Front shock research : ICON vs Radflo

Octanejunkie

Just another jagoff with a 4x4
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The fellow I bought my manual hubs and spindles from has a set of Icon 58716Cs he's parting with since he's going SAS, Icon V.S RR 2.5" w/700# coils

We discussed a price ($1,600) which included him shipping them to icon for repairs, a tune up, and Icon shipping them to me
Icon reported back basically recommending rebuilding the entire shock at a cost of over $720
He is talking to Icon to see if which of the "recommended updates" are required, since they pretty much listed the kitchen sink
I know these shocks retail for $2,100+ but I'm not sure I want to sink close to that on used, rebuild shocks

So I've been doing some research in the meantime

Brand new Icon 58716-700, same shock & spring, minus CDCV, for about $1,600 brand new
These are off the shelf, and don't have the "tune on the fly" CDCV option

Radflow is another option, Opt Offroad and Sonoran Steel both premiere them

A similar Radflow, 2.5" body with external reservoir and 700# coils, are about $100 more but are "built to order" off of a questionnaire sent after ordering and then a 16 week delay

Ultimately I'm looking for a front shock to handle anything I throw at it but I don't plan on long travel at this time. I would like to lose the front sway bar if possible and am willing to add limit straps to my factory LCAs. Next tires will be 33s but I might consider 35s in the future and start cutting this bitch.

Looking for opinions, sorry for the long post
 
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Dezert4Runner

Pineapples belong on pizza
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Oct 23, 2018
Messages
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The fellow I bought my manual hubs and spindles from has a set of Icon 58716Cs he's parting with since he's going SAS, Icon V.S RR 2.5" w/700# coils

We discussed a price ($1,600) which included him shipping them to icon for repairs, a tune up, and Icon shipping them to me
Icon reported back basically recommending rebuilding the entire shock at a cost of over $720
He is talking to Icon to see if which of the "recommended updates" are required, since they pretty much listed the kitchen sink
I know these shocks retail for $2,100+ but I'm not sure I want to sink close to that on used, rebuild shocks

So I've been doing some research in the meantime

Brand new Icon 58716-700, same shock & spring, minus CDCV, for about $1,600 brand new
These are off the shelf, and don't have the "tune on the fly" CDCV option

Radflow is another option, Opt Offroad and Sonoran Steel both premiere them

A similar Radflow, 2.5" body with external reservoir and 700# coils, are about $100 more but are "built to order" off of a questionnaire sent after ordering and then a 16 week delay

Ultimately I'm looking for a front shock to handle anything I throw at it but I don't plan on long travel at this time. I would like to lose the front sway bar if possible and am willing to add limit straps to my factory LCAs. Next tires will be 33s but I might consider 35s in the future and start cutting this bitch.

Looking for opinions, sorry for the long post
I don't have any direct experience with either of those brands or the clicker resi’s, but I know for a fact you’ll regret running 700 lb coils, even if you have a heavy front bumper/ winch. I ran 650’s on my factory replacement Sway-A-Ways and always thought they were more spring than I needed. When I went LT, I dropped down to 600 lbs on my Fox 8” coilovers and it was plenty of spring rate for me. I don’t run a winch and have no plans on doing so.

If I had one other recommendation, it would be to go ahead and make them extended travel while you’re at it whether you have the Icons rebuilt or have the Radflo built to spec. As long as you have an aftermarket UCA, that is.
 

Dukestaco

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The fellow I bought my manual hubs and spindles from has a set of Icon 58716Cs he's parting with since he's going SAS, Icon V.S RR 2.5" w/700# coils

We discussed a price ($1,600) which included him shipping them to icon for repairs, a tune up, and Icon shipping them to me
Icon reported back basically recommending rebuilding the entire shock at a cost of over $720
He is talking to Icon to see if which of the "recommended updates" are required, since they pretty much listed the kitchen sink
I know these shocks retail for $2,100+ but I'm not sure I want to sink close to that on used, rebuild shocks

So I've been doing some research in the meantime

Brand new Icon 58716-700, same shock & spring, minus CDCV, for about $1,600 brand new
These are off the shelf, and don't have the "tune on the fly" CDCV option

Radflow is another option, Opt Offroad and Sonoran Steel both premiere them

A similar Radflow, 2.5" body with external reservoir and 700# coils, are about $100 more but are "built to order" off of a questionnaire sent after ordering and then a 16 week delay

Ultimately I'm looking for a front shock to handle anything I throw at it but I don't plan on long travel at this time. I would like to lose the front sway bar if possible and am willing to add limit straps to my factory LCAs. Next tires will be 33s but I might consider 35s in the future and start cutting this bitch.

Looking for opinions, sorry for the long post
I have to agree with Drunk skeleton man. I think 700’s will be to stiff for a 3rd Gen. Get them extended travel. It’s just a spacer that restricts down travel. Use limit straps if need be. As long as Icon rebuilds and replaces everything they recommend ( they over recommend) I would go that route. More features for about the same cash. The adjustability on the fly will be nice to have.
I have ext travel icons 650 springs on a 4th Gen no sway bar. When the bumper and winch get added moving up to 700. The 650 are a bit soft as is.
 

Octanejunkie

Just another jagoff with a 4x4
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Messages
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Thanks for the replies, guys!

If I had one other recommendation, it would be to go ahead and make them extended travel while you’re at it whether you have the Icons rebuilt or have the Radflo built to spec. As long as you have an aftermarket UCA, that is.
Those are extended travel, and I am running SPC uppers
Radflow comes in 600, 650 and 700# options
I have to agree with Drunk skeleton man. I think 700’s will be to stiff for a 3rd Gen. Get them extended travel. It’s just a spacer that restricts down travel. Use limit straps if need be. As long as Icon rebuilds and replaces everything they recommend ( they over recommend) I would go that route. More features for about the same cash. The adjustability on the fly will be nice to have.
I have ext travel icons 650 springs on a 4th Gen no sway bar. When the bumper and winch get added moving up to 700. The 650 are a bit soft as is.
I'm running 620# coils now, bumper no winch.
The used Icons have 700# coils now, unless I take Icon's advice and replace them I could have them put a different spring on at my cost.

I'm confused about your last 2 sentences; 700# will be too much for me but that's what you're upgrading to when your bumper and winch get added... What are you driving that is so much heavier?
 

AssBurns

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Unless you have a ton of weight you really should not need more than 600# coils. If you are blowing through your travel too much then it’s a valving issue. If you can’t get the ride height you want with 600# coils without cranking the coil preload WAY down then you need stiffer coils.

In regards to Radflo vs Icon, they are both reputable brands. Either one will work. Sounds like the used icons might be a better choice if they are going to be completely rebuild (basically brand new at that point if they are doing new shafts and bearings).
 

Octanejunkie

Just another jagoff with a 4x4
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Messages
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In regards to Radflo vs Icon, they are both reputable brands. Either one will work. Sounds like the used icons might be a better choice if they are going to be completely rebuild (basically brand new at that point if they are doing new shafts and bearings).

Yes, new shafts, bearings, rebuild the reservoirs and replace coils is what's recommended. Perhaps I can have them install a lighter weight coil at the same time.
 

4runner DOA

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Yes, new shafts, bearings, rebuild the reservoirs and replace coils is what's recommended. Perhaps I can have them install a lighter weight coil at the same time.

If you get lighter coils I can swap them for you. Might be able to find somewhere closer to do it though. I paid 25/shock off the rig at Goodyear a few years ago.
 

Dukestaco

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Thanks for the replies, guys!


Those are extended travel, and I am running SPC uppers
Radflow comes in 600, 650 and 700# options

I'm running 620# coils now, bumper no winch.
The used Icons have 700# coils now, unless I take Icon's advice and replace them I could have them put a different spring on at my cost.

I'm confused about your last 2 sentences; 700# will be too much for me but that's what you're upgrading to when your bumper and winch get added... What are you driving that is so much heavier?
My fat ass. I believe you are on a 3rd Gen 4 runner I am in a 4th Gen. Heavier motor.
 

Octanejunkie

Just another jagoff with a 4x4
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Messages
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Thanks for the offer, Danny. Waiting to hear back from icon and I will verify what weight coils are on the shocks now.
 
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