Offroad Trailblazers and Envoys

Icon Vehicle Dynamics Coilovers - prototypes INSTALLED!

BDS, ReadyLift, Smaxx... You name it, we know about it here.

by The Roadie » Thu Nov 19, 2009 1:36 am

1) I must have traded off an inch of downtravel. Now I have the anti-sway bar back in there with the SuspensionMAXX links, I would have to disconnect them to measure true articulation. I was fried after the afternoon's work so I abandoned the idea to measure anything more.

2) The top mounting scheme is a spherical Heim, so it has two axes. Slick.

3) 650 lbs/in.

4) I'd have to borrow his or buy one from Icon or use a fat pin punch. The holes are just over 1/4" IIRC. I'm not going to spin the collar for a while until I see how it works on the lumps next week. I think he said on the phone he would bring his down for us to look at. Icon wants $26 for theirs. :finger: If I go visit them in a couple of weeks, I'll plead for some swag and a wrench because the gas to get there is expensive. Unless I get some new job or something? :cheers:
User avatar
The Roadie
Founder
 
Posts: 5011
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 11:29 pm
Location: OR, Portland area
Name: Bill Carton
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: GMC Envoy
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80
Rank: Expedition Guide

by EwingJK » Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:13 am

OregTrailBlazin wrote:
JamesDowning wrote: Is Icon going to actually offer these now? or were these a one-off proto that won't ever come to market?



That is a good question!! And it depends allot on all of us. Like Roadie said there seems to be only a dozen rigs that can or would do this mod. But I believe a dozen orders would enough to get them to do a production run. They normally run about 1050$ for the pair. If there is enough interest I would love to set up a group buy and get the price down around $850 for the pair.

They are completely re-valveable, and re-buildable. But like roadie said it's not something you want to do in the field. If they were to blow out while wheeling, nothing but loss of dampening will happen, you could still limp home just fine. To send them in to be rebuilt, it usually runs about 60-80$ per shock, a little less then buying a new set of HD's.

The next step is testing, testing, then a bit more. After that, I'll send Roadie up to Icon and let them do their testing.


I'm running low on time right now, but if anyone has any question on them feel free to post it up or drop me a PM.. I Imagine the Mods would like Us to keep the "oohs and Ahhs" from cluttering up the thread, so try and keep the posts relevant.


I'm definitely in for a set, especially at a GB. However, I won't install them until I take the TB back to the US or some other place where there is more challenging terrain than sand dunes. Besides, I only have 6K miles on my Bilstein HDs. Maybe a Pledge thread should be started to get a better idea of how many members are ready to commit to the expense.
User avatar
EwingJK
Cruiser
 
Posts: 43
Joined: Sun Sep 13, 2009 1:23 am
Location: Brentwood, CA (SF Bay Area)
Name: John Ewing
Vehicle Year: 2005
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80

by HARDTRAILZ » Thu Nov 19, 2009 9:17 am

Look good.Hope they perform as good on our platform as they have proven themselves on others. Not something for me though. With the cost being that high, a sas makes more sense to me.

I think you are be testing the next step in our suspension though. If you guys get a decent order in, it might show other companies that this platform is willing to spend good money for good products and motivate them to try some different things. I said it before, but if they are still coming out with new suspensions for 80's chevy trucks, they could still jump in for out our platform. The cost is getting lower and we have a good frame and solid drivetrain, so I can see some more builds as the buy0in costs drop.

Can't wait to hear how these do. Thanks to those going the extra distance to get these as far as they have come.
I hate to advocate weird chemicals, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone...but
they've always worked for me.
User avatar
HARDTRAILZ
Moderator
 
Posts: 6342
Joined: Sat Sep 12, 2009 1:49 am
Location: IN, Batesville
Name: Kyle
Vehicle Year: 2006
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Extreme Offroader

by foosh » Thu Nov 19, 2009 11:15 pm

I know its slightly offtopic, but in response to Hardtrailz post...

Thats exactly what i think, the more publicity we can get for our platform the better, I brought my truck to a car meet I go to quite often, and I had a whole group of people asking questions about it. As far as it goes, I think its quite a good thing to see more and more of us lifted even if they aren't wheelin.
Only White Lifted TB in Jerzey on 33's :safari:

:flex dirty: Pine Barrens Wheelin!
Build Thread http://forums.offroadtb.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=113
User avatar
foosh
Addict
 
Posts: 715
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2009 9:01 pm
Location: Red Bank Area
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD
Rank: Offroad Rated

by HARDTRAILZ » Fri Nov 20, 2009 9:20 am

I was thinking (which hurt alot :raspberry: ) last night and was wondering if the extra holes in the top strut mount would warrant another thin plate on the top to sandwich the factory metal and provide extra strength. I am not an engineer, so I could be barking up the wrong tree, but I figured every hole makes a little more weakness. May not be an issue, but thought it would be worth examining before the metal starts to crack between holes.
I hate to advocate weird chemicals, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone...but
they've always worked for me.
User avatar
HARDTRAILZ
Moderator
 
Posts: 6342
Joined: Sat Sep 12, 2009 1:49 am
Location: IN, Batesville
Name: Kyle
Vehicle Year: 2006
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Extreme Offroader

by Trail X » Fri Nov 20, 2009 10:01 am

A sandwich plate could be helpful, but they are generally needed if there is a high tensile stress on the bolts. Because 90% of the forces on those bolts are compressive, there won't be a lot of fatigue around the bolt heads. It's not really any different than the stock setup.

However, Bill... since you don't have much downward articulation, I wonder if you could benefit from a 1" spacer on top of the coilovers... maybe some softer or shorter springs to offset that.
8-) Build Thread | ExPo Build | YouTube Videos
Not all who wander are lost. -Tolkien
User avatar
Trail X
Founder
 
Posts: 9925
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 10:22 pm
Location: VA, Roanoke
Name: James Downing
Vehicle Year: 2005
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Guide

by The Roadie » Fri Nov 20, 2009 12:19 pm

Good thoughts. I'm going to be distracted for a few days here. Got my FIRST telephone interview in 51 weeks of being out of work scheduled on Monday morning! The opening is where Teebes works - in their semiconductor mfg. section, doing EXACTLY what I do, but maintaining million dollar test systems made by a former competitor of mine. I have enough industry friends that I was able to get manuals and training material for all of these systems yesterday, so I have three days to go through three months worth of material (did 600 Powerpoint slides last night) and see what the differences are with their brand of systems.

My approach will be that if you have experience by designing, building, and maintaining a vehicle like a Trailblazer, you're more than qualified to fly somewhere and rent an Explorer and change the air filter.
User avatar
The Roadie
Founder
 
Posts: 5011
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 11:29 pm
Location: OR, Portland area
Name: Bill Carton
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: GMC Envoy
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80
Rank: Expedition Guide

by HARDTRAILZ » Fri Nov 20, 2009 12:35 pm

The Roadie wrote:Good thoughts. I'm going to be distracted for a few days here. Got my FIRST telephone interview in 51 weeks of being out of work scheduled on Monday morning! The opening is where Teebes works - in their semiconductor mfg. section, doing EXACTLY what I do, but maintaining million dollar test systems made by a former competitor of mine. I have enough industry friends that I was able to get manuals and training material for all of these systems yesterday, so I have three days to go through three months worth of material (did 600 Powerpoint slides last night) and see what the differences are with their brand of systems.

My approach will be that if you have experience by designing, building, and maintaining a vehicle like a Trailblazer, you're more than qualified to fly somewhere and rent an Explorer and change the air filter.


Good Luck :woot: Glad you got a lead. I like your approach idea :idea: . I will send up some good thoughts for your benefit. Have a great/busy weekend and put yourself first. Let us know how it goes Monday evening. :coffee:
I hate to advocate weird chemicals, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone...but
they've always worked for me.
User avatar
HARDTRAILZ
Moderator
 
Posts: 6342
Joined: Sat Sep 12, 2009 1:49 am
Location: IN, Batesville
Name: Kyle
Vehicle Year: 2006
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Extreme Offroader

by MrSmithsTB » Fri Nov 20, 2009 1:17 pm

That is an awesome thing for you, Bill. Glad things are looking up, and good luck. :cheers: I need to get on the ball.
back in the saddle
TB BUILD
User avatar
MrSmithsTB
Veteran
 
Posts: 1756
Joined: Thu Sep 10, 2009 2:28 pm
Location: EHT, NJ
Name: Bob
Vehicle Year: 2006
Vehicle: Other GMT360/370
DriveTrain: AWD w/ G80
Rank: Offroad Rated

by Philberto » Fri Nov 20, 2009 2:04 pm

Congratulations on the interview!!! I hope everything goes well for you, and we're all rooting for you... Now I need to get my ass in gear and finish up my certs so I can freelance as a computer tech for now.
My Build Thread | 2006 Trailblazer LS Desert Camping Edition **SOLD**
2013 Nissan Xterra S "ReXterra"
User avatar
Philberto
Lifer
 
Posts: 2048
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2009 5:30 pm
Location: CA, Oxnard
Name: Philip Cruz
Vehicle Year: Other
Vehicle: Other Vehicle
DriveTrain: 4WD
Rank: Offroad Rated

by Trail X » Fri Nov 20, 2009 2:06 pm

The Roadie wrote:My approach will be that if you have experience by designing, building, and maintaining a vehicle like a Trailblazer, you're more than qualified to fly somewhere and rent an Explorer and change the air filter.


:lol: , nice comparison.

So you're going to be their jiffy-lube guy?
8-) Build Thread | ExPo Build | YouTube Videos
Not all who wander are lost. -Tolkien
User avatar
Trail X
Founder
 
Posts: 9925
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 10:22 pm
Location: VA, Roanoke
Name: James Downing
Vehicle Year: 2005
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Guide

by The Roadie » Fri Nov 20, 2009 2:40 pm

I would be the sooper-dooper tech specialist the jiffy-lube lower bay guys call when they can't find the oil filter.
User avatar
The Roadie
Founder
 
Posts: 5011
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 11:29 pm
Location: OR, Portland area
Name: Bill Carton
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: GMC Envoy
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80
Rank: Expedition Guide

by janesy86 » Fri Nov 20, 2009 3:01 pm

Haha.. congrats on the interview Bill, hope it goes well. :salut:

And can't wait to hear how the coilovers do this upcoming week! Looking good! :flex dirty:
Build Thread
Back to stock, had fun while it lasted...
janesy86
Veteran
 
Posts: 1291
Joined: Thu Sep 10, 2009 2:29 pm
Location: MA, Salem
Name: Nick Janes
Vehicle Year: 2007
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80
Rank: Offroad Rated

by OregTrailBlazin » Fri Nov 20, 2009 5:12 pm

Just a quick second on the computer....


The down travel was .25" more on the new shocks then my truck had.. It bound on the upper ball-joint before I could get the shock all the way on. Does your Envoy have more downward travel than my Trailblazer??? Maybe is there a difference from stock ball-joints to aftermarket...

We'll get them dialed in, Icon will want to get them running perfect since it's their name on the product... :thumright:
Johnny Kurz
General Manager
541-474-2879
Wheeler's Off-Road Inc.
Our Vendor Section
User avatar
OregTrailBlazin
Off-Road Vendor
 
Posts: 610
Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:34 pm
Location: OR, Grants Pass
Name: Johnathan Kurz
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD

by DZPearl » Sat Nov 21, 2009 10:30 am

It is nice to see that the coilovers are closer to being a reality for us. I really like the way they look and based on their history know that they will perform well also! Keep us updated on their operation! Also, good luck with the interview!
User avatar
DZPearl
Cruiser
 
Posts: 14
Joined: Sun Nov 15, 2009 8:23 pm
Location: MO, Saint Charles
Name: Dave
Vehicle Year: 2003
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 2WD w/ G80

by OregTrailBlazin » Mon Nov 30, 2009 3:02 pm

Any performance update after the trip??
Johnny Kurz
General Manager
541-474-2879
Wheeler's Off-Road Inc.
Our Vendor Section
User avatar
OregTrailBlazin
Off-Road Vendor
 
Posts: 610
Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:34 pm
Location: OR, Grants Pass
Name: Johnathan Kurz
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD

by The Roadie » Mon Nov 30, 2009 3:44 pm

Missed ya! You could have DRIVEN on them!!! They rock! Very, very stiff, which was my goal. Maybe not for everybody, but I get my softness from being aired down, and the ground clearance is great when the front doesn't compress that much. And the dampening is superb!!!

I really don't care about road manners so much, but the stiffness makes it ride like it was new and unmodified and weighed down, like over 4 years ago!

Another reason I value excessive stiffness is in case you come off a ledge using an angled line and only ONE front strut has to take the force of the entire weight of the front of the vehicle. If you're going downhill, that's exactly when you need extra stiffness in the front. And it's the more expensive bits of the truck that are in danger.

So far, I'm ecstatic with them. Haven't cranked on the preload at all. So they give about an inch more lift at resting than the BDS/Markmc 1/2" spacer/EXT spring combo I had on there before.

Recovered yet, sickie?
User avatar
The Roadie
Founder
 
Posts: 5011
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 11:29 pm
Location: OR, Portland area
Name: Bill Carton
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: GMC Envoy
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80
Rank: Expedition Guide

by Philberto » Mon Nov 30, 2009 4:54 pm

I can vouch that they're definitely beefy-looking and feeling. I would love some if I had the cash, but I have other priorities on the truck right now anyways.
My Build Thread | 2006 Trailblazer LS Desert Camping Edition **SOLD**
2013 Nissan Xterra S "ReXterra"
User avatar
Philberto
Lifer
 
Posts: 2048
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2009 5:30 pm
Location: CA, Oxnard
Name: Philip Cruz
Vehicle Year: Other
Vehicle: Other Vehicle
DriveTrain: 4WD
Rank: Offroad Rated

by OregTrailBlazin » Mon Nov 30, 2009 8:23 pm

The Roadie wrote:Missed ya! You could have DRIVEN on them!!! They rock! Very, very stiff, which was my goal. Maybe not for everybody, but I get my softness from being aired down, and the ground clearance is great when the front doesn't compress that much. And the dampening is superb!!!

I really don't care about road manners so much, but the stiffness makes it ride like it was new and unmodified and weighed down, like over 4 years ago!

Another reason I value excessive stiffness is in case you come off a ledge using an angled line and only ONE front strut has to take the force of the entire weight of the front of the vehicle. If you're going downhill, that's exactly when you need extra stiffness in the front. And it's the more expensive bits of the truck that are in danger.

So far, I'm ecstatic with them. Haven't cranked on the preload at all. So they give about an inch more lift at resting than the BDS/Markmc 1/2" spacer/EXT spring combo I had on there before.

Recovered yet, sickie?


Man, I wish I could have made it, I finally started to recover by Wednesday, and got some food in me on Turkey day... It was one hell-of-a vacation :puker: 4 days with the fever and puking!! Damn California air..


I'm glad they're running good, sounds like they are still a little firm for the general market. I'll have to see when Icon will want to check them out!! Any glamour pics of them going over the ledges?
Johnny Kurz
General Manager
541-474-2879
Wheeler's Off-Road Inc.
Our Vendor Section
User avatar
OregTrailBlazin
Off-Road Vendor
 
Posts: 610
Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:34 pm
Location: OR, Grants Pass
Name: Johnathan Kurz
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD

by Zero » Mon Nov 30, 2009 10:40 pm

man i cant wait till roadie spends more time on these new babies and hits us all with one of his 2 pages break downs.

it sounds like he has it set up quite a bit stiffer then i would want. i spend more time on the road then off. and dont have all the extra weight up front like he does. since i have the ext, my weight is all in the back which is why i have been looking to get some custom springs made or to get the skyjackers like alekg has. :flex dirty:
Zero
Veteran
 
Posts: 1048
Joined: Thu Sep 10, 2009 5:07 pm
Location: Los Angeles, CA / Toronto, ON
Name: Brendan
Vehicle Year: 2005
Vehicle: Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80
Rank: Offroad Rated

PreviousNext

Return to Lifts / Suspension