Icon 1.5 Coilovers and Shocks: Detailed Review

Icon Vehicle Dynamics has long been a trusted name in the off-road suspension world, offering a range of coilovers and shocks designed to tackle everything from daily driving to hardcore trail riding. The Icon 1.5 series sits in the middle of their lineup, promising a blend of performance, adjustability, and value that appeals to enthusiasts who want more than entry-level but don't need the top-tier race setup. In this detailed review, we'll break down the features, ride quality, and real-world performance of the Icon 1.5 coilovers and shocks, and compare them to other popular Icon series like the 0-2 and 2-3.

Whether you're upgrading your truck or SUV for better off-road capability or simply want a more controlled ride on pavement, the Icon 1.5 series deserves a close look. We'll cover construction, adjustability, installation, and how they stack up against competitors. By the end, you'll know if the Icon 1.5 is the right suspension upgrade for your vehicle.

What Are Icon 1.5 Coilovers and Shocks?

The Icon 1.5 series includes both coilovers and remote reservoir shocks designed for a variety of trucks and SUVs. They feature a 1.5-inch diameter shock body, which is a step up from the entry-level 0-2 series but not as heavy-duty as the 2-3 or 3.5-4.5 series. The coilovers use a threaded body for preload adjustment, allowing you to fine-tune ride height and spring rate. The shocks often come with remote reservoirs to increase oil capacity and reduce fade during extended off-road use. Icon uses high-quality materials like 6061-T6 aluminum for the shock body and CNC-machined components, ensuring durability and corrosion resistance.

One of the standout features of the Icon 1.5 series is the use of their patented 'Damping Rod' technology, which provides consistent damping performance across a wide range of temperatures and conditions. The shocks are also rebuildable and revalvable, meaning you can service them and adjust the valving to suit your specific driving style or vehicle setup. This makes them a long-term investment for serious off-roaders.

• 1.5-inch aluminum shock body for lightweight durability
• Threaded preload adjustment on coilovers for ride height tuning
• Remote reservoir option for increased oil capacity and cooling
• Rebuildable and revalvable for long service life

Ride Quality and On-Road Performance

On the pavement, the Icon 1.5 coilovers provide a significant improvement over factory shocks. The initial stiffness is noticeable but not harsh, and the damping does an excellent job of controlling body roll during cornering and reducing nose dive under braking. The adjustability of the coilovers allows you to dial in a ride height that suits your preference, whether you want a level stance or a slight rake. For daily driving, the Icon 1.5 strikes a good balance between comfort and control, though it is firmer than the Icon 0-2 series, which is designed for a softer ride.

When you hit rough roads or potholes, the 1.5 shocks absorb impacts well without transmitting excessive vibration to the cabin. The remote reservoir models, like the Icon 0-2 (note: this is a placeholder, but we use the correct product link for Icon 0-2), help maintain consistent damping even after repeated bumps. However, for those who prioritize ultimate on-road comfort, the Icon 0-2 series might be a better choice, as it offers a plusher ride. The Icon 1.5 is more performance-oriented, making it ideal for drivers who want responsive handling without sacrificing daily usability.

Off-Road Capability and Durability

Off-road is where the Icon 1.5 series really shines. The increased oil capacity and remote reservoir help prevent shock fade during long stretches of washboard roads or whoops. The damping is well-tuned for moderate to aggressive off-roading, providing good control over wheel movement and keeping tires planted. The coilovers offer enough travel for most trail conditions, and the preload adjustability lets you fine-tune the ride for different terrain. Compared to the Icon 2-3 series, the 1.5 is lighter and more suited for overlanding and light to moderate rock crawling, while the 2-3 is built for high-speed desert running and heavy loads.

Durability is a strong point: the aluminum body resists corrosion, and the seals are robust enough to handle mud, dust, and water. The shocks are rebuildable, so you can replace seals and oil as needed, extending their lifespan significantly. For extreme off-road use, the Icon 3.5-4.5 series offers even more travel and damping capacity, but for most enthusiasts, the Icon 1.5 provides more than enough capability.

• Remote reservoir reduces shock fade on long rough sections
• Threaded coilover bodies allow easy ride height adjustment
• Corrosion-resistant aluminum construction
• Rebuildable design for extended service life

Icon 1.5 vs. Icon 0-2: Which Should You Choose?

A common question among buyers is whether to go with the Icon 1.5 or the Icon 0-2 series. The Icon 0-2 is an entry-level option that offers a comfortable ride and basic lift capabilities, but it lacks the adjustability and performance of the 1.5 series. The 0-2 uses a smaller shock body and does not have remote reservoirs, making it more prone to fade during aggressive off-roading. If you're a weekend warrior who occasionally hits trails, the 0-2 might suffice. However, if you frequently off-road or want the ability to fine-tune your suspension, the Icon 1.5 is worth the extra investment.

The Icon 1.5 also offers better resale value and upgradability. You can later add remote reservoirs or revalve the shocks to match your evolving needs. For vehicles like the Ford F150, the Fox 2.0 Performance Lift Kit is another alternative, but Icon's 1.5 series provides a more customizable experience. Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget and intended use. For most off-road enthusiasts, the Icon 1.5 hits the sweet spot.

Installation and Setup Considerations

Installing Icon 1.5 coilovers and shocks is a straightforward process for those with basic mechanical skills, but professional installation is recommended if you're not experienced with suspension work. The coilovers come pre-assembled with springs, so you simply need to remove the old units and install the new ones. You'll need to set the preload to achieve your desired ride height, and then get an alignment afterward. The shocks are bolt-on for most applications, though some vehicles may require minor modifications like trimming bump stops.

One tip: before installation, adjust the coilover preload to the middle of the adjustment range to give yourself room to fine-tune later. Also, ensure that the remote reservoir brackets are securely mounted to avoid interference with other components. After installation, take the vehicle for a test drive and adjust the damping if your shocks have adjustable knobs. The Icon 1.5 series typically has 10-15 clicks of adjustment, allowing you to dial in the perfect balance between comfort and control.

• Pre-assembled coilovers simplify installation
• Set preload to mid-range initially for adjustment flexibility
• Professional alignment recommended after installation
• Test drive and adjust damping to personal preference

The Icon 1.5 coilovers and shocks deliver a significant upgrade over stock suspension, offering improved off-road capability, adjustability, and durability without compromising on-road comfort. They are a solid choice for enthusiasts who want a performance-oriented suspension that can handle daily driving and weekend adventures. If you're ready to upgrade your ride, check out the Icon 0-2 series for a more budget-friendly option, or explore the full range of Icon products at Shocksurplus to find the perfect fit for your vehicle.