Question on Ironman Foam cell

Morning,

I had this kit installed about six months ago, Ironman Foam Cell Pro. My last truck had the Billstein 5100 setup. When I put the Billstein in, going over any bumps was unnoticeable. But with the Ironman foam cell, it's almost like exaggerated. Like I feel the bumps more than the stock shocks. Is that to be expected? A friend told me they were still working, but just a different style. Is that accurate? Will they eventually 'break in'? Or do I need to look at the install?

Appreciate any thoughts/ideas.

https://ironman4x4america.com/suspe...ed-for-toyota-4runner-2010-with-kdss-stage-2/

 

I have the same problem. It’s definitely harsher than whatever was on the truck before. Wasn’t bilsteins in the front though, previous owner swapped the fronts with an off brand but it was still stock height. Rears were stock.

I think my problem was when we installed it, we just used an air ratchet to tighten everything in the air. And didn’t hand tighten then put it on the ground and torque everything to spec. That and all the bushings besides the new leaf spring bushings and upper control arm bushings and the bushings that the new shocks came with for installation, are from 08 when my truck came from the factory.

so retorquing everything and replacing the other suspension bushings is my next task. But I don’t trust shops in my area to actually do this work. Maybe the bushings but I could see them saying they retorque everything but not actually doing the work and charging me an insane amount of money. So I’m saving up to do this work myself. Going to get a mid torque gun from mikwuakee and some axles stands and a jack. If it doesn’t smooth out after that I’m going to replace the suspension again. I might try out the new Ironman IM2.5 monotubes as they are supposed to be way more plush and comfortable then the foam cell pros. That way I can keep the leafs and the UCA’s. Otherwise like I said brand new everything again and take the hit.

 

Ok, sounds like you have a good plan. I spent $2500 on shocks + install so figured they would work without the above.

 

FYI mine haven't softened up, even with about 300lbs of extra weight with bumper, winch, sliders, and a front skid. I just think the spring rates they use are insane. Back when I got mine they weren't posted, but iirc someone came out with the info that they were around 750+ lb/in which is nuts. I haven't recommended these to anyone else for that reason.

 

Most mechanics don’t torque to spec, they just throw the parts on truck and ugga dugga to their heart’s content. It my brother and I 12 hrs to do this install because of rusty bolts and it being the first time for the both of us. We didn’t have a torque wrench then and didn’t think about it. Wish we did

 

The Foam Cell Pros are valved stiff and the higher rate springs don’t help. I have them on my truck as well I just swapped the IM 720# springs for OME 2886X 660# rate springs. They do fit but it it’s tight and I should have adjusted the spring seat to be a little lower. It rides a lot better. I was able to find the springs for cheap on FB and did the swap myself.

I’ve had them on for almost a month and no issues as of yet.

 

they need the heavy springs to bounce, the shocks arent pressurized to bounce by itself.