News
FRF HAVOC IN THE HILLS PRESENTED BY ICON VEHICLE DYNAMICS
The Ford Raptor Forum has joined forces with Great Lakes Raptor Excursions in setting up a large scale Ford F-150 Raptor gathering in the heart of Eastern Pennsylvania’s “Coal Country.” This is going to be a 3 day event based out of Rausch Creek Off-Road Park in Tremont, PA. We have rented more than 1500 acres of the park which will be exclusive to the participants of this event. Participants will receive event t-shirts, swag packs (including sponsor items, stickers and/or brochures) and door placards. This event will not only be an opportunity to drive off-road but will also be one of the few events in the United States that will offer the participants to receive off-road driving instruction by professional racing drivers and the Rausch Creek ORP staff. The “Havoc in the Hills” event will be raising money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. This event is going to take place September 26-29th, 2013. Friday Schedule 8am mandatory driver’s meeting with GLRE & RCORP staff. After the driver’s meeting there will be a paced recon lap led by GLRE support staff. After pace lap trucks will stage and begin running the course. Approximately 6pm we’ll break for dinner. Support staff will begin changing the course for the night run. Approximately 8pm there will be a paced recon lap led by GLRE support staff. After the pace lap trucks will stage and begin running the course until 11-11:30pm. Saturday Schedule (9/28/2013) 8am mandatory driver’s meeting with GLRE & RCORP staff. After the driver’s meeting there will be a paced recon lap (the course is changing from Friday to Saturday) led by GLRE support staff. After pace lap trucks will stage and begin running the course. Approximately 7pm the course will be shut down for the banquet & charity raffle. Sunday Schedule (9/29/2013) 8am mandatory driver’s meeting with GLRE & RCORP staff. It’s not a GLRE event without some proper trail running. Sunday will be a 6hr+ guided trail run… What you will see & where we’re going is a surprise! One thing that most events to date have not offered for participants is off-road driving instruction. For this event we have some special guests volunteering their time to share their expertise & knowledge when it comes to high speed off-roading and technical driving. The GLRE would like to welcome a couple of very special “honorary” support drivers for this event. Lodging Primary Hotel Comfort Inn 433 Suedberg Road, Pine Grove, PA, US, 17963 Phone: (570) 345-8031 | Fax: (570) 345-2308 Reservation is under “FRF” or “Ford Raptor Forum” Room rate: $65.00 a night Overflow Hotels Relax Inn – 32 rooms | WiFi – HBO | Phone: 570-345-8095 Econo Lodge – 51 Rooms Available | HBO / ESPN | Phone: 570-345-4099 Hampton Inn – 481 Suedberg Road, Pine Grove, PA 17963 | Phone: (570) 345-4505 Mention you are wheeling at Rausch Creek for rate discount! Camping There is primitive (no services) camping available at the Rausch Creek ORP. We are charging $15.00 per person for the weekend for those interested in camping. The $15.00 helps cover the cost of port-a-jons in the camping area. For those looking for a more well-equipped campground, here are some more options: Echo Valley Campground Judy Finch, 52 Camp Rd, Tremont, PA 17981 | Phone: (570) 695-3659 Echo Valley Campground Home Page Camp-A-While Exit 112 of Interstate 81 | Phone: 570-682-8696 Camp A While Campground Twin Grove Park & Campground 1445 Suedberg Road, Pine Grove, PA 17963 | Phone: (717) 865-4602 Twin Grove Park Campground Pine Grove, PA Required Items for Trucks Working 4wd All maintenance up to date and no major issues Decent tires: Please replace if tread is very low. Spare tire/tires secured and located in the bed of the truck. Contact WSI for mounting solutions. Helmet(s) – Mandatory for closed course/high speed areas. Tow strap at least 20’ and rated to pull the truck and 2 D rings. Boots: Appropriate for mud and terrain. Outdoor clothing: Event is rain or shine; dress appropriately. Recommended Additional Items Co-pilot recommended for communication, traffic, and navigation. VHF/FRS radio Navigation: Lowrance, Garmin, or tablet with offroad map app. 5 gallons extra gas Come along Floor jack and wood blocks for support on soft surfaces. Auxiliary lighting for ORV routes and forest service roads. First Aid Kit Tools Havoc in Hills Rules 100% Sober Driving. Alcohol consumption will not be tolerated on trails or anytime you are driving. Illegal drug use will not be tolerated. Do not tailgate. No littering; leave the park in better condition than you arrived. Know the limitations of your driving ability and your Raptor. No whiners! Everyone in your vehicle must have a completed GLRE & RCORP waiver. Radio Frequencies 151.820 MHz Bandwidth 11.25 kHz 151.880 MHz Bandwidth 11.25 kHz 151.940 MHz Bandwidth 11.25 kHz Please make sure that your radio is programmed for these frequencies. Registration Costs $250.00 per truck (includes Driver + 1 Co-Driver) $50.00 per additional passenger Camping is $15.00 per person for the weekend, covering port-a-jons costs. Click Here to Register (the registration menu is at the end of the Havoc in the Hills information!) Registration will close on 8/31/2013!! Follow the Official Thread Thread on FRF Event Picture Thread on ICON Facebook Thread to picture gallery
Read More
FJ CRUISER / 4RUNNER REAR HYDRAULIC AIR BUMP STOP KIT
ICON Vehicle Dynamics is proud to introduce our bolt-in Hydraulic Bump Stop Kit for the 2007 to current Toyota FJ Cruiser & 2003 to current Toyota 4Runner. This kit reduces rear-end “kick” and helps to improve the overall offroad performance of the vehicle. The OEM rubber bumpstops have a limited energy absorption capacity that is released rather uncontrollably upon rebound, resulting in a harsh ride and ill-handling vehicle in rough terrain. The ICON Hydraulic Bump Stops are velocity sensitive which means that the amount of energy absorbed increases the faster they are engaged, so those harsh g-outs and square edges are less likely to interrupt your offroad adventures. Vehicles equipped with the ICON Hydraulic Bump Stop Kit will have an increased bottom-out resistance over stock, as well as an improved drivability offroad. This kit installs easily inside the coil, and the bump stops are fully rebuildable with the ability to be tuned for a custom ride. With a simple installation, proven effectiveness, and no loss in travel there is no reason not to bolt up the ICON Vehicle Dynamics Hydraulic Bump Stop Kit to your ride and experience the difference. Key Features Hydraulic / pneumatic bump stop increases bump energy capacity Velocity sensitive bump stop increases the amount of energy absorbed the faster it is hit Reduces rear end kick and improves overall performance Increased bottom resistance over stock No loss in travel Easy installation inside coil Pre-tuned for most users Bumpstop Features Linear-digressive piston which complements a bumpstop over the industry standard linear-linear piston. Infinite tuning options with valve stack, oil volume, and nitrogen pressure adjustments CAD Plated body for corrosion free service Urethane rod seal and wiper for long service life User serviceable Tech Info Install time 1 hour System Components Included (Qty – 2) 1.75" travel 2.0 hydraulic air bump stops (Qty – 2) Vehicle specific 2.0 bump stop mounts (Qty – 2) Bump stop striker pads Necessary hardware Installation instructions
Read More
MONGO RACING FINISH 2ND AT THE 2013 SILVER STATE 300
By Steven Draper Randy Merritt and the crew at Mongo Racing have been very busy at work during this first half of the 2013 Best In the Desert Racing Association season. Merritt opened the year with a class Win in his TNC built KC Hilites General Tire Icon Vehicle Dynamics Class 7200 Ford numbered 7281 at the 2013 BITD Blue Water Parker 425 in Parker AZ, but hit a new low when he was forced onto the trailer early at the 2013 BITD Mint 400, but Merritt and his crew knew there was still a lot of races miles left in the season to recover. On May 3, 2013 Merritt and the crew at Mongo Racing arrived in Las Vegas, NV for the 2013 BITD Silver State 300 presented by Canidae Natural Pet Foods and the Tap It Brewery looking for redemption to propel themselves back into the 2013 Class 7200 Points Championship. Merritt drew the second starting position in the pre-race random starting draw, but knew there were still over 50 Unlimited vehicles starting just in front of him. Merritt started the race behind the wheel of the KC Hilites General Tire Icon Vehicle Dynamics Class 7200 Ford Truck from the second starting position in the high deserts of Nevada just West of Caliente NV. Merritt piloted the KC Hilites General Tire Icon Vehicle Dynamics Class 7200 Ford Truck through the tight terrain and mountain roads for 298 official miles. Merritt stayed in the top two physical trucks in class for the first 215 miles, when Merritt was passed in the pits while getting fuel. The top 5 Class 7200 trucks were running a tight race and track position was key in this terrain. Merritt would regain the second position by race mile 250 and hold off a charging field for a strong Second place finish in his Class 7200 KC Hilites General Tire Icon Vehicle Dynamics 7281 Ford Truck. After the race Merritt said, “We only stopped for F&L fuel today because the General Grabbers did their job with no flats and the Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension components along with the K&N Filters performed Outstanding. Because of the speed of the course and our starting position we only used our KC Hilites HID and LED lights to help us see through the dust as we passed the other vehicles on the track.” Merritt’s finish propelled himself back into 4th place in the Class 7200 Driver Championship standings and with the “Longest Off-Road Race in the United States” BITD’s Vegas to Reno next on the schedule, August 15-17, 2013, Merritt is looking to repeat his 2012 BITD Vegas to Reno Class 7200 Victory to solidify his standings it the Class 7200 Championship chase. The Mongo Racing Class 7200 Unlimited Ford number 7281 is sponsored by KC HiLiTes, General Tires, TNC Machine, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Trail Ready Bead Lock Wheels, Kincaid Racing Engines, Yukon, Wilwood, Pro AM, EBC Brakes, Master Craft Safety Innovations, F&L Fuel, Lucas Oil, K&N Filters, McQueen’s Prototype Designs, Borla Exhaust, MSD Ignition, and FK Rod Ends. Visit www.mongoracing.com for additional information about the team and sponsorship opportunity.
Read More
ICON CDC (COMPRESSION DAMPING CONTROL) VALVE UPGRADE
The ICON CDC Valve is an externally adjustable valve that restricts oil flow into the reservoir creating 10 levels of compression damping force ranges. Controlling the amount of oil flow externally allows optimizing of ride quality for varying terrains. With the addition of an ICON CDC Valve a different tune is required on the working piston to get the ride quality range of adjustment to softer than standard at the “S” setting and much firmer than standard at the “H” setting. The ICON CDC Valve piston is custom tuned per application with different valve stacks because not all shocks or applications are equal. Adding on the CDC Valve is not a one size fits all if you want optimum performance. The CDCV external knob allows for 10 levels of adjustment. Each detent from S-H is a noticeable difference in ride. When engineering this feature into each shock application, the main shock piston is re-calibrated such that setting “4” is equivalent to the non CDCV version. This allows for both a softer and firmer ride than the same application without this option. The ICON CDC Valve brings a new thinking to the table with an upgrade option that offers true ride quality diversity. Upgrade Cost $135.00 Per Shock CDC Valve Upgrade Features ICON Shocks with the CDC Valve are application specific tuned like all ICON shocks Internally calibrated per application based on motion ratio, shaft diameter, and vehicle weights 10 detent stops and large adjuster knob allow easy to feel adjustments Allows the end user to optimize the ride specific to his / her liking on all types of terrain Clearly engraved knob for direct reading of current setting Allows for lower reservoir pressure than a non CDCV equipped shock which decreases seal friction improving compliance
Read More
SOCAL SUPERTRUCKS BUILT 2013 FORD F250 SUPERDUTY
Another lifted Ford Superduty? Aren’t they a dime a dozen. Not this one. This 2013 Ford F-250 Superduty is a towing beast setup to take some abuse and look good while doing it. Attention to detail was the motto for the most recent build from the master minds at SoCal SuperTrucks. From the carefully selected suspension components to the custom painted badges, no detail was overlooked. The owner wanted the best of the best and we delivered it with style. To start off this build we installed an ICON Vehicle Dynamics 2.5″ Stage 3 Suspension system along with the ICON adjustable track bar. The ICON 2.5″ Lift System – Stage 3 kit provides the ultimate in ride quality and off road performance. The massive 2.5″ diameter re-buildable piggyback reservoir shocks dampen the ride on this Superduty and can exceed the grueling demands of the American lifestyle. Daily driving, Towing a 40 foot toy hauler, or exploring the back roads, the ICON Vehicle Dynamics 2.5″ system delivers. The adjustable track bar was added to ensure we can get the front axle centered in the truck. Also, factory track bar bushings wear out over time leading to death wobble issues where the ICON track bar features a high strength teflon coated spherical bearing that holds up 10x better than the factory. ICON Vehicle Dynamics is the preferred suspension choice for the Ford Superduty. Since we wanted to build this truck for some serious hauling we added a Firestone double bellow air bag setup to the rear. We paired this with a Viair X’treme Duty On-board Air System for automatic air bag deflating/inflating and to add an auxiliary coupler so you can fill tires up out at the campsite. Another reason we chose the Viair on-board air system is the Hornblasters 4 Chime Shocker XL train horns we put under this bad boy. Hornblaster horns are among the loudest in the industry and will surely let anyone know where you are at. This complete setup really adds a nice dimension to the truck taking some of the hassle out of towing and camping. To give this Ford Superduty the best towing performance we put on front and rear Mag-Hytec high capacity diff covers. The Mag-Hytec covers add 2 quarts of oil to the axles which equals less heat keeping the peace of mind that the stock gears won’t burn up and last many more desert trips. With the attention to detail on this Ford Superduty being first and foremost we couldn’t forget to add a few performance power parts. This 2013 Ford Superduty received a HP boost from K&N Filters and we installed thier Diesel Air Charger Performance Air Intake kit tuned for the 6.7L Powerstroke Diesel. Complementing the intake is a Magnaflow 4 inch Black Series filter back exhaust system giving a nice sleek look to this Superduty. To tie all of these great performance parts together we installed the very reliable Superchips Flashpaq programmer leaving out no details. Now, time to the exterior of this big white Ford Superduty. A T-Rex X-Metal grille in black was added to the front of this Ford and we couldn’t forget some AMP Powerstep Running Boards. The AMP steps are an amazing accessory that give the truck a clean look while still providing some practicality to this lifted Superduty. The headlights and tail lamps were smoked out and we replaced the 3rd brake light and side mirror turn signals with Recon LED lights. The one attention to detail we probably are most proud of are the side badges on this F250 truck. The Powerstroke badge was painted flat black while the F250 badge on the hood was disasembled and all the chrome was turned black. This was a very difficult process and not recommended for the inexperieced. And, to meet the rubber with the road this Ford Superduty received a set of gloss black Motto Metal 962 18″ wheels with Toyo Open Country M/T 35″ tall tires. Nothing was left out with this 2013 Ford F250 Superduty and we delivered not just another lifted Superduty, but one to make you envious. I think here at SoCal SuperTrucks we took into account all the little details on this Ford Superduty and will continue it on your truck. Share with a friend, fellow Superduty lover, or rub it in the face of the GM and Mopar lovers. When Only The Best Will Do…
Read More
AXIAL RC RELEASES THE ICON 61-90MM ALUMINUM SHOCKS FOR SCX10 CHASSIS
Axial Scale Shock Release Axial’s latest scale shock release is fully licensed by Icon Vehicle Dynamics™. These shocks feature a new and improved CNC machined shock piston for smoother action through the range of travel. The new Icon shocks also feature clear coated polished aluminum bodies, complete with aluminum faux reservoirs. The main body of the shock is threaded for quick ride height adjustments and pre-load tuning ability. Like their full size counterparts these shocks are completely rebuildable, tunable and offer consistent handling all while adding some of that Icon bling to your SCX10™ chassis. Features CNC machined pistons, shock bodies and reservoirs for a precise fit Polyoxymethylene (POM/thermoplastic) shock pistons offers smooth action Clear anodized shock bodies and reservoirs Titanium nitride coated shock shafts for durability Dual rate springs Includes steel ball studs All hardware for assembly included New shock pistons, bodies and reservoirs are compatible with all SCX10™ shocks Two shocks per package
Read More
2013 ICON VEHICLE DYNAMICS RAPTOR EXTREMES TOUR BY SMC EVENTS
Looking to have some fun with your Raptor? Join us in the summer of 2013 as we embark on an incredible adventure, both on road and off. SMC Events has a history of delivering adrenaline filled events mixed with the fun and comfort of good times with good friends; both new and old. This is the best of both worlds – a vacation which provides daring thrills during the days and relaxing company at night. ICON Vehicle Dynamics is proud to be apart of an epic first time event that will be sure to deliver. Get in on this We think that the Ford Raptor is as close to the perfect daily driver as you can get, yet most events only focus on its off-road prowess and completely overlook what a great touring vehicle it can be. We will address both aspects with our Raptor Extremes Tour. Starting off below sea level in the inhospitable deserts of southern California we will wind our way to the mountains of Colorado and the highest road in the United States – and we will have a great time along the way! This event is limited to 30 trucks. Fine Print and Legal Mumbo-Jumbo You are a grown up and as such you and only you are responsible for yourself. No one else takes any responsibility for your safety, well-being, happiness, self-esteem or your feelings so bring your big boy pants! What this means for you is that SMC Events, all our sponsors, affiliates and other participants of this tour will be held harmless for your choices and corresponding actions. We may be driving off-road. Please use good judgment and sound decision making for ALL aspects of this tour. You may be asked to leave the group at any time for driving under the influence, reckless and/or obnoxious behavior or other reasons determined to be detrimental to the tour, group or other individual participants. This tour is rain or shine. Refunds Requests for refunds will be honored before May 1st, 2013 minus a $25 service fee. There will be NO refunds issued after May 1st, 2013. Waiver Yep – you will be required to sign a waiver before the tour begins. Lodging and Meals All lodging and most meals are included. See official schedule (below) for full details. Please note that all aspects of the schedule are subject to change. Schedule Night 1: Furnace Creek Resort, Death Valley, CA – Dinner included Day 1: Death Valley to Mt. Charleston Lodge – Lunch included Mt. Charleston Lodge to Red Rocks Resort, Las Vegas, NV – Dinner on your own Day 2: Vegas to Zion, UT – Lunch included @ Zion Pizza & Noodle Co. Zion to Torrey, UT Days Inn – Dinner included @ Rim Rock Restaurant Day 3: Torrey to Blanding, UT – Lunch included @ Homestead Steak House Blanding, UT to Hampton Inn Moab, UT – Dinner included @ Cowboy Grill Day 4: Moab Free day! Lunch on your own Moab to Hampton Inn Glenwood Springs, CO – Dinner included @ Riveria Day 5: Glenwodd Springs to Leadville, CO – Lunch on your own Leadville to Holiday Inn Frisco, CO – Dinner included @ catered Sporting News Grill Day 6: Frisco to Mt. Evans, CO Mt Evans to Idaho Springs, CO – Lunch included @ Tommyknockers OPTIONAL EXTRA DAY Idaho Springs to Hampton Inn Canon City, CO – Dinner at Pizza Madness on your own Day 7: Royal Gorge Bridge and adventure park. When Sunday June 30, 2013 at 5:00 PM MDT - to - Saturday July 6, 2013 at 10:00 PM MDT Contact Sean Cook SMC Events 210-885-7326 sean@smcevents.com Where Furnace Creek Resort, Death Valley, CA Las Vegas, NV Torrey, UT Moab, UT Glenwood Springs, CO Frisco, CO Optional day: Canon City, CO Register Click here to Register Register Now!
Read More
TIERRA DEL SOL DESERT SAFARI 2013
The members and families of Tierra Del Sol would like to invite you to our 51st TDS Desert Safari. Reserve March 1st, 2nd and 3rd and come out and experience the magic and splendor of southern California’s finest wheeling. This year will be another epic event with fantastic vendors onsite, an awesome trail, the best raffle on the planet, and yes after last’s years outrageous fireworks show….we are going to do it again. Registration is now open and online at www.tds4x4.com/2013-desert-safari/online-event-registration. You can register for the event, purchase your commemorative t-shirts or sweatshirts in various sizes, styles, and colors, download a mail-in registration form if you still use the US Postal Service, and you can still purchase a ticket for the Sweepstakes Jeep that was awarded to TDS during the last Desert Safari. Tickets for the Sweepstakes Jeep are only available online until midnight on the 22nd of December, with the drawing being held at the San Diego International Auto Show on December 30th at 2:00pm. Rules, regulations and local places to pick up your Sweepstakes tickets are online at www.tds4x4.com/jeep. This year we are busily prepping for another fantastic event and we urge you to go online to order your t-shirts as each year we work to ensure availability of the right sizes and colors, but inevitably we end up not being able to meet everyone’s specific needs, so if you order online you can be assured of the right size, color and style. Please check out and LIKE our “Tierra Del Sol Desert Safari” Facebook page so that you can stay connected to the latest updates as we approach the event, and you can see pictures of our 51st logo on both the website and Facebook page. In closing, we would like to thank all of our families, friends and sponsors for their commitment to our sport, for the energy and sacrifices they make to put this event on each year and especially you, our guests, who have shown extraordinary support over the past 50 years allowing us the privilege to keep the tradition alive. Register online and buy shirts, Sweepstakes tickets and please join us on March 1st, 2nd and 3rd for the 51st TDS Desert Safari. Help us out as we are a not-for-profit club and the proceeds from this event go to keep our sport alive…so tell a friend
Read More
ICON TO OFFER SERVICES AT THE LUCAS OIL REGIONAL SERIES SOCAL FOR 2013
Since the companies inception, ICON Vehicle Dynamics has been committed to supporting the grass roots racers. We will continue in 2013 with supporting the Lucas Oil Regional Series – Socal with shock and technical service support. We will offer shock tuning and rebuild service on ICON Vehicle Dynamics shocks at the track, and be there on race day to lend a hand. Take some time and go check out great racing and something you could get involved in. There is affordable racing for all levels of skill from beginner to pro. Lucas Oil really does a great job with a class act program for these racers that are trying to get there feet wet. This is where the the short course racing career starts and your future pro’s are made.
Read More
