Ironman 4x4 Suspension Mega-Thread

Any reason why you’re going back to stock height? Besides possibly moving to 6110s?

I’m no expert but, I don’t think leaving the UCAs on would hurt anything. It might make getting a decent alignment at stock heigh tough. I can’t remember what it changes (camber or caster) to help with lift.

I would also think that adjusting the spring seats to have less lift wouldn’t be an issue. That might be a good question for the IM chat or a call. I don’t think they have an active Rep here anymore.

You can reuse the Ubolts. You might need to cut them if you think they’re too long. Spacers will probably need to be taken out like you think.

Just to add, I’m also planning to change suspension at some point. Going to save and upgrade to Dobinson 3way adjustable MRRs or Kings with adjusters. Nothing wrong with my IM, I just want something easily adjustable.

 

There shouldn't be any issue with lowering the FCPs to stock height but you may want to check your spring rate. UCAs should also be fine at stock height just go to a decent/reputable alignment shop. Personally, I'd look into switching to another suspension but that's just me - I was never really satisfied with how the FCPs rode on or off road. Switching over to some Dobinson MRRs was one of the best decisions I made. Night and day difference from the FCPs!

I switched over to Dobinsons MRRs from my FCPs and it was a MASSIVE improvement! Handles 10x better on and off road plus the adjustability is extremely nice to dial it in for your setup.

 

Not making my plan any tougher to decide

 

Honestly just exploring the option to bring the MPGs back to some semblance of normalcy... previously lived in the Mojave desert and then Utah and had a blast with this thing but now back to norcal sierra snow pack and just using this thing as a daily / long distance road trip vehicle so the desert toy setup doesn't make sense anymore. Looking at going back to stock(ish) height replacing ridge grapplers w/ KO2/3 and replacing bumper w/ stock... just trying to ballpark costs to see if worth it.

 

Can't go wrong with Dobinson MRRs or adjustable Kings. If you do go with Kings, I highly recommend buying them from Accutune Offroad. They will custom valve the shocks to your specific setup and weight.

 

If you’re looking for tires, check out @Road_Warrior thread- https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/clean-purpose-built-3rd-gen-sr5.734054/

he gets great gas mileage… me not so much either

That is hopefully the plan. Leaning towards Dobinsons since they have more adjustability options and are more affordable. As you suggested, if I go Kings, I would save up extra for order from Accutune, the initial and one extra free valving is a great incentive!

 

IM Chat response regarding FCP set to stock height:

And regarding pro forge UCAs with different coilovers at stock height:

 

Well shit lol.

I would definitely not buy the shortest springs and use them. You don’t need 830# springs, even if there is minimal preload


I didn’t post here but I have OME 660# springs on mine now. I really need to lower the spring seat but it’s not happening for a while. Too cold.

 

It’s true lol

 

What's your experience on those Geolandars been with snow and ice? My grapplers are trash... freaking slip n' slide in the rain nevermind snow

 

lol, minimal experience so far because we’ve only had one snowfall since I got the tires BUT they seem to be fantastic on snow and ice. I can’t imagine I’ll ever get a different tire unless they release a newer version in the future.

I have about 10K miles on these Geolandars so far and I’ve driven across the country and back with them. I highly highly recommend them. Best tire I’ve ever run hands down as long as you don’t care about looking super cool and broverlandy.

 

Judges in MT Baja Boss

 

Hold up they don't come with free inside raptor lights if I buy a pack of five?! I might have to reconsider...

 

Correct these are for the more practical minded broverlander who enjoys function over form lol

 

Been talking with @airforceb2cc and he suggested changing the fluid out for a softer ride.

The shock/struts have 15W oil. He used 5W and said it’s a great improvement. I think I might follow his example. But the rebuild kit and then oil and do a rebuild. If it’s good I can save up for something else instead of a new suspension.

 

Did you use their provided leaf springs? I am about to order some FCP myself, but from previous experience, their leaf springs are incredibly harsh and lift far more than what's advertised. I'll actually be doing an ICON RXT Leaf pack in back. The other option is the 2.5 IMS rear shocks. Supposedly those are softer? I had the Nitro Gas on my old GX470 and they were extremely plush and comfortable. Supposedly, the FCP and the Nitro ride the same, but I guess time will tell. I'm only doing 2.5" medium load with my SPC uppers. I love Ironman gear and have used it for years previously, but I'll always be the first to admit that their leafs are brutal.

 

Alternatively, has anyone considered running IM2.5 shocks in the rear with the FCP in the front? I would get all IM2.5, but I don't want a 3" lift in the front.

 

FWIW my FCPs ride very harsh over minor bumps and plush over big ones. My brother put their gas shocks on his crosstrek and they feel great. I'd recommend sticking with the nitros, especially if you've had good experience with them in the past.

 

That's great to know! Did you do the medium load or the constant load? Did you adjust ride height over how they came? The major thing(s) that I didn't like about the Nitro was that they're non-adjustable, they corrode very easy, and not rebuildable. I figured the FCP would be a nice upgrade. That's a bummer to hear that yours are harsh! Makes me nervous about getting them. Heck, I haven't been able to find a single kit from any brand that seems to have consistent reviews and folks are saying ride well.