Installing ICON’s RXT Ford Raptor Suspension (Article by FourWheeler Network)
ICON Vehicle Dynamics Upgrades the Ford Raptor
Article by Deanna Scanlon of FourWheeler Network
No matter how good something is, there’s always room for improvement. That was what the crew at ICON Vehicle Dynamics thought when they took a good look at the Ford Raptor.
Front Suspension Improvements
The basic front suspension was solid but could be enhanced. ICON addressed this with their uniball-based upper control arm and 3.0 Performance Coil-Over Shock. Made from 6061 billet aluminum, the control arm features a PTFE-lined stainless steel uniball and rod ends for increased action and adjustability.
The 3.0 Performance Coilover Shock includes a remote reservoir and ICON’s “Compression Damping Control Valve” with 10 compression settings. It has an internal hydraulic system covering the last 40% of shock travel and adjustable ride height from 1 to 3-5/8 inches of lift.
Rear Suspension Upgrades
The rearend has seen significant improvements. ICON replaced the stock three-blade leaf spring with an eight-leaf modular design that can be configured in three different rates. Paired with their new RXT shock, the rear end achieves more travel than stock. Friction separators at the tips and middle of the springs ensure smooth action.
The RXT reservoir-equipped shock features a unique side-mounted upper eyelet for 39% more shock travel, traveling beyond the stock upper shock mount for additional wheel movement.
The Rear Hydraulic Bumpstop System mounts hydraulic bumpstops over the axle housing and stabilizes the frame. The ICON Hydro-Pneumatic bumpstops are nitrogen-filled with 2.5 inches of travel, providing extra cushioning over rough terrain.
Hydraulic bumpstops outperform stock rubber units by preventing excessive travel and reducing the risk of damaging the leaf pack.
Installation and Vehicle Prep
The ICON kit can be installed by experienced home mechanics, offering Raptor owners the chance to fully maximize their vehicle’s suspension capabilities.
With its coilover-style Fox shocks, the stock Raptor performs well off-road, but the upper control arm could allow for more movement.
The first step in installation is removing the spindle and pulling out the shocks.
The stock upper control arm is next to be removed.
The new ICON control arm is installed.
The ICON control arm, with its uniball and PTFE-lined rod ends, improves front suspension travel and adjustability.
The remote reservoir for the new ICON 3.0 shock is routed through the upper mount.
Shock Installation
The shock is installed normally.
Reservoir Installation
With its mount installed, the reservoir is attached to the mount using worm gear–type clamps.
Spindle and Upper Control Arm
A little muscle is needed to get the spindle back into place, and the upper control arm is attached.
Front End Completion
That’s really all there is to the front end of the installation.
Rear Suspension Overview
It’s the rear end that really gets the ICON RXT treatment. Notice that there are only three leafs in the spring pack.
ICON Leaf Spring Installation
With the rear suspension removed, the new ICON leaf spring is installed.
U-Bolt Installation
Using a different spring rate, there are now eight leaves in the pack, but they act in a smoother, more controlled way.
Rear Hydraulic Bumpstop System
With a small piece of the bed ribs removed using a cutting wheel, the centersection of the Rear Hydraulic Bumpstop System is in place. With the tension rods in place, the billet aluminum centersection also gives the frame additional rigidity.
Bumpstop Bracket Installation
The outer brackets are installed onto the centersection.
Reservoir Mount Installation
The reservoir mount is attached to the frame. With the lines running smoothly, the reservoir is attached to the mount using worm-gear clamps.
The reservoir mount is attached to the frame. With the lines running smoothly, the reservoir is attached to the mount using worm-gear clamps.
Hydro-Pneumatic Bumpstop Installation
Giving 2.5 inches of travel, ICON’s Hydro-Pneumatic bumpstops are nitrogen filled and provide the rear suspension added cushion, reducing possible rearend kick when hitting big bumps.
Bumpstop Plate Installation
Unlike the stock bumpstop that hits the leaf springs, the ICON bumpstop plate is attached to the axle tube. Now the rear suspension is just as refined as the front, eliminating harsh bottoming out and potential truck bucking during big hits.
RXT Rear Shock Installation
The new RXT rear shock is an all-new design that provides 30 percent more shock travel than the stock system.
Unlike the stock bumpstop that hits the leaf springs, the ICON bumpstop plate is attached to the axle tube. The rear suspension is now just as refined as the front, with reduced harsh bottoming out and improved handling during big hits.
Sources
- ICON Vehicle Dynamics
- 7929 Lincoln Avenue
- Riverside, CA 92504
- 951-689-4266
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