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
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
