Icon 2.5" remote resi rear shock official "Road test"

I got a chance to go test these today, and Im impressed. The test was done on a 25 mile off road loop that I have tested other shocks on. With the Icons, I was able to push things a little faster than other shocks I have tested in the past.
First impressions:
The low speed dampening is boardering on the very firm/stiff side. Below 25 mph things are kinda harsh. around 30 to 35 mph things smooth out, and at 45 mph (wash board, rutted, with some good size holes, washes, rocks, etc.) things become absolutly wonderful. Under acceleration on ruts, rocks, uphill, the back end was planted the whole time. Sliding around corners, off and on power, the truck was completely stable. Even when pushed to the edge, the back end felt composed, and seemed to comunicate its actions well. The ambient temp was 77*, and the the hottest I could get the shocks up to was 88 to 90*, while the remote resi stayed at ambien temp. The fronts (in comparison) got up to 87 to 89*. These are a perfect match for those who are running a digressive rate 2.5" front CO. The only changes I would suggest is a softer low speed dampening.

 

I was disapointed that the N2 pressures were way off out of the box, but.....thats an easy fix.

 

Correct. The low speed dampening is a bit firm.Softening that up should make the shocks perfect for the Tacoma. I have a feeling they are valved for the FJ.

 

Why do I need to outfit my truck in a way that I dont run it? Being as I have a quad cab (already heavier than an ext. cab.) and about 150# of tools, I feel my comparisons are fair. If you have an issue with the way I tested, by all means, get yourself a pair, and conduct your own test. Be sure to get the OME's, 5100's, Ranchos, etc. so as to be able to offer a true comparison. All of my tests in the past have been in the same vehicle, configuration, trail, and testing shocks "Out of the box", with only adjustments made to N2 psi.

 

I run street pressures so as to feel the shocks without having the tire pressure play a role in the feel. Im going to be talking to Jeremy at Icon on Monday regarding what tire psi's may have been in mind for these shocks. ALso, Sonny at Downsouth Motorsports is re valving teh low speed compression for me. WHen they are back to me, I'll give them a go, and see what improvements it makes.

The only Digressive shocks readilly availible for the Tacomas (that I know of) are the Icons.

 

Im at 1.75" lift in the rear.
If you have the 2.5" resis like mine, the inital compression is firm, but off road, and on big hits, its softer.

 

Sonny at Dounsouth Motorsports took a little of the low speed dampening away to help make them a little bit softer initially. I havent had them off road yet, but the on road ride is nice.

 

They are a little more firm on the road, but off road, they are fantastic. Below 20 mph or so, the ride is firm, but as speeds increase, the ride gets better. The normal stretch I test shocks on is pretty harsh at 45 mph on other progressive shocks, but I was way over 55 mph with the Icons. Not sure how fast I was going, but at one point I hit the rev limiter in second, then shifted to 3rd.

 

Update:

I took a little more PSI out of the rear shocks. Im at 100 psi now. They seem to be sofening up a little more. Still more firm than the 5100's, N182's I have run in the past with my current springs. Articulation has increased about 2.5". I'll be testing with a load (500#) on Saturday.