Icon Stage 1 or 2

Hey all, after months of research I have settled on an Icon lift for my '15 OR DCSB. Question is Stage 1 or 2. I don't "need" the stage 2, I will be just fine with a stage 1 since it's mostly a DD. But I have a chance to grab a stage 2 for just about the same price, including AAL's. I know the stage 2 is a more capable suspension, so why wouldn't I just pull the trigger and grab the stage 2 for the same money you ask? I'm really just trying to keep things as simple as possible. The stage 1 is a coilover, rear shocks, aal, new uca's...done. Where the stage 2 adds the remote reservoir into the mix. If I did a lot of offroading I wouldn't even be asking, but the remote res seems like one more piece to possibly fail...If I don't need it, why get it, even if the stage 2 is a "better" kit. Does the RR help the ride on the road too? I know the digressive shock sometimes has a reputation of being stiffer. I'm probably overthinking this. What would you get in my situation? Am I worrying too much about future issues with a more complicated shock?

Also curious if I'll have issues leaving the overload spring on the icon 3 AAL kit. Icon recommends against it, but I'm not sure if it's just to save their butts if someone off roads too aggressively and droops the suspension beyond it's tolerance. (I'm trying to get an extra 1/4" of lift in the rear to accomodate my tonneau cover.)

 

The remote reservoir does not improve ride quality for a daily driver. The remote mounting is designed to reduce the heat generated in the hydraulic fluid when the shock is cycled in rapid succession over a long period of time (people that go fast over rough terrain). Up to you if you want to spend the money, but from what it sounds like, you'll probably be better off spending the money on the upgrade elsewhere. There have been issues lately with RR shocks "failing", but different factors have led to that issue- the main one being not reading instructions/warranty information.

That being said, RR shocks look cool and gets you honeys... or dudes, whatever you're into.



...But really dudes will notice them more than the honeys so forget that I said anything...
There's a reason why Tacomaworld is such a sausagefest...

 

What made you decide on Icon? Icon has had issues for a while, there are a ton of great companies: Fox, ADS, King, Bilstein.

 

I decided on Icon because it seems the cheapest way to get a 2.5 - 3.0" lift with a coilover. I know I'd be fine with a cheaper route like adjustable 5100s or a combo like a 5100/OME 885..I ultimately decided against a shock/coil combo because I really want to be able to dial in the ride height since the exact rear height remains a mystery depending on my tonneau cover...actual lift...etc. The 5100's don't have fine enough adjustability and a combo gives me none unless I want to fiddle with a spacer, which I do not. I want to get the level perfect. Fox's require off the truck adjustment...not really wanting to do that...and the kings and ADS are more money....(I think). So, the Icons are more money that what I "need" to spend...but what the heck. If there's a cheaper way to gain adjustability, I'm all for it.

 

FWIW:Fox can be adjusted while on the truck, but you do have to jack the front end up (weight off the tires). I’ve done it before with both Fox and Icon. Also take into account that any preload you add to your shocks in order to gain height will also alter the ride and comfort of your new suspension. Yes they are adjustable, but there is a small window for you to adjust your suspension before you’re essentially tuning out of spec, which is what you paid for.

From what you’ve posted, you should be fine without the reservoirs IMO, but ultimately it’s your choice and your money.

Good luck.

 

All the ones listed above are adjustable coilovers. Fox's require off the truck adjustment, and Icon does not? Fox's 2.0's are cheaper than Icon, are adjustable, and will ride great. Not sure where you are getting your info, but I'd contact a vendor, who sells both, not one that just sells Icon.

 

My info is from Marie at Headstrong...the Fox's according to her are off the truck adjustable. This is due to needing to use a spring compressor to take the pressure off the collar to make the adjustments. Icon, King, and ADS are (as far as I know) adjustable while on the vehicle.