Iron Man Pro Foam Review

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

So how would these compare to ARB's OME BP-51? (Assuming there was a 100 series version, which apparently is in the works).
 
So how would these compare to ARB's OME BP-51? (Assuming there was a 100 series version, which apparently is in the works).

Well about half as much per shock from what I've heard. Also two completely different types of dampening systems. All shocks essentially operate the same, however how the actual displacement/rebound occurs is altered.
 
If I thought I needed a custom tune on my shock I would get the ones Slee sells. That's the cats ass.

For what I want.....bolt on performance that isn't too expensive these fit the bill.

If I had an Aux fuel tank and drawers they might not be enough.
 
So, I have towed with them and wheeled with them. I still give them an A+ compared to the OME offerings I have had. Great shocks. Very impressed.

I moved my springs to Slee Heavy rears from OME 866 and changed tires to 305/65/18 BFGs.......

305/65/18 BFG KO2 Pics
 
@wngrog...
...did Mark give any insight as to when and where one should use the Pro over the Standard Foam Cell?

The word on the $*#@y ride of the OME shocks seems to have gotten out. But, I haven't yet heard when the Pros should be used in place of the standard Foam Cells. I've got IronMan TBs, springs (2") and IronMan Foam Cells. My 100 is still relatively light, e.g. Dissent Offroad bumper, Warn 9.5xps, 275/70/18s on steel wheels - no fridge, drawers, rear bumper... My 100 rides/drives better than it did totally stock - just as smooth, but more stable and far less brake dive.

I get that "bigger is better" and the Pros are the next step up from the standard Foam Cells. But, when is that step up a benefit? I've yet to spend the day racing off road or jumping dunes... so, I haven't noticed the Foam Cells overheating.
 
I am only arguing bigger is better. That is why I say early in this thread that comparing these to standard OME shocks.

More displacement is always better in a shock due to heat.

They were only $30 more so I said why not.

I had just a little bump in the rear suspension 2 trips ago and it turned out the 866's I had were only about 1.5" over stock and I had 2" bumpstop extensions and they were bottoming out.

I pulled them and now it's all good.
 
I hate that I missed this thread. I am the owner of Ex Cop Offroad. We were the first to test the Ironman Foam Cell Pro and the first (and still largest) distributor for them. Yes, they are owned by Metal Tech, but MT agreed that they will not compete with us on pricing, etc. I'd be glad to answer any questions you guys have. We've delivered about 100 sets in the US and have not had any complaints other than some squeaky top cap bushings which we cured relatively quick.

When we tested these shocks, we tried to break them. We ran a lot of miles in the desert, across the Mint 400 race course, rock crawling, and long distance on the highway. I will gladly get customer feedback to you.

Nick
 
@wngrog...

The word on the $*#@y ride of the OME shocks seems to have gotten out. But, I haven't yet heard when the Pros should be used in place of the standard Foam Cells. I've got IronMan TBs, springs (2") and IronMan Foam Cells. My 100 is still relatively light, e.g. Dissent Offroad bumper, Warn 9.5xps, 275/70/18s on steel wheels - no fridge, drawers, rear bumper... My 100 rides/drives better than it did totally stock - just as smooth, but more stable and far less brake dive.

I get that "bigger is better" and the Pros are the next step up from the standard Foam Cells. But, when is that step up a benefit? I've yet to spend the day racing off road or jumping dunes... so, I haven't noticed the Foam Cells overheating.

Same here, I like to know what condition is the step up is needed. I have stock OEM now, but they are a bit too soft for my taste.
 
Any updates on how these are doing? Anyone running them with Ironman springs? Or is OME still preferred?

i am running them. wngrog helped with the instal as well. i will definitely say they are much better than the OME i took off. the truck still drives as nice, and the iron man foam shocks seem to "mute" the bumps and cruise better. they are not as 'splashy' as the OME that i had....

i am running OME springs still....
 
i am running them. wngrog helped with the instal as well. i will definitely say they are much better than the OME i took off. the truck still drives as nice, and the iron man foam shocks seem to "mute" the bumps and cruise better. they are not as 'splashy' as the OME that i had....

i am running OME springs still....
Are you running the Foam Cell Pro's or the Standard Foam Cell Elite? I haven't seen the Pro's for sale on MetalTechs website.
 
There seems to be a supply problem with rear Iron Man Pro's because they are the same as a 200....maybe. Either way, you should get in line and get them.

I just got back from a 2400 mile trip with a BUNCH of Off road washboard. Same trip as before to Big Bend but added 120 miles of harsh Big Bend Ranch State Park.

The shocks performed superbly.
 
@VegasNick Are you selling the Foam Cell Pros for 100 series? Don't see them on the website.
 
image.webp
image.webp
You can find the Foam Cell Pros at 49tire in Richland MS, Chris Toleson @wct49 is an active Cottonland Club Member, he stocks the product! They built mine according to @wngrog specs and I couldn't be more pleased, I'm 53 and wanted capability without the loss of control and comfort, also the 305 BFG thread Nolan has is a must read, really makes a 100 come alive
 
Im sold! Need new shocks and I'm going to give these a shot. Thanks for posting up this info and bringing back an old thread!
 
I had the foam cell pros installed on my 200 series using factory springs. The 200 has a coil over in the front and the ironman shocks are height adjustable. Obviously a little different on the 100 series LC. Installed about 4 months ago. I like them so far.

Describing the feel on the ride is tough, but the way I would compare to stock is firmer dampening with less roll in the corner. When you drive on pavement all the small cracks and bumps seem to go away as you might notice with a toyota shock. The bigger bumps you can feel with a little feedback but it is still soft and not floaty. Driving 30-40 mph on gravel roads i noticed the ironman shocks feel smooth and controlled.

Durability: after talking to Metal Tech, the foam cell is going to take a lot to destroy. Even if you were to destroy one metal tech stands behind them. Comfort factor IMO. I am a supporter and for the money the foam cell and foam cell pros are great!
 
View attachment 1261283 View attachment 1261282 You can find the Foam Cell Pros at 49tire in Richland MS, Chris Toleson @wct49 is an active Cottonland Club Member, he stocks the product! They built mine according to @wngrog specs and I couldn't be more pleased, I'm 53 and wanted capability without the loss of control and comfort, also the 305 BFG thread Nolan has is a must read, really makes a 100 come alive
Where is this thread you speak of?
 
i've got the old OME Nitro Chargers with 85K miles on them and seriously thinking about the IM Foam Pro's. If your contact in Richland has them, I'll order, but everyone else shows them as "Not Available"
 
Back
Top Bottom