Icon Stage I or II 3" Suspension lift kit or Stock???

Hi,

I'm new to Tacoma world but have been a fan for some time now. It was time to join the club!


Here the info...

I need some help deciding 3" suspension lift kit or no lift, just throw on some 265/70R17? I am thinking of putting 3" suspension lift kit (Icon stage I or II) on my 2015 TRD sport. This is my daily driver so, I'm very protective. Truck still has Factory warranties. I don't want it to be on blocks or at the shop because of my decision. I really don't want to do any type of trimming. I don't mind taking off the mud flaps if needed. Thinking of running 275/70r17 or 285.

Concerns...

I have a few concerns before purchasing the lift here they are... Do they require a lot of maintenance? Will it be at the shop a lot? What is the cost of the upkeep? Is the gas mileage very noticeable? Would you recommend the reservoirs? How much $ to maintenance the reservoirs and how often? Does anyone regret there lift kit? Would it be easy to take the lift off and go back to stock? Most of my concerns are cost and reliability.

What I'm looking for...

I'm looking for an aggressive look, Best of Both Worlds on and off-road use, 90% will be driving in town but, I do a lot of hunting and camping, little amateur climbing.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

I can vouch that They definitely ride better than stock on the road!

no issues with warranty they are just replacement shocks. But lifting does have more wear and tear on some parts like CVs so you may have issues there with warranty.

If you get icon 2.5s you can get them serviced when needed but will be a while. Just save your old shocks for that. Rear 2.0s are probably fine for lite offroad use and much less $$ than the rear 2.5s.

 

Thanks for your feedback. I didn't even think to save the old shocks for services. On the CVs what is the normal wear and tear range compared to lift?

 

I’ve got icon stage one set at 2.25 an aal in the back icon all the way around rides great. I’ve got 40k hard miles on them no leaks or squeaks. The cvs are still within factory range but more than 2in you may want to get UCA’s. I have spc an very pleased with them. Keep the stock coils with a spacer so when you get them rebuilt you don’t have lean. With 265/75/17 you won’t rub an it’s one size taller than stock so mpg is nil at that point. I still avg 17-18.5. Down time is a weekend for install an a couple hours for swap of shocks.

 

Yes, If I do decide on the lift I did want to get new UCA's as well. How much does it normal cost to have them rebuilt? How often? Thanks so much for your help! I really do appreciate you guys answering these questions.

 

Normal shop price about a $100 a shock. There is a member here in So Cal that is rebuilding them.

 

Depends on use an no clue bout rebuild I’ve seen leaking new an 90k no issues it’s a crap shoot

 

Thanks you've been a huge help

 

Thanks for your help! I think I found the guy on here that rebuilds them.

 

Ya man glad I could help some I’m happy with my icons you can’t go wrong

 

Getting a quality suspension is one of the best things you can do, and if done correctly won't negatively effect your run of the mill maintenance items. CV joints still need to be inspected even on a stock truck, and the primary reason that's even mentioned is because if you go further than 3" then your boots will destroy themselves. Most 3" lifts settle down to less than that so you theoretically never need to worry. I put on an Icon stage 4 with billet UCAs really a couple months after I purchased my truck and it has been flawless since then, about 70k miles after the fact. Still rides like new. I shudder to think how it would ride with 70k on the factory suspension. Seasick much?

 

Thanks guys for all the positive feedback. I have to admit after this thread I'm a little discouraged on some of the maintenance required and cost$$.This is my only vehicle and I cant afford for it to be down to long. Or the gamble 50/50. If, I decided to get the lift kit. All maintenance would have to be done by a shop because, I wouldn't know where to start. Plus I don't trust myself. I'm really worried about the cost of maintenance that I would have to be paying the shop. That is what is really holding me back. I really cant afford paying a shop $500 every now and then. As sad as it is to say I don't think the lift is going to work with my situation.

 

I have Donahoe Racing (before they were called Icon) coil overs that I bought in 2006. In 2014 I sent them to Icon to be rebuilt and upgraded to remote reservoir with CDC valve. They still are going strong after 12 years.

I could not upgrade the Donahoe rear shocks so I bought new Icon 2.5 remote reservior shocks CDC valve to go along with upgraded Donahoe/Icon front coilovers.

I've also had Total Chaos UCA since 2006 and they have never been rebuilt and the uniball still looks fine.

 

My advice is to hold off on the lift for now. Get some 265s, keep reading/researching. I think you'll find that the first level is the usual billies/coils/AAL. That's a few hunskies.. after that save your money because the next realistic step is some adjustable coils (fox, icon,king,etc)/leaf pack/UCAs and that's getting into the thousands to get quality stuff and do it right.

Keep driving and enjoying your truck. Don't buy stuff too quickly. research,research...

 

Why not go with something less expensive than Icons then? 5100s with OME 885 coils and a Dakar leaf pack would get the job done.

Also, be aware that Icons are digressive while Fox, Kings, and most other options are progressive. Research the difference between the valving and decide which one will fit your needs/driving style before making a purchase.

 

Thanks this is exactly what I was looking for. If my setup lasted that long I would be totally fine. If your uniball is still in good shape after 12yrs then it just seems like normal wear and tear. 12 year is a lift time hahaha thanks for the inform!

 

I have 5,000 saved for a lift, I was planning on installing this week. But, I want the best bang for my buck and want to make the right decision.

 

You said cost was an issue?

 

Cost on maintenances but, if it doesn't need to be serviced (rebuilt) for 8 to 9yrs then I should be fine. I just don't want to send $5,000 or so on a lift and every week, I have to be repairing something. I don't have the funds for that. If the maintenances is only greasing UCA every now and then that fines that not an issue or rebuilt after 8-9yrs that would be okay as well for me. I'm just so uneducated when it comes to lifts. That why I want your expertise.

 

Nice Rig by the way! This is the look I'm trying to go for.