ICON RXT Leaf Springs, Option 2 or Option 3?

Isn’t it a taller bump stop so it engages earlier than the stock bump stop? If so then using current bottoming out as a comparison won’t capture the difference. I am considering timbren bump stops since I tow a 4000 lb Micro Minnie trailer.

 

picked up a set of used RXT set to option 3 and thinking of setting it to option 2

where are people getting different brackets for each?
Icon website for the RXT claims it only comes with
-leafpacks
-buy U-bolt kit separately
Google is claiming it's called a "leaf spring bend clip" and I don't see any by Icon, so maybe people just move the location of theirs based on which option is ran?

also wondering if I can re-use my Toytec U-bolts, longer version long enough to currently fit AAL + block
or if it has to be Icon
I would think there's nothing unique or special about one brand vs another ~8" u-bolt

also not sure why people replace them every time. They're expensive
it's not a high torque value.

Mandatory replacement bolts usually have a very high torque spec + 90 degree stretch, and no solid shaft/fully threaded

 

RXTs come with brackets installed for options 1 or 2, and a set of longer brackets for option 3.

 

Like Hook said, the only time you need a different bracket is for option 3 and it's included when you buy the leafs. It's only the rear most clamp that needs replacing.

If you already have longer U bolts they should be ok as long as they're not too long. You don't want to run out of threads when tightening down. As far as replacing them every time, I don't know anyone that does that. I hear people say that you're supposed to but no one ever does or can explain why. That said, if your u bolts are older at all or corroded then it's not gonna hurt anything getting fresh u bolts in.

 

Alright folks, I am getting ready to install the RXTs on my truck. I currently have the Icon AAL and it squats a bit.

Its lifted 2 3/8" up front and Ive got an ikamper on front runner bars over the bed atm with a smart cap on order. Id like the truck to sit pretty level, with maybe a touch of rake to accommodate for the smart cap when it finally arrives (approx 300lbs total). I am thinking option 2. But i think it might squat a bit with all the crap I throw in the bed from camping gear, bikes, paddle boards, fire wood, etc.

Any recommendations on which setting to go with?

 

I had the HS AAL, which is pretty much identical to the Icon AAL. I installed the Icon RXT on option 2 and this lifted the back about .5" higher from the AAL height. Just info for you.

I would recommend greasing your leaf spring bushings before you install them. I need to take mines out to do that since I didn't initially. Getting a lot of squeaks back there.

 

Installed these last weekend with option #3.
Replaced, old, bent slightly downward, 16 year old stockers that were on a 1" block.
*edit to add*: also switched to using a Wheelers U-Bolt Flip when we did the new leaf springs.

Went with option 3 so that when fully loaded down for a road trip it's not sagging.
Not much now for weight on the back, a shell, an AUX battery, a simple wooden sleeping platform, and some tools. A couple 100 pounds total.
I also plan on getting a swingout rear bumper, eventually...

I already tested what it is like loaded up and put probably close to an additional 500 pounds in the back and all it did was level out the truck, no sagging.
Felt nice driving loaded down now too.
Don't much care if I look like a stinkbug when unloaded right now.

One thing to watch for tho, is the angle of the pinion flange.
On my '05 Access Cab 4x4, these new springs changed that angle and now I have a slight shudder when taking off from a stop.
There are several ways to address the issue and I'm working out which is the best for my setup, including just living with the slight vibrations.

I second what @Musubi3 said above about greasing the bushings on the springs and shackles before you install!!

So far tho, it's only been a few days, but I really like these springs. Gave some new life to my old girl!

(I'll see if I can't find some before and after pics somewhere 'round here...)

 

Before ( this is from a couple of years ago):


Just after installing the Icon RXT's with option 3:

 

As an update, I dropped my carrier bearing a total of 1/2" (about 12mm) so far and my take-off drive shaft vibrations have greatly decreased.
I did the same thing as this thread, used some scrap I had around.
Started at 1/4" (about 6.5mm) and it got better, so I added another 1/4" spacer, just to try it, and it got even better!

This is with option #3 on the icon leafs.

I now need to go source a longer bolt and try adding another 1/8" or 1/4" spacer and see if that makes it better or worse.
Can anyone confirm that the carrier bearing bolt is an M10-1.25?

 

Icon stage 8... RXT option 2, Center of hub to fender 22" front/24.25" back. Had slight take off shudder... 1/8" carrier drop pretty much took care of it. Been on this set up for 6 months now and haven't noticed much of a change with leaf pack break in measurements yet.

 

My truck is going to be parked for 4 nights at a hotel so I took my RTT off. I believe the the tent weight is at 130 pounds. I'm on opt 2, and I will say my truck rides much better with the tent on. I do still have full aluminum skids including the gas tank, and probably 150 pounds behind the seat.

 

Made the switch from All-Pro Standard 3" to Icon RXT Option 3. Night and day difference! The all-pros were completely flat and rode really stiff. With the added weight of the shell, long bed sliders, and more additions to come I decided go with option 3. I completely forgot to measure but I gained a good bit of height and rake which I like. No driveshaft issues and ride is super smooth now.
Before


After

 

how come? Isn’t that less downtravel and harsher ride than option 2?

icon says option 3 is for extreme weight 600lbs like shell RTT equipment bumper and more

while for just a shell/200lb they recommend option 2

 

While I can't comment on option 2 since I never tried it, option 3 rides like a Cadillac compared to the All Pros.
Also when I go on road trips/camping I have a Smittybilt XL tent and like 300lbs of gear, so I didn't want to ride on the bump stops like before.
I do plan on getting a hi clearance bumper with swing out soon too, that's why I went straight to option 3.

 

what option did you end up going with?

 

can i see a picture? i have about 300 lbs when loaded. i want to just do this once and thats it.

 

can i see a pic? unloaded? know its been awhile.

 

So this was about 2 weeks ago... shell, smittybilt xl tent, and about 300 lbs of stuff in the back. Rode great with hardly any squat. I know its not the best picture but hopefully it will give you an idea.

 

So did everyone put the recommended ICON RXT shocks on as well. Fixing to order a set but shock therapy recommended a 2.0 not the RXT shocks. Just wondering if they will work?

 

I went with Bilstien's 5125 as they had the additional 2" of travel I was needing over my old 5100s.