icon worth it over 6112???

I know there are a lot of threads on this however I’ve read through them and none of which are exactly answer my questions. So... here we go! I’m looking at icon stage 1 with camburg moog ball joint UCA or Bilstein 6112/5160 with same UCA. I live in Indiana and drive a lot of miles for business currently 98% of driving is on road but I want ability to wheel moderately and not worry about damaging anything and have solid performance. Most trips in truck off road are camping, hunting, and wanting to do some “over landing” trips out west. I like the idea of rebuilding shocks but until I have another daily driver that’d be a pain in the a**. Here we salt the rods during winter which is also something to think about. I also like the idea of a digressive shock over linear because even though it’s a truck I like it to handle like a sports car sort of. I’ll be lifting front 1” for now upfront and rear will remain stock but I want the option to go higher in the future without having to replace shocks because once it’s not a DD I may go up to 35’s. I guess my number one question is... is there really a $700 difference in the tide quality over the two? Anyone with experience with both? Is it worth the $600 for UCA’s to get the extra inch of travel? Do I even need them? I feel like you get a lot for the money with bilsteins especially with the 5160’s having reservoirs. Thanks in advance for feedback!

 

If you salt your roads just like here in VA I’d probably stay away from icons, all they do is rust. 6112 did not rust on me and did well, 5160 I did not like how they rode for how I used my truck. Either stick with Bilstein or go ADS if your worried about rust.

 

Icon sucks.

 

Or that. I just didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings who got them lol

 

For what it is worth
I've gone back & forth now on options and After discussions for many months I have decided to go with 6112's up front and 8112's in the back with some air bags because I on the regular have tools and or am towing something.

Good luck, welcome to T. World
And remember! Buy and cry once!

 

I went KINGS even though I didn't need to, but I have seen many threads in regards to ICON issues. I don't believe I have ever seen a bitchfest about KINGS on here. I live in the Salt Belt of Mass and Mine still look Brand New as I go under the truck and clean them in the Winter. Then Fluid Film the piss out of them. Here are pics of mine from the other day after cleaning them up.

 

I appreciate the feedback guys. The more and more I read the more and more icon seems like it is not cracked up to what it’s marketing scheme shows it to be lol. I almost bit the bullet and went with Kings today but right now just can’t seem to justify it with the amount of rode driving I do. But once I have another daily driver that will definitely be the route I go! I think the 6112/5160 combo is going to be the route I choose. @oscolivar1 why did you not like the 5160’s?

Also, Any of you guys seen anyone running swayaways? Don’t think they’re an option but just curious. I came across them in all my research.

 

So you can kind of pick a brand and you’ll have fans and haters of them all.

Icon sucks though, for sure, and the Icon guys who don’t agree are just mad.

Get what fits your budget, and enjoy. If you get too far buried in the research you’ll paralyze yourself. All the popular brands are popular for a reason, except Icon. Stick with one of them and enjoy the miles.

 

Icon sucks so bad they used to have 3 or 4 different reps on here and they’ve all left but one.

 

I’m getting the feeling you had a poor experience with them???

I really like the idea of a digressive piston so I think Bilstein is the choice. if I could get a solid deal on ADS id definitely go that route though. Wheelers has a 10% off right now so will be calling them tomorrow to finalize I think. Unless y’all have any other recommendations...

 

for me 5160 can’t handle weight in the rear and dampen properly off-roading. I like driving fast. If your an empty bed most of the time and don’t do a lot offroading its fine. The moment I took it offroad I knew it wasn’t for me. Like @TXpro4X4 i had 6112 and 8100 in the rear.
Good luck!

 

I have Icons all around and I'm happy with them. Ran Icons in my previous truck for seven years too with no issues.

This is what my truck sits in for 3 months each year. Tacoma In The Salt... Just Fluid Film the crap out of them as you would with the rest of the frame.

 

Man that blows me away at least if you’re going to have a shitty product back it up with some descent service lol. I’m in sales and while my product is top notch I still stand behind my screw ups.

 

Does it sag too much or just not absorb well? Usually if off-road I will have tent over the bed and gear of about 200lbs loading the bed up maybe 400lbs total.

 

Keep the billies. Don't waste your money on the Icons. They are junk.

 

Felt like death in the rear just my opinion tho. All depends on how you use your truck. Like I said I like to drive fast.

 

I’ve never had Icon, or bad experience with them thereafter.

Hard pass.

 

Icons have a one-piece spring perch so you can adjust them on the truck. Fox, King, Elka have split spring perches, so the coilover need to be removed from the truck and the coils unloaded with a spring compressor before you can turn the perch. Add a plate bumper? Coilover off the truck for adjustment. Add a winch? Coilover off the truck for adjustment. Add skid plates? Coilover off the truck for adjustment... Same story with Bilstein 6112s but you'd be using shims and spacers in addition to changing the snapring groove.

Icon rear shocks have a case hardened shaft. Kings and a few others have a chrome plated shaft that can get pitted from thrown up rocks and gravel e.g. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rock-guards-for-kings.476182/ though boots and "shin guards" are available to mitigate this a bit.

 

No sag, run it. Will not be disappointed.
With the weight your posting should be legit!

I run flat bottoms and trailers pushed to the max. My 5100's have served me well but my needs are more now.