Ironman Suspension Issues

  • HTML tutorial

Glenny

Rank I
Launch Member

Traveler I

233
Sandy, UT
Member #

4888

It is not my intent to make this an attack on Ironman though it is hard to share my challenges and it not sound like one. I am hopeful this doesn't come across like a bashing of their stuff but rather a sharing of my specific experiences. So, here we go:

I purchased my 1997 FZJ 80 in 2011 and began to outfit it/upgrade things. I added a 3 inch lift with heavy springs, shocks, steering dampeners, etc. All from Ironman. My local LC specialist had a great deal on the setup over OME. They knew Ironman from the Aussie market and so did I. I saw their stuff on the UTEs, Hilluxs, and 70s my mining clients have so I knew it had to good. I have been surprised at how quickly their components have degraded or failed on my rig without much mileage or hard off road abuse. I don't know if I got a bad batch so to speak or what. I have replaced the front springs with OME's J springs and now am now replacing the rear with same as the Ironman are sagging and the truck doesn't sit level from side to side nor front to rear. I have an appointment this Thursday to replace the rear springs and the rest of the suspension components with OME. The shocks from Ironman have started to separate and rattle just driving around my neighborhood. The steering dampener's internal sleeve has separated and now it rattles as well. I just don't have confidence in my suspension right now. With an overland trip with my wife coming up at the end of the month, I just don't want to chance it. Like I said, maybe it's my bad luck or something? I would be curious to know if anyone else has experienced something similar. I think it is important for the collective good in case this isn't an isolated case and those with 80s or similar need to be aware.

Glenn
 

jody lapoint

Rank 0

Traveler I

I purchased an Ironman suspension for my 2017 Tacoma. I also am not interested in bashing a product but have been very disappointed with my lift.
Bushings replaced at 5k and again at 7k. Finally installed OME bushings with no issues. Springs started squeaking really bad around 7k and had to install spring liners to fix the issue. Now I have 17k on it and the rear shock is got a bad clunck. I am taking the kit off and installing a new OME kit.
 

Jrahn0822

Rank V
Launch Member

Enthusiast III

1,815
Wakefield, NE, USA
First Name
Jake
Last Name
Rahn
Member #

3894

I have a set of Ironman leafs on my truck and have not had any issues with them. My truck gets used not only for overlanding but also for truck work with a decent amount of weight in it regularly. Sounds like their bushings might not be the greatest from both of your complaints.
 

MOAK

Rank V
Launch Member

Off-Road Ranger I

2,865
Wernersville Public Library, North Reber Street, Wernersville, PA, USA
First Name
Donald
Last Name
Diehl
Member #

0745

Ham/GMRS Callsign
WRPN 506
Over the years I've read a lot of reviews of the Iron Man products. Not only is the ride extraordinarily harsh, ( which some folks like) and articulation limited, QC is lacking in a very big way. After all my research I have stayed true to the tried and true OME products. The only bad reviews I've ever read or heard about are customers regretting the choice they made between, "heavy", "medium" or "light" spring rates. I just recently replaced a set of shocks after 80 thousand miles. The old shocks were still good, but I figure after 80k miles it would soon be time. Good luck next time around. Oh,, BTW,, I think that it is OK to bash a poor product. The manufacturer is going to do one of two things, improve the product in order to compete in the market, or close the doors... Too often, we as consumers, settle for mediocrity. If we settle for it then we deserve it.
 

Get Out GO

Ambassador, Africa
Member
Member

Influencer III

4,788
Randburg, South Africa
First Name
Christoff
Last Name
Eilerd
Member #

17161

I have ironman shocks and coils with a 2” lift (on a Toyota Fortuner) and I haven’t had any issues. I’ve put around 40k km (25k mi) on them in all sorts of terrain. I’ve heard both great and bad stories so maybe it’s a quality control issue.
 

MOAK

Rank V
Launch Member

Off-Road Ranger I

2,865
Wernersville Public Library, North Reber Street, Wernersville, PA, USA
First Name
Donald
Last Name
Diehl
Member #

0745

Ham/GMRS Callsign
WRPN 506
I have ironman shocks and coils with a 2” lift (on a Toyota Fortuner) and I haven’t had any issues. I’ve put around 40k km (25k mi) on them in all sorts of terrain. I’ve heard both great and bad stories so maybe it’s a quality control issue.
yes most definitely a QC issue.