ICON level 3 on the “medium build” late 80 series LX/LC reports? (1 Viewer)

[landcruiser3DP]

i ran a search on mud for these and would love reports or links to report if i am missing anything. also a BIG THANKS to gurus on the list that have been kind enough to answer my earlier questions.
-
anyone gone this route? what extra hardware do you use or adjustments did you make? was there a left and right on these things?

i think i’ve been advised to get measurements from other owners with similar “builds” to verify that a 3” lift won’t put me in some kind of driveline noise/problem zone? or to get actual measurements before and after and to compare to other owners or something.

which is dependent upon load/overall weight or something i guess? not planning on aftermarket bumpers or winch but i pack heavy.

anyway, looking for hardware and/or install tips or reports from folks that went this route. i’ve got install documents but auto mechanical/suspension is a bit new for me.

THANKS

 

[Outsane]

Very happy with mine, love the adjustability.

I think i need heavier springs.

Delta panhard bracket helped settle the rear end.

 

[landcruiser3DP]

Very happy with mine, love the adjustability.

I think i need heavier springs.

Delta panhard bracket helped settle the rear end.

thanks a lot outsane.

so do you have bumpers and winch and roof rack and need heavier springs? or something else? did you go with a set of caster brackets?

also what is the tip off that you need heavier sperling’s exactly? i’m a bit of a noob with this...

 

[Box Rocket]

Feedback I have heard on the Icon coils is that they are better suited for lighter weight rigs. It's hard to know whether your rig would be considered light weight or not. No bumpers or winch would seem to make it a lighter rig but if you pack heavy you might want a spring that will handle that weight better and not sag under load.

Slinky coils are designed to maintain the advertised lift height even when loaded. If you want adjustability, the Stage 4 Slinky shocks have the CDC adjustment found on the adjustable Icon shocks. You probably know that Icon builds the Slinky shocks but they are custom specs (unique length shock body and shaft length as well as unique valving suited for the 80 series) There is 2.5" and 3" lift heights available and intermediate, heavy or extra heavy spring rates. Without knowing all the details of your truck and weights etc I would guess that the 3" Intermediate Stage4 Slinky kit would be a good match. The intermediate springs to maintain a smooth ride when your truck isn't loaded with extra weight and the ability to stiffen up the shocks as needed to get the desired ride and control when packed heavy.

 

[landcruiser3DP]

Feedback I have heard on the Icon coils is that they are better suited for lighter weight rigs. It's hard to know whether your rig would be considered light weight or not. No bumpers or winch would seem to make it a lighter rig but if you pack heavy you might want a spring that will handle that weight better and not sag under load.

Slinky coils are designed to maintain the advertised lift height even when loaded. If you want adjustability, the Stage 4 Slinky shocks have the CDC adjustment found on the adjustable Icon shocks. You probably know that Icon builds the Slinky shocks but they are custom specs (unique length shock body and shaft length as well as unique valving suited for the 80 series) There is 2.5" and 3" lift heights available and intermediate, heavy or extra heavy spring rates. Without knowing all the details of your truck and weights etc I would guess that the 3" Intermediate Stage4 Slinky kit would be a good match. The intermediate springs to maintain a smooth ride when your truck isn't loaded with extra weight and the ability to stiffen up the shocks as needed to get the desired ride and control when packed heavy.

THANKS a lot box rocket. to be honest i don’t understand what “slinky” implies really but i’ve been hearing it in reference to icon so i’ve been confused.

also does “stage 4” have heavier weight (or whatever) coils? is there more to it? at worst case can i swap out level 3 coils for level 4 coils if i already have a used level 3 kit...?

i was sort of thinking it might help me keep my packing effort a bit minimal at worst...

 

[Outsane]

I have winch, front bumper, sliders, drawers, rack, rtt

I have the caster bushings

 

[landcruiser3DP]

I have winch, front bumper, sliders, drawers, rack, rtt

I have the caster bushings

THANKS

 

[RS6tofj80]

@hotwheels2017 where are you located ? I'm in houston if you want to get a sense of a 2.5" OME lift.... I'm fully built minus drawers and a second tank and with the 863's the stance is perfect and just the rear Delta bracket got it all aligned with no driveline lissues..... after 2 1/2 it all gets more complicated.... been there.

happy to meet up if your local and want to check out the rig and talk ideas.... I did Icon's on both my 100 and 200 builds and am a fan, but the wife wanted the firmer ride of the OME setup over the slinky / Icons like we had on the long travel 200....

E

 

[Delta VS]

i think i’ve been advised to get measurements from other owners with similar “builds” to verify that a 3” lift won’t put me in some kind of driveline noise/problem zone? or to get actual measurements before and after and to compare to other owners or something.

We sell a lot of the Icon kits (they only offer 3" springs) and have installed a handful, have had zero complaints of driveline issues post install. We always pair with a set of 4" radius arms and a 3" panhard lift bracket.

As Adam mentioned, the Icon springs are set up for stock-"ish" weight vehicles, but we have installed on and have sold to many folks that are fairly well kitted out. My personal rig (full Icon kit) has about a 1/2" sag in the back with full rear bumper, ladder, fuel, 35" spare, 100 pounds of spare parts, and fridge in the back. Front has bumper, winch (synthetic line), dual battery. We are currently working on some custom springs that will pair well with the Icons, that will basically be Icon "HD" springs to get rid of that sag.

Another approach, is to use things like the Dobinsons "packers" (plastic donuts of varying thickness) to get the ride dialed in once the springs are in, vehicle is fully loaded, and you've got about 500-1000 miles on the springs.

 

[landcruiser3DP]

We sell a lot of the Icon kits (they only offer 3" springs) and have installed a handful, have had zero complaints of driveline issues post install. We always pair with a set of 4" radius arms and a 3" panhard lift bracket.

As Adam mentioned, the Icon springs are set up for stock-"ish" weight vehicles, but we have installed on and have sold to many folks that are fairly well kitted out. My personal rig (full Icon kit) has about a 1/2" sag in the back with full rear bumper, ladder, fuel, 35" spare, 100 pounds of spare parts, and fridge in the back. Front has bumper, winch (synthetic line), dual battery. We are currently working on some custom springs that will pair well with the Icons, that will basically be Icon "HD" springs to get rid of that sag.

Another approach, is to use things like the Dobinsons "packers" (plastic donuts of varying thickness) to get the ride dialed in once the springs are in, vehicle is fully loaded, and you've got about 500-1000 miles on the springs.

thanks dave.
is there a term for me to search with regards to dialing it in or whether or not the dobinson packers would help. or alternatively to keep an eye out for the “icon HD” springs at some future point?
do the packers basically make the springs stiffer or simply reduce the body from sagging by that much?
is it important for me to run before and after sag (or lift or whatever i call it) measurements at all four wheels (center of wheel to underside of fender?) and at the panhard in order to have records?
in my case the springs are already used. so what i am i looking for to dial it in exactly please?
THANKS as always

 

[Delta VS]

thanks dave.
is there a term for me to search with regards to dialing it in or whether or not the dobinson packers would help. or alternatively to keep an eye out for the “icon HD” springs at some future point?
do the packers basically make the springs stiffer or simply reduce the body from sagging by that much?
is it important for me to run before and after sag (or lift or whatever i call it) measurements at all four wheels (center of wheel to underside of fender?) and at the panhard in order to have records?
in my case the springs are already used. so what i am i looking for to dial it in exactly please?
THANKS as always

you bet!

I have only ever heard David Otero (from Dobinsons) call them "spring packers". They are just plastic donuts that sit between the upper spring perch and the top of the spring (nothing more than a spacer). I think they are available in many different thicknesses, so you can "tune" the static ride height. I'll see if I can dig up some part numbers. Basic process would be:

1. install lift
2. get it loaded as you normally use it
3. let the springs settle a bit (if they are used, a drive around the block should do)
4. park on flat surface
5. look at the side of the vehicle and decide how much (if any) you want the front or back to go up and get those parts (you could use a floor jack under the offending bumper and have a helper jack that end up until you're satisfied)

The HD springs are on the horizon, not near-term. Having some made and then have to do a bunch of driving to see if they hold up.

I am a firm believer in collecting data, whether you have a use for it TODAY or not. Measuring all of that stuff would be super helpful for the "compiling/comparing caster data" thread and associated spreadsheet.

 

[landcruiser3DP]

you bet!

I have only ever heard David Otero (from Dobinsons) call them "spring packers". They are just plastic donuts that sit between the upper spring perch and the top of the spring (nothing more than a spacer). I think they are available in many different thicknesses, so you can "tune" the static ride height. I'll see if I can dig up some part numbers. Basic process would be:

1. install lift
2. get it loaded as you normally use it
3. let the springs settle a bit (if they are used, a drive around the block should do)
4. park on flat surface
5. look at the side of the vehicle and decide how much (if any) you want the front or back to go up and get those parts (you could use a floor jack under the offending bumper and have a helper jack that end up until you're satisfied)

The HD springs are on the horizon, not near-term. Having some made and then have to do a bunch of driving to see if they hold up.

I am a firm believer in collecting data, whether you have a use for it TODAY or not. Measuring all of that stuff would be super helpful for the "compiling/comparing caster data" thread and associated spreadsheet.

thanks as always. i saw those threads on before and after measurements and the spreadsheet.

so on the spacers - was it to make sure everything is visually level front to back and left to right? but also to get the vehicle up to a place you /visually/ like it as opposed to anything related to handling or something or other?

and on the measurements - do you need a before and after actual alignments or would just "manual" measurements before and after along with the alignment results after suffice?

THANKS

 

[Delta VS]

thanks as always. i saw those threads on before and after measurements and the spreadsheet.

so on the spacers - was it to make sure everything is visually level front to back and left to right? but also to get the vehicle up to a place you /visually/ like it as opposed to anything related to handling or something or other?

and on the measurements - do you need a before and after actual alignments or would just "manual" measurements before and after along with the alignment results after suffice?

THANKS

the measurements won't do a lot of good without the associated alignment specs, unfortunately. the idea is to build a database of various lifts and setups for people to reference over time, when they have the question of "what lift do I get?"

the spacers are for nothing more than getting the vehicle level at normal ride height. a lot of folks don't like the "stinkbug" (back end high) or the "San Diego slant" (front end high) and that is the easiest way to address it that I'm aware of.

 

[Box Rocket]

THANKS a lot box rocket. to be honest i don’t understand what “slinky” implies really but i’ve been hearing it in reference to icon so i’ve been confused.

also does “stage 4” have heavier weight (or whatever) coils? is there more to it? at worst case can i swap out level 3 coils for level 4 coils if i already have a used level 3 kit...?

i was sort of thinking it might help me keep my packing effort a bit minimal at worst...

Slinky is a brand. It's the name of suspension kits sold by 4xOverland out of Australia. The Slinky springs are unique to the Slinky kits, they are not Icon springs. The Springs are manufactured in Australia and designed by long term 80 series owners and set up to be the best bolt on suspension kit available for the 80. The "stage" moniker is different between the Icon and the Slinky products. The Slinky stage 4 shocks are 2.5 remote reservoir with 10 setting cdc adjustability. Icon will have a similar shock option since Icon builds the Slinky shocks for 4xOverland. But the ones included with the Slinky kits, as I mentioned earlier, have unique specs to maximize flex and ride quality specific to the 80 series. Those specs include proper shock body and shaft length to allow full 12" travel, as well as unique valving setup with a flutter stack and internal hydro bump zone.

Nothing wrong with the Icon kits but the differences and specs work best on lighter "stock-ish" rigs like Delta VS and I both mentioned. Delta can hook you up with the authentic Icon parts. If you are interested in the Slinky kits they can be found at 4xousa.com

If it helps, the lift measurements I have on my own truck with the Stage4 slinky kit measured from the center of hub to bottom edge of fender flares are:
Left Front: 24"
Left Rear: 24.25"
Right Rear: 24.5"
Right Front: 24"
I would say my truck is on the heavy side so those numbers are probably close to what you could expect when your truck is packed for a trip.
IMG_3428 by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

Here's the Slinky Stage 4 shocks and dual rate Slinky coil at full droop. (Slinky coils are silver, Icon coils are black)

 

[landcruiser3DP]

the measurements won't do a lot of good without the associated alignment specs, unfortunately. the idea is to build a database of various lifts and setups for people to reference over time, when they have the question of "what lift do I get?"

the spacers are for nothing more than getting the vehicle level at normal ride height. a lot of folks don't like the "stinkbug" (back end high) or the "San Diego slant" (front end high) and that is the easiest way to address it that I'm aware of.

THANKS. as always...

 

[landcruiser3DP]

Slinky is a brand. It's the name of suspension kits sold by 4xOverland out of Australia. The Slinky springs are unique to the Slinky kits, they are not Icon springs. The Springs are manufactured in Australia and designed by long term 80 series owners and set up to be the best bolt on suspension kit available for the 80. The "stage" moniker is different between the Icon and the Slinky products. The Slinky stage 4 shocks are 2.5 remote reservoir with 10 setting cdc adjustability. Icon will have a similar shock option since Icon builds the Slinky shocks for 4xOverland. But the ones included with the Slinky kits, as I mentioned earlier, have unique specs to maximize flex and ride quality specific to the 80 series. Those specs include proper shock body and shaft length to allow full 12" travel, as well as unique valving setup with a flutter stack and internal hydro bump zone.

Nothing wrong with the Icon kits but the differences and specs work best on lighter "stock-ish" rigs like Delta VS and I both mentioned. Delta can hook you up with the authentic Icon parts. If you are interested in the Slinky kits they can be found at 4xousa.com

If it helps, the lift measurements I have on my own truck with the Stage4 slinky kit measured from the center of hub to bottom edge of fender flares are:
Left Front: 24"
Left Rear: 24.25"
Right Rear: 24.5"
Right Front: 24"
I would say my truck is on the heavy side so those numbers are probably close to what you could expect when your truck is packed for a trip.
IMG_3428 by Adam Tolman, on Flickr

Here's the Slinky Stage 4 shocks and dual rate Slinky coil at full droop. (Slinky coils are silver, Icon coils are black)
View attachment 2143079

nice intel. thanks for the heads up.

i need to study it but can you help me with “cdc”? this has to do with compression or rebound settings? i do know (i think) there is no spring preload in either the slinky or icon.
also. beefier coils on the slinky? and are you saying the shocks themselves have been modified? presumably the internals somehow?
lastly - if i am following - you are saying slinky is superior for rock crawling or heavy duty off road? and /also/ conventional street use?
i do realize there would be opinions about all this but getting info helps get my head around the metrics (and figuring out the names of the variables as well i suppose...) i guess.

 

[Box Rocket]

CDC= Compression Dampening Control

Coils: without getting into the weeds to far, simple terms, yes beefier coils from Slinky compared to Icon. If you need more reading and want to get into the weeds.... go here:

Compiled 80 series suspension component spec thread... shocks, coils & more.

80 series coil & shock specs A few years back 80 series suspension was fairly easy to figure out & purchase since there was only a few of options to chose from. Recently there has been a few suppliers stepping up to play in the USA 80 series market offering more options. Now with a plethora of...

forum.ih8mud.com

Shocks: The Slinky shocks aren't modified but built differently from the get go. "superior" isn't the right way to describe them compared to the icon. They are just "different". The off the shelf Icon shocks are very good and in many ways very very similar to the Slinky versions. Same basic design. The main difference is the valve arrangement. You're correct there will be differing opinions, but from my experience from owning the Slinky kit and having ridden in a few Icon equipped 80s, I prefer the feel and performance of the Slinky shocks. Truth be told, most will be hard pressed to describe the differences and I think they mostly show up when driving the truck hard. Either will perform very well on- road or off. The Slinky valve setup is done by someone that has been an 80 owner for decades and understands the 80 platform as well as anyone. I think that experience shows in how well the kit as a whole work on the 80.
The thread I linked above will also have information on the different shocks from a number of brands. So it's good reading.

In any case, don't over think it. Either kit is a good one. I'm a happy Slinky user. I'm sure there are happy Icon users as well.

 

[landcruiser3DP]

CDC= Compression Dampening Control

Coils: without getting into the weeds to far, simple terms, yes beefier coils from Slinky compared to Icon. If you need more reading and want to get into the weeds.... go here:

Compiled 80 series suspension component spec thread... shocks, coils & more.

80 series coil & shock specs A few years back 80 series suspension was fairly easy to figure out & purchase since there was only a few of options to chose from. Recently there has been a few suppliers stepping up to play in the USA 80 series market offering more options. Now with a plethora of...

forum.ih8mud.com

Shocks: The Slinky shocks aren't modified but built differently from the get go. "superior" isn't the right way to describe them compared to the icon. They are just "different". The off the shelf Icon shocks are very good and in many ways very very similar to the Slinky versions. Same basic design. The main difference is the valve arrangement. You're correct there will be differing opinions, but from my experience from owning the Slinky kit and having ridden in a few Icon equipped 80s, I prefer the feel and performance of the Slinky shocks. Truth be told, most will be hard pressed to describe the differences and I think they mostly show up when driving the truck hard. Either will perform very well on- road or off. The Slinky valve setup is done by someone that has been an 80 owner for decades and understands the 80 platform as well as anyone. I think that experience shows in how well the kit as a whole work on the 80.
The thread I linked above will also have information on the different shocks from a number of brands. So it's good reading.

In any case, don't over think it. Either kit is a good one. I'm a happy Slinky user. I'm sure there are happy Icon users as well.

super. thanks a TON for that.
- jon

 

[Bludozer]

For anyone else wondering, I have Icon springs and shocks on my truck. It is on the "heavier" side but again that is all relative. I have front/rear bumpers and sliders on it currently. Unloaded it sits pretty level and looks great, loaded up for a trip it sags. Will be adding some spring spacers to the rear at some point to mitigate this.

 

[NorCalFJ100]

"San Diego slant"

Haha. That is great. The ole Prerunner days...