Icon 650lbs spring vs 700lbs

So...I've been reading a few threads on this topic but can't seem to find the right answer. I'm in a little predicament now and I'm hoping someone can lend me some advice.

I recently just upgraded my truck to a stage 5 Icon kit. When I first placed the order, it was for just the standard kit with 650lbs springs. After researching online and reading some threads about the possibility of needing the added spring rate if adding winch, bumper, etc., I decided to call the shop and see if they could upgrade them to 700lbs in anticipation for the bumper and winch that would be coming down the road.

I then was at a tacoma meet-up where I was talking with several people, whom were running 650lbs with steel bumper/winch and said they are happy they didn't upgrade to 700lbs. So, me being as indecisive as I am called the shop back and had the order reversed to original.

Well... I ended up with 700lbs due to the guy handling my order being let go because of customer service problems (long story). He told me that he called Icon and had them switched but never actually did. The shop ended up giving me 700's at no up-charge and said to drive on them for a while and if I didn't like them, they'd switch them back to the 650's. I took the truck out this weekend and I will say it does ride a bit harsh, currently.

If anyone could shed some light on the benefits or negatives of the 700's vs 650's, It wouldbe much appreciated.

 

Put on a front semi hidden metal bumper and winch and you’ll be all set.

 

Thanks for the reply. Assume you meant to keep the 700's then?

 

Yeah drive around with some weight on they’ll feel better

 

I have 700# on mine and no weight added. I like it this way.

 

650# on mine right now, no plans to throw winch on. rides like butta

 

side note: with the 650# you have about 1 1/4" of threads showing for preload against your 1/4" you have now

 

The 700lb spring is an inch longer allowing you to run less preload than the 650lb.

I currently have 700lb springs and run a full steel bumper and full skids and I'm glad I upgraded. I can be at the same height as before with less preload and the truck rides fine. New bump stops will also help smooth out the ride as well.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I'm thinking I'll just deal with them until I'm ready to get the bumper and winch. Worst case scenario, I can always go back to 650's.

 

If you’re going to add any front weight stay with the 700lb springs. I have them with just 130lbs in the front and they ride fantastic after about 1200miles of settling.

You don’t want to sag over time and a lighter spring may do that. Typically the 3rd gen is a heavier spring due to the front end being several pounds heavier than the 2nd gen

 

Thanks for the info. If anything this will just make me get a bumper that much faster. I'll probably be close to 200lbs with bumper, winch and skids.

 

I plan on getting #700 coils when I take my truck in to get the shocks redone. I think you'll be fine once you add the weight, but for now let them break in.

 

If it is any constellation, supposedly the stock TRD OR coils are 700#, the shocks are just really soft

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-accutune-article-on-spring-rate-discuss.609630/

Read the article in this thread. You have to remember that ride quality/characteristics are personal preference and vary per individual. Personally, the 650lb 14" are the way to go unless you have all of the goodies and high center of gravity but that's my preference. Many will vary their opinions. Your harsh ride is do to having a 700lb spring and virtually no weight. Add a steel bumper, full steel skids, and a winch and it will get much more plush.

 

I have a c4 lopro bumper with winch, skids and sliders. I’m running full RTX springs(8leafs) on back because I have a constant 500-600# load. With the 650# springs on the front , I am maxed out on preload on driver side and little less on passenger to compensate for taco lean. It works and even with all the preload it rides really nice but I could probably use the 700# springs. It has the classic taco rake. If I wanted the front and back to be even in my use case the 700 springs would be required.

 

I'm about to swap my 650# with 700# springs. Have a CBI front bumper on the way. Has anyone replaced their 650# icons with 14" 700# eibach springs? Heard they are the ones that make Icon's anyway and at almost half the price it seems like a no-brainer.