Will my new suspension break in and be lower later? (1 Viewer)

[the stig]

I just installed my ICON 3 inch lift, and am trying to figure out if it is going to settle after awhile. Currently, the front is sitting at about 4.5 inches of lift, while the rear is only about 3. I was going to order spring spacers to even it out in the rear, but if its going to settle any, then I might just wait awhile. I don't see why they would settle much, especially a whole 1.5 inches... but thought I would ask the people that know better before I start throwing more money at it.

For reference, I do have more weight (over stock) in the back than I do in the front. Drawers, sub box, and big heavy spare tire on the roof. Nothing in the front right now. And don't plan on changing it in the near future..

 

[NLXTACY]

My springs ultimately settled 1.25" lower (Slee 4" mediums)

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Did you ask ICON what you should expect?

My OME did not sag any after years of service. Not sure if that is good or bad just some data on other springs.

 

[the stig]

Did you ask ICON what you should expect?

My OME did not sag any after years of service. Not sure if that is good or bad just some data on other springs.

I have not yet. I know, shame on me. I have been needing to ask some spring rates as well.... I will send them an email and see what comes of it.

I imagine that if they settle, they will all 4 settle, and I will ultimately need spacers in the rear anyway.

 

[Berzerker76]

Strange, OP in this other thread says he installed the same kit (or maybe not, is yours the stage 1 kit?) and his rig ended up sitting perfectly level. Are you absolutely sure the front springs are properly seated? Seems unusual to see such different results from the same parts supposedly. I guess the added weight in the rear could be enough to make up the difference but 1.5" seems a lot for what you mentioned.

Icon (on the level)

 

[f18wrangler]

Besides the height...what do you think of the ride?

 

[1973Guppie]

how long has it been since install? my j springs settled quite a bit after install, took a few days, maybe a week

 

[the stig]

Strange, OP in this other thread says he installed the same kit (or maybe not, is yours the stage 1 kit?) and his rig ended up sitting perfectly level. Are you absolutely sure the front springs are properly seated? Seems unusual to see such different results from the same parts supposedly. I guess the added weight in the rear could be enough to make up the difference but 1.5" seems a lot for what you mentioned.

Icon (on the level)

Mine is the stage 2 kit, but the only difference is the shocks, same springs.

Besides the height...what do you think of the ride?

I actually love the ride so far. I need to make the panhards adjustable and get the axles centered up, but the ride is much better than the stock stuff that was on there. (not saying much, since it was likely the original stuff with 230k on it) Bumps are much less noticeable.

how long has it been since install? my j springs settled quite a bit after install, took a few days, maybe a week

Its been about a week now, but I haven't driven it as much as usual, due to the U-joints needing replaced (due to the lift)

 

[the stig]

I have emailed ICON to get some answers from them. I will update when I hear something, for anyone else that wants to know.

 

[Mighty690]

Strange, OP in this other thread says he installed the same kit (or maybe not, is yours the stage 1 kit?) and his rig ended up sitting perfectly level. Are you absolutely sure the front springs are properly seated? Seems unusual to see such different results from the same parts supposedly. I guess the added weight in the rear could be enough to make up the difference but 1.5" seems a lot for what you mentioned.

Icon (on the level)

Yeah, I'm that OP. Still loving my Icons. I'm still sitting tall and level, with not much settling. I've wheeled it a couple of times including last weekend on an overnighter. Great articulation. My rig is without armor. I haven't gone to the effort of adjustable panhards.

 

[crikeymike]

Lift height is relative to age (and worn-outness) of your old suspension. When I put 2" OME suspension in my old LX450, I got 3" of lift in the front and 4" of lift in the rear.

Lift heights are stated over factory height, at least that's how we do it anyway.

 

[DylanICON]

About 1/4" is the most you should see in the first day or 2 as the spring sets into the rubber isolator on top but you shouldn't see any other change over the life of the springs unless you add weight to the vehicle.

on the stage 2 and 3 systems due to the larger diameter shaft and nitrogen charge will sit about 1/4" taller then a stage 1.

as mentioned above, the lift is relevant to where you started with old sagged out springs

 

[the stig]

thanks @DylanICON

I did hear back from the ICON reps as well. For anyone who is interested here is the response:

"-The springs don’t settle, if you’ve driven on them to where the springs have seated themselves that lift height will remain.

-The springs are designed around our 80 series with a front bumper and winch and about 400lbs of stationary weight in the rear, the springs will support additional weight but will hinder overall lift height and how quickly that secondary rate engages."

Guess I can buy $60 spacers for the rear, or buy my front armor ahead of schedule.... decisions, decisions lol.

 

[Berzerker76]

My $0.02, go forward with the front armor. The wallet sting will go away quick and you'll be glad you did it.

 

[BerettaMato]

Buy armor, ride will improve with the right weight on them. I am sitting a inch and a half higher in the rear but I opted for the 1100lb extra springs in the rear. I only added 300lb to the rear and only stetted 1/4 inch so far. I have a Icon slinky stage 1 from Redline Cruisers. I will let you know how much my front goes down this weekend. We are installing ARB, 12k winch and dual battery set up. Should ad 300lb to the front and bring it to the desired height.

 

[the stig]

Buy armor, ride will improve with the right weight on them. I am sitting the a inch and a half higher in the rear but I opted for the 1100lb extra springs in the rear. I only added 300lb to the rear and only stetted 1/4 inch so far. I have a Icon slinky stage 1 from Redline Cruisers. I will let you know how much my front goes down this weekend. We are installing ARB, 12k winch and dual battery set up. Should ad 300lb to the front and bring it to the desired height.

I certainly want to, but home renovations have my wallet tied up tight.

The ride is actually much better than it was stock. So I am fine with the way it rides. And sadly, I really want to buy the rear armor first, because I would use it much more often (place to mount the spare, bike mount, fuel cans, etc)

 

[BerettaMato]

Yea I agree the rear bumper it more useful. I sure love my 4x4labs.

 

[IanB]

on the stage 2 and 3 systems due to the larger diameter shaft and nitrogen charge will sit about 1/4" taller then a stage 1.

That is very interesting, and welcome news! I ordered the stage 1 kit and I'm very concerned I'm not going to fit into my parkade at work going from a 2.5" lift to the ICON 3", I've got about 2" clearance in the tight spots currently.

From the other thread, apparently 23" measured from the wheel hub center to the bottom of the flare = 3" lift over stock, FWIW.