Ironman 4x4 Suspension

Looks stellar! Good decision!

 

Thanks. It's just what I was looking for.

 

Are you guys installing it yourself or taking it to a shop? I've called some shops charging $800-1200 for installation

 

I installed it myself. I was a mechanic for about 5 years when I was younger so I have a little know how and plenty of tools. Front is pretty easy especially if you get the coils pre built. I didn't because they wanted 150 to do it. I went to a diy garage that had a large wall mounted spring compressor. I bought new top hats too. Got the coil put together there. The rest I did in my drive way. The rear is a bit tricky. Have to get the axel low enough and the truck frame high enough to get the leaf springs in and out. Ironman has a good video for the tundra and the stage 2 kit.

 

I may be out of touch with shop rates but that seems kind of high. I’m a wannabe shade-tree mechanic and have done suspension work on various vehcles in my driveway or apartment parking lot by myself with no shop lift using hand tools. If shop rates are $100/hr, I don’t see how this could be an 8 to 12 hr job with a shop lift, impact wrenches and all the other tools a good shop should have. But maybe you’re located in an area with high labor rates and commercial rent?

Another option I don’t see much on here is one we used to call “wrench-a-thons.” A group of us would get together at someone’s house and help them install a lift, a heavy bumper, rear locker, etc. Next month we’d meet at someone else’s house and help someone else. The person whose vehicle we’d work on would provide food and drinks and we’d make a mini party out of it. It helped me learn a lot and gave me the confidence to tackle new mods on my own. This was 15-20 years ago before all the DIY youtube vids we have now. Not sure if you have folks near you willing to help you install it yourself but thought I’d mention this as another alternative if you’re not comfortable tackling it on your own.

 

Unfortunately their quote is pretty much dead on with the standard range of quotes I've received in the NW for the last 3-4 years.

Occasionally you can find a shop that will be closer to 5-700, but have to be careful there. I did that once, paid less up front and then found a torn CV boot, both rear shock bolts loose, lost one of the nuts on one side and almost the other. Not fun.

Shops are in business to make money, of course, I was actually surprised that I shop I used to recommend told me recently that they wont install customer provided kits. Even if theyre NIB and kits they already sell, primary reason, charging a slight upsell on the parts. Basically if you wanted work done with them you buy with them, at a slightly higher price.

 

I paid $650 for install and a year's alignment.

 

I didn't even bother getting a quote for install. Can't stand to pay someone to do something I am very capable of doing. Started at 9am ended at about 3pm with 2 of my buddies coming over at about 1130. We wrench on each other's trucks. They have the know how as well but I have all the tools. Glad they came over. Had to balance wrenching on the truck and watching my 3 girls play and do their school work. They did enjoy eating lunch outside and doing their school work outside too. Overall it was a great day.

Thanks bud. I'm loving it so far.

 

That makes sense then. I’m in Texas and forget that the West Coast cost of living is higher than that in Texas. Sadly, Texas cost of living is rising fast with so many people moving here, though. And yeah, shops here in Texas also prefer you buy parts through them, but most will still install them if you buy them yourself, or at least they used to last time I checked a few years ago.

 

That’s awesome!

 

Is it possible to install the whole set up in stages? For example install the front or rear on different days? If so which end recommended to be installed first?

 

Like putting on shoes...tho, most times you won't run a few miles (if at all) with only one shoe...or in this case, I wouldn't drive around on rough terrain until it's completely installed...but you should be fine to stage the install.

 

If your gonna do that I'd do the rear first and I wouldn't drive it far if at all. I'd suggest getting the complete kit installed before driving

 

Did you get the performance or constant load coils?

Looks awesome! Chomping at the bit over here. Constant loads are out of stock now though...

 

What size tires are you running?

 

I got the performance load. I have no need for the constant load. No heavy bumper or winch. Don't tow much either nor do I keep a bunch of weight in the bed. Maybe 100lbs of stuff.

 

285/75r18 Goodyear Duratraks

 

I'm currently running front lift only (Bilstein 6112s set at 1.9") and have been like that for over two years. The rear is stock height but with 5160 shocks. Nothing wrong with lifting the front or the rear first, just watch for driveline vibrations in the rear.

Now, side to side is a different story. You shouldn't lift one side while the other is still at stock height. Could be a potential for a rollover during an unexpected sharp turn.

 

Anyone know if the rear sway bar is compatible with this kit?

 

I had my 3.5 kit installed last week and rims/tires mounted today! Man this kit is awesome! IMO it's not stiff/harsh. I had the coilovers pre-assembled (although I did initially consider not getting them assembled to possibly powdercoat the coils.

The packaging was pretty good - except for the leaf springs, but what can you expect right?
I felt bad for the UPS driver who had to deliver the parts. She couldn't move anything as they are pretty hefty - luckily I was home and unloaded my parts myself!

If you are considering this kit - I say go for it! I'm impressed (although I have no other references)

 

I have a sway bar. I removed it during installation and haven't attempted to put it back yet. I was thinking about getting it powder coated the same color as the coils. Gotta figure out how to remove the bushings tho.

 

I got both front and rear trd sway bars on.

 

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Clean!!!

 

Got my kit ordered and will be having a local shop do the install. Just need to decide on new tires.

 

@PhilActual Are those Duratraks loud?

 

They aren't too bad. Definitely louder than a less aggressive all terrain. They also get a bit louder as they wear down. For me they are the best compromise between Highway and aggressive off road. I use my truck for forestry work and the only puncture was a screw and that can happen to any tire.

 

I was just looking at those but heard they are loud so I appreciate your take on them. I think Flinstone tires may be the only ones that could handle screws.

 

Just got my stage 2 installed last week. Took it out for a shakedown test this past weekend. Very impressed with the kit. Only comparison I have is the stock suspension. I took the truck out to a route I frequent. With the stock suspension I constantly bottomed out. There's also a specific rock in the middle of the trail that whenever I run over it the initial impact was always jolting. New suspension never bottomed out and it absorbed the impact with that rock very nicely.

 

Looks and sounds great! Enjoy your weekend!

 

How does it compare to stock suspension during everyday driving? Is it a firm ride? Is it a harsh ride?
Thanks...