Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension - Toyota 4 Runner Suspension
KLM is the East Coast distribution hub
for Icon Vehicle Dynamics suspension systems, including Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension for
Ford, Toyota, and Nissan trucks. Our mission is to distribute only the finest vehicle
suspension components and aftermarket accessories. Icon Vehicle Dynamics
suspension components have been proven -- proven in racing and proven on
our personal vehicles.Icon Vehicle Dynamics suspension components are for discerning enthusiasts
who, like us, demand the best suspension systems for their Ford, Toyota,
and Nissan trucks. Our mission is to match the performance
requirements of our clients with the Icon Vehicle Dynamics suspension parts available anywhere.
NEW: KLM is offering a Special
Order program for Icon Vehicle Dynamics's newly released Ion Vapor
Deposition (IVD) Plated coil-over shocks, also known as
the "Extreme Weather" version. This IVD process allows
the coil-over shock bodies to be extremely resistant to
corrosion in a harsh weather conditions. This plating
has been used in many government and military
applications. The coating is available for every
coil-over Icon Vehicle Dynamics manufactures. Contact us for
additional details.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics - CHUBBY Adjustable Bump Shock Systems

Icon Vehicle Dynamics has released the new
CHUBBY Adjustable Bump Shock Systems and KLM has brought
them to you.
These systems are ideal for the true
off-road enthusiast, looking to get the most out of
their Toyota’s suspension. These CHUBBY Adjustable Bump
Shock Systems enhance control and ride quality in severe
off-road conditions.
Adjusting and fine tuning is
accomplished very easily on these systems and can be
matched to almost any terrain. All of these systems are
matched to work directly with Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Systems and take minimal effort to install.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics CHUBBY systems are
available for ‘07 FJ Cruiser, ‘05-‘07 Tacomas, ‘03-‘07 4
Runners and ‘95.5-‘04 Tacomas.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics - Toyota Billet Upper Control Arms
Icon Vehicle Dynamics is proud to announce the release of its Billet
Aluminum Upper Control Arms for 95.5 - 04 Tacoma, 96 -
02 4-Runner, 05 - 07 Tacoma, 03 - 07 4-Runner, and 07 FJ
Cruiser.
These fully machined aluminum arms use
a recessed uni-ball for inner fender well clearance and
full articulation. It is protected by a billet o-ring
dust cover that protects the uni-ball from debris
ensuring a longer life...
They also include castor and camber
adjusting rod ends for easy alignments without the need
to take off the arms.
The Teflon lined rod ends ensure great
control and handling with minimal deflection.
These upper control arms will give a
great look and great performance to any FJ, Tacoma or
4-Runner. These arms are best used with the company's
Extended Travel Coilovers.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics - Toyota 4-Runner
5-8630 0"-3" Front Coil-Over System - 2003-2006
4-Runner
Icon Vehicle Dynamics's
2003-2005 Toyota 4-Runner coil-overs are here.
These feature a 2.5" nitrogen-charged
shock that delivers a great ride both on and off the road.
Ride height adjustable from 0" - 3" to
provide clearance for tires up to 33".
Features:
- Made in the USA
- Nitro-steel shaft will not chip or
rust like chrome shafts
- 200 PSI nitrogen-charged internal
reservoir
Adjustable ride height from 0”
– 3”
- Race shock piston with flutter stack
compression valving
- Chrome-silicon spring
- 2.5” shock diameter to prevent
overheating
- Completely re-buildable and re-valvable
shock
- 5/8” PTFE-lined spherical bearing
- Billet aluminum upper mount
- Cad-plated threaded body
- Kit Includes 2 pin spanner wrench &
sway bar relocation brackets
Icon Vehicle Dynamics - Toyota 4-Runner
5-8630 0"-3.5" Suspension System - 2005-2007 Tacoma, 4WD & Pre-Runner

Icon Vehicle Dynamics's Baja 1000 winning Tacoma front coil-over system modified for the
2005 model.
Featuring a 2.5” nitrogen-charged race style shock that delivers a great ride
both on and off the road.
The system allows an additional 0” – 3.5” lift to provide clearance for
larger tires.
Features:
- Made in the USA
- Nitro-steel shaft will not chip or rust like chrome shafts
- 200 PSI nitrogen-charged
internal reservoir
- Adjustable ride height from 0” – 3.5”
- Race
shock piston with flutter stack compression valving
- Chrome-silicon spring
- 2.5” shock diameter to prevent overheating
- Completely re-buildable and re-valvable shock
- 5/8” PTFE-lined spherical bearing
- Billet aluminum upper mount
- Cad-plated threaded body
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Frequently Asked Questions
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension Qustion: Can I combine the 3" hanger kit with a
4" spring?
Yes, Icon Vehicle Dynamics manufactured all of its
components to be modular so that they can work together in
different configurations. If you are interested in combining
components that are not listed on our site, please drop us a
note.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: Can I re-use my u-bolts?
No, we recommend using a fresh set of
u-bolts when ever they are removed.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: Can I use Icon Vehicle Dynamics Coil-Overs in
conjunction with any other lift system?
The stock Tacoma & Tundra Coil-Overs
should not be used in conjunction with any other front lift
components as they are a stand alone suspension system.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics does manufacture Tacoma & Tundra Coil-Overs that are
approved for use with the Total Chaos Upper Control Arms.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: Can I use my Icon Vehicle Dynamics Coil-Overs
with my other aftermarket lift?
The Icon Vehicle Dynamics coil-over suspensions
systems are a stand alone product and should not be used in
conjunction with any other non-authorized aftermarket
suspension components. The use of Icon Vehicle Dynamics's product in this
manner will void the warranty.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: Can I use the 2" mini spring pack with
any spring?
No, the 2" mini spring pack is only
compatible with stock Ford springs.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: Does a spanner wrench come with my
coil-over kit?
YES! The new 2 pin CAD Plated wrench comes
in all coil-over kits.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: How do the Super Duty kits work with
snow plow springs?
Traditionally the Ford snow plow springs
offer 1.5" of additional lift. Please consider this when
deciding rear options.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: How high can I adjust my coil-over
shocks on my 4WD Tacoma?
On 4WD Tacoma's you don't want to adjust Icon Vehicle Dynamics coil-overs to more than 2.5" of lift. Any more than
that puts excessive wear and stress on CV's and boots. The
use of a differential spacer will allow you to go slightly
higher. What about Tundras? The Tundra coil-over is only
adjustable up to 2.5".
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: How much will each kit actually lift my
truck?
With the purchase of any Icon Vehicle Dynamics
suspension system you are guaranteed to receive at least the
advertised lift height that you bought. All Icon Vehicle Dynamics
springs were designed around the weight of the Power Stroke
Diesel Motor. Trucks with V8 and V10 motors will see higher
lift heights. A V10 truck with the 6" lift springs installed
will more than likely have a 7" lift.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: If I add an aftermarket bumper/winch
setup to my Toyota truck will I still get the lift I want?
The springs on the Icon Vehicle Dynamics coil-overs are
rated for the stock weight of the Toyota trucks (Tacoma &
Tundra). If a large amount of weight is added like a bumper,
winch OR BOTH, the truck may sit slightly lower in the
front.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: Is Axle wrap bad for the truck?
Yes, it fatigues spring and sends a shock
through the driveline. Often times driveline vibration feels
like axle wrap, but the two problems have completely
different solutions.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: What comes in the Icon Vehicle Dynamics box kits?
The small box kit part # 3-1020 (for 4" –
8" lifts) contains the following:
1 EA. Pan-Rod Bracket (3-35)
1 EA. Sway Bar Drop Link Kit (3-36)
1 EA. Drop Pitman Arm (3-FD500)
1 EA. HKSD-03 Hardware Kit Includes:
2 EA. ½" x 3 1/2" Bolt Gr.8
2 EA. ½" x 5" Bolt Gr. 8
8 EA. ½" Washer Gr. 8
4 EA. ½" Nylock Nut
1 EA. Cotter Pin
The large box kit part # 3-1030 (for 10.5"
-12.5" lifts) contains the following:
1 ea. 10.5"/12.5" Pan-rod bracket
1 ea. Pan-rod bar mount/spring pad
1 ea. Sway bar link kit
2 ea. High-Density Foam bump-stop
1 ea. HKSD-03 hardware kit
3 ea. ½" x 1 ½" Bolt Gr. 8 (Loose)
6 ea. ½" Washer Gr. 8 (Loose)
3 ea. ½" Nylock Nut (Loose)
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: What is the difference between the
add-a-leaf and the full spring pack for the Tacoma and
Tundra?
The add-a-leaf utilizes the stock main
leafs while eliminating the factory overload leaf spring. It
greatly improves the on and off-road ride while providing
1.5 inches of lift.
The full Deaver leaf pack is an entirely
new pack including new u-bolts, bushings, sleeves and
American made steel springs. The pack is designed from the
ground up to provide your Toyota with the ultimate in
off-road and on-road performance.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: What is the difference between the DR
Signature Series Shocks and Bilsteins?
After many years of using Bilstein shocks
with Icon Vehicle Dynamics's suspension systems, the company felt it was
time to delve into its 30 year history of off road racing
and manufacture its own. The Icon Vehicle Dynamics Signature Series
shocks were custom valved by the same engineers that develop
all of the company's suspension components.
The combination of Icon Vehicle Dynamics shocks
and components offer the best ride quality on the market and
are covered by a lifetime warranty. DR Signatures Series
shocks are clear powder coated for a long lasting finish and
have a Nitro-Steel shaft that resist rust, pitting and
corrosion. These shocks are available in both mono-tube and
remote reservoir models.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: What shocks fit on the dual shock hoop?
Any shock that accepts a 1/2" bolt will
fit except King or Sway A Way piggy back shocks. Icon Vehicle Dynamics
does manufacture a blank shock hoop (3-9013) for these
applications.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: When do I need to use a carrier bearing
drop kit (3-37)?
Icon Vehicle Dynamics recommends the use of this kit
when going over 4" of lift. The shims minimize the drive
line angles which helps eliminate vibration on the two piece
drive shafts. However, every truck is different, so
depending on your particular truck you may need this even in
smaller lift applications.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: Why are the new blocks flat?
Icon Vehicle Dynamics's engineers have conducted
numerous tests' regarding both flat and angled blocks. The
conclusion was that flat blocks do not disturb the pinion
angle of the rear end and prevent excessive wear and
vibration from occurring. Icon Vehicle Dynamics's flat blocks optimize
spring travel and have a built-in bump stop tang much like
the factory blocks.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: Will your cross over steering kit
(3-9500/3-9599) work on my new 2005 Super Duty?
The 3-9500 and 3-9599 are the cross-over
steering kits are for the 99-04 Ford Super Duties. The new
2005 Super Duty trucks have a completely new front
suspension so these kits will not work with them.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: Aren’t all suspension lifts
essentially the same?
NO! Contrary to popular belief not all
lift kits are created equal. Different manufacturers
utilize different methods of achieving lift as well as
different geometries to address specific requirements.
For straight axle leaf sprung trucks most manufacturers
incorporate the use of replacement front springs. These
will vary in design and materials. Generally thin multi
leaf (10-12) spring packs provide superior ride quality
over spring packs with (4-6) thick leafs. The quality of
the materials used for the manufacturing of these
springs also has a significant effect on the ride
quality and longevity of the springs. A few
manufacturers offer spring relocation hangers in order
to achieve lift in lieu of replacement springs. This
offer the advantage of a lower spring rate which in and
of themselves will not adversely effect ride quality.
The quality of materials and construction of these as
well as other components such as the track bar bracket,
sway bar links and u-bolts also vary between makes.
Another major consideration in terms of ride quality are
the shock absorbers included with each kit. Most spec
generically valved shocks where others utilize
application specific shocks which were developed
specifically to address the ride characteristics of a
lifted truck.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: What is the true issue with
stacking lift blocks?
You hear the adage “don’t stack
blocks” thrown around all the time but few actually
understand the fundamental issue.
When lift blocks are added the
distance from the spring to the axle is increased. This
increased distanced provides greater leverage working
against the springs and more importantly the u-bolts.
The steel from which the u-bolts are manufactured will
provide a given amount of stretch per inch. Therefor the
longer the u-bolts the more potential stretch. The
leverage applied to the u-bolts and the potential
stretching of the u-bolt material are both relative to
the distance from axle to spring. Again, the leverage is
relative to the distance, not the number of blocks. It
is the leverage which causes u-bolt failure. And, it is
the failure of the u-bolts which causes blocks to be
spit out. It is easy to blame the blocks when they are
sitting out on the ground but if the u-bolts did not
fail the blocks could not have come out. Therefore the
bottom line is keep the leverage to a minimum, and use
only high quality u-bolts. Many of the higher quality
lift manufacturers now offer oe style one piece
replacement lift blocks which will also include an
integrated bump stop tag. It is also important to note
that some states have laws prohibiting stacked blocks.
Be sure to check with your local Department of Motor
Vehicles to verify that you are within the law.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: What is the difference between the
Icon Vehicle Dynamics 2" and 3" systems?
The Icon Vehicle Dynamics 2" Mini Spring Pack
Kit consists of a pair of 4 leaf spring packs which bolt
to your OE springs via hardened center pins. The
advantage of this kit is that is that spring rate is not
increased therefore ride quality is not adversely
effected. As the lift takes place below the springs this
does not require any additional modifications such as
aftermarket shocks. The down side to this is that there
is also no increase in wheel travel so performance is
not improved. Ride height is simply increased which will
typically level an F250 and allows for the use of 33"
tires on 8" wide wheels. Application specific shocks
which will improve ride quality are available as an
option.
The Icon Vehicle Dynamics 3" Hanger System
includes spring relocation hangers which also provide
increased ride height without increasing spring rate.
The kit offers an advantage over other similar hanger
kits on the market by the use of a longer replacement
shackles in lieu of shackle relocation brackets. As a
result the polar moment about the longer shackles allows
for improved impact absorption. Also included in the kit
are bump stop spacers which prevent damage to the shocks
upon full compression. This kit will provide improved
on-road ride quality and off-road performance through
the inclusion of application specific Signature Series
shocks and increased suspension travel. This kit will
typically level an F350 and allow for the use of 33"
tires on 10" wide wheels. An adjustable track bar is
recommended for use with this kit.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: Do I need an adjustable track bar
for use with my 2" Superduty leveling kit?
As the vertical distance between the
frame and axle track bar mounts increases the horizontal
distance is reduced as the track bar operates in an arc.
For small amounts of lift (1"-2") this is not a major
issue as these fall within Ford factory specs (X-code
equipped trucks are roughly comparable). Beyond that
point the axle will be pulled over to the driver's side
to an appreciable degree. Therefore, if your truck is
equipped with X-code springs or a 5.4L engine where the
stock ride height is already taller than the norm, we do
recommend an adjustable track bar to maintain proper
axle centering.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: Can I add Icon Vehicle Dynamics Mini
Spring Packs to my lift springs?
No, mini spring packs are designed for
use only with OE SuperDuty/Excursion springs.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: Can I use Icon Vehicle Dynamics Mini
Spring Packs in combination with my hanger lift?
Yes. As the mini spring packs bolt
directly to the original springs, they can be combined
with most hanger lifts. However, combinations resulting
in lifts beyond 4" will require a drop pitman arm, track
bar bracket and longer sway bar links.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: What is the advantage of Icon Vehicle Dynamics’s 2.5" kit for ‘05-‘06 Superduty over cheaper
coil spacer kits?
The advantage of the replacement coil
vs. the spacer is increased suspension travel and
superior spring rates. The DR 2.5" kit includes dual
rate coils which were specifically developed after
months of testing. These offer a 10% lower spring rate
at ride height and ramp up to 50% over stock at full
compression. The DR kit also includes Signature Series
shocks which are vastly superior to the OE units. These
do a much better job of controlling body roll and result
in improved ride quality and performance. Also included
with the DR kit are alignment cams which correct caster
for proper handling. Most coil spacer kits simply level
the truck and still require replacement of the front
shocks.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: Will the Icon Vehicle Dynamics 2.5" lift
system level my ‘05-‘06 F250 Superduty?
The Icon Vehicle Dynamics 2.5" kit was
initially designed for F350s, as such when installing
the kit on a F250 the truck will sit nose high. We
recommend adding either a 1" rear block, replacing the
2" F250 block with 4" flat block or an OE 3.625" F350
block. Making this change will address the rear shock
length issue as well though we do recommend rotating the
lower shock mounts down a bit when adding only the 1"
block.
In order to rotate the passenger’s
side lower shock mount down you will need to remove it
and elongate the hole in the mount which fits over the
centering pin on the axle housing. Elongating the upper
side of the hole roughly ½" will allow you to rotate the
shock’s position down approximately 1". For the driver’s
side you will need to unbolt the lower mount and remove
the centering tab located inside. The mount can then be
relocated allowing the shock to be extended
approximately 1" as well. This modification will allow
you to properly run the DR Signature Series rear shocks.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: Why does the steering on my ‘05-‘06
Superduty shimmy over bumps?
There are actually a few contributing
factors to this issue. First and foremost, Ford Motor
Company has a Technical Service Bulletin (04-26-1) which
indicates that this is a problem the manufacturer is
aware exists even in stock form. The TSB calls for a
steering gear mesh load adjustment. We have also found a
few new trucks with an abnormal amount of slop in the
upper tie rod end (at the pitman arm) which can also
contribute to the shimmy issue.
Beyond the above I have heard some
people refer to this as bump steer. In stock form the
‘05-‘06 Superduty does have approximately 3/8" of bump
steer from ride height to full compression and roughly
1" throughout the full suspension cycle. However, what
some describe as bump steer is largely steering
feedback. This is something inherent in the design of
the ‘05-‘06 suspension even in stock form. There are two
factors which we believe contribute to this issue. We
have done some testing in this regard and believe that
this stems in part from the placement of the OE steering
stabilizer. As it is placed on the drag link rather than
the tie rod it is less efficient. Furthermore, we are
dealing with a 3 link suspension system which has
lateral deflection though the suspension cycle. This
causes the stabilizer to resist the vertical movement of
the drag link through this cycle thereby pushing/pulling
on the pitman arm which is thereby translated to the
steering wheel. Switching to wider tires also provides
greater leverage for the tires to work against the
steering. This is also true to a greater extent when
wider aftermarket wheels are added which increase the
scrub radius. This provides even greater leverage
especially when installing the typical 10" wide wheels
with 4.5" backspacing which increases the scrub radius
by roughly 3.5" alone. The inefficient OE stabilizer is
simply not capable of compensating for this increased
leverage working against it. In testing removal of the
stabilizer resulted in sever death wobble so we do not
advocate it’s removal without some form of stabilizer.
We have found that a dual steering stabilizer system
which mounts directly between the tie rod and axle
housing does a much better job of minimizing this
steering feedback.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: Why doesn’t the Icon Vehicle Dynamics 4.5"
lift system for the ‘05-‘06 Superduty include a drop
track bar bracket and pitman arm?
This kit does not include a drop
pitman arm or track bar bracket because the track bar on
these trucks is approximately 8" longer and the drag
link 6 ½" longer than that of the ‘99-‘04 SD. This
increased length reduces the operating angles (post
lift) to less than that of most ‘99-‘04 Superduty
leveling kits. The inclusion of an adjustable track bar
is of more value than an unnecessary bracket. Some
companies do things simple because that is the way
things have always been done without thinking of the
geometry behind them. The larger DR kits do include a
track bar bracket and pitman arm in order to maintain
the proper geometry.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: What is drive line shutter and how
can I prevent this?
There are several factors which
contribute to this issue. Mechanically what is happening
is under acceleration the pinion tries to climb the ring
gear causing the springs to bow. This is because this is
the path of least resistance as opposed to quickly
accelerating an 8000 lbs object. With lift blocks the
leverage working against the springs is increased
allowing the pinion to climb further. When the pinion
rises above the angle of the driveline the u-joints go
out of phase causing an oscillation. This oscillation
deflects the rubber in the carrier bearing thereby
transmitting vibration to the cab. Carrier bearing shims
reduce the differences in the effective angles seen by
the upper and lower u-joints. This minimizes the
oscillation but is typically not eliminated 100%. Flat
rear lift blocks help by placing the pinion lower
relative to the angle of the driveline which allows for
a bit more pinion rotation before low speed oscillation
occurs.
A CV rear driveline is more tolerant
of these dynamics however they must be set up properly.
With the addition of a CV rear driveline we recommend
the lower u-joint to be roughly 1 degree low of the
driveline angle.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: Why does Icon Vehicle Dynamics offer both
4" spring and 4.5" hanger systems?
Most aftermarket lift springs offer an
increased spring rate. As a result the increased rate
requires greater force to compress a spring an equal
amount which typically adversely effects ride quality.
Now, increased rate can be beneficial if additional
sprung weight is added such as with a replacement bumper
and/or winch. However, ideally you want the lowest
possible spring rate for the given ride height. Lift
springs achieve increased ride height through either
stack height or (more commonly) increased rate. Hanger
lifts such as those by Icon Vehicle Dynamics provide increased
ride height without increasing spring rate. The DR
hanger kit offers an additional advantage by the
inclusion of a longer replacement shackles in lieu of a
shackle relocation bracket. As a result the polar moment
about the longer shackle allows for improved impact
absorption. When combined with application specific
shocks, this kit will provide improved ride quality over
stock.
The DR 4" spring system achieves most
of it’s increased ride height through stack height. What
this means is the main (top) leaf is nearly flat and
most of the lift is provided by the stacking of 11 thin
additional leafs underneath which make up a 3.75" tall
spring stack. This progressive rate design is ideal for
long travel off-road performance but is not quite as
compliant as the OE spring on the street. In contrast,
typical heavily arched lift spring offer a significantly
higher rate which results in a harsh ride with little
articulation.
The choice between hangers or springs
should be based upon your individual requirements.
Bottom line, for ultimate on-road ride plushness and
good off-road performance, hangers are the way to go.
For outstanding off-road performance with very good
on-road ride quality the 4" spring is the ticket.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: Why does my lifted 99-04 Supeduty
clunk when I turn?
Check to be sure that you installed
washers on the supplied 1/2" bolts between the swaybar
bushings and the mounts. The bolts should be torqued to
53 ft/lbs. If you over tighten them they can make noise,
especially if the washers are crushed. This is most
often hear in off camber situations. Next, check to be
sure that the track bar bracket bolt which extends
though the crossmember is tight (30 ft/lbs.) and look
for signs of movement between the bracket and
crossmember. Sometimes the hole in the crossmember will
be elongated which can result in movement/noise. If this
is the case you can replace the factory bolt with a 1/2"
bolt which will take up some of the clearance. Finally,
check to be sure that your track bar bolts are tight.
Very tight (395 ft/lbs).
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: What is Cross-Over steering and how
does it work?
In stock form the drag link is
relatively flat therefore steering force is applied
evenly across the entire cross section of the steering
box’s sector shaft. When a lift is installed the drag
link angle is often steepened and as a result steering
force becomes focused on to a progressively smaller area
of the sector shaft. This is what is referred to as a
stress riser which can result in sector shaft failure
and total loss of steering control. Cross-over steering
relocates the drag link’s lower ball joint and attaches
it to an auxiliary arm mounted off the top of the right
hand steering knuckle. This reduces the angle of the
drag link thereby distributing the force over a greater
surface area of the sector shaft.
Another benefit of cross-over steering
can be a reduction in Bump Steer. As the angle of the
drag link is steepened bump steer is increased due to
the relationship between the differing arcs in which the
drag link and track bar operate. In other words, as the
suspension cycles the effective horizontal lengths of
the drag link and track bar change thereby steering the
wheels left and right without input from the driver.
This results in unstable handling on uneven surfaces.
The flatter drag link angle afforded by cross-over
steering minimize deflection which when combined with a
properly engineered track bar arrangement can actually
serve to reduce bump steer over stock.
Additional benefits of crossover
steering are improved steering response as steering
input is transferred through 2 ball joints rather than 4
as in stock form. And, steering effort is improved due
to the reduction in angular loss. An illustration of
this can be made by simply pushing a lawn mower. The
higher you hold the handle the harder it is to push as a
certain percentage of your force is directed down rather
than forward. The lower you hold the handle the greater
the percentage of force directed forward. The flatter
drag link angle provided with cross-over steering
results in improved steering efficiency and reduced
steering effort.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question: Can I get away without Cross-Over
Steering if I bend my drag link?
A bent drag link only serves to reduce
the angle seen by the tie rod ends. The line of force is
still projected as a virtual line from joint to joint
therefore the bend does nothing to reduce the stress
applied to the sector shaft.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics Suspension
Question:
Will lifting my truck void its
factory warranty?
Adding a suspension lift in and of
itself does not legally constitute grounds for denial of
warranty coverage. The ‘Magnusion Moss Act’ was
established to protect consumers from unjustifiable
warranty denial.
|