Suspension Dilemma

Depending on where you are (I'm guessing AZ?) you can probably find someone locally who can rebuild shocks. Maybe be without for a week or 2 if you can find someone in your area.

 

Yeah - not sure about local to rebuild, im in Arizona but in a smaller town (Lake Havasu). Called Icon and it’s about a month out for a rebuild, assuming I did that and purchased some OEM shocks to get by I could probably pull that off. Not able to get by without the truck and just my wife’s car right now with my work schedule. It is significantly cheaper to rebuild them, even upgrade them, than buying an entirely new kit, but the time frame is tough.

 

Probably cheaper to have them rebuilt and you could custom tune them if you wanted. Should be some local shops that do it. I’m sure someone could refer you to a shop local that rebuilds Icon. Are you in AZ?

 

I asked a guy on a Tacoma FB page if he does Icons. Will let you know what he says and if I can gather any more info. Is it the front mainly or all 4?

 

Just asked my buddy that works at SDHQ if rebuilding is a service they offer (since they're an Icon dealer) or if not if they can recommend anywhere to have them done. Will update soon.

Looks like they do, but they're backed up too: Shock Rebuilds-SDHQ (sdhqoffroad.com)

 

Check out this place in Havasu, they sell Icon and tune and revalve/rebuild shocks. Much closer to you.

https://www.dcshockservices.com/service

 

I can second DC Shocks for a simple rebuild (or revalve if you like).

Haven’t used the Havasu location, but the owner Kurt has ton a ton of work for me out of his San Dimas shop. (And his house before that, and KarTek before that)

Don’t need to spend thousands replacing or going to stock. Get a rebuild. Keep your nitrogen topped off.

 

How do you know your shocks are in need of a rebuild? Are they leaking oil?

 

If you are only Icon stage 2 and that only lasted a year, have you considered swapping to a Bilstein 6112/5160 setup? Cheaper than going the 2.5 route, still solid performance but a hell of a lot cheaper and you get to maintain your lift with a longer life span on the shocks.

 

My front end is completely stock, except for the 5100's.
I'm at 200k and I've beat the shit out of it the whole time.
I'm just now considering replacing the control arms, or rebuilding them.

Is the aftermarket stuff totally junk? How did you wear it out so quickly?

 

Your shocks are probably fried

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/05-tacoma-icon-and-fox-shocks.783315/

I spent around 1000 per set to get rebuilt

 

I absolutely love my 2" 5100 Bilstein Lift. Especially how cheap it was. I off roaded with my "stock Bilstein shocks" before my lift, and they performed just fine. Adding the 2" 5100s bigger, better shocks made an even better improvement. I have no regrets not going to a better setup.

Also my awesome Duratracs have been everything I asked of them. Closest thread pattern to a M/T, but with much better on road characteristics, and 3 peak snow designation. Love 'em!

The Lift & Tires we're less than a $2K CND purchase, everything in.

 

Dobinson has been great so far on my 2wd. I have not had a chance to really test it off road. They have a ton of spring rates and offer resi and non resi. The leaf pack is the bomb for towing. Entire set up with SPC UCA was like 2200. It aligned perfectly and no rubbing with my 33’s

 

For aftermarket rebuildable shocks, I’d guess most don’t rebuild until they start leaking oil.

Another good place to start is by checking the nitrogen. Keep it at your desired psi. Check before any desert session and as a part of routine maintenance.

I think folks would be surprised to find how low the nitrogen may be in your X years old kits, even if they haven’t experienced an oil leak yet. And how big a difference it’s is when you fill back to proper specs.

 

Thank you guys all for your help…I ended up just pulling the trigger on the set up I’ve wanted forever. Figured I’m gonna keep the truck till the wheels fall off, might as well do what I want to it.
Kings and Total Chaos incoming, I’ll post some pics when it’s done.

 

Also - thanks for the suggestions on businesses, I live a few hours from SDHQ so that wasn’t an easy option but I know that place is rad.
I live in Havasu so I’ll be sure to check out the local business DC Shocks here. The guys at Fine Line Automotive here in town have always taken great care of everyone I know including myself and I can’t say enough good stuff about them. Everything should be done by end of next week, reality was I couldn’t wait the month to get my stuff rebuilt unfortunately with work/kids etc. Thanks again to all of you.
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