Ironman 4x4 Foam Cell Pro

Went with the stage 1 pro's: https://ironman4x4america.com/toyot...-pro-2-5-3-stage-1-performance-load-0-440lbs/

More information on the build: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2017-trd-off-road-double-cab-build.653052/

The shop charged me $1700 for the kit which looks good compared to what's online. I'm having them install the lift, replace the needle bearing on the driver side, and install Falken Wildpeak AT3W 275/70R17's with it mounted, balanced, and aligned. They are charging $750 in labor to do all of that which I thought was fair.

 

Did they explain the difference between the Performance and Comfort springs? I've been curious to know that myself given the similar load ranges.

 

They did not, it would appear that the comfort is not available for Taco's?

 

I have been having the issue linking to it the last few days but I know it is offered. The coil and leaf springs are both available individually.

 

Constant/Comfort

Free height (380mm/390mm)
Spring rate (827 lbf/in or 720 lbf/in) lbf/in = pounds per foot inch.

 

And Performance/Comfort?

I figured Constant would not be suitable for me since my truck is mostly stock weight in the front and not heavy enough in the rear to need super heavy duty kit.

 

375mm
827 foot lb/inch
By the way, these numbers were solely for the front coils. I will look at the site for the leafs... NM. only have a Performance and a constant. Constant is for those who have a bed rack, all the fun stuff in the rear. 0-440 lbs and 440 to GVM weight for the springs.

So, if you do not plan to add triple batteries and extra large bumpers and a lot of other stuff you only need the performance for the front and rear.

 

I might have misread something, thank you!

 

Initial Feedback:

• Ride quality is wayyyyyy better than expected. Granted, it's been 1 hour but I took it around town (West Denver) and a little bit on the highway. The handle is definitely firmer than stock but not so much that it's a huge difference. It's very comfortable as a daily driver.
• Already going over some speed bumps, dips in the road, a curb, etc. the performance vs. stock is far beyond what I ever imagine. It's super soft and barely noticeable compared to stock. Already an absolutely huge upgrade for performance, I can't wait to get it on some light trails and washboards that I consistently encounter dispersed camping in the summertime in the mountains.
• Falken tires are much more quiet than I expected, definitely a firmer ride and a little road noise but overall it's nominal compared to my worn down stock tires.
• Alignment is much better, this was to be expected as I hadn't had my vehicle aligned after a summer full of camping.

I've driven a taco with 5100's and the ride performance is far superior, I'm happy with the extra money spent on the Ironman's. So far I couldn't be more pleased, I'll continue to report back as I get into different types of terrain. I can't wait to get my running boards on next week (waiting for delivery to install with a buddy).

Highly recommended to this point!

 

Well I'm pretty much sold now.

Your truck is looking good!

 

https://www.whichcar.com.au/gear/industry-insider-ironman-4x4

Found an article detailing the history of Ironman 4x4

 

Appreciate your contribution......

 

LOL, oh snap mixed up what post I was on and trying to shares and spread the word, lol. my bad, I got the memory issues and mix things up easily. Oops

 

@ColoradoHoosier What shop did you go to? I'm having a hard time finding a good offroad shop in Durango and I'd be willing to drive around in Colorado for one.

I'm looking at the Foam Cell Pro lift kit and I need to get the ECGS bushing installed, too.

 

Looks great.

 

Foamcell Pro kits are currently on sale (as well as other Ironman Kits) for 20% Off, Free Shipping, and Free Treds Traction Boards.

Stage 1 (No UCA) is currently $1439 unassembled for Stock and Performance Load Springs. Did not check heavier sprung kits.

Stage 2 (with forged UCA) is $1839 unassembled for the same Stock and Performance load spring kits. This means their normal $700 Forged UCA is just $400 right now if you get it with the kit.


Seriously tempted right now.

 

Do it! I'm hatin having to miss out but I got other big ticket items to do before I can move forward.

 

So I've researching the foam cell shocks for a while now, not because I'm looking to purchase but because I wanted to know more about them.
Here's my issue with them...

As someone else said previously, the way they talk about seems like ALL fluff. They dont really ever get into the real science behind them and just keep talking about points that ANY shock company would. They keep talking about debunking myths but the problem is, they actually dont debunk anything with their inhouse testing. They also completely fail to mention anything as to the fact that although they are thicker, doing the math on the wall thickness of the tubes and the components used inside the shocks, they use thinner shafts and nearly the exact same amount of oil as a mono tube design. I honestly dont see any real world benefits of these over a majority of shocks on the market. I understand they'd be bias to sell their own products. But it just doesnt live up to what they are pushing if you really do the math.

I'm sure plenty who have purchased have enjoyed them, but let's look at the few reviews out there, including the ones in here. They look EXACTLY like the reviews that any driver who installs a brand new lift over stock would say. "Feels so much better", "slightly firmer than stock, but not so bad that I notice it too much" "feels more planted", "my brother/mother/ grandma/ wife/ cousin/ etc etc all say they notice an improvement" it's all the same that anyone who installs 5100s, 6112s, foxes, OME, and such say about the ride after getting them installed.

So although I haven't ridden in a vehicle with these on, but after my research, I cant say I believe the hype or can even consider these shocks.

 

But if they’re just like all the shocks out there, why can’t you even consider these shocks?