Icon Stage 5 install for '12 DCSB + Write up & Pics

Finally, after at least a year of research, analysis and review, the Icon Stage 5 is finally installed. Well, it was done last month but I had to wait for a sunny day to clean it up and take some pictures. I did pay a professional shop to do the install and there were some bumps along the road - no pun intended.

All washed up:


Before lift (and bumper, and sunroof):


I had ordered the kit in January and after being promised a week delivery, it turned into about 5 weeks. Install was supposed to be a day, but they had it 3 days. Let's just say in the end, I was happy, and they took quite a bit of the cost off because of the headache. The kit was about $3,500 and the install about $400. I debated forever whether or not to get the billet UCA's - $600 more for something I won't need, but look cool. I opted for tubular and happy with the choice:

Instead of getting the billet UCA's, upgraded to Stage 5 for the 2.5 shocks in the rear:


I also looked into getting CDC valving - at about $150 per shock. This would allow for adjusting the ride since I'm mostly on paved highway. In retrospect, I'm glad I didn't. The ride, especially after it has settled after a couple hundred miles, is extremely smooth. Of course, I did not spend $4,000 to keep it on the road, I'm looking forward to getting it dirty. With several hundred miles since the upgrade, there are absolutely no vibrations at any speed or any creaking noises anywhere. There was an issue with a loose body mount that was discovered but it was unrelated to the lift. The shop did have to adjust the reservoir location in the front because it was rubbing on the fender liner. The liner had been previously trimmed because of the Fab Fours bumper install. I did remove the front mud flaps, even though they could have stayed on.

Ride heights
Unfortunately, I did not get measurements before the bumper (160 lbs.) and winch (40 lbs.) was installed nor the S/C (about 30 lbs.?) So, these were my pre lift numbers (center of hub to bottom of fender lip):

Pre-lift
Drivers front: 19.25"
Passenger front: 19.75" (Taco lean)
Drivers rear 21.75"
Passenger rear: 21.75"

Post-lift
Front: 22" (Taco lean corrected)
Rear: 24.5" (has settled .25" already)

I did adjust the front coil overs because there was too much rake - I like some rake. Once the rears settle more, I'll have to adjust the front accordingly. I did buy the Icon wrench - not sure why they don't include the $25 wrench when you buy a kit like that.

Spidertrax
Until my new wheels get ordered (which will be another year of research)
and a set of 285's (current 265 65 18), new Spidertrax 1.25" adaptors were put on. I've already checked them 4 times and all are holding fine at 85 ft. lbs.

Alignment
The shop that did the lift did an alignment, but "their printer was broke" so I did not get before and after numbers. Tomorrow, I'm going to Firestone, which has a guy at the local shop that specializes in lifted applications, to get the lifetime alignment deal for like $179.

Rear 1.5" AAL
I've got a steel Fab Fours bumper on the back so I was concerned about sag. I've read some members take out the overload spring (?) when they add the AAL. I've got a Sport so it has the TSB. The shop did not remove mine, here are pics of both sides:


and the passenger side:


More pics from Picture Day:




One thing I did not clean yet was the engine bay:





The TRD skid plate was modified to fit with the Fab Fours bumper:
























Don't hate on my factory chrome rims :






At the shop:








This was a picture pre-lift:


Next up this summer is cleaning the undercarriage and undercoating....let the research begin!

 

That's friggin SEXY!

 

Truck looks good. Did it come with the sun roof? I wanted in mine and they told me it ws not an option. Is yours electric?

 

good lookin truck!!

though never really understood the DCSB sport.... at that point buy the off road and get the locker and atrac.

 

Thanks. I had the electric moon roof added. It is an Inalfa 925.

Here is a link to the write up:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/195974-2012-trd-sport-katzkin-sunroof-install.html

 

I know....wanted the skewp, color match handles, turn signal mirrors, etc. though...but got rid of the color match bumpers for steel.

 

Unless you want color matched mirrors, hood scoop, and plan to go for ARBs?

 

Looks good man.

 

Your AAL is installed wrong but looks good otherwise

 

Nice truck! Anymore pics of the leather seats?

 

Looks good!

The only thing is that shop screwed you by not doing the AAL install right with the TSB. You will destroy the pad on that pack super quick which will cause some slack and some serious squekking. Please take a look at how I did mine with the TSB and have them remedy it or DIY. It is easy and very very neccesary!

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/261253-how-install-3-pack-aal-tsb-springs.html

 

Who makes these? I like them!

 

Thanks for the feedback Monster Coma and Loco, I'm glad I posted the pics. Loco, I checked your thread, could you please verify it is clamp noted "C" that needs removed in the picture below:


P.S. Ohio salty winters stink....lot of clean up to do on the undercarriage this spring!

 

Yes C is the clamp that needs removed. And yes I can verify the squeaking. My truck currently sits like that (I need to fix it) and it squeaks over ever tiny bump

 

I put on stage 4 system and i cut that bracket off so everything sits properly.

 

Yes that clamp labeled "C" is correct. Good luck!

 

x2, time to get out the angle grinder and get rid of that clamp. FWIW, I had the same AAL and it never made a peep. I loved the ride also but I only had Bilstein 5100's.

 

The seats are made by Katzkin. TW member JHuey8947 (John) can take custom orders. There are many options including two tone, contrast stitching, perforated, heat, embroidery, etc.

http://www.katzkin.com/

 

Took it back to the shop for my 500 mile checkup post-lift. They agreed they should have taken those clamps off - and did - all fixed. Just need to clean them up now when the weather breaks. Thanks again Monster Coma and Loco!