Icon pre load questions / seem super stiff

Hey all. Pretty much just lurk but couldn't find a specific answer to this.

I recently changed the suspension on my 99' to JBA control arms and Icon coilovers in the front with Icon AAL and bilsteins in the rear. I left the Icon's set as they came from the manufacturer which is 1 5/8'' coils showing on the driver side and 1 1/2'' showing on the passenger.
I'm running new 32'' BFG's with around 32psi at the moment but don't think that matters...

Basically the Icon's seem really stiff to me. Like.. basically no different than the pro gas or whatever were in the truck before. Anyone else experienced this? I see a lot of references in forums for newer trucks attributing this to pre load being too much but this is not something that I've changed.

Thanks!!

 

Yep that's the way they are. Ive had mine since day 1 and I'll likely get them rebuilt or replaced with another set of the same


looking at your adjustment collar it doesnt appear to be too maxed out.. but mine have always been a little on the lower side.

 

Yeah, not too far down and are set to how icon set them up for 2'' lift for this model so... what can you do. Guess they are just pretty stiff.

 

I'm not an expert in shock valving, but from what I've learned around here, the ICONs are digressively valved. Meaning the shock initially resists movement and then loosens up when going over bumps at speed. Compared to other progressively valved shocks like Kings that will be soft and then get firmer the more they start moving.

My understanding (and I could be wrong) is a digressively valved shock is good for high speed washboards and "desert racing" so to speak.

A progressively valved shock is better for low speed crawling and articulation. It won't limit the full range of motion.

I actually prefer the digressive ICONs because on the street and highway, it handles pretty tight and snug in the corners. I don't want my truck swaying around like a boat going up a mountain pass or down the freeway. It soaks up washboards and potholes pretty good on gravel roads. I really don't "offroad" very much. I'm going snowboarding and hiking, driving to trailheads and such. Basically it's tight in the corners and loosens up over bumps

You'll get used to the feel, and possibly begin to appreciate it driving spiritedly on mtn hwys.

But also keep in mind, I'm in a 2nd gen long bed which is probably a bit heavier than your 1st gen. You'll have less weight acting on the suspension, might always be stiffer than mine

 

Yeah for sure, I mean... it's not terrible.. It just made me question if the way in which mine are behaving is customary for them. Haven't been able to go wheeling with them yet so my only feel for them so far is on tarmac.

 

Look around the forum too, there's guys that know way more about this type of stuff than me

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/suspension.18/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/icon-vehicle-dynamics.94/