New to TW - ICON Stage 3

Background: About a year ago, I had been looking to upgrade my suspension; however, after untimely "forced" move, it didn't pan out. I am currently deployed, and a few days ago my wife suggested that I go ahead and upgrade my truck. In the back of my head I am trying to figure here ulterior motives; but, I'll take the bait.

I have had my '08 TRD Sport Tacoma, with long bed, since it was new. Up to this point, I have not really taken it to the trails (mostly due to young kids taking any free time between deployments). But, after this last move and with kids being a little older, I am in a place that is a little more advantageous to do so. Especially to get to some great fishing and hunting locations.

I have spent the free time of the last few days sorting through the threads of TW and trying to educate myself the best I can. It's tough because internet is like late '90s slow.

Originally, I was looking at the Toytec Boss, with the Dakar Spring Pack and LR UCA. But after reading a lot of members posts, I am currently leaning towards the ICON Stage 3. My thoughts are to buy right the first time instead of getting something that I might want to upgrade a year later.

Overarching questions: What are thoughts between the Tubular UCA and Billet UCA within the two ICON Stage 3 packages? Should I avoid the pre-constructed package and piece it together myself? Would that save me money? Lastly, am I way off and trying to enter the suspension realm to high to fast?

I apologize for the long post, and I know a lot of this can be answered through further research. I am just taking a shot in the dark because I am finding that hard to do over here. And I wouldn't rely on my wife to try to figure it out. I would probably come home to my truck lowered.

 

I'm right where you are and I think you're on the right track...do it right the first time. That said, the billet UCA has the Heim joint, and depending on what your plan is for your truck/lift, you may or may not need that extra bit of adjustability. The tubular UCA's will serve you just fine, whether the Icon's or Camburgs, Light Racing, Total Chaos, etc., etc. Buying all Icon's vs piecing together...difference is probably going to be negligible.
Keep researching. I was all but decided on Icon's (stage 4 tubular w/CDC) but then I read enough different opinions, facts, real world stories and decided that Icon was not the best choice for me.

 

I ended up with a stage 4 w/ the tubular and love it so far. I was questioning like you whether to go all ICON or piece together a suspension part by part.

Originally I wanted ICONs up front with Dakar leafs in the rear since they seem quality and sturdy. They (Dakars) also seem to handle a load really well. Later on I became concerned that they may roughen up the ride when not loaded. I didn't want to stiffen the back up too much.

After posing the question here a few guys recommended a progressive leaf pack for a smoother ride as well as good load capacity. Since the ICON's came with a progressive leaf pack I decided to stick with all ICON. Also there's something to be said for a system thats engineered and fabricated to work together. This is why I went all ICON and I couldn't be happier so far.

As far as the Billet UCA the consensus seemed to be it was more for looks than function but I'm not 100% sure on that. I spoke with one of the ICON reps about it and it didn't seem worth the extra $$
Just my 2 cents.

 

I'm on the same boat as you OP. I'm also planning on purchasing an Icon stage 3 package, but got me thinking is it an overkill for occasional off-roading and primarily street driving? Hopefully more responses come thru.