Suspension Choice: Toytec Boss Performance VS Icon Stage 2

I am narrowing down my choices for a Suspension lift for a 2018 4Runner without KDSS. Both choices are about $100.00 of each other.

I am going to install 17x8.5 Method Racing Wheels and 285/70/17 Toyos. The 4Runner will be mostly road driven with some beach and light/medium trails.

My choices are:

1. - Toytec Boss Performance - 25Boss-FJ210P-EXT-25480 and the SPC Upper Control Arms

2. - Icon Stage 2 - K53062T Including the Tubular Upper Control Arms with Delta Joint.

Differences:

Red vs Black - As stated by the Tech guy at Toytec. (Is he right?)

Toytec Rear Shocks have the External Reservoir and Boots - Not a deal breaker either way.
Toytec Includes Rear Bump Stop Drop Kit, Spanner Wrenches and Diff Drop Kit

Lifetime "Never Sag" Warranty on Icon Rear Springs
Icon Reputation

Anything else either Positive or Negative to add? Any input is appreciated.

 

Any particular reason why you are not a fan of Icon?

 

Have you ruled out ADS?

 

I've been doing a lot a research and I decided to go with ADS. I had Icon on my 2012 Tacoma, and both rear shocks blew the seal. My Tacoma was pretty much a Mall crawler, so not sure why both shocks blew the seal.

 

I'm going with ADS as well. Really like their setup. Just need to quit procrastinating and order it.

 

On top of being a great product, they are local to me. Have you priced them out yet?

 

I normally buy through Headstrong Off-road. Marie quoted me $2775 for front/rears with remote reservoirs and compression adjusters. It'll be around $3200 with ucas.

 

I've got the Boss Superflex (Toytec) 3 inch lift right now; it rides wonderfully and looks great. However. I'm upgrading to Icon's Stage 6 (billet) with secondary front shocks and reservoirs. My shop has said that Icon is a far superior product, but that's for off-road (especially with the Stage 6). For normal, every day driving they said to expect it to be rougher with Icon, and that I'd feel more of the road (in a not so great way).

So, to me, it depends on what you are doing with the lift--overland travel, or is it mostly for looks? If it's for looks, go with the Toytec, as your ride will be more comfortable and the red really pops. If you are doing a fair amount of overland/off road then go with the Icon.

 

Marie's great to work with. I found a local dealer that beat her price, so it looks like I'll be going that rout. Hopefully they are in stock, I'm going to buy this Friday. Good luck with your purchase.

 

Thanks. My shop is re-gearing at the same time they are doing the Icon Stage 6; then, they talked me in to putting the ARB front locker (I already have the rear locker) at the same time as the re-gearing.

Who am I to say no to an upgrade...

 

I went from stock to an Icon Stage 6 and driving on the road is still very comfortable and off road the difference is night and day. You wont be disappointed.

 

Thanks for the input. Just got off the phone with the shop, will take about 2 weeks (because of the re-gearing) to finish, but can't wait. Just in time for all the passes to open up here (in Colorado).

 

Thanks for all the input.

I am leaning toward the Icon Stage-2 or Stage-3 with the Tubular Lowers on the rear.

 

Just got the Icon Stage 2 put on a couple of weeks ago... My 4Runner now feels more like a truck (in a good way). You do feel more of the little stuff on the road but the annoying nose dive is gone, didn't roll much to begin with because of the KDSS, but when off-road you really notice what you put your money into... with appropriate tire pressure... taking it off-road will put a smile on your face

 

Wondering if someone could guide me on a lift since we are on the topic. I was also looking at the brands but not sure what is good. I have 2018 OR black and don’t want big lift, and was wondering if I got the OEM Black TRD wheels with the stock size tires, and just put a minimal lift would that work?

If I lift it minimally would that require a larger tire ? The dealer made a comment they normally do a leveling kit which is 3” and appears to be the smallest lift. Looks like what a TRD pro might be stock??

I appreciate any advice!

 

I ended up getting the Icon Stage 2. Then I added the Track Bar and Rear Upper and Lower Links. Get it all and install one time. Done.

I have the Method Racing Con 6 Wheels in Matte Black. I really like Method wheels and the Con 6 is one of their newer one's and rarely seen. Toyo AT2s in a LT285/70/17 are also included.

 

The answer to your question really depends on what you are trying to accomplish and why; is the lift/tire modification for looks or for some added functionality--or both? The answer, however, to your first question (assuming that I'm reading it correctly) is: yes, TRD wheels and stock tires will work, even without a lift. The answer to your second question about requiring a larger tire is: No. No, you will not REQUIRE a larger tire; you may, however, put on a larger tire, and may want to put on a larger tire, which goes back to my first comment on if this is for looks or function. Certainly, a larger tire gives you both: better looks, and some added function.

I'm not partial to leveling kits, and personally believe that if you are going through the expense a suspension lift is better, and certainly wouldn't do it through the dealer--they aren't off road specialists, and charge more. Personal opinion there. Finally, with a 1-2 inch lift (leveling or suspension), you can go up to, for example, 275/70/17 (~32" tire), with very minimal rub (possibly none at 2 inches). You will most likely have some rub on the inside of the front tire when the tire is turned at maximum. However, with a three inch lift, it will be doubtful that you will have rub with 275s and can probably push it to 295s (~33 inch tire)...maybe, and depending on the tire.

 

Thanks a lot! My main concern of lifting it would be the tire gap between the wheel well. Mostly looks but I would want the tire to look proportional to the lift but want to avoid any rubbing or cutting out the wheel well if possible. Also I want a bit more clearance and I'm not planning to do any serious wheeling, mostly "overlanding" but with the ability to handle something in the way... or to prevent any damage due to scraping underneath.

If I did a 3" lift, which appears to be the minimal lift that most would do? Would you suggest larger tires? Right now I have 265/70/17, wouldn't I want like a 265/75 (middle number larger for larger tire height?)

Would someone mind linking me to one of the toyTec 3" lift online?

 

I would go with a larger tire with a 3" lift than stock; I have the Toytec Boss HD lift (a really good, quality lift) and my tires are 275/70/17. I also have 1.25 inch Spidertrax spacers installed. There is no rubbing and the tires look well-sized relative to the lift. So to answer your main question: My tires are 32.16 inches (BFG K02s); the tires you mentioned (265/75/17) are 32.65 inches. Doubtful that 1/2 inch would cause any rubbing concern, and would look proportional. You may have to remove the mud flaps, however. The shop can check on this for you after the install.

However, I am pulling out my Toytec lift and putting in a Stage 6 (billet) Icon lift with a secondary front shock, which will give 3.5 inches of lift (am putting in the 3 inch coils in the back, as I have a lot of extra weight from bumpers, armor, equipment, etc); I am replacing the 275s with 295/70/17 (Nitto Grapplers), which is a 33.26 inch tire. After running my 275s, I decided to run a more aggressive, larger and slightly wider tire. Again, this is a bit of a personal preference on looks, but for functionality will be helpful off road, giving me more contact with the ground and slightly more clearance. As well, the Icon suspension is a mid-travel and designed for race level off-roading, so a larger tire will be supportive of that set-up.

Best of luck--it's one big experiment, setting up our trucks. You get one set-up and the next thing you know, you are moving onto to the next one...

 

I see this on their site.

TTBOSS-4R210 - ToyTec BOSS Suspension System for 10+ 4Runner

Your Price: $1,359.99

Probably don't need the reservoirs for the rear? Would you suggest aftermarket control arms?
Those were the 2 add-on options.
Just trying to get an idea of pricing. Also this lift kit doesn't tell me what size.

 

I did have the UCAs installed (see below) on the ToyTec lift, but no reservoirs. Honestly, there are a lot of good suspensions out there; this one worked really well for me and with the 4Runner. The 4x4 shop delivered the truck to me when it was completed, and said they've never driven a 4Runner that was so smooth on the road. Part of that, I think, is that they just did a really good job, but another part is that I believe the BOSS works really well with the BFG K02s, and is made by a company that focuses on Toyotas.

As far as the reservoirs, that again comes down to looks and functionality. If you are off road a bit, then the reservoirs will help, for sure, with fade as the oil heats up. As far as look are concerned, they certainly will add a certain manliness to the truck.

From my invoice on the suspension, here's what they installed:

BOSS kit with red 700LB
UCA FJ/4Run 07+

 

One final note on tire size, now that I'm moving up to 33s (295s), I'm having the truck re-geared to 4.88 (and at the same time having the front ARB Locker installed). This is something to keep in mind as you go larger with the tires. 33s probably don't warrant a big need for re-gearing, but if the day comes where you go beyond that, it will be something to consider.

 

To jump in on this thread, i am leaning to the boss with 3” and the 700lb front springs with a sso and winch on the front, i know as i read above it is a great ride, and my question is for occasional off road in shin deep sandy roads and torn up logging roads, and handle long road trips becuse this is a DD truck?

 

Thanks a lot for the comments! This helps me understand more of what I need.

One thing I wasn't clear on, that Boss lift I posted, is that a 3" Lift?

I see this in the description. I guess this means its adjustable 0-3", Also it appears this boss package requires the stock control arms?

• The threaded Clear-Blue Chromate zinc plated steel shock body is adjustable from 0-3” of front lift height and can be fine tuned to level your truck side to side and front to back.
• Toytec Rear Superflex Coils: - Our BOSS kits comes standard with Toytec RCC2.0 rear springs- These springs offer 2" of lift with stock rear weight with the best overall ride quality and rear articulation.
• Note: Boss front coilovers are only designed to work with stock front lower control arms

 

I just found the install instructions on their website, this looks like a very easy install actually. I've helped installed several lifts back in the day on my buddies jeeps, and pretty mechanically inclined and have most of the tools. Do I need a spring compression tool? It seems the youtube video installs they are flexing and pushing down on the axles to get the springs in, the instructions say be careful not to flex the inner CV joint as it could separate the boot/joint, is this because they aren't using a spring compression tool? Or jacking up the body more to give more space to get the springs in? Honestly this seems doable in a long day or weekend. Anyone install their own? Any warranty issues with the dealer if they didn't install it?

 

Yes it is a 3” lift i called toytech to confirm the 2” in the rear it help level it out since the rear is higher than the front.

 

Ask @WanderlostOverland they have a detailed video on a install. As of the warranty, no Toyota can only void warrenty if they can prove if the lift caused it or, it is a lift component itself.

 

I do believe that it will give you what you want--overland and DD; as a daily driver I would expect a smooth, balanced and reasonably quiet ride (now, please recognize that a part of this is also attributed to which tires you use; tread pattern, etc.). As well, this also depends on how good your shop is with install and alignment.

I have the Shrockworks front bumper with winch (Warn 9.5), and full armor, front to back; so, there is some weight there, and the suspension (700lb) is handling it well. Overall, the TT BOSS (700lb, with UCAs) is good bang for the buck.