next step - suspension

[Bourbonator]

Hey guys, I'm weighing options as I may be pulling the trigger in the next few months. I'm planning on wheels/tires, sliders, and lifting, front and back. Metal tech has Icon's stage 2 for $2800 including shipping, whereas Camburg has its own 2.5" performance kit for $2200. It's listed as an FJ kit, but they don't even advertise 4Runner parts on their site anymore. I know it's not exactly apples-to-apples because the SAW coils/5100s that come with the Camburg kit are only 1.5" and I'd have to pay shipping, but that's fine with me. I know there's a lot of support for Icon, but I've had good experience with Camburg in the past. Anyone want to weigh in on pros/cons?

I'm waiting for a response from Camburg Re compatibility of their FJ package to the 4Runner platform. Are there any other incentives or deals I should be waiting for out in internet land? I've checked 4wheel parts and offroad warehouse, and neither seems to have what I'm looking for. Did I miss anything?

Thanks

 

[Jeremy556]

Why not do the Icon stage 2 with LR UCAs, instead of the bling ones, and save 800?

 

[Mchang]

I bought icon stage2 with tubular uniballs from metaltech for $2000 with free shipping.

 

[Snooperstyle]

Why not do the Icon stage 2 with LR UCAs, instead of the bling ones, and save 800?

That's what I did, and I bought it from Metal Tech. I am very impressed with the increased offroad capability of the 4runner with this setup. Can't say anything about your alternative though...

The Icons are really a dream when you are rock crawling. I cannot describe in words the awesome sensation when you feel the suspension hanging on to the rocks and off camber areas.

On road, my setup is stiffer than stock.

 

[PhoRunner]

That's what I did, and I bought it from Metal Tech. I am very impressed with the increased offroad capability of the 4runner with this setup. Can't say anything about your alternative though...

The Icons are really a dream when you are rock crawling. I cannot describe in words the awesome sensation when you feel the suspension hanging on to the rocks and off camber areas.

On road, my setup is stiffer than stock.

How much stiffer is the ICON stage 2 compared to Stock. I also have a Limited with XREAS and I'm strongly considering the ICONs. Did the on road manners improve?

 

[Bourbonator]

Why not do the Icon stage 2 with LR UCAs, instead of the bling ones, and save 800?

That's not a bad idea, but to answer your question, I've been considering uniball lowers because it's my understanding that their design allows for a bit more down-travel than conventional ball joints', in addition to the greater adjustability for alignment after lifting. Now, if someone can tell me that I'm mistaken, or that newly designed ball-joint lowers offer just as much additional down-travel, that would make my decision much easier, and save me some coin for skids!

 

[Snooperstyle]

How much stiffer is the ICON stage 2 compared to Stock. I also have a Limited with XREAS and I'm strongly considering the ICONs. Did the on road manners improve?

Well, before I put the suspension on I had stock XREAS setup with E-rated BFGATKO 275/70/17 on SR5 rims. I installed the Icon setup and completely removed XREAS, and at the same time I put on TE rims with 285/70/17 D-rated Duratracs. That adds a lot of variables for comparing to stock. However, I would say that the Icons are stiffer than the BFG setup, even though I went from E-rated tires to D-rated tires. Not that much though. It still rides smoother than most pickup trucks. I have my CO's adjusted so that the vehicle is basically level. If you lower the front a little it gets a lot softer in a hurry, but you may have slight rake. Also, if you are putting on under armor, front bumper, sliders, and other things that add weight, you will have smoother ride in the end probably. I love the suspension overall.

I would HIGHLY recommend trying to find somebody who is willing to let you drive their rig with a similar setup before you decide. You are welcome to drive mine next week in SC if you happen to be down that way (we are leaving CO on Friday...boooo). Also make sure you re-calibrate your yaw rate sensors after lift and alignment.

Also, there are people on here who don't think it is stiffer I think. So, you should send a few PMs to the guys with similar setups.

My two cents.

 

[Bourbonator]

Snooper, thanks for all the info! This would be my second vehicle with significant suspension work done, so I'm not unfamiliar with the change in ride qualities from heavier springs, heavier tires, and a higher center of gravity, but it would be nice to see what it's like in the 4Runner. I do remember having to readjust the front coilover height after a few months of driving, and it helped setting the drivers' side a tad bit higher.

I think I'll also be doing away with the sway bar. We'll see!

 

[Jeremy556]

LR UCAs provide the same travel and adjustability as the uniball arms, but with a quieter ball joint, and generally lower cost.