Automotive

ICON Vehicle Dynamics: Lift Kits, Coilover Stages and Fitment Explained

How to pick the right ICON Vehicle Dynamics suspension system for your truck or SUV and pay less for it.

  • Editorial team
  • Jun 25, 2026
  • 5 min read
ICON Vehicle Dynamics: Lift Kits, Coilover Stages and Fitment Explained

ICON Vehicle Dynamics makes off-road suspension for trucks and SUVs, from single shocks to complete lift systems. The Southern California brand is known for coilovers, remote reservoir shocks, upper control arms and staged kits for Toyota, Ford, Jeep, Chevrolet and Ram platforms.

A good ICON order comes down to three things. You need the right part numbers for your exact vehicle, a stage that matches how you drive, and a realistic plan for installation and alignment.

How ICON stages work

ICON sells many of its systems in stages, often numbered from Stage 1 upward. Lower stages usually pair front coilovers with rear shocks. Higher stages add upper control arms, rear leaf packs, remote reservoirs or adjustable damping.

A daily-driven truck that sees gravel and the odd trail is well served by an entry ICON stage. Owners who run desert roads or carry heavy loads tend to benefit from the reservoir and adjustable options in upper stages.

Moving up a stage later is possible, but some parts get replaced rather than reused. If you already know you want reservoirs, buying the higher ICON stage up front can cost less than upgrading twice.

Coilovers, shocks and reservoirs

ICON coilovers combine the spring and damper and set front ride height. Many are adjustable for height within a range. They are the part that most changes how the front of the truck sits.

Remote reservoir and piggyback reservoir shocks hold extra oil, which helps them stay cool on long rough runs. ICON also sells CDCV and CDEV models with dial adjustment for compression. Those let you firm or soften the ride without removing the shock.

For a truck used mostly on pavement, a non-reservoir ICON shock is often enough. Reservoirs earn their price on washboard and whoops, where standard shocks fade.

Getting the fitment right

ICON lists parts by make, model, year range and drivetrain. Two trucks with the same name can take different parts because of cab, bed length, engine or 2WD versus 4WD. Use the vehicle selector on the ICON site rather than guessing from a photo.

Lift height also affects other parts. Bigger lifts may need longer brake lines, extended sway bar links or different wheels and tyres. ICON product pages often note what else is required, so read those notes before ordering.

If your truck already has aftermarket parts, check compatibility with ICON before buying. A mismatch between an old control arm and a new ICON coilover is a common reason for a second order.

Installation and alignment

ICON coilovers ship assembled in many kits, which saves a spring compressor job. Even so, a full ICON system is a solid day of work with proper tools and torque specs. Many owners pay a shop to install it.

Budget for an alignment after any ICON lift. Ride height changes camber and toe, and uncorrected alignment wears tyres fast. Some trucks also need headlight re-aiming.

Ask the installer for a quote before you buy the kit. Labour can be a large share of the total, and it changes which ICON stage makes sense.

Ride quality and load

ICON tunes its valving for control off-road without making the truck harsh on the street. That said, a lifted truck with stiffer springs will feel different from stock. Expect firmer body control and a slightly different turn-in.

If you carry a camper, rack or winch bumper, tell ICON or your dealer the weight. ICON offers spring rates and leaf packs for heavier builds. Picking the wrong rate leaves the truck sagging or bouncing.

Adjustable ICON dampers help when your load changes often. You can set them firmer for towing and softer for an empty trail day.

Warranty and service

ICON shocks are built to be serviced and rebuilt rather than thrown away. Rebuilds replace seals and oil, and can restore feel after heavy use. Check the current ICON warranty terms and rebuild options for your model.

Keep your receipt and part numbers. Warranty claims and rebuilds move faster when you can show what was bought and when.

Clean mud and salt off ICON shock bodies and reservoir hoses after hard trips. Inspect boots and bushings at each oil change.

Where the ICON Vehicle Dynamics savings are

ICON VEHICLE DYNAMICSICON20 — 20% offSHOW COUPON CODE
ICON VEHICLE DYNAMICSICON15 — 15% offSHOW COUPON CODE
ICON VEHICLE DYNAMICSCUSTOMER10 — 10% offSHOW COUPON CODE

The 20% code is the strongest option for a full ICON system. On a multi-part stage kit, that percentage adds up to a meaningful sum.

Keep the 15% code as a fallback if the 20% one does not apply to your basket. The 10% code is for smaller orders such as a single ICON shock or a set of links.

Since every code here is a percentage, the bigger the basket, the bigger the saving. Buying the whole stage in one ICON order usually beats spreading parts over several.

Check at checkout whether a code covers sale items or specific product lines. Only one code will normally apply, so compare totals before paying.

Common questions

Which ICON stage should I buy?

Pick the lowest ICON stage that covers how you really drive. Move up if you run long rough roads or carry heavy loads.

Do I need an alignment after installing ICON suspension?

Yes. Any change in ride height alters alignment, so book one straight after install.

Will ICON parts fit my modified truck?

Check your existing parts against the ICON fitment notes. Contact ICON if you run other aftermarket suspension parts.

Can ICON shocks be rebuilt?

Many ICON shocks are designed to be serviced. Check with ICON for rebuild options on your model.

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20% offPromo codeView at ICON Vehicle Dynamics →
15% offPromo codeView at ICON Vehicle Dynamics →
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10% offPromo codeView at ICON Vehicle Dynamics →
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