Icon Stage 2 Vs. Stock 5th Gen 4Runner Suspension

We received a question from a 4Runner owner with KDSS asking about the difference between the Icon Stage 2 suspension and stock shocks. After several months of testing the Icon’s digressive suspension, we can provide some realistic expectations.

We recently tackled the Baltic Ridge Trail with the new Icons and 34″ Toyo tires, so the timing of this question was perfect.

The only downside we experienced is with Icon’s customer service. While they make a great product, it’s difficult to get anyone on the phone. When you spend over $3000 on a product, you’d expect better accessibility. Eventually, we stopped calling Icon directly and started reaching out to YotaMafia instead.

What’s The Difference Between Stock & Icon Suspension?

Really enjoying your site! I’m a newbie to any 4×4 vehicle mods and I have a question about the Icon Stage 2 suspension for 4Runner with KDSS. What was the ride like after install compared to stock? My stock suspension is shot on my 2012 Trail Edition 4Runner and rather than have the dealer install another set of stock shocks I’m considering the Icon’s. My 4Runner is mainly used on dirt roads around New Mexico with a good amount of highway miles as well.

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• Icon Stage 1: Check Price

Icon Stage 2 Ride Quality

Upgrading from stock suspension to Icons brings noticeable benefits, though there are some trade-offs depending on your preference. Overall, the advantages of the Icon suspension far outweigh any downsides.

On-road, the difference is immediately apparent. With Icons or any digressively valved suspension, the ride is tighter and firmer compared to stock. Some drivers appreciate the stiffer feel, while others may find it less comfortable. Digressively valved suspensions are known for their firmness, while progressively valved systems like King or OME BP51 tend to offer a more plush and loose ride. With the Icons, expect less body roll, tighter cornering, and a more responsive overall feel. Additionally, braking performance improves as the harsh nose dive typical with stock suspension is nearly eliminated.

Pros

• Stiffer than stock
• Cornering is great
• Less body roll
• Less nose dive

Cons

• Feel all the little bumps
• Can be too stiff sometimes

Freeway

Freeway driving is much better. At high speeds and big drops, the icon definitely performs. Freeway driving with the Icons is smooth and incredibly responsive. Because the suspension is tighter, your lane shifting, braking, and feeling of the road are much more responsive. Lane changing is smooth and tight. Braking is quick and responsive (given you have good brakes) with less nose dive and the feeling of the actual road is much smoother at high speeds.

Around Town

The only downside I see is around town while at low speeds you can feel more of the road. It’s like driving an AMG Benz. It’s just tight and you can feel everything. Keep in mind, I am referencing a KDSS package that is already tighter all the way around but if you buy a set of digressively valved shocks, expect to feel all the little bumps. Large, medium, and small bumps, you feel it all. Around town at low speeds and medium speed, you just feel more of the road. But, the Icons also remove much of the existing body roll so it is a win in my opinion.

Off-Road

While off-road, the big dips, whoops, and washouts are butter.

The suspension does what it’s supposed to, and works as advertised for the most part. This suspension performed well at high-speeds on/off-road and low-speeds off-road.

Off-road, the Icons are obviously much better than stock. If you buy the extended travel kit, you will see an increase in shock travel which is one of the main reasons you buy a kit like this; more shock travel. The shocks do their job in soaking up the compression and rebound hits very well. On every trail you hit, there is going to be some erosion, washouts, dips, and ruts. Whether you come to these sections at low speed or high speed, the digressively valved piston makes it feel smooth and buttery instead of tight and uncomfortable with factory suspension. When you hit these sections in a stock suspension, however, you and your passenger jump up in your seat.

Icon Stage 2 Vs. Other Stages

Here is another question we got on the Icons

Message: Hi, I was reading through your website on ideas for my 4Runner which is currently stock. I have a question in regards to the stage 2 icon lifts you use. Why did you choose the stage 2 as oppose to stage 3, 4, and so forth? Aside from costs, would you say that a higher stage would be better? Thanks for your help. I love this site! So helpful.

The choice between Stage 1 and Stage 2 Icon suspensions largely comes down to budget and desired travel. Stage 2, with its extended travel coilovers, is the best value for quality aftermarket suspension. The extended travel and UCAs are the key upgrades, offering better articulation and performance.

Other stages, with beefier components like billet UCAs, may provide additional durability, but in my experience, they don’t offer a significant performance improvement. The billet UCAs, while strong, seem more about aesthetics, and don’t necessarily justify the extra cost.

Remote reservoirs enhance ride quality, especially off-road at speed, by improving heat dissipation, allowing the shocks to handle tougher, longer trails. If you’re tackling long, rough trails, remote reservoirs are worth considering. For shorter, slower trails, standard extended travel shocks will suffice.

Upgrading stages increases strength, control, and durability, but if you’re not pushing your 4Runner on extreme trails, Stage 2 should be more than enough. Just be sure to assess your needs carefully to avoid overspending on features you won’t fully utilize.