Better SAS Lift Kit - Zone OffRoad or ICON

[rtaylor]

Each is a 3" spacer lift kit for approximately $500.
So a few questions.
1) How would you compare/contrast these two products?
2) Does one stand out as clearly the better option?
3) Are there other lift kits I should be considering?

The Icon seems to be heavier duty and simpler (Zone has "plastic" parts for strut and bump spacers). For Zone, each spacer is tuned to within 1/8" for each model, whereas Icon is a generic kit. For the 2dr, the Icon lift is ~1/2" less than zone. Apparently the Icon lift can use the stock UCA due to less lift. Rear 37" tires may rub worse with the Icon on 2dr (about 0.5" more compression than Zone/Fox/King).

For 35" tires, there is currently nothing better than Badlands/Sasquatch for wheel travel. Fox and King coilovers are worse on rear, and Zone/Icon spacers are worse on front. Note that you have to ignore the coilover marketing claims of increased wheel travel (the maximum travel is actually worse when compared to SAS, not 20% better). Presumably there will eventually be aftermarket coilovers with true improved wheel travel (maybe bilstein).

Fox/BDS/Zone recommends 17x8.5+12 (or 17x9+0) for 37's. Icon, of course, recommends the wheels that they sell (17x8.5+0).

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[BroncoStan]

Nicely done! That looks incredible!!!

 

[BroncoStan]

The Icon seems to be heavier duty and simpler (Zone has "plastic" parts for strut and bump spacers). For Zone, each spacer is tuned to within 1/8" for each model, whereas Icon is a generic kit. For the 2dr, the Icon lift is ~1/2" less than zone. Apparently the Icon lift can use the stock UCA due to less lift. Rear 37" tires may rub worse with the Icon on 2dr (about 0.5" more compression than Zone/Fox/King).

For 35" tires, there is currently nothing better than Badlands/Sasquatch for wheel travel. Fox and King coilovers are worse on rear, and Zone/Icon spacers are worse on front. Note that you have to ignore the coilover marketing claims of increased wheel travel (the maximum travel is actually worse when compared to SAS, not 20% better). Presumably there will eventually be aftermarket coilovers with true improved wheel travel (maybe bilstein).

Fox/BDS/Zone recommends 17x8.5+12 (or 17x9+0) for 37's. Icon, of course, recommends the wheels that they sell (17x8.5+0).

Thanks, @rtaylor for laying this out. As you can tell I’m a newbie to lifting a vehicle so I appreciate the direct compare/contrast.

 

[Jose_911]

I got 'ya. I would just put 37's on it first and see how it works for you. Change suspension second. IMO.

Both spacer lifts you listed are good kits, nothing wrong with either choice. Problem is spacer lifts CAN, not always, but CAN cause damage to you shocks by over extending or over compressing them. For what you replied obove as use, you should be fine.


King's or Fox are probably top 2. Everyone has their own opinion as to who's is best.

With the King's and UCA is anything else needed to run 37's?

 

[BAUS67]

With the King's and UCA is anything else needed to run 37's?

Rear track bar bracket or adjustable track bar.

 

[Jose_911]

Rear track bar bracket or adjustable track bar.

So the king's will raise the vehicle enough to run the 37's? I did see the rear tracks are recommended too.

 

[BAUS67]

So the king's will raise the vehicle enough to run the 37's? I did see the rear tracks are recommended too.

Yeah. I see most have them advertised as running 35's but as I have stated earlier in this thread 37's will fit a non lifted Squatch. There is more than one here on this forum. So that said a King is listed as 2" lift and Squatch is about 1.5/1.7 so 37's should fit with the Kings. IMO.

For the record I have a level kit on my F-150 that lists 33's as the recommended tire size and my truck has ...... 35's on it.

 

[BAUS67]

Here is a Bronco with Kings and 37's. Started life as a squatch on 37's.






Here they are in action.

 

[Jose_911]

Here is a Bronco with Kings and 37's. Started life as a squatch on 37's.






Here they are in action.

He's ripping it on there haha love to see it.

 

[ZoneOffroad.com]

A couple of first-hand notes on this topic:
1) First, Zone Offroad does not offer any products that would cause suspension bind. Follow our instructions and use the parts as designed.

2) Specific to the new Bronco, Ford did an excellent job designing a chassis that accommodates tall tires and high-performance driving out of the box. Presumably, the Bronco chassis may have also been designed to accommodate future configurations, as well. Bottom Line: It's an excellent and easily upgradable chassis design.

Based on the above, the old saw "..All spacers are bad!" does not apply -- at least not with Zone Offroad systems. We determined effective spacer height limits that work within the chassis' available suspension travel range and clearance -- and did not exceed those limits. It's also worth noting that proper spacers may open up your available shock options in the future. We don't expect to convince everyone, nor are we saying all spacers from all manufacturers are effective, but we did do the math on numerous actual Broncos and stand behind Zone Offroad Bronco Spacer Systems.

-- As far as how to compare Zone Offroad with other brands, this is IMPORTANT: Beware "one size fits all" offerings. Zone Offroad offers multiple spacer systems -- each geared towards a specific Bronco model. Some companies appear to use one top spacer height for all Bronco shock package lengths. This is bad: The wrong thickness spacer can cause UCA, tie rod end and CV shaft components to be overextended. When in doubt, check for vague fitment notes or poor/missing instructions. That may help separate the brands that did legit development from brands that rushed to market.

-- Additional Consideration:
Bump Stop Extensions: Our 3" and 4" Adventure Series systems include bump stop extensions - which in addition to their basic function, help prevent spring fatigue due to repeat overcompression of the springs. Some brands will omit this critical feature to cut costs or make their sell price look more attractive.
Control Arms: We are super proud of this part. They work to restore suspension geometry and ball joint articulation range at taller lift heights along with allowing for proper alignment. Also, they are dead sexy. You need to see them in person and will be proud to have them on your Bronco.

The entire Bronco product range can be found HERE

 

[BroncoStan]

A couple of first-hand notes on this topic:
1) First, Zone Offroad does not offer any products that would cause suspension bind. Follow our instructions and use the parts as designed.

2) Specific to the new Bronco, Ford did an excellent job designing a chassis that accommodates tall tires and high-performance driving out of the box. Presumably, the Bronco chassis may have also been designed to accommodate future configurations, as well. Bottom Line: It's an excellent and easily upgradable chassis design.

Based on the above, the old saw "..All spacers are bad!" does not apply -- at least not with Zone Offroad systems. We determined effective spacer height limits that work within the chassis' available suspension travel range and clearance -- and did not exceed those limits. It's also worth noting that proper spacers may open up your available shock options in the future. We don't expect to convince everyone, nor are we saying all spacers from all manufacturers are effective, but we did do the math on numerous actual Broncos and stand behind Zone Offroad Bronco Spacer Systems.

-- As far as how to compare Zone Offroad with other brands, this is IMPORTANT: Beware "one size fits all" offerings. Zone Offroad offers multiple spacer systems -- each geared towards a specific Bronco model. Some companies appear to use one top spacer height for all Bronco shock package lengths. This is bad: The wrong thickness spacer can cause UCA, tie rod end and CV shaft components to be overextended. When in doubt, check for vague fitment notes or poor/missing instructions. That may help separate the brands that did legit development from brands that rushed to market.

-- Additional Consideration:
Bump Stop Extensions: Our 3" and 4" Adventure Series systems include bump stop extensions - which in addition to their basic function, help prevent spring fatigue due to repeat overcompression of the springs. Some brands will omit this critical feature to cut costs or make their sell price look more attractive.
Control Arms: We are super proud of this part. They work to restore suspension geometry and ball joint articulation range at taller lift heights along with allowing for proper alignment. Also, they are dead sexy. You need to see them in person and will be proud to have them on your Bronco.

The entire Bronco product range can be found HERE

Great info. Thanks!!!

 

[MWILD]

I’d probably go with the Zone kit. I have a Teraflex spacer lift on my JL and beat it up on the rocks. It does great - just rides a little bit worse.

 

[MWILD]

A couple of first-hand notes on this topic:
1) First, Zone Offroad does not offer any products that would cause suspension bind. Follow our instructions and use the parts as designed.

2) Specific to the new Bronco, Ford did an excellent job designing a chassis that accommodates tall tires and high-performance driving out of the box. Presumably, the Bronco chassis may have also been designed to accommodate future configurations, as well. Bottom Line: It's an excellent and easily upgradable chassis design.

Based on the above, the old saw "..All spacers are bad!" does not apply -- at least not with Zone Offroad systems. We determined effective spacer height limits that work within the chassis' available suspension travel range and clearance -- and did not exceed those limits. It's also worth noting that proper spacers may open up your available shock options in the future. We don't expect to convince everyone, nor are we saying all spacers from all manufacturers are effective, but we did do the math on numerous actual Broncos and stand behind Zone Offroad Bronco Spacer Systems.

-- As far as how to compare Zone Offroad with other brands, this is IMPORTANT: Beware "one size fits all" offerings. Zone Offroad offers multiple spacer systems -- each geared towards a specific Bronco model. Some companies appear to use one top spacer height for all Bronco shock package lengths. This is bad: The wrong thickness spacer can cause UCA, tie rod end and CV shaft components to be overextended. When in doubt, check for vague fitment notes or poor/missing instructions. That may help separate the brands that did legit development from brands that rushed to market.

-- Additional Consideration:
Bump Stop Extensions: Our 3" and 4" Adventure Series systems include bump stop extensions - which in addition to their basic function, help prevent spring fatigue due to repeat overcompression of the springs. Some brands will omit this critical feature to cut costs or make their sell price look more attractive.
Control Arms: We are super proud of this part. They work to restore suspension geometry and ball joint articulation range at taller lift heights along with allowing for proper alignment. Also, they are dead sexy. You need to see them in person and will be proud to have them on your Bronco.

The entire Bronco product range can be found HERE

Any chance your Sasquatch adventure kit would allow enough clearance for a 37x12.5 on the stock Sasquatch wheel? Without rubbing?

 

[North7]

A couple of first-hand notes on this topic:
1) First, Zone Offroad does not offer any products that would cause suspension bind. Follow our instructions and use the parts as designed.

2) Specific to the new Bronco, Ford did an excellent job designing a chassis that accommodates tall tires and high-performance driving out of the box. Presumably, the Bronco chassis may have also been designed to accommodate future configurations, as well. Bottom Line: It's an excellent and easily upgradable chassis design.

Based on the above, the old saw "..All spacers are bad!" does not apply -- at least not with Zone Offroad systems. We determined effective spacer height limits that work within the chassis' available suspension travel range and clearance -- and did not exceed those limits. It's also worth noting that proper spacers may open up your available shock options in the future. We don't expect to convince everyone, nor are we saying all spacers from all manufacturers are effective, but we did do the math on numerous actual Broncos and stand behind Zone Offroad Bronco Spacer Systems.

-- As far as how to compare Zone Offroad with other brands, this is IMPORTANT: Beware "one size fits all" offerings. Zone Offroad offers multiple spacer systems -- each geared towards a specific Bronco model. Some companies appear to use one top spacer height for all Bronco shock package lengths. This is bad: The wrong thickness spacer can cause UCA, tie rod end and CV shaft components to be overextended. When in doubt, check for vague fitment notes or poor/missing instructions. That may help separate the brands that did legit development from brands that rushed to market.

-- Additional Consideration:
Bump Stop Extensions: Our 3" and 4" Adventure Series systems include bump stop extensions - which in addition to their basic function, help prevent spring fatigue due to repeat overcompression of the springs. Some brands will omit this critical feature to cut costs or make their sell price look more attractive.
Control Arms: We are super proud of this part. They work to restore suspension geometry and ball joint articulation range at taller lift heights along with allowing for proper alignment. Also, they are dead sexy. You need to see them in person and will be proud to have them on your Bronco.

The entire Bronco product range can be found HERE

@ZoneOffroad.com, thank you for the explanation on your spacer design. Every good engineering review requires peer critique, this is a great discussion to understand the Bronco chassis and suspension capabilities and the impact of modifications to the Bronco drivetrain components; longevity, performance and ride comfort. Please don't take offense to us discussing your spacer claims, if true, they should hold up to peer review.

@TeocaliMG, @BAUS67, @goatman2, with your suspension industry knowledge and experience can you please give us your thoughts on the Zone spacer design approach?

 

[goatman2]

Just have a minute here this morning. I don't agree with the "spacers are not good" comments and idea. That's an old school comment and never was totally true. Spacers have always been a good option for small lifts with coil springs. Spacers/blocks on leaf springs can be ok in some cases, but not in others and will promote axle wrap and possibly prematurely wear out the leaf springs, new springs are better. On the Bronco with coilovers the spacer effectively just lowers the upper mounting position. Does not provide more travel, like a longer coilover might, but if the longer coilover won't over extend the CV axles and steering at full droop, then the spacer and stock coilover won't either. If just a bit of lift, and not more usable travel, is the goal, coilover spacers are perfect.

Personally, I don't want more lift, I want more travel. If the axle and steering components can handle 2" of lift, then I want an aftermarket coilover that provides 2" more travel at stock height. I want best performance off road, but don't want to daily drive a lifted truck.

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