Icon Progressive AAL Review / Question

So I just installed my Icon Progressive AAL on my '12 DCSB and after completing the installation and driving it around, I have to agree with most that the Icon AAL is a great product and the ride quality and load capabilities are top notch.

However, when I went to install the AAL, I was greeted with a bunch of unexpected rust...

That's the leaf pack that I got. Both sets looked that way. Is that normal?

I bought the AAL from Downsouth Motorsports and the box was nicely sealed etc.

I guess I just expected the new leafs to be painted and rust free. I ended up using a wire wheel and removing all of the rust and repainting them before installing them, but I was kind of disappointed to see that a brand new leaf pack that was clearly painted was already rusting together.

Is this something others have experienced?

 

hmmm interesting, judging by the length of the rust on the longest leaf, it looks to be the same length as the length of the middle sized leaf, i wonder if they're used aal's? looks like the middle leaf rubbed the paint off of the longest one. that also goes for the middle leaf and the shortest leaf, the rust on the middle leaf is the size of the smallest leaf

 

I'm sure it's just due to them being unpainted and untreated steel (at least the AAL looks like its unpainted in those pics). It doesn't take much time at all for bare metal to start surface rusting, depending on the climate. Good choice to clean it up and paint it, but I don't think it's unusual and I wouldn't worry about the integrity of the product.

Glad you like the AAL. It's one of my options I'm considering.

 

The leafs shown in that picture are ALL from the ICON AAL. The Icon AAL is a progressive pack, utilizing 3 leafs that are added to the OEM leaf pack. When I was all done, I ended up with (starting from the bottom): OEM overload, ICON leaf, ICON leaf, ICON leaf, OEM leaf, OEM leaf, OEM leaf.

The ICON leafs were clearly painted from the factory, but it looks like the rust came through the paint because they were not properly prepared prior to painting.

Overall I'm happy with the performance/ride quality, but disappointed in the product quality that was initially delivered.

 

fyi ICON Progressive 3 Leaf Kit

 

I would contact DSM about it.

 

yeah I just sent Down South a PM. hopefully between them and ICON we all can get an answer.

 

Hey guys,

We are looking into this more to see if this is normal or what not, but we know it is not going to be any real issue over all. Our supplier coats them after assembly, as most do, so we are talking with them to see if each spring can be coated pre-assembly. We suspect it will rub away once installed no matter what, but we will see what happens. One thing ICON offers on all our springs is a life time warranty. If you are ever to have an issue other than abuse you are covered. If I come up with any thing good I will report back, but over all I personally do not think you have any major problem on your hands.

Let me know if you have any additional concerns

Thanks,

Brad

 

How much lift did you get with the overload in there?

 

Thanks guys. I don't mean to create a stir, just wanted to see if it was normal. I'm condfident these leafs will hold up over time, I was just suprised to see a rusty product be in the box when when you buy something new. I've got 100% confidence that both DSMS and ICON will adress any issue that hopefully will not arise with any of their products!

Drew

 

The overload adds about 1/2", so 2.5"ish overall. The rear is so easy to tweak I wouldnt worry about it. Try it both ways and pick your favorite!

 

So I spoke with DSM and ICON. Turns out the rust between leafs is common/expected. They said that the leafs have a lifetime warranty for sagging or breaking so I shouldn't worry about some surface rust.

Ride quality/load capacity is still great, no squeaking, etc. so overall I'm happy, but just so others know, if you don't like putting already rusty new parts on your truck, the ICON leaf pack will need some prep work before you can install them.

 

Thanks for all your help DSM. I definitely see why y'all are the preferred vendor for all of TW's parts!

 

got mine yesterday and they were all rusted... kinda disappointing when you buy this from ICON and it looks like that. I know performance will not suffer, but common who wants a bunch of rusted metal out of the box. Corners have been cut obviously to save them some pennies.

 

Ouch...easy on the forum bashing.....I can assure you we are not cutting any corners here to save pennies my friend. Have you contacted us yet?

Give me a call so we can talk about this and get this handled. We do not want you getting something rusted out of the box and will certainly look at all of our packed stock to see what that is about. Everything is stored inside at our facility. The are pre - assembled before paint in the past and a change to that is starting to filter through the system. There are tons of these warehoused across the country. If something ultimitely came to you below expectation that is concerning to us 100%, ICON certainly cares more than you know. Call me so I can get you taken care of right away.

Brad
951-689-4266

 

My hat is off to you.

 

Glad to see a aftermarket supplier that stands behind their products and cares about their customers. Gives me confidence in buying IVD when my time comes.