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Toytec Boss or Icon Stage 2 ??

41K views 35 replies 17 participants last post by  John8 
#1 ·
So Metal Tech is having their 20% off anything Icon sale soon, and Toytec is having a 10% off sale right now, and this being my first real lift I'm stuck trying to decide. Currently I have a Daystar leveling kit with 285/75/16 Duratracs. I plan on getting the Light Racing LCA with whichever kit I decide on. My wheeling is not really very extreme. Lots of snow and fire roads in the Sierras as well as some week long trips through Mojave and/or Death Valley - but no really extreme crawling stuff.

Both kits are within my budget, so I guess my real question is the Icon a better system for the almost $500 dollar difference? I'm pretty sure I'll be happy with either system, but I'm pretty Type A when it comes to getting as much bang for my bucks as I can.

Any positive advice is appreciated.

:king:

 
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#2 ·
For the type of wheeling you plan to do, Toytec Boss lift will be an excellent choice. My brother ran Icon, even though he loved it, he went Toytec on his next rig to save some money and still do the same things he did with the Icon. I would say Icon if you plan on adding stages later on. But you will be spending a lot of money for a lift you are not really using (rock crawling). I run the Boss lift myself and the ride is excellent on and off road. No regrets when wheeling and I saved some money. Toytec makes an excellent lift. Quality is just as good as Icon. Can't go wrong either way but for what you plan to do with your rig, save some money and put it toward other mods. :cheers:
 
#3 ·
Between this options, get the Icons, unless the only worry is the adjustability, the Icons will give you a lot more performance, I do think the Boss CO's have the regular 46mm body and shaft, so they'll fade quickly under stress. With the 20% black Friday discounts, I wouldn't even think twice. Metaltech is offering Icon Stage 1 plus MT rear lca's for the same price as Icon Stage 1, call and ask them if you can still get the 20% off on that deal and don't look back.
 
#4 ·
I would go with Toytec. Any type of midtravel 3" coilover lift brings you to the same level on slow trail wheeling (same flex) IMO. A higher stage Icon could only give you better high speed performance, which I assume you won't do all the time. When you started to feel unsatisfied with a midtravel 3" lift, get a long travel kit.

I know the stage 2 is listed as extended travel, but I don't think it will give you much additional flex, afterall you are still running stock LCA and you can't go to too high CV angle. I have the Toytec BOSS, I wasn't too satisfied with the down travel I got (1.5", lift=2.5") so I consulted a lot of people. I heard the ICON extended coilovers they just replace the internal bump stop, the coilovers are just about 0.25" longer. Which is the same as putting a 0.25" spacer on top of a regular travel coilover. The wheel travel will be a higher number but not a lot.

That about Icon i don't have first hand comparison, just heard from others with much more experience than me. So please correct me if i'm wrong. After I learned the limitation of midtravel 3" lift, I put a long travel kit on my list.
 
#6 ·
Just making sure facts are correct... The BOSS suspension does not use a Bilstein shock (the Ultimate kit does). It is a proprietary shock to Toytec which has a threaded shock body instead of snap ring settings and a aluminum tube and ring. The BOSS shock also is valved a little different than the Bilstein, and has a larger nitro steel shaft as well as a larger lower stem.
 
#9 ·
The toytec boss lift will do its job, I've driven a 4runner with the 5100's, a tacoma with the old boss equivalent, and even an FJ with the boss. The boss is definitely the most advanced of the threem and they all handle relatively well, but their is a very noticeable difference between those setups and Icons.

I have Icons tubular UCA's paired with their extended travel coil overs, and I am very much pleased with my flex and down travel. The icons handle everything I've thrown at them. I'm not doing prolonged high speed runs so I don't need reservoirs, although 2.5" diameter rear shocks would be a welcomed improvement,between rock crawling, large dips/bumps on the trail and short bursts of speed, I'm always in control and never worry about suspension with these, I absolutely love them. You feel the smaller bumps a bit more on the road, but I can't count the number of times I've had friends tense up before I roll over a rather large dip/bump/object and be surprised at the utter smoothness.

Its ultimately up to you, in my opinion, Icons, or any coil over, are worth their cost, definitely the most significant modification I've made in terms of overall improvement.
 
#20 ·
ToyTec done screwed the pooch again!

The Boss shocks I was ensure would be dpsent Monday, finally got sent out today. To my OLD DAMN ADDRESS!

I have went through this twice with these people already. I truly wish I had never dealt with ToyTec. Twice I have been told that they updated my address in their system. Twice they have sent parts to my old address.

What do you have to to to get across to these people?
 
#21 ·
Now I don't feel bad about not having my spanner wrench yet even though my coilovers have been on the truck for over a week now.
 
#22 ·
Just confirmed with FedEx.........struts are still headed to the old address. A female at ToyTec assured me on Monday they they were being sent to my new address, she did the same again on Friday. Can't take that lady for her word in the least.

**Seems as if they have two serparate systems. One for orders and one for shipping. They tried to call me and update me on the shipping status. Turns out this was a computer glitch that was retaining my old shipping address and phone number. That glitch has been addressed. Cudos to ToyTec for getting a handle on this and taking care of the issue. My apologies for the "lack of faith".....ToyTec pulls through, just as everyone has stated they would.
 
#23 ·
Just confirmed with FedEx.........struts are still headed to the old address. A female at ToyTec assured me on Monday they they were being sent to my new address, she did the same again on Friday. Can't take that lady for her word in the least.
Wow that's pretty crappy if true. Hopefully it all works out.
 
#24 ·
Back to the OP...

I pondered these two kits for a couple weeks, even drove over to Metal Tech and talked with LT about the Icon's since they're local. In the end spent my money on the Toytec Boss kit and TC UCA's, which I believe will better suit my needs. My requirements were better on and off road handling, and improved slow to med speed dampening. Dakar is not in the cards for my FJ. I think it really comes down to how your going to use your rig, and how much money your willing to spend.

To add, Toytec customer service rep was extremely helpful and knowledgeable answering my long list of questions. I placed my order last Monday as they were about to close, then FedEx delivered all 4 pkg bits Friday AM, CO to OR in two biz days not counting the holiday. Toytec's customer service experience certainly exceeded my expectations.

keeping the new stuff tucked away in my fj until time to install, out of site out of mind :x

 
#26 ·
So Metal Tech is having their 20% off anything Icon sale soon, and Toytec is having a 10% off sale right now, and this being my first real lift I'm stuck trying to decide. Currently I have a Daystar leveling kit with 285/75/16 Duratracs. I plan on getting the Light Racing LCA with whichever kit I decide on. My wheeling is not really very extreme. Lots of snow and fire roads in the Sierras as well as some week long trips through Mojave and/or Death Valley - but no really extreme crawling stuff.

Both kits are within my budget, so I guess my real question is the Icon a better system for the almost $500 dollar difference? I'm pretty sure I'll be happy with either system, but I'm pretty Type A when it comes to getting as much bang for my bucks as I can.

Any positive advice is appreciated.

:king:

My apologies for the slight derailment of your thread.

The Boss system is a great coil over setup for the average person. If you are into slower, technical driving and trails, the Boss system will to all you ask of it. Where the Icon shocks may have the advantage is with higher speed wheeling, dunes and desert trail driving. They are also rebuild able which may also be a plus. However, they are more expensive.
 
#31 ·
Got the Boss installed today, a little suspension porn always helps...:clap:



cv angle not bad, front dialed up 2" : 22.5"


before

after, left about 1" of rake since I pull a trailer


next? need to get expo bumpers installed and naturally let springs settle before another front adjustment and final alignment.

feel? Really early and pavement only so far, but rides really great. Nice straight down the road, no hands. Dampening is smooth, doesn't feel harsh in any way. Solid in the corners, no more diving.
 
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