will be on the low end. Buying stage 2 gets you a great price on the UCA’s as a part of the full kit.

 

[RedRunner_87]

Yes, you are correct. You can get by with a stage 1, but caster will be on the low end. Buying stage 2 gets you a great price on the UCA’s as a part of the full kit.

I calculated the price between the Stage 1 and Stage 2 and it was cheaper to get the stage 2 than it was to buy UCA's later.

 

[CajunMikeR]

I'm actually doing the cost analysis on doing the Stage 3 kit. I just bought my new wheels, tires will be soon, the lift will be required to fit them...so it's time for me to get serious.

 

[Bill Z]

So, other than an alignment, I'm done with "Phase 1" of my 2010 TE refresh. Today I had 285/70/17 Cooper DISCOVERER AT3 XLT and my SCS Ray 10's installed. I will definitely need to do the body mount chop and fender well plastic re-alignment in the near future - it rubs in the front and back of the wheel well turning sharply in reverse.

The Ironman suspension continues to impress - On the street it's nigh-and-day between the stock suspension and the stage 2 kit and the new E rated tires make it even more stable. This weekend I need to take it out on some forest services roads and give it a true workout.

Disclaimer - I live on a hill and don't have a flat area on my driveway so the front rake in the photo looks a bit extreme. On flat ground the suspension is level and there is no lean to either side.

 

[GCT4R]

Yes, you are correct. You can get by with a stage 1, but caster will be on the low end. Buying stage 2 gets you a great price on the UCA’s as a part of the full kit.

Did you do the performance coils in the front or did the stock load coils?

 

[Run Forrest Run]

Did you do the performance coils in the front or did the stock load coils?

I went with Performance coils & very happy with the ride. It can feel firm at times, but I prefer that over the mushy oem factory suspension.
*Note that I went with the Nitro stage 2 kit vs FCP- below is a link if you want to see specs and photos.

Ironman 4x4 Nitro Stage 2 Lift

 

[RedRunner_87]

Flexing it out

IMG_8784 by Red Runner, on Flickr
IMG_8785 by Red Runner, on Flickr

 

[BLUESTEEL91]

Anyone have any feedback relative to ride quality, on and off road? Comparison against any of the other big name brands? Thanks!

So I can speak to this suspension having driven about 1000 miles on and off road. I feel less body roll and feels very sturdy on the wheel on road.

Off road, provided plenty of clearance and was not an issue for me at all. I took it to cape lookout on the beach and Uwharrie National Forest where things got pretty technical and I was very very impressed with the performance of the suspension.

Only thing I would say is I need more weight on my rig because I got the heavy springs so it will feel stiff. Currently have an Expedition One steel bumper en route so that will help a little.

Overall, I would order it again and I do recommend it to folks.

 

[RedRunner_87]

So I can speak to this suspension having driven about 1000 miles on and off road. I feel less body roll and feels very sturdy on the wheel on road.

Off road, provided plenty of clearance and was not an issue for me at all. I took it to cape lookout on the beach and Uwharrie National Forest where things got pretty technical and I was very very impressed with the performance of the suspension.

Only thing I would say is I need more weight on my rig because I got the heavy springs so it will feel stiff. Currently have an Expedition One steel bumper en route so that will help a little.

Overall, I would order it again and I do recommend it to folks.

That is good to know. Sometimes I feel like my rear end is too soft(I have the Performance Springs). We will see how much I like it once I get my spare tire carrier built(won't be too heavy).

 

[nimby]

Did I read somewhere that the normal load springs were 700lb and the heavy duty springs were north of 800lbs ??

:wow:

 

[RedRunner_87]

Did I read somewhere that the normal load springs were 700lb and the heavy duty springs were north of 800lbs ??

:wow:

That doesn't sound correct since they have 3 different springs. They have Normal, Performance and Heavy.

 

[datq1doe]

Forgot to take stock measurements before the install but it’s been a couple weeks now. The springs have pretty much settled. It looks like I ended up about one inch higher in the front than I should be. There is a very slight negative rake. Only noticeable if you’re staring close enough. Nothing a steel bumper won’t fix. (I got the performance load option front and back)

Measured from fender to center of hub

DF: 23.5 in PF: 24 in
DR: 24 in. PR:24.25 in

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[GCT4R]

You can adjust the front struts to lower it down till you get your bumper.

 

[Dinosaur Overland]

Couldn't be happier with our stage 3 ironman lift, you can spend more money but I honestly don't think you get a better suspension!

 

[Bill Z]

Couldn't be happier with our stage 3 ironman lift, you can spend more money but I honestly don't think you get a better suspension!

After 1000 miles including a 500 mile road trip down the Oregon coast and a bit of overlanding, I really like my Ironman suspension. My 4runner feels much more "planted" on the road and corners way better than the stock suspension.


Side question....
Did you buy or build your overland trailer? I'm looking to pick up and M416 or Bantam for an overland trailer project this winter.

 

[datq1doe]

You can adjust the front struts to lower it down till you get your bumper.

Shhhhhhhh. I’m just looking for excuses to upgrade [emoji23]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Dinosaur Overland]

After 1000 miles including a 500 mile road trip down the Oregon coast and a bit of overlanding, I really like my Ironman suspension. My 4runner feels much more "planted" on the road and corners way better than the stock suspension.


Side question....
Did you buy or build your overland trailer? I'm looking to pick up and M416 or Bantam for an overland trailer project this winter.

It is a Smittybilt Scout trailer and it has been great. We switched from a RTT to a OZ tent this year and are really liking it.

 

[Cajun_TRD]

I noticed Ironman now offers 2.5" and 3" performance springs with their Stage 1-3 kits. Besides the 1/2" difference, what is the real difference. The coilover body is adjustable so couldn't you adjust the 2.5" to 3" and vise-versa? Anyone know the reason for offering the 2 choices?

 

[RedRunner_87]

Did 300 miles of off-roading/camping on the Stage 2 kit. Man this suspension was amazing! Soaked up bumps and was super responsive on Top of the World:

IMG_9065 by Red Runner, on Flickr
IMG_9098 by Red Runner, on Flickr
IMG_9137 by Red Runner, on Flickr
IMG_9146 by Red Runner, on Flickr
IMG_9208 by Red Runner, on Flickr
IMG_9213 by Red Runner, on Flickr
IMG_9222 by Red Runner, on Flickr
Untitled by Red Runner, on Flickr