Today is a good day in the world of 3rd Gen rear suspension. I installed Icon's newly released rear piggy back reservoir shocks on the 4Runner this evening. Initial impressions are very strong:victory:. The quality looks right up there with their coilovers and these things are stout!

With the same shock body diameter as my front DR's, they are a perfect match for the rear. The little street driving i've done this evening shows vast improvements when going through dips. Before, I'd feel the rear compress easily for that spine shattering jolt; now it's much more controlled and dampens just as it's intended.

The install was a little trickier than I had anticipated. The rebound is so strong I couldn't compress them by hand and had to use a hi-lift to lift the truck from the rear bumper to gain clearance, as well as use a floor jack to compress the shock. A C-clamp is then used to bring the bottom of the shock over the lower shock mount. 4 spacers are also included in the box, they are installed on either side of the shock bottom.

On a side note, I actually gained lift after installing these. Not sure if it will settle after they have broken in, but the rear is noticeably higher than before.




New dampeners are slightly longer than the OME N86C shocks for a little more travel.

 

what r u using in the rear along with your new shocks,leafs or springs i wanted to know since i am trying to make a decision on rear lift myself

 

Those look great! I am interested to find out what the ride comfort is like both on an off road because I am looking into getting some new shocks in the near future. Also, where did you get yours from?

 

Those look sick! But for $800 bucks I dont know....

 

I'm running OME 890's with 10mm trim packers. I'm almost finished building my rear bumper so we'll see if I need to upgrade to 891's...pretty sure i'll be staying with the 890's though.

I purchased mine with another member, I believe he got them straight from IVD.

$800 does seem like a lot, but when there is $1,500 in the front, it seems a little weird to have it matched with a $300 setup in the rear (full OME.)

When I took the OME N86C's off it was crazy how easily I could compress them. No wonder the back of the 4runner gets progressively erratic in the rough stuff.

I noticed in your sig cpizzle that you aren't running swaybars. I wouldn't really consider doing that in the rear before, but now I'd be willing to try it again now that it's stiffened up more.

 

How long did you run your ome suspension?

 

Probably 30k.

 

Look nice. Well built.

I hope you are going to add some boots to those. Notice the rock chips on your OMEs. That will destroy the shafts and in turn the seals.

 

Yes I noticed that as well. Makes me wonder why they didn't think of that already. We'll see how well their NitroSteel shaft really prevents pitting I guess.

 

You can get shock boots almost anywhere. I wouldn't wait!

 

Is Icon pretty much the best shock/coilover maker for these trucks? I have a heavy OME suspension all around right now with a ARB and winch up front. It's not sagging or anything but it rides pretty stiff and rough, more so than it seemed to when it was first installed. I've put the suspension through it's paces and probably has about 50k miles on it.

 

Regarding shock boots. I have heard that the reason a lot of high end shocks do not come with them is that the steel is hard enough to withstand the chipping. If you were to hit the housing of your OME shock with a hammer it would bend. If you did the same to your new shock shaft (not recommended) it would not bend. Also the shaft is stainless the housing is not. There is also an argument that the boot if not completely sealed will allow moisture and grime to get in and thus be trapped which would be worse than simply being exposed to the elements.

 

They r pricey but look worth it 100% an awesome upgrade

 

I hate the way stock 4runners have there shocks hanging so low.....

I'd never spend $800 bucks on some rock magnets.

 

I don't think they'd be of much use in the rocks regardless of where they are mounted.

 

thanks for leading the way. It's good to hear the report on these and looking forward to updates over the upcoming months.

 

I have to agree with crolison, my rear Billies are pretty beat up.

What do you mean they would not be much use in the rocks? Too stiff or what?

I am designing long travel for my 4runner at my job out of solid 6061 aluminum and I know the rear will need better/bigger shocks to keep up with the front.

 

I got them out in some bouldery stuff the other day. My buddy following me noticed that my rear end bounced much less than before with the soft OME's when coming down off of rocks. So in that case, the extra firmness helps.

I bought them because I enjoy higher speed touring and this is where their valving shines. I just meant that the purpose they were created was not for conquering rocks.

Looking forward to getting them out in some desert next week and seeing how they perform cruising.

 

Did you make it out to the desert yet? I'm VERY interested in knowing how these new rear shocks performed in a desert/dirt pre-run style running.... (cuz bumps at speed it about 50% of my trucks life!)

Any/all update would be greatly appreciated. (WOOPS.... just noticed I spoke too soon.... please gives us all an update after your run, thx)

 

I too have OME890 just to get me by until i get serious w/the rear.
Ive looked at the icons..
but then realized,
I can get 10" bypass on race dezert for $450-800 used and rebuild them cheaply if needed.
I got both my King c/o and bypass used for 450 each pair.

Nice to have brand new stuff with warranty tho! wTG

post some vid of some 40-50mph whoops if posi!