BDS or ICON?
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Stafford, VA
BDS or ICON?
Trying to decide on either a 6" BDS all spring for my 04' 5.4 4x4, or a 7" ICON all spring. The BDS can be had for $300 cheaper but says it only clears 35's which I don't beleive because the Rough Country 5" kit that sells for $800 says it clears 35's. I think that with my truck only having the 5.4, that a spring change would make a huge difference. So what i'm trying to say is I don't think I need to spend the extra $300 for the extra inch just to clear 37's, when I believe the 6" BDS will clear them? Any opinions on both lifts are appreciated. Thanks guys.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Woodbridge NJ
I cant comment about the Icon kit...but my BDS kit has served me well so far. I went with the 8" all spring kit and my 37's rubbed the bumper and inner fender at full lockout.
Depending on your wheel / tire combo...ie wheel offset and back spacing this might not be an issue like I had. My offset is -43 which makes my tires stick out pretty far.
I would look into the 8" or 10" kit if you are going to use BDS and run 37's
If I could do it again I would have bought the 10" kit which was only $150 more at the time I purchased the 8" kit.
I know with the 6" and 8" BDS you have to have the rear drive shaft lengthened. And when you go to the 10" kit the front also has to be modified.
Depending on your wheel / tire combo...ie wheel offset and back spacing this might not be an issue like I had. My offset is -43 which makes my tires stick out pretty far.
I would look into the 8" or 10" kit if you are going to use BDS and run 37's
If I could do it again I would have bought the 10" kit which was only $150 more at the time I purchased the 8" kit.
I know with the 6" and 8" BDS you have to have the rear drive shaft lengthened. And when you go to the 10" kit the front also has to be modified.
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: SoCal...LP to the LB
I personally have liked Icon's products (don't have a lift yet but know people who have their kits).
If I remember correctly I do remember reading on a Q&A section from Icon that yes, with the smaller motors(even the V10) compared to the diesel engine their lift kits could even be 1-2" taller than the stated lift height. (ie 7" on a diesel....8-9" on the V8,V10) and also not even looking at worn saggy springs...so it could definitely be a more significant height difference. Also the Icon kit doesn't require and drive shaft mods.
If I was going with a leaf spring lift I'd definitely go with Icon personally, but the Fabtech coilover 4-link conversion (which fits 37's) has caught my eye.
Good luck
-Steph
If I remember correctly I do remember reading on a Q&A section from Icon that yes, with the smaller motors(even the V10) compared to the diesel engine their lift kits could even be 1-2" taller than the stated lift height. (ie 7" on a diesel....8-9" on the V8,V10) and also not even looking at worn saggy springs...so it could definitely be a more significant height difference. Also the Icon kit doesn't require and drive shaft mods.
If I was going with a leaf spring lift I'd definitely go with Icon personally, but the Fabtech coilover 4-link conversion (which fits 37's) has caught my eye.
Good luck
-Steph
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Stafford, VA
Why does the BDS require driveshaft mods and the ICON not? Also, with the all spring, do I still use the factory block, or is that gone with the new spring pack? What do I do to make the "pitch" for the driveshaft realignment?
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Woodbridge NJ
I'm not sure why the Icon doesn't need mods.
My 8" BDS kit used the stock 2" rear block with new springs. When I installed the additional 2.5" shackle lift I bought new 4.5" rear blocks from Top Gun Customz which already have the proper taper.
00-05 Ford Excursion 4.5" Steel Fabricated Lift Block Kit @Top Gun Customz
My 8" BDS kit used the stock 2" rear block with new springs. When I installed the additional 2.5" shackle lift I bought new 4.5" rear blocks from Top Gun Customz which already have the proper taper.
00-05 Ford Excursion 4.5" Steel Fabricated Lift Block Kit @Top Gun Customz
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 660
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From: near Daytona
Id go Icon if mine didnt already have a lift when I bought it. Top quality and ride. I would bet 37s would clear a Icon 7"
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Elder User
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From: Stafford, VA
Icon says it'll clear 37's. But it didn't specify wheel size or backspace. I have 17x9 DC2's with 4.5" BS.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: North Bay
Icon and BDS are both good brands
I have a 6" Icon all spring superduty kit on my excursion. I beat the crap out of it on my superduty offroading for 2 years and I haven't had any problems. The Icon springs have a lifetime warranty against sagging
I have a 6" Icon all spring superduty kit on my excursion. I beat the crap out of it on my superduty offroading for 2 years and I haven't had any problems. The Icon springs have a lifetime warranty against sagging
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