IRONMAN FOAM CELL PRO SUSPENSION KIT

His anyone had Any experience with Ironman stage 4 suspension. Are they as good as they claim or should I go with bilstein. I like that foam cell replaces nitrogen gas. one thing I dont like is their made in china, I wonder about Quality and fit and finish. please advise.

 

I have Ironman Foamcell Pro Stage 1 Non KDSS. I also have 1.5rear spring instead of 2in rear spring comes with the package.

In terms of on road comfort and rough off pavement comfort: I would rate is very good over Bilstien5100 -> slightly good over TRD Pro Fox -> But not good as ELKA 2.5DC. Note that my 4Runners are Non-KDSS. KDSS models will not be as comfort so this will not be same as KDSS experience when it comes to comfort. No idea about reliability as my Limited will never see hard trails. It rarely see rough gravel roads.

 

Foam cell is superior to nitrogen only in the twin tube design. Twin tube is horrible for cooling and the foam cell is a way to alleviate this shortcoming a little. Bilstein shocks are monotube, so they're better for cooling than foam cell. This video explains their differences:



Ironman's fit, finish, and durability should be about the same as Bilstein - expect to replace them in a couple of years if you do a lot of gravel roads, "overlanding", etc.

 

I've had the stage 2 kit now for a few months/miles, ride is quite a bit stiffer than stock-which is a plus. For local logging roads more than adequate and I know I have not really put them to extreme test...yet
All in all I'm happy and have no complaints

 

If you like your suspension made in China go for it.

 

If they can make a iPhone, they can handle a shock.

 

———— China, avoid as much of that as possible.

 

well when your Chinese suspension fails on a trail in the middle of nowhere hopefully your iPhone can get you a call for help

 

No love for the Chinese Land Cruiser?

 

Made in china, thats the biggest problem I have with it.

 

When I was young, the big joke was that everything was “Made in Japan”.

 

For the Land Cruisers, foam cell pro is stiff. Too stiff for my liking. I install their full kit about once a month at work.

On my personal 100 series, and several that I service, the ironman rear coil springs rust out fast. Spotted rust all over the place with any real off roading. Their paint or powder coat does not hold up well. That's all just my experience.

 

Ok @Superdave1.0 - do you have a good budget recommendation? My local shop really recommends Dobinson's IMS with the proper setup. Thoughts and experience with them?

Sorry OP for hijacking your thread.

 

I have 40k on my Stage 2 kit and I have had to warranty out 3 out of my 4 shocks due to leaking.

Ride quality is great. UCA was recalled, but I have not put the new one on yet. I do have a lot of miles offroad and no complaints about the ride quality but definitely the build quality.

Customer service is great.

 

Dobinsons is pretty good. I like Bilstein 6112 or 5100. Also Eibach has been coming out with some great kits for the Toyota trucks.

King and Fox are the best though. Have installed them all.