ICON 2.5" C/O with 700# springs setup for 2" lift.

I have a set of ICON C/O 2.5" (no res) with 700# springs and right now as they are in the original box, the space between the top ring and upper mounting flange is about 7mm. Based on specs, the most it can be preloaded is 1".
1 - Truck is a 17 PRO stock and want to lift it 2" - 2.5" max. Since I don't have any heavy parts installed in the front (bumper, winch), how much thread (distance) should the C/O be set at?
2 - Also want to lift the back for the same amount (keep the original rake) and so far I can not find the "best" AAL to give me 2-2.5" lift. Might consider a complete leaf spring replacement but last resort to go there. And, do I need a angle wedge between the leaf pack and axle to keep the same angle between dif and drive shaft?
I know that ICON will come out with their own leaf packs in the few months but there is no info, pictures, specs.

 

Here's a 30+ page thread that would probably help you more:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/icon-dynamics-stage-lift-thread.438120/page-31#post-14521084

 

Read it all, no info to what I need. Called ICON and no specific info provided as well. Was told to "practice"...

 

Have you had aftermarket adjustable coilovers before on any car?

That's literally what you need to do. Every car is different. They just preload/set the height for general reference as a starting point. You need to adjust and tinker on the preload/height for your own truck.

For your rear leaf question: There isn't an Icon branded 2.5" AAL. You will probably need to do an aftermarket pack like Dakar (2.75"), All-Pros, Wheelers, etc.

 

in regards to adjusting your coilovers -

You will have to install them and play with the settings.

The process is a pain in the butt, but you will only do it once and leave it.

1. Find your stock height.
2. Install your coilovers, make sure they have the same amount of preload - threads showing.
3. Install your wheels and find your new height.
4. After obtaining your new height, compare it with your stock height and adjust your coilovers as required.
5. Repeat until you get your desired lift.


Yes, You will have to raise your truck every time you adjust your coilovers. Pain in the butt, but that's how we all do it.

 

Oh, after you achieve the desired lift:

Drive around for about a week, then measure your height again.

If it settled, repeat the process again.

 

First C/O ever. So, the more preload (compressed spring = more threads showing) the higher the lift? or the lower the lift? Based on physics, more compressed springs = stiffer springs = higher the lift.
To adjust the compression rings,
do I use the ICON tool?
compress the springs and adjust?
remove the wheels?
remove the C/O assembly and adjust?

 

You can do a shackle flip with a progressive AAL and be at the"estimated" 2.5"? If you have a local truck spring shop around, they can reshape existing springs or add another off the shelf leaf a lot cheaper than something off the shelf, and probably get better results. Complete leaf packs are worse trying get "right" than adjusting the coilover. Seems they are either too stiff or just plain suck all together.

 

Hope this helps:

do I use the ICON tool? - Yes.
compress the springs and adjust? - No, lift the truck off the front wheel, that's all you have to do.
remove the wheels? - In some cases, you may have to. If you don't have room to adjust or you cant lift your truck high enough.
remove the C/O assembly and adjust? - No

 

It will be hard to adjust even with the COs off the truck. There is a lot or preload on the coils. It can be done, but better to use a wall mounted spring compressor to avoid damaging the threads.
and with no weight on the truck, 700# coils will be really stiff. I hope you got 700s because you are planning on adding a bumper and winch.

 

To adjust the front height, you can leave the tire on. jack truck up to get weight off, loosen the set screw(or take it out and spray some PBBlaster in the hole to make easier to turn), and insert the tool in the hole and turn. You don't NEED the icon tool,if you have a pin punch the same size as hole. If you use the tool, make sure you hold it so the flat part is horizontal, or you will just bend it. Let truck down, and repeat until you get close to desired height. keep in mind the wheels will be not at ride height until truck is actually moved to get fully settled after you let the jack down.

 

When is Icon launching their full leaf pack? And was this from them or did you hear it some place else?

 

http://www.bilsteinus.com/products/truck-off-road/bilstein-b8-5100-ride-height-adjustable/ Click on "learn more" under features and benefits. It will debunk half the BS you hear on TW about different types of lifts.

 

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I don't plan to add any weight to the front, will keep it stock.
There is another problem that confuses the hell out of me. Have been told that the 700# will be very stiff and need weight added to dampen the springs. On the other hand, the PRO comes with FOX C/O and was told by 2 different off-road/lifting shops that the original setup with FOX has the 720# coils (red springs).
How come the ICON 700# will be stiff like rocks but the FOX 720# are soft like sponge and feels like I drive a boat...Is ICON measuring the springs in pounds and FOX in kilograms? Unless FOX C/O on the PRO are not really 720#.
And another thing that ICON is waiving in giving a right answer, maybe they don't know???
- ICON 700# are the same springs made from 2005 till now, nothing changed in construction.
- previous tacos till 2016 were lighter in the front and the 700# springs fell stiff.
- newer tacos 16-17 are about 180# heavier in the front compared to the previous models.
- ICON 700# should feel "right" on the 16-17 stock without preload.
I would like to get input from somebody that has installed ICON 700# on a stock front 16-17 taco and compare the before to now ride feel. Anyway, stock PRO feels like a boat, each brake or turn the truck will bounce 2-3 times before level. Feel like bringing my rod and throwing a line at each traffic light...

 

Sorry. I didn't know the 3rd gen was more front heavy than 2nd. If anything I would think it would be lighter with the smaller engine. My bad.

 

I just noticed you had a 2017 PRO that has the adjustable Fox. Why are you even changing to Icon? Change your rebound rate a little.

 

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Heard it from one of the off-road shops and after called ICON for confirmation. Was told by them that indeed, ICON is developing their own full pack of leafs to compete with the other providers so ICON can provide a FULL option to lift the truck. No specific details since ICON is (was) still testing the prototype(s) but will have 7-9? blades and will be progressive, better than Dakars and OME.
Call them to find out, they will not hide it but no specific info for now. The ICON tech that was testing them out said is better than most custom pack made but still need some twicking.

 

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Look at my posts somewhere I asked the got the weight table. Yes, 16-17 is heavier in the front compared to 2nd gen.

 

Different spring rates. the numbers you are looking at are the spring load. just like when you buy lowering springs on a car. You need the springs to carry the same amount of weight, but not travel as much. this explains it some, and the fat man reference is kinda funny:
https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/spring-rate-vs-load-rate/

 

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What adjustable FOX??? (unless I missed something). The FOX C/O look the same setup like the OR type.
Would like to make them very stiff. I only drive on pavement.
Anybody can give us some info on the stock FOX on 17 PRO?