Is ICON Overkill for Stock Height Suspension?

[Congo Cruiser]

Greetings. 1995 FZJ80 completely stock (except for a Slee front bumper and White Knuckle sliders) with 172,000 miles. To be fitted with 285/75R16s in 2019.

I’ve read a number of threads on suspension options, including the @GW Nugget comprehensive thread on various suspension setups. Solid work there!

I have a quick question - is going with ICON remote reservoir VS 2.5 shocks overkill if I’m staying at stock height on new OEM springs?

Use: Extended camping in North America over the coming years. Forest roads, BLM, National Parks, etc. No harsh rock crawling. Lots of trail driving though. Heavy loads (400 plus pounds) of camping gear.

I don’t intend to lift this vehicle, as I don’t foresee requiring such capability nor do I want the driveline headaches.

That said, my original springs from 1995 are no doubt worn. I’m thus planning to replace them with new OEM springs and fit the ICON shocks. Is this silly or wasteful for my intended use?

Appreciate any thoughts or opinions. I’m not opposed to paying the premium price for good quality ICONs.

Thanks!

 

[murf]

I don't think the ICON shocks come in a stock height configuration? they are designed for lifted vehicles (longer) and therefore may bottom out if they are already compressed in order to install.

Do you mean stock springs (OEM) or Old Man Emu stock height springs (OME)? If OEM, just go with the stock OEM shocks...

 

[Congo Cruiser]

Thanks! I meant OEM. I’ll take that advice and stick with OEM shocks. I’ve read they are quite good. Appreciate it!

I don't think the ICON shocks come in a stock height configuration? they are designed for lifted vehicles (longer) and therefore may bottom out if they are already compressed in order to install.

Do you mean stock springs (OEM) or Old Man Emu stock height springs (OME)? If OEM, just go with the stock OEM shocks...

 

[murf]

Thanks! I meant OEM. I’ll take that advice and stick with OEM shocks. I’ve read they are quite good. Appreciate it!

Glad to help ~ In most cases they are very reasonable cost-wise. I think a suspension works the best when the shocks and springs are "matched".

I think youre right on being good!: Replacing 215k OEM Shocks - New OEM or Bilstein/OME?

 

[Mighty690]

I've got one rig with the Old Man Emu "stock height" springs, and one with the Icon stage I.
I'm a big advocate of the OME stock heighters, and I think the Icons might be a good idea. The Icon's offer much more articulation though, and you'd want to make sure the coils wouldn't come unseated. Icon would know.

 

[Congo Cruiser]

I've got one rig with the Old Man Emu "stock height" springs, and one with the Icon stage I.
I'm a big advocate of the OME stock heighters, and I think the Icons might be a good idea. The Icon's offer much more articulation though, and you'd want to make sure the coils wouldn't come unseated. Icon would know.

Thanks much. I’ll reach out to ICON.

 

[Mighty690]

The Icon shocks are really nice. FWIW, I like the OME stock height springs because of their spring rate - much heavier than OE springs. For the kind of traveling you are considering, you might want the OMEs. See how you squat!

 

[Qball]

OEM or fox 2.0 shock, both will give you very nice ride. I would lean towards the fox as it has a bit more damping for heavier configuration you going to run.

 

[Congo Cruiser]

OEM or fox 2.0 shock, both will give you very nice ride.

Thanks @Qball. I think I’ve grown used to the worn out suspension. Probably a new OEM will surprise me. I’d just like to keep it simple. Appreciate you writing in.

 

[Congo Cruiser]

The Icon shocks are really nice. FWIW, I like the OME stock height springs because of their spring rate - much heavier than OE springs. For the kind of traveling you are considering, you might want the OMEs. See how you squat!

Thanks @Mighty690. I’m looking over the OME stock height option as well. I also agree with @murf. Probably best not to mix things up too much.

 

[rockstate45]

Not sure the OEM shocks are too expensive. The OME and “basic” shocks in your aftermarket aren’t, either.

2 things here to note: 1. Generally you’ll have better experience if you match the shocks to the springs. 2. With heavy load and lots of off-road miles at speed, the extra cooling capacity of the shock will help kee the load under control. Nothing wrong with buying OEM but sometimes the product may not match the use.

 

[svb]

I just got the Bilstein HD 4600 for stock height suspension and I am VERY impressed. Took the wallow right out but ride is still very supple and controlled, better than the stock Tokico shocks. I'm pretty sure they will hold up well to heavier loads at stock height as well. I'd at least give them a look.

 

[Rifleman]

Congo Cruiser, just in case you haven't already researched this, here's 2 threads you might find useful. They explain how much lift you can expect to gain from your new set of "stock height" OME springs.
OME 861/862 Stock Height Replacement Measurement
Installing Old Man EMU Stock Height Replacement spring kit

 

[smoltz]

I have OME stock height with Tockicos. Truck looks good and rides well. Tires are 33s.

 

[COYS]

No. Buy the siqest stuff you want for your truck. If you don't like them, then switch up. Simple.

 

[Congo Cruiser]

Congo Cruiser, just in case you haven't already researched this, here's 2 threads you might find useful. They explain how much lift you can expect to gain from your new set of "stock height" OME springs.
OME 861/862 Stock Height Replacement Measurement
Installing Old Man EMU Stock Height Replacement spring kit

Thanks @Rifleman. I had found those threads earlier, but wasn’t looking seriously at OME at the time. However, the responses I’ve been reading on this thread have me giving OME a second look. Appreciate you citing them here.

 

[Congo Cruiser]

I have OME stock height with Tockicos. Truck looks good and rides well. Tires are 33s.

Thanks @smoltz. Nice photo...appreciate the reply.

Assuming you’ve experienced no drive line issues? That’s the main reason I prefer to stay stock. Especially given my planned use.

Thanks again.

 

[Congo Cruiser]

This is how it sits now on the original suspension (new shocks of course)...not the best angle...

 

[smoltz]

Thanks @smoltz. Nice photo...appreciate the reply.

Assuming you’ve experienced no drive line issues? That’s the main reason I prefer to stay stock. Especially given my planned use.

Thanks again.

No differences with respect to driveline. I had the Tokicos with original suspension (180k miles) and I felt that the OME improved the ride quality although this may be placebo effect.

 

[Tedward]

OME Stock Height and Tokikos on mine. They are duel rate coils and I like em.
Replaced 350,000 plus mile original springs so take that into consideration.
Way, way better now. No driveline issues what so ever.
Super easy to swap too.