I wanted to post this review since there isn't much information out there on Ironman stuff. I bought the foam cell pro model on sale for $1,200 and the rear conversion for $200. For my specific purposes I knew I was NOT going to go crazy and do rock crawling or had a need for long suspension travel since the costs start to add up. However, I did know that I wanted a coilover setup for adjustment and $1,500 was my budget. I opted for the performance springs in the front which are rated up to 115lbs and stock spring rate in the rear. I had it installed late January 2020 and was planning on a few trips but due to our current situation plans got cancelled.
I was finally able to get out yesterday and hit the trail from Apple Valley to Big Bear. It's not very hard but represents the typical terrain I do.
I did this trail last year November with my stock suspension but I had the same Falken Wildpeak tires 265/70/17's. I could tell an immediate difference in compliance and ride quality. It was a lot smoother and the shocks seemed to soak up the bumps. I was able to drive faster and not feel like my GX was going to fall apart. It's actually a funny observation to me and I do not know why but sometimes I think it performs better off-road than on surface streets with dips and bumps. In my opinion, I think these shocks are valved specifically for washboard roads and short oscillations.
I encountered some large ruts, flexed a bit and used A-TRAC. I still have my stock uca's and it rubbed my passenger spring on two separate occasions. I may plan on buying the forged Ironman uca's in the near future but I don't think it's a priority for now.
Overall, I am happy with my purchase. Granted I have not tried other suspension brand setups -- one friend has Radflo and another has King. Obviously, cost is usually the biggest factor so the value for money is perfect for me and my use. I also did not like the inconvenience of having to rebuild the aforementioned brands from time to time. Are they worth the extra $1000? Up to you. But for now and what I do it's perfectly fine. From what I hear, Ironman is a budget type of suspension brand so take it for what it's worth. I think they are a few notches above "budget" which fill the void in this price range. I also expect trouble free maintenance which is one less thing to have to worry about on and off-road. Some gratuitous pictures to follow
I was finally able to get out yesterday and hit the trail from Apple Valley to Big Bear. It's not very hard but represents the typical terrain I do.
I did this trail last year November with my stock suspension but I had the same Falken Wildpeak tires 265/70/17's. I could tell an immediate difference in compliance and ride quality. It was a lot smoother and the shocks seemed to soak up the bumps. I was able to drive faster and not feel like my GX was going to fall apart. It's actually a funny observation to me and I do not know why but sometimes I think it performs better off-road than on surface streets with dips and bumps. In my opinion, I think these shocks are valved specifically for washboard roads and short oscillations.
I encountered some large ruts, flexed a bit and used A-TRAC. I still have my stock uca's and it rubbed my passenger spring on two separate occasions. I may plan on buying the forged Ironman uca's in the near future but I don't think it's a priority for now.
Overall, I am happy with my purchase. Granted I have not tried other suspension brand setups -- one friend has Radflo and another has King. Obviously, cost is usually the biggest factor so the value for money is perfect for me and my use. I also did not like the inconvenience of having to rebuild the aforementioned brands from time to time. Are they worth the extra $1000? Up to you. But for now and what I do it's perfectly fine. From what I hear, Ironman is a budget type of suspension brand so take it for what it's worth. I think they are a few notches above "budget" which fill the void in this price range. I also expect trouble free maintenance which is one less thing to have to worry about on and off-road. Some gratuitous pictures to follow
