Icon shocks vs. OME

[Brian Waag]

So, I must admit, after watching every single video that the guys (and gals) at Expedition Overland produced, I've been in Landcruiser expedition lust .... The latest brainstorm I have is to swap out the OME shocks (< 1 yr. old) to Icon shocks that include the fluid reservoir which is apparently what the E.O. folks are running (yes, I know, they most likely were free due to sponsorship). And yes, I know that they are much, much more expensive than OME, dependent upon which series you purchase. However, I was wondering what folks thought that may have done the swap out? Or perhaps any SME's (Subject Matter Experts) out there that can provide any insight regarding cost vs. value?

 

[3D FJ]

Figure it out soon because the metaltech 20% is going to come to a close by monday

 

[Griffin]

I think the practical answer lies within the intended use. Running 100s of miles of washboard roads through Alaska? If so, then perhaps remote reservoirs would help (didn't one of the ICONs crap out along the way in EO?).

 

[Brian Waag]

Griffin - Yes, one of them crapped out on washboard, however as I recall they were prototypes (seem to remember they said that in one of the videos) and believe that they may have engineered a newer version to address the reliability issues? To be honest, most miles are pavement however do encounter quite a bit of washboard on my outback adventures, plus misc. rocky trails where the OME's would heat up pretty quick.

 

[Bloomer]

I've got a set with the CDC valve in the garage waiting to be installed. I definitely don't do washboard roads but hoping with the adjustable settings will have improved ride quality. I've seen in my search that there is some concern on placement of the reservoir and ensuring no rubbing when the suspension articulates. That's been my hold out on installation. I'd like to find someone with a lift so I can work with the suspension at full droop and verify placement of the reservoir will not cause an issue. When I eventually get these installed, I'll post my thoughts on the difference between OME and ICON.

 

[dnp]

I, too, have been considering other shocks. My OMEs - even the softer of the sport shocks - ride like crap. Don't suppose Iron Man foam cells are under consideration? I don't know much about these either, but several friends claim they much more compliant than the OMEs.

 

[Brian Waag]

I've got a set with the CDC valve in the garage waiting to be installed. I definitely don't do washboard roads but hoping with the adjustable settings will have improved ride quality. I've seen in my search that there is some concern on placement of the reservoir and ensuring no rubbing when the suspension articulates. That's been my hold out on installation. I'd like to find someone with a lift so I can work with the suspension at full droop and verify placement of the reservoir will not cause an issue. When I eventually get these installed, I'll post my thoughts on the difference between OME and ICON.

Bloomer - I've read a few threads about the location of the reservoir to assure clearance from the suspension. You should do a search and you'll find multiple threads and recall that one or more had pictures. The shocks may not have been Icon, but regardless shows where to mount the reservoirs to assure proper clearance. My main issue (besides ride comfort) is obviously reliability. How soon were you planning to install the Icon's??

 

[Bloomer]

I've searched and read many threads. The ICONs were designed to work with specific UCA (Just Differentials, I believe). I have SPCs, which I think will be fine. I'll be installing as soon as I find someone with a lift, or large enough jacks to keep the front wheels off the ground.

 

[bjowett]

I have two full sets of Koni 90 Series Raids looking for good homes. They are large enough to not overheat when really put to use... and the twin tube design not only rides nice, it has exceptional longevity. They are also rebuildable, and rebound adjustable, so they can suit different spring rates.

 

[super90]

Sen

I have two full sets of Koni 90 Series Raids looking for good homes. They are large enough to not overheat when really put to use... and the twin tube design not only rides nice, it has exceptional longevity. They are also rebuildable, and rebound adjustable, so they can suit different spring rates.

Interested. Sending PM

 

[Brian Waag]

I've searched and read many threads. The ICONs were designed to work with specific UCA (Just Differentials, I believe). I have SPCs, which I think will be fine. I'll be installing as soon as I find someone with a lift, or large enough jacks to keep the front wheels off the ground.

You may be right, can't recall specifically what UCA's, if any in particular, were or were not compatible. I was also thinking of upgrading the UCA's as well so will do some "homework" prior to making any related purchase. I think Larry at Dirty Parts here in SoCal may know as I believe he sells Icon's.

 

[perrobravo]

My ICON 2.5" remote reservoir shocks are working great with SPC UCAs. On my truck, there a bit of a rub in extreme conditions (which I've yet to run into on an actual trail), but the performance of the shocks is worth that risk to me.

With MT's 20% off deal, even if you change your mind you could probably resell the ICONs and not lose anything.

 

[smileyboy]

Anyone run the stage 1 shocks? What's the benefit of changing the UCAs?

 

[Brian Waag]

The biggest thing for me is: 1) additional articulation vs. the stock UCA's, 2) stronger, more reliable, take more abuse, etc. The Just Differential UCA's run $800 so need to really justify the purchase, i.e. what type of offroading will you be doing.

 

[chuckscap]

Anyone run the stage 1 shocks? What's the benefit of changing the UCAs?

Anyone run Stage 1s?

 

[paflytyer]

I've been very happy with the Stage III's, but here's some info about the Stage I's and basic ICON info as they relate to the 100 Series. Straight from ICON's marketing/sales coordinator.

"The stage 1 system for the 100 Series Land Cruiser was developed to increase overall handling characteristics and provide a mild lift for vehicles that do not have an aftermarket upper control arm. “Extended length” refers to the shocks being used in the Stage 2 and Stage 3 systems, which are built slightly different to take advantage of the extra droop travel gained by running an aftermarket UCA. This term is not a direct correlation to increased lift height or any type of long travel setup, but a reference as to whether or not the shock is setup for OEM applications or those that are slightly modified. The rears are very similar in length between the stages, only thing that is changing there is diameter of shock (2.0 to 2.5) which increasing damping ability. Stage 3 sees the inclusion of ICON’s CDC Valve, which allows the user to change how “hard” or “Soft” the vehicle feels with the turn of a knob by altering the compression characteristics of the shock."

 

[chuckscap]

Thanks! No Stage 1s for me then. I'm having the SPC UCAs installed mid-June. I'm going to learn to love my OME shocks. I can save up for Stage 2s but they're not on the top of my list. I've got lots of other things on my Hundy wish list over the next few years.

 

[Willy beamin]

I run the Icon's with external resi's / CDCV's on all four corners and its a blast to drive. You dial it in to meet your needs and or preference from day to day. I don't regret spending the money at all - in fact I'm happy I did. This setup takes my almost 6000 lbs rig and allows me options of driving styles without sacrifice. It's bitchin'
save your coin and splurge for yourself - you deserve it.

 

[RS6tofj80]

Agree 100% ..... I had Slee/ ADS on my old 80 and they were amazing but very "crisp".and I always wished there was the abilty to tune a bit...... the Icons with the adjusters really give you a few options of how you'd like to experience the road.... I did 300 miles back from NOLA hauling ass with them on max firm and they really transformed the truck - it felt unbelievably planted.... even at triple digits, which was plain scary on the stock suspension. going over to Nola for the 7 miles of bridges I turned them to soft and it was very slinky and the 18,000 pavement creases were really just made irrelevant....

Well worth saving up for a bit to enjoy if the rig is going to be a long-term rig for you....

 

[RS6tofj80]

I can post of pics of the mounts if that's useful or you can look at my build - they seem to have sorted out that and the packaging issues folks noted prior....

E