Ironman constant load or performance springs?

I have been trying to decide on a lift for my 2015 access cab for a few months. Got a great price quote on an Ironman 2" lift and I'm trying to decide what springs to go with for the front. I have an All-Pro front bumper without a winch ( don't know when of if I will get one) and a Leer cap. the Performance springs are advertised to support an extra 50kg/ 110lbs and the constant load springs 50-110kg/ 110-242lbs. I think the heavy springs are 650lb but not 100% on that. Just would like some input form anyone who has either springs. I don't want to get the heavy springs and be disappointed with an overly stiff front end. I was planning on running a 1/2 spacer as well. Hoping for 2.5" in the front and around 1.5-2" in the back over stock. Currently on stock suspension I'm at 20" front and 21.25 rear left and 21.75 rear right Hub to fender. I just can't decide because I seem to be right at the tipping point for needing the stiffer springs.

 

Nobody's running the stiffer springs? I'm more than likely going to go with them. Definitely getting a winch at some point. I'll post up the results.

 

Maybe you should chose something else because no one is running them at all. Foam cell is a waste of space...

5100-toytec-6112-2.0 coilovers are all more proven choices. Ironman just doesn't have many reviews period.

 

Why is that?

 

It's not a leading technology and better products are available.

There site says they have been using the technology for 15 years. Usually someone will have incorporated that in similar products if it was that valuable. Oh and bilstein probably outsells them 10000 units to 1.

As well from their site,

"The results of this test show that the higher oil volumes of the larger bodied shock absorbers increased the length of time taken for the shock absorber to reach maximum temperature.

The oil volume of a typical Ironman Nitro Gas shock absorber from the rear of a Nissan Navara contains 320ml of fluid, the Foam Cell equivalent contains 450ml, and the Foam Cell Pro a whopping 750ml.

- See more at: http://www.ironman4x4.com/news/foam-cell-pro-testing#sthash.U4rQ16KW.dp"

They basically say it's better because it's bigger, not speaking as to how "foam cells" actually work or what they even are.

The whole site and review you see on there site is only referring to temps and barely even addresses ride quality. They are saying the foam cells will regulate temps better than their other shock, based on OIL VOLUME. We also know that reservoir shocks will out cool any mono or twin tube design.

These are twin tube which essentially makes cooling even worse as the outside of the shock cannot act as a heatsink becuasw the oil is inside the inner shock tube.

Seriously they are like rancho rs9000 from the 90s

 

So you are speculating about the actual technical merits (or lack thereof) of foam cell. Does Bilstein outsell Ironman in Australia? I looked but didn't find any numbers.

 

I'm presenting my opinion based on what's posted on their site. Not based on speculation.

As far as sales numbers I'm sure bilstein doesn't make shocks for all cars in Australia, but for the vehicles they do fit, I assume about the same market share as is present on this site which has got to be between 25-50% of the shocks purchased by members on here.

I know the vendors on this site sell more bilsteins than any other shock. Except for DSM probably. Any vendors want to confirm?

 

I was looking into this kit mostly because of the price. I can get the whole kit for $1050 cdn. In comparison the best I can find a set of 6112's is $900+. I might just see what they want for just the rear leafs. 6112 with the IM rear leafs might be a not too bad setup. Just need to figure out rear shocks for the 2" of lift.

 

Bilsteins 5160 or 5165 custom lenght would be a good choice.

I haven't heard about the springs but those are probably good for weight carrying

 

Maybe Bilsteins are far better than Ironman as 2nd screen name says. If you agree that is the case, then decide how that applies to how you will use your truck. If I was putting 10,000 or 20,000 rough country (flexing or high speed) miles on the truck per year I would really look closely at my shock selection. Miners, loggers, back country tour operators, oil field hands, Aussie outback ranchers, hard core offroaders, and etc really need to pay attention to what they buy. The average American Tacoma driver will spend a very small small fraction of their time off pavement and even then they will never truly stress their shocks. Whatever they buy won't collapse unless they set things up incorrectly, they will never fade due to heat, they won't blow, and they won't wear out early. The office and Burger King parking lots just aren't that hard on suspensions. In my case I offroad once per month or two max, hunt and explore some rough country, and don't push too hard due to my long wheelbase in the steep timber country around here. Tacos aren't Jeeps. Whatever I buy won't fail with an occasional Southwest sandstone or high speed desert trip. Decide how you will use your truck then select a suspension that fits your budget and don't worry about necessarily having "the best" unless you need it. Keeping up with appearances is always a losing proposition and having the best money can buy unless you really need it just leads to waiting more years for retirement. But that's just me, your mileage may vary.

 

@Mountain Did you ever go with the Ironman kit? I'm looking at them as well. Mostly good reviews in the years since you first posted. The price is amazing...

 

Nope. I ended up going with 6112 in the front, 5160 in the rear with an Icon aal. Been running that for at least 2 years now and have been quite happy with it.