Icon RXT Bushings

Around 5-6 months ago I got the Icon RXT leaf springs and since about a week after the install I’ve been dealing with squeaking that has gotten progressively worse to the point that I can barely stand it anymore.

I torqued the bushing bolts (front and rear) while the truck was on the ground to 89lbft and retorqued it multiple times since and it goes away and comes back not even a day later. I’ve tried things like fluid film and it typically helps for a little bit but eventually comes back. I’m at my wits end and contacted Icon but never heard back.

Other than a new leaf pack, what would be the best remedy for this? I’ve thought about poly bushings but im kind of anal about ride quality and heard it can make the ride harsher and that they are squeakier than rubber most of the time.

Thanks in advance!

 

Energy suspension grease. First start by taking the bushing apart and cleaning everything. Then grease liberally. Look for any metal on metal wear marks when it's apart.

 

Having the same issue. Only a few months old but squeak like crazy.

 

I knew I should have ordered deavers

 

You have the same issue?

 

I haven't installed yet

 

Second their customer service being non-existent.

 

I think honestly I’m just going to go with Dobinsons and their poly bushings with greasable pins, I’ve heard nothing but good things.

For those running poly bushings, do they actually squeak a lot if you grease them correctly on install and how’s the ride difference?

 

Unless anyone else knows good bushings that aren’t poly.

 

Just add greaseable pins

 

Also consider other points such as friction between the individual leafs or even the lower spherical bearings of your shocks (assuming you're running something like Kings or Fox's)

I usually try to slather some marine grade grease between the tip of each leaf once a year or so if I have the time

 

IIRC, the Icon RXT leaf pack uses encapsulated rubber bushings similar to OEM style. They have an elongated inner sleeve that when torqued properly should not rotate within the shackle or forward mounting position. If they are rotating, you'll have metal on metal that will squeak like crazy but will also leave a very visible witness mark as the inner sleeve is gouging the forward mount or rear shackle. You can pull the forward mounting bolt and drop the leaf pack to check if this is the source. The reason this is important to know is because no amount of grease will make the squeaking stop if you have metal on metal movement. If this isn't the source of the squeak, then most likely is it coming from between individual leafs or even from the leaf retaining clips. You can use liners or grease or a combination of the two to reduce the squeaks there.

 

Mine have been on since December of 2021 and so far haven't heard one squeak. Not sure if it's related but i spray them with Boeshield T-9 twice a year (less greasy... doesn't attract dust/dirt as much as FF.)

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-squeaky-leaf-fix.98055/

Give this a try. It amazingly worked on my RXTs.

 

If my rxt's are that bad I'll just replace them with deavers.

 

Thank you all, I went through and backed out and retorqued all bolts. There is a substantial amount of gunk built up that’s hard to get out even with a pressure washer but I will probably take them apart on one of days off and completely clean all the shackles and bushings (gotta love the ozarks). I’ve also found that there is some creaking on the leaf holders (idk what they’re called but I’ve attached a screenshot). What can I do to stop these from rubbing the leaf springs.

 

Deavers aren't made of some magical squeak-free steel. Leaf springs squeak once dirt gets in between the leafs. The solution is either a lubricant or a liner. I put Speedway leaf liners in my Icon RXTs in 2019. No squeaks after 4 years.

The only squeaks on my truck are between the Extang tonneau seals and the factory plastic bed rail caps.

 

They're called keepers, clamps, retainers... They're a common source of squeaking.

 

Thank you, I may stick to watchamacallits lol. Is there anything I can do to stop them from rubbing the springs?

 

You can try to spead the keepers to keep them from rubbing. Loosen the bolt and bend them outward. Don't retighten the bolt too much, that it squishes back in.