Icon Leaf Spring Installation

[@perez2517]

Love this video, it gives you a realistic view of the issues to prepare for and how long this will take. Thanks you guys

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Thanks man. Installs almost never go to plan. So we show the bad with the good rather than hide it like most channels do

[@UniqueTII]

I installed these with option 1 last night and it is definitely a challenge! Your ratchet strap trick is a lifesaver. 👍 Eibachs are going on the front this weekend.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Glad we could help man. We struggled so much the first time we installed leafs.

[@5150skrew]

I love my Icon setup but I will totally agree that the stage 3 is a pain in the ass to install!

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Wish more people would talk about how difficult it can be sometimes to install the gear. I’ve faced a few issues over the years with “bolt on” gear not quite fitting in.

[@johnvaras1764]

Nice work fellas. That raptor looks awesome with those springs.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Yeah it does. Sits just right

[@springer1977]

I was really worried about adding/swapping out for the option 2 leaf after watching this video the night before my install. I went into the garage looked it over and swapped both sides out in about 45 minutes by myself with a small Dewalt squeeze clamp and a c clamp. Not sure what the issue that you guys and several others from reading the comments had, but evidently I didn't encounter it.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

It was a bitch for us. So you should document the process you used to do it. Could save people hours

[@BlueJeansOverland]

💯, changed the springs to level 2 and painted them and installed it myself in my garage with c clamps and didn’t have to remove shocks or cut any bolts… maybe keep it dirty needs to clean up a little. A clean job goes smoother ;).

[@DavidOrdonezRE]

Great video. I installed mine as they ship on option 1 and it sits just about half inch higher than my front (on eibach springs). I did mine without any help in my garage. The install wasn't too difficult, you just need to be patient and take your time making sure to do things right

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Yeah, if we did not install the extra leaf it would have been much easier. Definitely more difficult than installing Deavers because of the arch. Once the springs settle though, you may find the back end will be either level or lower than. The front with Eibachs. It takes a while for these type of springs to settle though.

[@DavidOrdonezRE]

You're right, I'm still about half inch higher on rear without any weight, but already not liking the stance with light weight. Do you think stage 2 drives alright without weight? I only occasionally load the truck, most of the time it's empty

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Setup the truck for the most common way your drive it. For me it was loaded up so my truck was at the highest setting. But unloaded it looked funky. Back end was all high. My truck was a dedicated off-roader so it was rare it had an empty bed.

[@DavidOrdonezRE]

Thanks man the other option I am considering is leaving the pack at option 1 but adding the overload leaf from the stock springs. In my mind this keeps the soft ride without load and adds half inch of lift, with the added benefit of engaging when loaded

[@renevillalvazo8279]

Took your advise, installed icon leafs on the back, eibachs on my 17, kept the tires 35". Rides amazing. Thanks for the great advice Helio!

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Glad we could help man.

[@ChristianGrest]

Awesome install video! Maybe 1 minute in things learned...don't buy the Icon leafs unless paying someone else to install them. Crazy how expensive leaf springs are...never have thought they'd be so pricey. Looking forward to the bump kit install and how this stuff holds up on the long run. Truck height looked awesome at the end!

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Yeah, we learned that lessons the hard way. Icon shit takes way more effort to install. Editing the bump kit video now

[@BlueJeansOverland]

Sounds like someone drinks the deaver cool aid, and just trashing icon for no reason.

[@johnmorrison8351]

I installed the Option 2 setup on my own in about six hours and it was an absolute sonofabitch! I was lucky that I had long punches that fit through the leaf pack so that when I c-clamped the pack together the pins dropped right in. My rear was WAY too high vs my Eibachs, so after a couple of weeks I installed RPG extended shackles to bring it down an inch. A year later I’m extremely happy with the springs. Ride is great and traction is improved without the lift blocks. They should have springs like these from the factory. I have no experience with the Deavers but I’m sure they’re great too

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Totally agree. Better springs is a must for these trucks. Specially with how soft the stock ones are and how much wheel hop they allow.

[@trackar134]

Thank you guys! I’m doing both the icon and geysers this weekend.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

It’s a shit ton of work. Hope you have help and the right spring compressors

[@offgridvision6895]

Thanks for the video! Doing this exact set up for my 2020 raptor. Offroad alliance does give an option for stage 3 with an addition $150 I believe.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

That’s good to know. It was a lot of work adding the leaf in

[@brandonjernigan]

I did level 2 and it was def a PITA. Took me and a buddy about 5 hours. Ratchet straps are 100% needed. Didn’t drop the exhaust though. Also, those u bolts seem long to accommodate for bump stop strike plate. Need to cut mine down when I install the bumps.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

They are way, way too long. And yeah man. All that extra time sucks for what should be a quick install. Removing the exhaust helped with the bump kit install too

[@YuccaSpeedShop]

Well, I just completed one leaf by myself with two C clamps and my impact. That was not fun. My advice with the extra leaf for option 3 is to do it on the floor, so you can move around it while it's clamped and even sit on the leafs upside down to help get it together. The lower leafs go together nice, the uppers go together nice... the upper and lower fight each other and do not want to go back together. Lightly clamp them while the holes are aligned. Use a screwdriver to manipulate the spring holes and get you lined where you can drive one bolt all the way through. Keep tightening your clamps and get your second bolt in. I spent a whole night doing one just trying to line up holes and drive it home, wouldn't work until the screwdriverkept my holes lined uo and allowed me to put levaeage on thr bottom hole to get it in line. I bet I can do the other in an hour or less now. Good luck. I do love these tight tolerances at the end of the day. So solid.

[@LordRobbert]

Looking forward to the new truck and build.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Me too. Selection is limited and prices are sky high

[@LordRobbert]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad prices right now are ridiculous. The market needs to calm down a little before I go truck shopping. Hanging onto the Jeep a little longer.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

@@LordRobbert same here. I keep and eye out, but not daily like I used to. I literally have already seen every available truck and the prices are too high

[@ajstar89]

Great video, good luck with their bump kit. Im sure you know, but just a heads up you’re supposed to trim the U bolts after you re-torque them in 500 miles or so. After that take angle grinder to them and trim them with about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of extra material, add some torque paint and your done. 🤙

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Trimming bolts is not ideal. Guarantees they have to be cut off if you ever have to change the height.

[@ajstar89]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad I would NOT recommend or advise anyone on reusing that hardware if your removing them to chang heights. The repetitive stretch on both the bolt and the threads on it could lead to premature failure. Call any of the reputable fab shops, and they’ll confirm its pretty standard to trim those bolts flush post tension. I’m surprised you didn’t have to with your Deavers. Ive had a few sets on my raptors since they’re down the street, and even with my recent re-arching I had to trim the new hardware each time.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

@@ajstar89 Ive never had to trim my U bolts when buying standard deavers sets. They always provided hardware that was just the right length. only sets I've seen that need it is the Icon kit and my Custom set of XHD+4's deavers I had made.

[@TherealRodeo]

Just did deaver +3, alone, in my driveway and did not have to remove the shocks or exhaust! 5hrs start to finish

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Yeah, Deavers are much easier to install

[@TherealRodeo]

​@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad Yes still a challenge though! Great vids!

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Yeah, they are much heavier with the extra leafs. But once in its relatively easy to bolt them in.

[@josecasarojo1451]

Looks good.

[@anthonymontoya6950]

Hi did you have use drop shackles for the rear when installing leaf springs? If so what size of drop shackles 1 or 2 inch ? Or did you keep the factory raptor ones ?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

We kept the factory drops shackles. Upgrading the drop shackles requires some planning. A common mistake I see guys do is order +1 over stock (+3 Deavers) leaf pack and but a 1inch drop shackle. So your back down to stock height 🤔. If that was their intent, great, but 99% of time it was not. Drop shackles are supposed to give you more tuck. But too much tuck and your rubbing on the frame or your going to flatten your leaf pack early. Either way they are only needed in unique situations where you have planned out a specific height and articulation. They plan on the leaf pack increases and the drop shackle decreases to get you at the desired height and cycle. If your mainly stock, you will never need a drop shackle upgrade. RPG makes a stock height one with a grease fitting that has some value. But for the most part you won’t need it on common scenarios

[@anthonymontoya6950]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad thank you for taking the time and responding !

[@joeyskinner8366]

If you had to chose deavers sd +3 or icon multi rate. it’s for a 2020 f150 with a icon stage 5 kits

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Icon. Parts that are designed to work together, will work better together. The icon springs are designed to work best with the icon bumps and all that. The icon shocks are setup for the springs so it will give you the best performance from the whole package

[@Bret_The_Hitman]

I love the taller look. How much height did it add to the front and back and what lift kit would that be Equivalent to

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

This added 2.5” up front and 3” in the back. And we would never compare to a lift kit. Lift kits ruin Raptors

[@charlesalvarez2383]

Hey Man, love all of your content. I wanted to know if this owner ever had the clunking/popping or a similar noise after the installation. I recently installed these on my Rap (18 gen 2) and had the noise when I took it out to a field for a regular driving test after installation. Something as simple as hitting a speed bump at 15mph would make a loud noise. A friend and I tried bouncing on the rear bumper, and we got it to make the noise but only with both of us on there. I'm only getting this on the driverside, and when we did the bounce, It felt like it was coming from the rear eye of the spring. Ordinary street driving, I haven't heard it other than going over speedbumps. Was this something the owner experienced, or have you heard of this from other truck owners with the Icons? If so, what are some potential solutions you've heard about? I saw people talk about this on forms but have yet to find a possible solution, more like other people agreeing they had the issue.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

I’ll check with him. But first of all make sure everything or torqued correctly. Some noise from the aftermarket leafs is normal. They squeak, and they do make slapping and popping noises as they articulate. Unlike what most say on the forums, noise is not avoidable. It’s metal leafs. They are going to make noise as they articulate against each other. That being said. Some noise it not normal. How did the bushings look on the drop shackle when you replaced the leaf pack? Being a 2018, and a few years old now, chances are the noise could be coming from the older bushings on the drop shackle and they would need to be replaced.

[@DavidOrdonezRE]

At droop on stage 1 mine are barely hitting the exhaust on drivers side and they do make a clunk. Check that also if torquing didn't help. I've had no issues other than the sound when it scrapes

[@emilyhernandez5542]

Doing this exact same setup (Icons and Geisers)! I plan to get a tire cage eventually, but not anytime really soon. Do you think running at the option 3 will be way to high in the rear? Or go option 2 and when I get the tire cage go through the pain of having to add the extra leaf?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

It’s a lot of work to change the configuration. Way more work after they have been used and have dirt and are all rusted out. Back end will be high though. So it’s a trade off. Deal with a high back end, or a complete rehab of the springs come add a lead time.

[@cptrockstar3292]

Those stock size tires? looks good. Gonna be awhile before I get my setup that way. Geisers and +3 deavers is what I want. Having my buddy make me a quick release tire cage this week. Should be done by the end of the week.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Stock 35s +3 Deavers won’t be high enough to run level with Geisers up front. Specially if your adding a tire cage. +3 Deavers is 1” over stock. While the truck will initially appear level, once everything settles the back end will be lower. And once you add weight, it will be lower still. You need at least 2-3 inches over stock. The gear and weight you carry also matters because they will squat some.

[@cptrockstar3292]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad oh thanks for info! Good thing I haven't bought anything yet.

[@Sanjuk0522]

did you get rear bump spacer kit from Icon? Also did you replace the U bolt with shorter ones?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

The kit comes with spacers for the bumps. We did not get any extra. As for the leaf pack, they came with a single set of u bolts that are very long and have to be cut.

[@Sanjuk0522]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad Sounds good thank you. Do you notice any squeaks and rusts?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

All leaf packs will squeak and eventually rust. They are metal leaf bars that rub and slap against each other on the regular. It’s impossible to expect them not to squeak or rust. Metal on metal will always rub away any rust coating you put on them and grease only makes things worse because it now trap’s moisture and debris in between the leafs. I’ve seen people drive themselves nuts trying to avoid both and it’s a loosing battle.

[@Sanjuk0522]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad I totally agree with you, what make stock leaf springs not squeak and rust? just curious.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Paint and lithium grease. Both are temporary. Paint will get worn off as leafs rub on each other and as road debris hirs them and the lithium grease traps dirt that adds to the squeaking

[@matthewcamargo9175]

Do you prefer deaver +3 or these icons for a gen 1

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

For most people the icons is the better option. It’s adjustable with the add a leaf so you can change your mind or make them last longer with the add a leaf.

[@tctwg1]

Harbor Freight need to sponsor y’all. Looked like all HF tools got those Icon bastards in lol 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

You know it. Quality affordable tools man.

[@renevillalvazo8279]

Where will the bump stops hit now that the block is removed?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

It was in the video, but we also did it as part of the icon spring install. The kit comes with a plate that sits between the leaf pack and the axle that adds a stroke plate over the axle.

[@renevillalvazo8279]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad Helio, you are amazing for responding my question.. You are my first source when I need any answer. I just added the Eiback springs on my 2017 and I'm slowly moving to the back of the truck. Thanks again and thank you for your AF service.. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Glad we could help man. Make sure you check our latest video from a few months ago on spring upgrades is your running Eibachs

[@johnwick8138]

I have the Eibach springs for my 2020 Ford Raptor and I was wondering what I needed to do for the rear to make it leveled. Any suggestions?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Depends. Really is a lot of factors here. Most of which is how much eight your carry in the back and the amount of off-roading you do. If you want to take some of the guess work out of it. Icon springs are adjustable. It’s a lot of work to adjust them, but you don’t need a new set of springs. Start at position 1 and then go up to get your back end to the desired height

[@johnwick8138]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad I really don’t do much off roading and I don’t carry any height in the back. So maybe the 1st stage in the Icon would do for me?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

@@johnwick8138 yeah, back end will be a little higher. But overtime it will settle a little bit and you won’t look all squared when you do put something in the back

[@johnwick8138]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad alright thanks man! I’m going to put on the Eibach hopefully soon! And as soon as my leafs start to go flat I’m going to swap them with the icons 👍🏻

[@wondrboii1989]

Do you recommend a shop where I can take my raptor and do this I want to add a few inches higher but still keep that level look

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Where you based? I only Know of a few shops in SoCal.

[@wondrboii1989]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad I’m in Los Angeles

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Nearest you would be West Side offroad Group. Great shop with very reasonable rates and track record of doing great work

[@darkblurrs]

Just bought a Gen 1 that currently has Deavers in the back, in the front stock just set on high perch with only modification being the icon UCAs. Any recommendations for front suspension? Truck is daily which isn’t very much and plan on joining the AZ raptor group to do a couple trips each year. Mid perch with Giesers is my thought. Any suggestions? Truck also on 37s which I’ll swap to 35s and sell.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

37s and stock suspension and fenders don’t mix offroad on a Gen1. Forums will tell you mid to high perch and some trimming. Many will claim they offroad it too. But I’ve seen Gen1s time and time again rip off their fenders on the trails. On a Gen1 you need fenders at minimum. Done right, you need new shocks and so much more. With 35s is a matter of preference. Try it the way it is no on the trails with 35s and then go from there. Tons of options out there on what to do.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

37s and stock suspension and fenders don’t mix offroad on a Gen1. Forums will tell you mid to high perch and some trimming. Many will claim they offroad it too. But I’ve seen Gen1s time and time again rip off their fenders on the trails. On a Gen1 you need fenders at minimum. Done right, you need new shocks and so much more. With 35s is a matter of preference. Try it the way it is no on the trails with 35s and then go from there. Tons of options out there on what to do.

[@RecoilTherapyChannel]

Sounds like you prefer the Deavers..after driving it some is that still true?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Deavers are a much easier install. But each had their good and bad.

[@Xray8906]

Run those same wheels same color. 🤘

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

It’s a good look

[@carls2210]

Could someone with a side by side join y’all when y’all hit the trails?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

I’m sure it doable with a VHF a radio but there are a few drawbacks. First is range. Normally we do 90-150 miles in a day. Not sure what your range is but that’s a short run. Some can go 250 miles in a day. 2nd issue is we rarely start and end at the same location. Some starting points are gas stations in the middle of nowhere. Not the best places to leave a truck and trailer. Lastly is speed. We can easily average 50-65 mph on the trails. If it can keep it, then your golden.

[@carls2210]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad I’ll look into finding a bigger fuel tank or setting up a strapping system to hold extra fuel cans. I have a VHF radio and I’ll have someone with me that will be able to pick up at a different location.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

What kind of speed can it get up to?

[@carls2210]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad I have a bigger turbo, injectors and tune. I’ve been to 100mph but never over. I may have found a fuel solution. Going to call in the morning to make sure.

[@ryanmichel2184]

nice job what is that call i need one what plus is that

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

auto correct may have got you in this comment. Can you please ask your questions again?

[@bricks-mortar]

9:08 Loud azz truck on a residential street.

[@Jesse-Rodriguez]

1st and can't wait for your new truck. Make a decision yet?

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Still looking. Used Gen1 selection is very limited for what I want.

[@tp8382]

Dam I wish I saw this before I bought some for my Gen1. I only have my perch in the middle to level out the front of my truck, now if I install these the back will be higher no matter what? I have Stock leaf springs right now. My Icon leaf springs came all bolted together except the hardware that came in the box, I never asked for a level 1-2 or -3 kit, I just thought it was all adjustable, they never asked me. What do I need to do for the back of my truck to not lift any higher then stock when I have these installed? Thanks, This is what I bought. www.offroadwarehouse.com/product/10-14-raptor-multi-rate-leaf-spring-kit-icon-vehicle-dynamics/Default.aspx?gfid=p10047-c626054&source=googleshopping

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

So the lead pack details should be on icons website but basically they can be set between 1 over stock up to 3 over stock. To lower down to stock you need a drop shackle that can take you down. A few companies make them. Just figure out what you want and you can get it at stock, -1 or more from stock.

[@tp8382]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad Thanks, Looking at RPG +2 drop shackles, hopefully they are in stock, that combined with the leaf springs at 1 over should put me close to level or a little lower.

[@KeepItDirtyOffRoad]

Ok, i see what your doing. Net would be lower the back 1in from stock.

[@tp8382]

@@KeepItDirtyOffRoad That's what I thought, I got the +2 RPG billet shackles, the bushings are grease able as well.