Which is better? Icon vs Bilstein Lift Kit

I recently installed Bilstein 5100s on my 2017 Toyota 4Runner and an Icon Stage 2 lift kit on my 2016 Toyota Tacoma. Here are my thoughts comparing the two setups.
Bilstein 5100s: www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/to...
Use Coupon Code "MikeC" for 10% off your order
Icon Stage 2: www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/to...
Toytec 1" Block:
www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/to...
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[@89jmcfar]

I’ve really enjoyed my 5100s on my 4Runner. Just as you mentioned, the ride quality has drastically improved 👍👍

[@mohsin19999995]

8

[@eddiev2o9]

I have 5100’s on my Fj cruiser front and back. 3rd clip up front and icon rear coils 2 inch lift. Super happy with my bilsteins.

[@SMOKEYDAGANJA]

Mike, you answered so many questions for me. BIG thank you for creating and sharing this video

[@managerofkisses6103]

Thank you for this! I was about to purchase the icons but was up in the air. Seriously thank you for spending the money and taking the time to make this video for us!!!!

[@DrivenCompanion]

Glad I could help!

[@supdude5481]

Thank you Mike!

[@andrewjaudon2968]

I agree, before the 5100 install I was a bit nervous. But, once you get the truck up and the wheel off it starts to go easy. Local shop wanted $1000 to install. My 13yo daughter did the rear install on one 5100 shock. with my supervision of course!!

[@jonahs8143]

Andrew Jaudon I feel ashamed I don’t think I could have done it lol. Good on her

[@Thexhunkxlaxsb]

That is insane. I got them done at 88 rotors which is a reputable shop and they charged me 400

[@jswallet]

On my 5th gen 4runner, I went with Bilstein 6112s upfront, to level it and 5160s in the back on stock springs.

[@Jvson.t4r]

Just bought the same setup as well! What circlip did you put it at to level it?

[@001dman]

ive got icons on my 1st gen taco and bilsteins on my 1st gen tundra. They both have their perks, the icons drive amazing to me. but the billies also drive great, biggest advantage to the bilsteins is they'll last longer.. the icons will need to be rebuilt 3 times before the billies are worn out. for a daily id do billies vs full coilovers. (if its heavy offroad use you'll benefit from a full 2.5 coilover vs the billies)

[@VertiiTheGreat]

I just took Icon stage 2s off my Tacoma. I couldn’t stand how harsh the ride was. Have Kings now and they’re still pretty harsh on paved roads but nothing like the icons were. Honestly, I’d just go 6112/5160 combo for half the cost if I had to do it all over.

[@matthewmoran1271]

Vertii how much preload and what coil spring rate?

[@partyanimal8851]

Icon and especially kings are made for off-roading.. it’s gonna be harsh on paved roads.. if you going to be driving on paved roads 99.9% of the time.. should go w/ 5100 or leveling kits.. don’t spend 2k-5k and not really use it for what it’s build for.. I see guys buying Kings and they don’t even have 4WD, just don’t make any sense... but to each there own I guess

[@matthewmoran1271]

@@partyanimal8851 Not everyone needs 4wd. People run kings on 2wd trucks mostly for going fast in the desert or whatever where 4x4 isn't really needed.

[@mrfunkybassist]

Do u have E rated tires? Tires are ur first stage of suspension so if u have E rated tires, performance bolt on shocks can only do so much. I had C rated tires on my tacoma and went to P metric tires and the ride was smoothed way out. Icon stage 5 kit on it too...

[@Bipets2001]

The current setup I’m buying is front: Bilstein 6112 and Icon DJ UCA.. back: Bilstein 5160 and Icon RXT leaf springs.. the only thing I’m not too happy about it’s that I’m only lifting the front 2” and back is 1.8” so I’m not leveling the truck by that much at all.

[@darthtyranus7683]

one of the most detailed reviews I've seen great stuff! 👍definitely recommend a front diff drop though

[@bquade70]

Great video! Just bought some 5100's and installing soon. Whew-

[@DrivenCompanion]

I've got an install video on my channel if you haven't already seen it. Good luck!

[@arturosanji]

Mine were replaced a few days ago, and yes they are day and night, I got the adjustable 5100, I don't do off road often so for the price they work wonders.

[@CMBDIA]

exactly the comparison i'm looking for! i have a 2019 TRD OR 4runner

[@gatornation3889]

I am going with the 6112's with coilovers in the front and 5160 in the rear on my 2016 Tundra crewmax 4x4

[@brickcityab6623]

I have a 2018 limited 4runner you gave me a nice idea if I make it through this pandemic

[@FishermanATX]

Yay! Belstien is the way to go. Had them on my older Tacoma and the new one and I love it. Good feedback Mike!

[@dreww2475]

Your experience is pretty common, Icons are digressive and provide excellent handling at high speeds on good sized bumps but average road speed over small bumps provides a very stiff ride that many people dislike. You're right, desert washboards are where Icon set ups really shine.

[@hunterlogan2913]

they need multi purpose valving at that price point...

[@tylerwest2208]

Nice feedback, I'm running the Icon setup on my 4runner and absolutely love it. Yes, the ride is firmer on the street but off-road is where the Icon suspension really comes alive, it works extremely well in larger high speed terrain or in the hands of an aggressive driver. Just my .02, but comparing a 4Runner to a Tacoma is like apples to oranges, they both have very different handling and ride characteristics off of the showroom floor, let alone when the suspension is modified on both. The Tacoma will inherently have a much stiffer ride and a different feel due to the leaf spring rear suspension versus the coil spring + link setup of the 4Runner. Another point to be made is the fact that the 4Runner has a much stiffer chassis setup (allowing the suspension to do more of the work) versus the Tacoma which suffers from much more frame flex due to the cab and bed being separate units mounted to the frame. Regardless, Icon and Bilstein both make excellent suspension components for two very different types of situations. Looking for a cost effective OE replacement that gains a little lift for mostly street driving and mild off-road use? Bilstein gets the nod. Looking for a setup that greatly improves the off-road performance and redefines what a stock vehicle is capable of? The choice is Icon.

[@onelik]

I have a 2013 baja Tacoma with icon 2.5 cdcv with the reservoirs in the front and the bilsteins 5160 in the rear and rides great! The cool think about the cdcv icons is it has clickers to adjust the hardness or softening of the shock and that works great

[@wolfeyez300]

Well done video - thank you for the upload.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@travisbaird9243]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. Any plans to replace the upper control arms? Would be cool to see another similar video on that topic!

[@DrivenCompanion]

I'm going to try to avoid it just in the interest of saving money but its definitely a possibility

[@tundraspecialops]

It is more money, but a better performance option for the rear is not to add a 1" block, but rather get a different shackle that increases lift and get the desired lift that way.

[@jfox71]

I put 5100s and ome springs on my 3rd gen 4runner. Very happy so far. The ride is better but it should be since the the old shocks and springs were 18 years old.

[@MartyMotoring]

Tacoma ands 4Runner? Subscribed! Loving the videos I've seen so far. I installed the Eibach lift on my 4Runner and it rides nicely. Have you done front UCAs? I just installed the JBA OffRoad ones and now my alignment is in spec. (caster)

[@DrivenCompanion]

Thanks for subscribing! I haven't done UCA's. Would like to avoid it to save the money but we'll see how long I last :-)

[@salhernandez83]

How to rate the icons on high speed highway handling? Improvement over stock or the same?

[@stevegreen245]

Right on all fronts. I has an FJ with the Icon stage 7. With the billet aluminum 4 link and upper control arm up front. Stupid expensive. 6500.00. But wow it's nice. And the compression strock is adjustable. Solves all your problems. And rebuild able. The billet aluminum is not necessary. But it looks cool. Go with the tube links and save yourself a bunch of money. I spend big on suspension I think it's the most important Mod.

[@helloimlamlam4400]

give the P rated 285 wildpeaks a try next time. I wouldnt rock crawl with them, but they are a big improvement on pavement compared to an LT tire. felt every little small rut/crack on the road with my ko2s at 34 psi.

[@charlieramz3126]

I have an ‘07 4th gen Runner that I want to replace shocks on. This helps a-lot!!! Thank you!

[@g.fortin3228]

Sounds great.. weather good tomorrow.. I'm ready to swap to 5100's

[@goldenboy8964]

5100s ftw! Have them on my 17' ORP with, probably the most common setup, 1" cornfed spacers and stock springs up front set at 1.75".... rides pretty good, better than stock for sure.

[@5697johns]

What size tires are you running with your set up?

[@EcBuddy123]

Damn makes me feel good about the amount I spent to lift my 4th Gen 4runner. 5th Gen 5100s, 5th Gen front springs, and ome 2" stiffer rear springs with a barely used set of total chaos UCAs for about 1,000, plus 450 for a semi new set of Wrangler duratreks and 5th trd or wheels w/installed tpms sensors.

[@jimmycheung2363]

hey wassup brotha, did you do the stiffer springs with or without added weight? I still have a ton of bodyroll even after i installed 5100s on my 5th gen, and i'm trying to stiffen it up, but unsure if you can get stiffer springs with no added weight

[@EcBuddy123]

@@jimmycheung2363 I don't have added weight, you can go stiffer without adding weight

[@KyleRattay]

Old man emu is the best in my opinion! Rides great loved it on my 2002 tacoma 3inch lift built for Austria desert racing so long story short best bang for buck but no one really is into as much anymore. Best of both worlds cost effective and ride!

[@jimh2061]

Did you install new control arms on the Tacoma? Great video, lots of good info. Thanks!

[@DrivenCompanion]

Stock UCAs for now. Maybe down the road but it all keeps adding up!

[@NickImberyPhotography]

What are you running on the 4R in addition to the 5100’s, anything else?

[@carlross-works630]

I put Bilstein 6112’s in the front and 5100’s in the back on my FJ, the ride is great. I have a steel front bumper. The 6112’s fixed all of the nose diving and excessive body roll I had with the stock shocks/springs.

[@Bipets2001]

I’m getting for my 18 Tacoma OR 6112/5160 and I’m adding a Icon UCA at front and Icon leaf pack at back and found out that I won’t only be able to lift front 2” and back will go up 1.8” so not really leveling the truck by much.. so.. so far are you happy with the Bilstein?

[@carlross-works630]

Luis D I have been really happy with them a year in. I’ve wheeled with them and drove them around town. I have JBA UCA’s , just as good as Icon, just cheaper.

[@Fakingittilimakeit]

Mike can you measure the height from the ground to the fender on the taco? Thanks

[@bvitale35]

Did you have to cut for the 285s ? Did you switch out the UCAS from stock ? (Tacoma)

[@kurt635489]

What’s the lift height on the front on this 4Runner and did you Change out the UCA’s?

[@JohnLaFosse]

Did you try removing your sway bar off road on either setup?

[@Tom-ej8bb]

Mike, Great video ty! Will this lift require the needle bearings be replaced like on the Tacoma to get rid of vibration?? Ty!

[@DrivenCompanion]

I didn't need to do the needle bearing on the 4Runner although I only went up less than an inch. I lifted my FJ 2.2 inches as well and no issues there either.

[@mercurials54]

I’ve got bilsteins and happy w/ it. On another note, do you have agm battery in either vehicles?

[@DrivenCompanion]

Nope, 4Runner is the original battery and for the Tacoma I bought whatever Costco sells

[@Bananahammock88]

What part of oregon are you in?

[@kevinkollmansberger9229]

A lot of automotive shops will swap out the coil with the new shock for a small amount of money. Last time I did it, it was less than $50 for the two fronts.

[@davidwethington9320]

Curious why you didn't go 2 inches on the front of the 4runner. Were you trying to keep rake or is that just where it measured level?

[@DrivenCompanion]

1" puts it level.

[@stephenmorris1809]

I'm researching roof-top tents, with one option weighing almost 200 lbs. The upgraded rack will add probably 50 more additional pounds. Can the 5100's handle this 250 weight on the roof? I do a little off-roading - forest service roads, etc. primarily to get to trails for mountain biking. Don't really do any hard-core overlanding/crawling.

[@DrivenCompanion]

They will work great. I've featured a friends 2017 SR5 several times on my channel and he's got 5100s and has had a variety of roof tents over the last few years. Its performed just fine.

[@lucasdavid7340]

where did you buy the wheels for your 4runner.? Looks nice. would like those on my Taco.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Here's a video with more info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGPYoKKio9qbqas Wheels and center caps are purchased separately - links are in the description of this video. If you're located in the PNW I might consider selling mine too.

[@mrfunkybassist]

Having run both 5100’s and icons on my tacoma, the billies are a great budget shock but they have their limitations. I always felt like the billies were tunes more for the stock setting rather than the 2.5” setting. I felt like billies would kinda pogo stick a bit going over speed because there wasnt enough dampening on the rebound side to stop the shock from flying out and rear felt a little soft so i felt like i bottomed out a little easier. The icons on the other hand give the truck more of a “race car” feel on road where u do feel the bumps a little bit more but its nothing crazy. I feel like most of the beef ppl have with icons is due to them running E load tires and complaining that their stiff. I went from C load to P metric recently and the ride smoothed waaaay out. I’m liking the icons even more now. Btw, both icon and bilstein run digressive valving. I been wanting to go with the 6112/5160 combo on my wifes. I feel like that would be a good in between compromise between the performance shock and budget shock. It’d be like a performance budget shock I guess 🤷‍♂️

[@DrivenCompanion]

I ran the icons with my prior wheel tire setup for a while and the ride was stiff then as well

[@mrfunkybassist]

@@DrivenCompanion i will agree with that but like most shocks with new springs, there's a bit of a breakin period to let the springs break in a bit. How long did you run it with you're previous setup? I will say they are a little stiff at first but after breaking in, they feel more planted than stiff. On that note, I feel like they take dips better than bumps with they way they're valved. You could always get them revalved a little softer once you need a rebuild.

[@jamespark2739]

hey mike i have a tacoma SR5 w/ bilstein 5100 and rear add-a-leaf. I was wondering whether your new set up (tires and wheels) will work without rubbing.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Body mount chop is necessary

[@IrishWariorKing]

You've a beautiful home my friend 🍻🍻🍻

[@asphaltxtremegameplayisaac2831]

If you add some Freedom offroad UCA'S it will help the stiffness. They are the best for the price. Have the 5100's on my Tacoma and ride was very stiff until I replace stock UCA's. I have 3" lift with add a leafs on rear. Thanks for the info.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Good to know!

[@IPinoyBoy69]

Hey Mike, how do you like your 1” lift in the front? I was thinking of installing bilsteins 5100 as well on my front and rears. I was thinking of going with a 2” lift in the front and leaving the rears at stock height to help fix the rake on my 4Runner trd orp. Do you think 2” is too much in the front with the rears remaining at stock height ? Thanks

[@DrivenCompanion]

From the research I did, lifting 2 inches it the front would create a sag in the back, especially on models like mine that are equipped with the 3rd row seat. I'm overall happy with the lift but I sometimes wish I would have gone with larger tires and lifted it 3/2.

[@IPinoyBoy69]

Mike C good to know, thanks for the help!

[@jonathanrangel7270]

Hey dude! Do you have KDSS on the 4runner? If so did anything change with the lift?

[@DrivenCompanion]

no KDSS on mine

[@victorsalinas4666]

The ride is rough because those heavy LT tires. I had Icons on my Tundra before I felt they rode a little on the rough side until I swapped to XL tires.

[@dmitriyplaksin5272]

Maybe you need stronger front coils for 4Runner to prevent nose diving when braking? How can the shock absorbers influence that?

[@ML-jk3sz]

The Bilsteins are a stiffer shock and don;t compress as easily as the stock shocks. That paired with lifting the front end, the factory coil springs are compressed a bit which also stiffens the compression rate of that. Overall, you don't get the huge nose dive that stock 4Runners are notorious for.

[@derekvaldo5640]

I have the same Stage 2 in my Tacoma. Mike do you ever notice sway from your Tacoma? Like around 60-80 MPH if you turn the wheel the vehicle will want to sway in the direction and you have to readjust? Have any idea if that is because of the lift? Is it the sway bar? Alignment? Your thoughts...

[@johlin491]

I had the same problem with mine but after installing uca and fixing the caster (moving the tire back) it seems to have fixed the problem but now is contacting on cab mount in reverse.

[@DrivenCompanion]

No, I haven't noticed any sway issues but most our speed limits round here max out at 55 so I don't get up in that 60-80 range often.

[@Goelmoel]

UCA will fix that

[@77magnuss]

Hard to compare costs when you have an external reservoir on the Icon, that’s a higher end setup…as you mentioned.

[@MarcusCates]

Icons are a digressive shock. I encourage everyone to look at accutune offroad shock explanation. I don’t think most people understand the difference. Good video and I like your content 👍🏼

[@mrfunkybassist]

Bilsteins are digressive as well...

[@Outdoor_MED]

Looks good! Did you get a new housemm

[@DrivenCompanion]

We've been here about a year

[@Lexusgx550]

Why you used icon stage 2 on Tacoma not fox or king ? Or toyotec

[@DrivenCompanion]

I considered both but they were quite a bit more expensive

[@KyleRattay]

Fox or Old man Emu

[@ddoghunt3471]

Thanks Mike, I think I will follow you on the 4Runner, but my research has me going Iron Man for the Tacoma.... Wish I could afford it and let you review for your channel 😔

[@DrivenCompanion]

I've got a friend putting an Ironman setup on his tacoma. I'll probably feature in a video in the near future.

[@jordanyang3066]

entry level bilstein is better for weekend warriors vs icon imho.

[@winterfar2814]

What are the benefits of having an add a leaf vs a block? I want to do a 2.5” lift but I would like to do it with new bilstein shocks can I do this with out an add a leaf?

[@Agent.K.]

aal increases payload but will make it a bit stiffer. Block shouldn’t change driving characteristics, but it’s mostly for looks/clearance .

[@winterfar2814]

Agent. K. If I’m not hauling anything would I be better off with a block? I plan on using bilstein 5100 rear shocks, but confused if the lift is in the shocks or the block?

[@Agent.K.]

Winterfar Shocks do not lift or change height. Aftermarket are usually (depends on type and quality) longer and better at absorbing bumps than factory. I’m not 100% sure, but I think factory shocks can support up to 2.5 inch lift. If you want higher then you will need something longer like 5100. Or if you think the truck is too soft or bouncy then you change to better shock absorbers. But if you like the ride and don’t want a big lift then no need for new shocks. The increase in height happens when you add a block under the leaf springs or when you add an extra leaf (aal) to the factory leaf pack or change the factory shackle with a longer one. Now, if you don’t plan on hauling heavy weights or lift too high above 2.5-3 inches and like factory ride then blocks should be good.

[@winterfar2814]

Agent. K. Hey thanks for helping me understand this better!

[@fritty9927]

Agent. K. I did nothing but add 5100’s all around and “did” get a lift.

[@elaw1995]

What is load range on the Duratracs on the OR?

[@DrivenCompanion]

Load range is "C"

[@JPRATT537]

I would go Dobinson or Old Man EMU over the ICON. Or 5100s with Dobinson or Old Man EMU springs. I feel like most people go with ICONS for the bling factor, popular opinion. Think they are overkill for what most people will use their vehicles for. Just my opinion

[@dominiquestephenson195]

Completely agree! Dobinson makes great suspensions and have been doing so in Australia for decades. OME in my opinion is also very good. Dobbies now has UCA’s too! Biggest problem with both is back ordered and shipping delays. With COVID and their growing reputation here in the states it can be a wait for the candy to arrive!

[@johngogel6286]

Thanks for the great review now I gotta spend money 😅

[@fritty9927]

Don’t be fooled by looks. It’s what’s inside that counts. Those Bilsiens will far outlast icons.

[@bobsokoloski9559]

I put 5100s on a year or so ago. If I knew what the difference was going to be I would have put them on 4 yrs ago. It wasn't that hard and I did it without using a spring compressor, they scare me, I saw a small spring fly out of once.

[@theShivy88]

Icons are rebuildable. Depends how much you offroad based of this criteria....

[@victorshaw7173]

The ride “harshness” on the Tacoma could be due to the stiffer side walls of the larger than stock tires as well.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Yes, but before I put these wheels and tires on I did run it with a stock set of wheels with smaller tires that I had used prior to the lift and there was still a noticeable difference. The tires compounded it for sure.

[@victorshaw7173]

Mike C good to know! Thanks for the follow up!

[@jason7231]

Also, lifting a 3rd gen over 2 inches you better check your shaft angles, probably need ucas.

[@JesseRizo]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥👍

[@bobsokoloski9559]

Can you buy me a new 4runner?

[@chrisb6866]

How did you afford both trucks? Lucky guy!

[@jareddodge8813]

And that house

[@ALXqc]

Probably not of your business....

[@chrisb6866]

@@ALXqc I was being sarcastic... Oh, and BTW, there is no probably about it....

[@UncleFjester]

Get an education or Skilled trade, something requiring a license. Google Chris rock Jobs vs Careers

[@chrisb6866]

@@UncleFjester I already have a skilled trade with a license. I was being sarcastic and just teasing Mike because he bought 2 lol. I have the same Tacoma he has, but mine is a 2018. I have the 5100's and Fuel wheels w/ 285/70/17 Ridge Grapplers. Luv it... :)

[@jpow12]

I always wondered if anyone from Toyota marketing thought trd sounds like turd 💩... Thanks for the info on these 2 systems!

[@uno3863]

Yea if they ever changed it to "Toyota Universal Racing Development" 🤔🤔🤔

[@albertlibricz1819]

Hi Mike I never liked Icon shocks not worth the money you should of got old man emu set up you would of got new leaf springs for a lot less MONEY!

[@carbonking53]

Not a fair comparison......Two very different vehicles with very different suspensions, weight distributions, and handling characteristics.

[@pillcosby3949]

Agreed

[@travis8592]

You cant really compare bilsteins to Icons lol, Icon is a better setup plain and simple, if your cheap buy bilsteins

[@jza61nick]

Fuck do 4runners look good. I just can't get behind a v6 :(. I buy tundras for my company and would switch to the 4 runner in a second if they offered the 4.6L v8.

[@ghulmalhooti618]

Great video Need 3gen New videos

[@DomDavidson]

This isn’t really a fair comparison. It’s like comparing a SR5 vs a TRD PRO. They are both great but the TRED PRO (icons) are just far better Ive had both setups. And loved them both. If you have the money for icon then no question get them. If you are on a budget the Bilsteins are the best way to to go.

[@mechmat12345]

It's perfectly fair to compare his two vehicles and "better" is a matter preference.

[@brian46214]

Dobinsons

[@Thexhunkxlaxsb]

Brian Elliott thinking about switching my Bilstein 5100 to maybe some dobinsons. Would they be worth it? I just got my Bilsteins in December

[@brian46214]

@@Thexhunkxlaxsb if you just put the Bilsteins on, I'd wait. When you need new shocks/struts again, I'd suggest a full Dobinsons setup, lift springs, shocks, struts, UCA's ... I'm happy with mine.

[@Bmxr1991]

Has nobody heard of 8112 8100 series bilstiens ? All people talk about are 5100s. I don’t understand the thought process of most people and their lack of research 🙃

[@jason7231]

Icon is overpriced. Also, its a better choice to use a bigger spring to lift the 4runner, not going up in notch settings and limiting shock movement.

[@mechmat12345]

Stock springs are fine if you're just going to level it.

[@alphasmurf6563]

Icon are hot trash, wouldn’t run them on my go cart. Been through 11 sets in 4 months

[@thehoofersclub]

Neither. King or Fox.

[@dandee2885]

Compare ICON vs KING

[@VeryCoolJeep]

Icon is trash. They shocks will start leaking after 15k miles

[@gmgrib8891]

Icon Stage 2 is a jokeeee

[@grandmasterRobby]

White people amiright

[@azzz..6]

Just go with kings end of story