Icon Vehicle Dynamics is a high-end suspension system, comparable to KING and Radflo, offering a true lift with exceptional off-road functionality. Unlike basic spacer lifts, Icon offers a range of stages, from introductory to advanced, allowing for component rebuilding and upgrades on the fly.
Installing a leveling kit is simpler, but installing a coilover like the Stage 2 is quite similar. The main difference is replacing the Upper Control Arms (UCAs), which requires extra effort. If you’re familiar with removing coils, as discussed in our Pro Comp leveling kit post, the process is mostly the same. With the Stage 2 extended travel coils and tubular UCAs, you can expect a few additional hours of work. It’s a bit more advanced, but with the right tools, you’ll be fine.
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Find it online:
- Icon Stage 1: Check Price
- Icon Stage 2: Check Price
Table Of Contents
Icon Vs. Others
The team at Icon Vehicle Dynamics (IVD) has made it easy to get started with their introductory suspension system, priced around $3,000. This price range puts them in direct competition with other high-end suspension systems like KING, Fox, Bilstein, and Dirt King.
All of these manufacturers produce exceptional products that are designed for durability and performance in demanding off-road conditions.
While many 4Runner and Tacoma owners swear by KING for its premium performance, it’s important to note that shock “feel” and overall performance can be subjective. Each brand offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so what works best for one person might not be ideal for another. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right suspension system that aligns with your driving style and off-road needs.
Icon is known to be more “firm” and companies like KING and Dirt King tend to offer “softer” shocks out of the box.
Designed For 4Runner?
The advantage of IVD is that it comes as a complete kit, specifically designed for your vehicle’s suspension. However, after installing the Icon Stage 2, you may notice that the front passenger side sits about 3/4 of an inch lower than the driver’s side, despite it being designed for the 4Runner.
Another issue is that IVD doesn’t provide a spanner wrench for adjusting the suspension post-installation, nor do they mention this upfront. You’ll either need to purchase a spanner wrench yourself or take your 4Runner to an off-road shop for tuning.
To me, that’s a significant oversight.
On the other hand, with KING suspension systems, most of their components require fine-tuning, but when adjusted correctly, they’re known for delivering top-tier performance. It’s important to remember that with any aftermarket suspension, including Bilstein and others, you will eventually need to rebuild or replace components as they endure the wear and tear of off-road driving.
Overview
Similar to the IVD Stage 1, Stage 2 uses many of the same components. The difference from the Stage 1 to the Stage 2 is the extended travel shocks. Extended travel offers increased shock travel that will enhance your off-road and on-road performance. Because of the extended travel, the IVD Stage 2 requires Upper Control Arms (UCA’s).
Two types of UCAs
- Tubular Steel Uniball
- Billet Aluminum
You can buy the billet aluminum UCAs but they are a bit more expensive and offer very similar functionality. We chose the tubular UCAs as they are somewhat similar in terms of performance but are much more affordable.
By going with a performance UCA, you will have better articulation and much more strength as opposed to the OEM UCA’s. Also, the Icon UCA’s have camber/caster correction built-in.
Icon recommends running the #56100 shock shin guards or any other shock boot to reduce the chance of shock damage. The front coilover shocks of the IVD system are located in a “vulnerable position” that may allow debris to make direct contact with the shock shaft.
KDSS requires 54200 rear adjustable track bar.
Stage 2 Parts
- 58647 (x2): Extended Travel Coilover Kit (2.5″ Shocks = 3.5″ of Front Lift)
- Includes 650lb Coilover Springs
- 58451 (x2): Tubular Steel Uniball
- 52700 (x2): 2″ 4Runner Rear Spring Kit
- 56505 (x2): 1-3″ Rear 2.0 Aluminum Series IR Shocks
Additional Options that you can spend more money on…
- 158508 | 14.00″ free length, 3.00″ inner diameter, 700 lbs/in spring rate (upgraded front springs)
- 56100 | rear shock shin guards
- 54000 | billet lower adjustable link arms
- 54100 | billet upper adjustable link arms
- 54200 | adjustable track bar
- 52800 | overland series dual rate 3″ lift rear coil springs (upgraded rear springs)
- 56104 | rear hydraulic bumpstop kit
- 191011 | tubular uniball upper control arm cover caps
- 198000 | 2 pin spanner wrench
Travel
The extended travel coils (2.5″ shocks = 3.5″ of front lift) are a step up from the Stage 1. The key difference is the length and travel of the strut and coil. These shocks provide an additional 1″ of up-travel and down-travel, which may seem small, but it makes a significant impact off-road.
The extra 1″ of droop translates to about 2″ of extended travel when measured at the wheel, improving your vehicle’s articulation and overall performance. If you care about the finer details of your suspension lift, the extended travel coils are definitely worth it and offer a noticeable improvement.
OE Travel Vs. Stage 1 and Stage 2 Extended Travel
- Stock Coilover Front: 7.87″
- Stage 1 Front: 9.5″
- Stage 2 Extended travel: 10.5″
58451 (x2): Tubular Steel Uniball (Upper Control Arms)
By upgrading your suspension to an aftermarket rebuildable suspension, you are technically getting your caster and camber out of spec. When purchasing a new suspension system, you have the option to stick with your OE Upper Control Arms (UCAs) or going with aftermarket UCAs.
Most of the time, if not always, it is a good idea to get aftermarket UCAs with your suspension lift to account for correct caster (more adjustments). If you have low caster, you may have bad alignment and consistently make trips to the service center when all you really needed was a pair of performance UCAs.
If you are running stock UCAs, you just run the risk of wearing them out after awhile, if you are running a 2.5-3.5″ lift.
52700 (x2): Rear Spring Kit
The 52700 rear springs included with the Stage 2 kit are a top choice for rear suspension. These springs provide excellent load-bearing capability and are guaranteed never to sag—an impressive feature in an industry where many coils and springs tend to sag over time. For those planning on raising the front or adding weight to the rear, there’s also the option of a 3″ Overland spring.
When paired with the 1-3″ rear 2.0 aluminum series IR shocks, the combination offers exceptional support both on and off-road, delivering unmatched performance and a superior ride feel.
56505 (x2): 1-3″ Rear 2.0 Aluminum Series IR Shocks
The rear shocks in this suspension system, while well-made, are relatively basic without remote reservoirs. Eventually, we plan to upgrade to remote reservoir shocks for better durability, but we’ll see how things perform in the future.
These shocks are solid, but how do they compare to others like Bilstein or Fox? The main difference comes down to dependability, which can vary based on the terrain you’re tackling. All aftermarket rear shocks will eventually need to be replaced or serviced.
That said, both ICON and KING are among the best in the industry. If you’re looking for top-tier performance, either brand is a great choice.
Would you recommend the standard rear coil or overland dual rate for a 2016 SR5 4Runner with 5 people, 2 big dogs for long off-road trips. We historically load the back down pretty heavy and it sits about 1″ above the bump stops on the current OEM real coil. The main reason I’m looking a suspension upgrade is to fix this issue but it’s also my daily driver. Unloaded it has a Gobi Rack and 150lb RTT that on almost year-round. I’ve heard the standard single rate rear spring may actually support the loaded down configuration better than the dual rate. Thoughts? Advice?
How is the on road ride quality of the Icon stage 2? I hear it can be stiff on road compared to fox king and others. I spend the vast majority of drive time on road so I am hesitant about going with the Icon stage 2.
Love your site and reviews. I’m about ready to pull the trigger on my 13 4 runner for some upgrades, with lift being the first step. I’m close to being sold on the Icon stage 2 over a King. Do you have any further thoughts after your upgrade? I’ll be using my truck mainly on fore roads for hunting and overland trips, Thanks.
I would go with Radflo probably now. Better customer service and a bit more affordable. Essentially the same product as Icon also.
I am considering purchasing a 2016 4runner trail that already has an Icon Stage 2 lift. At 53k miles, the uniballs need to be replaced. Do you have any experience replacing uniballs and know how difficult of a job it is? Have you considered the new Delta Joint? Are they interchangeable or do you need new UCA as well? Awesome site. Thanks!
I got mine replaced with delta joint and have stage 2 icon kit on 16 runner. You can push out the ball joint with a press and push the new delta joint in with a press. My Icon UCA also started to get old after 40k miles. But the original bushings held up well without greasing for like 40k miles. I only added fluid film on ball joints when they made noise. I do use the UCA cover to protect the delta joint from the elements. I think it was a bad design to begin with from Icon on those Uniball UCAs. Only time will tell how Delta joint will hold up.
Brenan, what are your thoughts on the rear shin guards? Necessary or waste of money?
Probably a waste of money. Same thing as those shock socks that go over the coil overs. meh. I have never run them so I can’t say either way but I probably wouldn’t buy them. It would be interesting to hear someone’s thoughts who owns them and has seen real value.
Another question I have. Getting my ICON suspension installed in a week. Super excited. Considering that the rear is a static 2”, if you go with the max up front of 3.5” won’t you have a leveling issue with the vehicle?
I had the levelin issue yes. So I bought the overland 3 inch spring later on and got nice rake. But the ride quality in the rear is little bouncy as I do not have that much weight in the rear. Maybe with additional rear metal bumper it is fine.
Could you guys do a long term review of the Icon suspension given that you said some users have run into issues and have had to get their shocks rebuilt?
How about the ARB OME BP51. Nobody has even mentioned those and all though I haven’t tried them, their reputation is very good for what I hear
Joe, we’re considering upgrading one of our suspensions with the BP51 right now actually. I’ve heard really good things.
Has anyone driven or ridden in both the Stage 2 vs. Stage 7? The latter is out of my budget, but curious to know anybody’s feedback to see if difference is significant.
Thanks! I just pulled the trigger on an Icon Stage 2 kit. SDHQ had it for a couple hundred cheaper than Metal Tech and icon themselves… The Cyber Monday deal was about to run out, so couldn’t check on price matching, etc. Hoping they let me swap out the front 650# coilover for a 700# coilover. And will be on the lookout for a 1 inch spring for the rear. Good thing is I’ll have the capability and the spring needed to go up to 3.5 inches if I want to later on.
What if you want to do a higher quality lift kit than the Bilsteins, but want to be slightly above stock ride height, like around 2″ instead of 3″? Any suggestions? Seems like most legit lifts are are 3″. I’ve been looking at Icon, but am also concerned about having to rebuild suspension soon and not having great customer service.
You can adjust Icon coils to 2″, they are just rated to max out at 3.5″ which is why they are advertised like that. Icon coilovers are fully adjustable and can be adjusted down to the top thread (lowest ride height) if you wanted. I am not sure exactly where that would put you, but you get the point. If you wanted a 2″ lift in the front, you would need a .75″ coil for the rear. I am not sure who has a .75″ or 1″ coil to level out (maybe Dobinsons). If you want a 2.5″ lift in the front, you would want a 1″ spring for the rear to level the truck. Icon doesn’t have great customer service by any means but the guys at Metal Tech 4×4 do, you count on them to answer the phone for sure.
Brenan, what do you recommend as an affordable option for a mild lift like everyone”or less. I also want to get wheels and tires an I am clueless about offset when it comes to sitting flush
I would recommend Bilstein 6112/5100 kit we installed on my second 4Runner. That was a great budget-friendly, dependable lift kit.
Would you still choose IVD over King? Kinda swayed by King right now, but not in a rush to decide. Thanks for your thoughts.
Hard to say, at the end of the day KING is a little more expensive but everyone is pretty much sold on them at this point. I am going to buy a set of KINGS and do a back to back comparison of both suspensions KING vs. ICON once I feel them out. I have been mostly happy with Icon aside from their customer service. If you buy a set, just buy them from Metal Tech 4×4, not Icon directly. I have heard common complaints about people going 9-12 months and then experiencing leaking and needing rebuild. Icon will warranty them, but your truck would be down for a few weeks and you need to pay shipping (at least that’s what happened to a buddy of mine). I might go KING if I could go back, who knows. Good luck.
Brenan,
Were you able to test the King vs. ICON? Curious to hear your feedback.
I will eventually swap in a set of KINGS on a 4Runner. It might be mine or the next SR5 we are planning on buying. Not sure yet. I will get there this year hopefully.
Why did you choose the IVD UCA over SPC? I am having a hard time choosing which UCA to use on the the IVD stage 2 system. I have a 2018 4runner off-road premium with 285 70-17 KO2 right now. I appreciate your feedback.
Go with Total Chaos or something with less maintenance. My tubular ball joint makes noise and requires adding grease. (also has rust issue) I am upgrading the ball joint to their new ball joint that is more sealed from weather.