Suspension Lift, What y'all think?

[Joshua.O.Brown7]

I'm.looking at the Icon Stage 5 Suspension Lift Systems. It will give me a 3" lift. However am I going to have to set my vehicle up for long travel? Has anyone put this lift on how do you like it? What suggestions can you make? Will my OEM Lower Control Arms be compatible? I am thinking of doing a piggyback system on the front what do y'all think? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Even if it's a completely different set up.

1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner 0-3" Suspension System - Stage 5

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• Price: $3,963.33
• SKU : K53135
• Brand: ICON Vehicle Dynamics
• Weight: 105.00 lb

OVERVIEW:
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. ICON engineers have assessed the 3rd Gen 4Runner front to back and developed components that work together to extract maximum performance out of the vehicle. With the ICON Stage 5 suspension system on and off-road performance is significantly improved with 2.5 VS Series Extended Travel Remote Reservoir Coilovers and 2.5 VS Series Remote Remote Reservoir Rear Shocks that feature ICON engineered coil springs, vehicle-specific shock valving, FK Rod End bearings, and high quality CNC-machined components for superior damping and control. ICON’s CDC (Compression Damping Control) Valve option adds to the adjustability of these shocks, allowing the end-user to adjust the ride characteristics of the vehicle with the turn of a knob. The 2.5 VS Series coilovers are height adjustable from 0-3” of lift, allowing the use of larger, more aggressive wheel and tire combinations. Fully serviceable shock absorbers mean that these components can be rebuilt or revalved as necessary, providing a long service life and the ability to customize the ride quality for unique vehicle setups. The addition of an ICON tubular steel upper control arm kit provides increased wheel travel over stock while also offering alignment correction for improved overall handling. ICON Vehicle Dynamics' 1996-2002 4Runner Stage 5 suspension system is an excellent choice for those drivers looking to drastically improve the performance and handling characteristics of their 3rd Gen on the road as well as in the dirt.

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
• CDCV technology allows for quick and easy compression damping adjustment
• 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
• CNC machined 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum components
• Tubular steel upper control arm features 1” PTFE-lined stainless uniballs and greasable bushings
• Bolt-on design makes for straightforward install
• Made in the USA

WHEEL & TIRE FITMENT INFO:

• OEM Wheels & Tires: Yes
• Aftermarket Wheels: 8" Wide Wheel w/ 5" Backspace
• Aftermarket Tires: 33" x 11.50"

(Larger tires may fit but fender trimming and modifications will be required)

SYSTEM COMPONENTS:

• 58716C (QTY.1) | 1996-2002 4Runner Front 2.5 VS Series Extended Travel Remote Reservoir Coilover Kit w/CDCV
• 57800CP (QTY.1) | 1996-2002 4Runner Rear 2.5 VS Series Remote Reservoir Shock Kit w/CDCV
• 58400 (QTY.1) | 1996-2004 Tacoma / 1996-2002 4Runner Tubular Steel UCA Kit

OPTIONS:

• 191011 | ICON Tubular Steel UCA Billet Cover Caps

 

[PWD4R]

That's a TON of money for suspension, my friend. Maybe you have $4k to blow idk but you can get a really good set up for $1,000-$1,300 and have room for added extras


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[Joshua.O.Brown7]

That's a TON of money for suspension, my friend. Maybe you have $4k to blow idk but you can get a really good set up for $1,000-$1,300 and have room for added extras


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What would you suggest?

 

[PWD4R]

TBH I am new to the 4Runner game so I wouldn't take suggestions from me but I will show you my order sheet. I have no experience with it yet because I am still waiting to install it but I figure, after my hours of research, it'll be enjoyable.

IMO the SS 1.2 looks to be pretty awesome and even comes with the extended bump stops, I think the extended brake lines and idr but maybe the extended sway bar links. Keep in mind that, with what you have selected, you're still looking at a few hundred to get it completed for those additional components (unless you're good at fab). That info is just based on research. Also, radflo makes a great, rebuildable set up. Some people choose OME springs with bilstein shocks but I wanted to keep it the same since OME is obviously designed to go with OME.

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[PWD4R]

^^ btw that set up delivered was about $975


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[rossgoldie]

That's a lot of money for a basic suspension setup that doesn't even include your adjustable panhard, extended brakeline for the rear, and extended bumpstops. At that point I would just buy a TC long travel setup and some separate coilovers.

But it will ride nice as **** though.

But to answer your questions, that setup is pretty much bolt-in but is missing a few things that I mentioned above. you do not have to run different LCA's and your oem ones are compatible.

I run the SS 1.2 which pretty much includes everything you need to lift. And since you want resevoirs, SS has the option to do the same 1.2 lift but with radflo shocks/coilovers. I think it would still be cheaper/same price as the ICON one but with everything you need included.

EDIT: here is the SS lift with the radflo stuff, more than a grand cheaper than the ICON setup.
http://www.sonoransteel.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_2_3&products_id=126

 

[Kotrin]

I have the ultimate lift with superflex coils. I just did my overland trip and I wish I had gone for broke and purchased something more than what I got. Now before able to honestly give you my best opinion what are you wanting the lift for? Are you wanting for travel, off road, racing across the forest? That information would help in getting what could be better and possibly more or cheaper setup.

While you answer that I'll work on posting what I wish I had bought and why..

 

[Joshua.O.Brown7]

I would love to be able to take it deserts and push it as hard as I can as well as rock crawling.

 

[Joshua.O.Brown7]

I have the ultimate lift with superflex coils. I just did my overland trip and I wish I had gone for broke and purchased something more than what I got. Now before able to honestly give you my best opinion what are you wanting the lift for? Are you wanting for travel, off road, racing across the forest? That information would help in getting what could be better and possibly more or cheaper setup.

While you answer that I'll work on posting what I wish I had bought and why..

Forgot to quote but I answered

 

[PWD4R]

That's a lot of money for a basic suspension setup that doesn't even include your adjustable panhard, extended brakeline for the rear, and extended bumpstops. At that point I would just buy a TC long travel setup and some separate coilovers.

But it will ride nice as **** though.

But to answer your questions, that setup is pretty much bolt-in but is missing a few things that I mentioned above. you do not have to run different LCA's and your oem ones are compatible.

I run the SS 1.2 which pretty much includes everything you need to lift. And since you want resevoirs, SS has the option to do the same 1.2 lift but with radflo shocks/coilovers. I think it would still be cheaper/same price as the ICON one but with everything you need included.

EDIT: here is the SS lift with the radflo stuff, more than a grand cheaper than the ICON setup.
http://www.sonoransteel.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_2_3&products_id=126

Just to confirm but was all of that directed to OP?


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[VanPattyCakes]

I pieced together my own Icon lift with front 2.5 inch non resi coilovers and 2.0 rear shocks with reservoirs for a 4th gen and camburg upper control arms. I think it was around $2400. Like others have said you're also going to want to get rear extended brake line, adjustable pan hard bar or pan hard drop, extended bump stops and don't forget rear coils. The SS 1.2 looks pretty killer. For 4 grand I'd just go long Travel.

 

[masphx]

I like my Icon lift. Most people above just run toytec or ss 1.2. This icon or any 2.5 shocks are a different monster compard to those kits which are basically toothpics just taller. My goal was to get 2.5 shocks all around. IMO the cost to preformace goes down past what i curently run. Uca would be a plus along with extended travel but again it costs more. I have heard for one guy i know pushed his rig to the limit that front res offers very little benifit on our rigs. You would have to go for 4 hrs plus to really heat up the basic icon coilover. Only reason i would go front res is to gain the clicker system they have. Btw wait until a sale. I got my lift 20% off msrp.

 

[masphx]

Btw i run no extended bump stops (i think the Icon rear shock has something internal), ext brake or pan hard drop but they are recommended.

Here is the guy i got my advice from. As you can see he is pretty experienced overlanding and going fast. He now has a 80 series lc with the full ocon lift on it.

Blog
soaztim

And build thread. He talks about icon pretty early in his thread.

2001 4x4 4runner build. At Molasses pace - Expedition Portal

 

[Kotrin]

My 2 cents

Like a lot of people have posted, piecing together, sales and such will save you a ton. I've ran reservoir setup and like [MENTION=71420]masphx[/MENTION] said, unless your doing long distances the oil really doesn't get to a point of overheating. I may only do it occasionally, BUT I know I would use the reservoir system. I could probably for-go it but I am from the school of if you use it once, better to get what you could or WOULD use versus maybe once in awhile. That being said, you do get what you pay for as always.

Desert running and rock crawling are two different ends of the spectrum. Now I would plan for the desert even if you did that once, and rock crawled every other time. So Icon would be great, but you could piece things together better. Now that being said, its nice to buy it 'all as one'. I know as I did my toytec that way, but I had XXXX money and the setup was XXXX installed. So, if you want the best bang for your buck, larger shocks would help compensate the no reservior, also help you piece it together and get new UCA's. Now if your desert runs are high speed for long periods, LT would be a good look at, but now your basically looking at 5k without the fenders and this is JUST front normally.

I know I've said a lot and haven't really given once piece of BUY this advice. I can't give that advice, but I can give you my own personal experience and what I will be BUYING next. I know lots will say, OMG what a waste of money, or OMG he could get so much better with XXXX. Maybe, but I've personally NEVER ridden in every setup on the market. I've ridden in two toytec ultimate setup's and they do good, but now that bouncing is rougher on me, I wish I had done different this time, but money doesn't grow around any tree's that I know. I will be going to a LT setup or a 2.5 with resi setup. My reason for this is my time now is a lot of gravel roads, dirt, snow and sand. Going 5mph down a road doesn't work when the road is 300 miles or more long. Going 25, 30-55 on a washboard road kicks my but hardcore and my current setup is not cutting it. Now my research i've been doing since i've been back for the last day and a half is showing that a complete 2.5 setup such as the Icon can accomplish the tasks with adjustment. I've been looking at Camburg complete setup but now i'm talking close to 10k but I would get EVERYTHING I wanted. All of this is still close to 2 or 4 years away and somehow saving the money and not spending it as I do. So what I would do is swap out some of that reservoir items, go with the 2.5" and new UCA's and drop the sway bars and panhard bar in the rear. Be aware you will have more flex, so get longer lines and be aware of the sway.

On my trip overland this last week, I bottomed out my suspension easily 20 times a day. I had about 300 extra pounds and one more person with me, but I did buy my coils and shocks with this in mind.
-----------------------
I wanted to add that I fully believe in the Camburg setup. I've ridden in a few sand cars that have the fox shocks(similar to the ones with the Camburg setup) and they are so gentle on my body. I would not have ANY regrets buying it, even though its 10k. The reason's are for the easily replacing ALL parts that will need to be replaced when i'm at the stage to do it. Everything needs to be replaced at one time or another and so the 1 or 2k that it would cost me, I would put it towards that. Now I know it's going to be an 18yr or 20yr OLD vehicle by than, but it doesn't bother me. it can be 30 or 40 yr's old. It works for my conditions, its easily work on able and things are fairly in expensive to fix/swap or replace. I hope to be able to post my thoughts on it when the time comes.

 

[rossgoldie]

Just to confirm but was all of that directed to OP?


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Yup!

 

[PWD4R]

Just wanted to make sure lol. I knew mine was semi basic and needs about $300 more but for under $1k I didn't think it was too bad


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[rossgoldie]

I like my Icon lift. Most people above just run toytec or ss 1.2. This icon or any 2.5 shocks are a different monster compard to those kits which are basically toothpics just taller. My goal was to get 2.5 shocks all around. IMO the cost to preformace goes down past what i curently run. Uca would be a plus along with extended travel but again it costs more. I have heard for one guy i know pushed his rig to the limit that front res offers very little benifit on our rigs. You would have to go for 4 hrs plus to really heat up the basic icon coilover. Only reason i would go front res is to gain the clicker system they have. Btw wait until a sale. I got my lift 20% off msrp.

Oh yea ICON totally rides way better than my damn Bilsteins, but thats why I linked the setup with the Radflo RR's. They'll ride way nicer than the basic setup and cheaper than buying the setup from ICON and you get everything you need. Seems like a win-win aside from the uniball UCA's, which still leave a sizeable price difference after purchasing those separate.

And since OP said he wants a dual-sport kinda setup for the desert and rocks, I again support the SS setup with Radflo's. I just ran the entire Rubicon Trail on my Bilsteins. The Radflo's will help leagues for the desert without going full long-travel.

 

[Joshua.O.Brown7]

Oh yea ICON totally rides way better than my damn Bilsteins, but thats why I linked the setup with the Radflo RR's. They'll ride way nicer than the basic setup and cheaper than buying the setup from ICON and you get everything you need. Seems like a win-win aside from the uniball UCA's, which still leave a sizeable price difference after purchasing those separate.

And since OP said he wants a dual-sport kinda setup for the desert and rocks, I again support the SS setup with Radflo's. I just ran the entire Rubicon Trail on my Bilsteins. The Radflo's will help leagues for the desert without going full long-travel.

Definitely lean more towards the desert but if I opt for long travel can I still rock crawling with it?

 

[rossgoldie]

Definitely lean more towards the desert but if I opt for long travel can I still rock crawling with it?

Hell yea! You get 13" of travel in the front. Take a look at the photos Total Chaos has posted on their website under the LT setup, lotta rigs doing the rocks. My buddy in his LT Ranger ran the Rubicon also. I really want LT because it really is best for dual-sport capability, but realistically starting at $5k just for the FRONT setup.

TOTAL CHAOS FABRICATION - 1996-2002 4Runner 2WD & 4WD Long Travel Suspension Kit

 

[Trail Wonka]

The Icon suspension system is one of the best made. If you have the bucks go for it. The 2.5 are long travel and you will have the best ride money can buy. In your text it shows adjustable coilovers but I thought those didn't come into the picture until stage 6&7 unless you are piecing individual Icon components together. Also you won't quite get 3" of lift unless you like a rough ride[emoji30]


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