2.0" vs 2.5" shocks?

[little_joe]

I intend to keep this GX for the long haul, and want to put a quality suspension on that will be great onroad and on the beaches & forest roads. I've primarily been looking at Icon and Radflo. I have some FJC coils for the rear, and not looking for much/any lift.

That said, is there really that much difference between the 2" and 2.5" shocks to justify the several extra hundred dollars?

(I've read countless lift/suspension threads here and on other forums, but haven't yet found any direct comparison between 2" and 2.5".)

Alternatively, thoughts on Bilsteins all around with the Eibach 600 in/lbs springs up front?

 

[T4Runner]

I have 2.5" Overland Warehouse spec Radflos with AllPro 3.5" FJC rear coils on my 4Runner and they've been fantastic on and off road for the approximately 3yrs I've been running them. I've got a ton of added weight w/bumpers, winch, dual batteries, skids, etc., but even before the front Shrockworks and Warn were added, it handled great. Prior to this set up I had XREAS w/FJC springs and the ride sucked. I cannot tell you from experience about any aftermarket 2.0" set up, but I've read discontented reviews on various websites about them so anecdotally, I'd say the 2.5" is worth the extra coin.

 

[little_joe]

Thanks for that info, @T4Runner I do appreciate it.

 

[T4Runner]

Don't mention it. Another thing I can say is the guys at Radflo are great to deal with -- they'll answer any questions you have up front and work with you to customize your set up how you want it. I haven't needed it, but their customer service (should any problems arise or if it's time to rebuild the suspension) has received high praise.

 

[little_joe]

Yeah I've been in contact with Radflo already just via email, I didn't want to waste their time on the phone until I am more certain about this. And Mike has quickly and graciously answered my questions.

@T4Runner do I remember seeing some pix of you on the OBX? I am curious how yours handles the washouts at or around the beach speed limit. We go over a few times a year and I'd love a smooth ride esp when finding the hidden washouts - and my wife would be even more grateful.

 

[T4Runner]

The Radflos soak up the OBX terrain quite well. My bride, who's always hypercritical of every mod (she's not exactly inclined toward the off-road lifestyle) has been pleased with the 4Runner's ride (tho I get an earful every time she has to climb in or out of my rig -- she's 4' 11").

 

[little_joe]

Cool, great to hear (except for the climbing part). My wife (from Hampton no less!) is the same w/r/t mods & offroad, but she loves the beach so she should be ok with this one.

 

[JLee]

FWIW, when I called Icon a couple of months ago to ask the same question, they said with the weight of the GX you're better off with 2.5's.

 

[The Great Him]

from my understanding 2.5" bodies offer more fluid capacity thus more cooling ability. more cooling abilities allows for more aggressive driving and more sustained cycling. and the 2.5 systems also have larger pistons/rods. if you only plan on driving around on the street and the occasional forest service roads then the 2.0s should be good. i have a set of Icon 2.0 shocks for the rear of my GX and i will be installing those when i swap out the stock suspension for FJC springs. at some point further down the road im gonna go all the way with either Icon or Radflo remote reservoir, or the OME PB-51s when they are released. the BP-51s are what i have my heart set on so we shall see. either way when i go all out with the RR system its gonna be a 2.5 system, because moderation is for cowards lol and its just money

 

[little_joe]

In emails with Mike at Radflo, he stated the 2.5" bodies allow them to tune the ride more as well - I don't have specifics, but hopefully next week when I call to order I'll get the details.

 

[gracelex]

The weight of the GX is borderline to 2.5" specs. I went with 2.5" on front and am happy with my choose. Worth the extra coin. IMHO
I tried the Bilstein 5100 with 600# springs before the Radflo 2.5" with 650# springs (stock otherwise). In a hard braking situation the front end dropped and was not stable in turns. With the stiffer springs I did not have the dive and turns were much more stable.