randys blog
Introducing ICON Vehicle Dynamics Shock Absorbers
RANDYS is excited to be selling ICON Vehicle Dynamics products. We will be offering ICON suspension systems, steering components, body armor, and signature wheels. Understanding ICON’s line of shocks will help you make the right decision on upgrading your ride’s suspension be it via shocks only or by employing a complete suspension lift system. ICON shock absorbers are available in three different variations. The VS 2.0 Aluminum Series, which can be ordered with external reservoirs, the VS 2.5, which is larger and a strictly remote reservoir affair, and the line-topping VS 2.5 Omega, which brings some motorsport tech to the party. The ‘VS’ in ICON shock model names stands for Vehicle Specific, a call out to how all ICON shocks are valved to optimize performance in their intended application. All shocks are rebuildable, can be re-valved, and are filled with premium 5WT shock oil. ICON VS 2.0 Aluminum Series Shocks Targeting daily driver/weekend warrior rigs, the 2.0 Series is a balanced blend of on-road smoothness and off-road toughness. All ICON shocks are designed and built on a per application basis to be superior to stock. The 2.0 is a nitrogen-charged monotube design with a 5/8-inch diameter chrome plated hardened steel shaft that resists corrosion and pitting. The 2.0 features an anodized 6063 aluminum body and 6061 aluminum rod end, top cap, and internals to ensure strength and durability over rugged terrain. They can be ordered with an external/remote reservoir that’s connected via a hose for mounting on the frame rail or, as pictured, in a piggyback setup. Other attributes include polyurethane bushings, zinc-plated sleeves, and forged-steel mounting stems for OE factory-type fitment. Shop ICON 2.0 VS Series Shocks ICON VS 2.5 Aluminum Series Shocks The 2.5s are a definite step up from the 2.0 Series They feature remote reservoirs for improved heat dissipation, a larger one-piece impact extruded 6061 aluminum shock body that measures 2.5 inches in diameter, and a larger piston rod. The larger diameter shock body translates into better performance because the piston has more surface area which delivers more damping force. The shock’s stout piston rod measures 7/8 inches in diameter and is better able to handle prolonged engagement and side loading. ICON’s innovative internal “Bump Zone” provides more control as the shock approaches full compression, increasing damping force by 20% to combat suspension bottoming during high-velocity suspension movements. The Bump Zone is created by an internal billet 6061 aluminum manifold positioned a few inches below the top cap of the shock. The 2.5’s external reservoirs can be configured as a piggyback (attached to shock body) or remote (connect via a hose for mounting on frame rail). The 2.5 has sub-variants that enhance performance with adjustable damping features. Shop ICON 2.5 VS Series Shocks Variant: ICON VS 2.5 Aluminum Series With CDCV This version has all the features of the 2.5 but adds ICON’s Compression Damping Control Valve (CDCV) to the mix. This feature adds 10 points of compression adjustability to fine tune performance and better match driving conditions. Each CDCV-equipped piston is custom built per application with different valve stacks. Adjustments are made from S to H and the unit is calibrated so the #4 setting represents the stock or default damping force where the shock behaves as the factory intended. This allows the user to dial in a firmer or softer ride that really adds to the versatility of off-road vehicles, especially weekend warriors that pull double duty as a commuter during the work week. Shop ICON 2.5 VS Series Shocks With CDCV Variant: ICON VS 2.5 Aluminum Series With CDEV ICON adds electronic control to the damping adjustment equation with its VS 2.5 Aluminum Series CDEV shock. This technological juggernaut meters the flow of oil to regulate and adjust compression damping on-the-fly with sample times of less than 40 milliseconds. The system can make extremely precise adjustments for varying terrain, as you drive, and it’s all tuned to your individual vehicle application. Powered by ICON Intelligent Control (IIC) and a proprietary ICON mobile app, the system uses information from an onboard g-force sensor and gyroscope to perform calculations based on algorithms and user-defined settings to predict terrain and adjust shock settings as needed. Shop ICON 2.5 VS Series Shocks With CDEV ICON VS 2.5 Series Omega Shocks So advanced it’s its own shock, ICON Omega Series shocks are based on the standard 2.5 unit but use technology usually reserved for competition shocks like Trophy trucks and other extreme off-road vehicles. These shocks feature an external bypass tube that routes a metered amount of shock oil around the piston. Like a shock within a shock, the tube has its own valving and 28 detented settings of compression and rebound adjustment. This allows the piston to encounter less force in the bypass zone for moderate situations and additional force, near the end of its stroke, outside of the bypass bump zone, during more spirited off-roading. Shop ICON 2.5 VS Omega Shocks ICON Suspension Systems All the shocks featured here are the foundation for ICON’s complete suspension systems that provide mild to aggressive lifts, auto-leveling, and extreme off-road performance. Offered in a multitude of stages, ICON suspension systems can include tubular or billet upper control arms, tubular or billet trailing ams, a number of different spring rates, and a wide choice of lifts. Shop ICON Suspension Systems
Introducing ICON Vehicle Dynamics Shock Absorbers
RANDYS is excited to be selling ICON Vehicle Dynamics products. We will be offering ICON suspension systems, steering components, body armor, and signature wheels. Understanding ICON’s line of shocks will help you make the right decision on upgrading your ride’s suspension be it via shocks only or by employing a complete suspension lift system. ICON shock absorbers are available in three different variations. The VS 2.0 Aluminum Series, which can be ordered with external reservoirs, the VS 2.5, which is larger and a strictly remote reservoir affair, and the line-topping VS 2.5 Omega, which brings some motorsport tech to the party. The ‘VS’ in ICON shock model names stands for Vehicle Specific, a call out to how all ICON shocks are valved to optimize performance in their intended application. All shocks are rebuildable, can be re-valved, and are filled with premium 5WT shock oil. ICON VS 2.0 Aluminum Series Shocks Targeting daily driver/weekend warrior rigs, the 2.0 Series is a balanced blend of on-road smoothness and off-road toughness. All ICON shocks are designed and built on a per application basis to be superior to stock. The 2.0 is a nitrogen-charged monotube design with a 5/8-inch diameter chrome plated hardened steel shaft that resists corrosion and pitting. The 2.0 features an anodized 6063 aluminum body and 6061 aluminum rod end, top cap, and internals to ensure strength and durability over rugged terrain. They can be ordered with an external/remote reservoir that’s connected via a hose for mounting on the frame rail or, as pictured, in a piggyback setup. Other attributes include polyurethane bushings, zinc-plated sleeves, and forged-steel mounting stems for OE factory-type fitment. Shop ICON 2.0 VS Series Shocks ICON VS 2.5 Aluminum Series Shocks The 2.5s are a definite step up from the 2.0 Series They feature remote reservoirs for improved heat dissipation, a larger one-piece impact extruded 6061 aluminum shock body that measures 2.5 inches in diameter, and a larger piston rod. The larger diameter shock body translates into better performance because the piston has more surface area which delivers more damping force. The shock’s stout piston rod measures 7/8 inches in diameter and is better able to handle prolonged engagement and side loading. ICON’s innovative internal “Bump Zone” provides more control as the shock approaches full compression, increasing damping force by 20% to combat suspension bottoming during high-velocity suspension movements. The Bump Zone is created by an internal billet 6061 aluminum manifold positioned a few inches below the top cap of the shock. The 2.5’s external reservoirs can be configured as a piggyback (attached to shock body) or remote (connect via a hose for mounting on frame rail). The 2.5 has sub-variants that enhance performance with adjustable damping features. Shop ICON 2.5 VS Series Shocks Variant: ICON VS 2.5 Aluminum Series With CDCV This version has all the features of the 2.5 but adds ICON’s Compression Damping Control Valve (CDCV) to the mix. This feature adds 10 points of compression adjustability to fine tune performance and better match driving conditions. Each CDCV-equipped piston is custom built per application with different valve stacks. Adjustments are made from S to H and the unit is calibrated so the #4 setting represents the stock or default damping force where the shock behaves as the factory intended. This allows the user to dial in a firmer or softer ride that really adds to the versatility of off-road vehicles, especially weekend warriors that pull double duty as a commuter during the work week. Shop ICON 2.5 VS Series Shocks With CDCV Variant: ICON VS 2.5 Aluminum Series With CDEV ICON adds electronic control to the damping adjustment equation with its VS 2.5 Aluminum Series CDEV shock. This technological juggernaut meters the flow of oil to regulate and adjust compression damping on-the-fly with sample times of less than 40 milliseconds. The system can make extremely precise adjustments for varying terrain, as you drive, and it’s all tuned to your individual vehicle application. Powered by ICON Intelligent Control (IIC) and a proprietary ICON mobile app, the system uses information from an onboard g-force sensor and gyroscope to perform calculations based on algorithms and user-defined settings to predict terrain and adjust shock settings as needed. Shop ICON 2.5 VS Series Shocks With CDEV ICON VS 2.5 Series Omega Shocks So advanced it’s its own shock, ICON Omega Series shocks are based on the standard 2.5 unit but use technology usually reserved for competition shocks like Trophy trucks and other extreme off-road vehicles. These shocks feature an external bypass tube that routes a metered amount of shock oil around the piston. Like a shock within a shock, the tube has its own valving and 28 detented settings of compression and rebound adjustment. This allows the piston to encounter less force in the bypass zone for moderate situations and additional force, near the end of its stroke, outside of the bypass bump zone, during more spirited off-roading. Shop ICON 2.5 VS Omega Shocks ICON Suspension Systems All the shocks featured here are the foundation for ICON’s complete suspension systems that provide mild to aggressive lifts, auto-leveling, and extreme off-road performance. Offered in a multitude of stages, ICON suspension systems can include tubular or billet upper control arms, tubular or billet trailing ams, a number of different spring rates, and a wide choice of lifts. Shop ICON Suspension Systems
Strengths & Advantages Of The Spartan Helical LSD
When you’re driving in a normal manner a positraction limited slip differential is pre-loaded and provides equal traction to both wheels. Mashing the throttle, taking a tight corner aggressively, or working through loose gravel trails will result in the limited slip differential applying more torque where it’s needed. This enhances the grip, control, and predictability of the vehicle. Understanding Clutch- & Gear-Type Limited Slip Differentials The main difference between LSD types is how each applies additional torque when the unit is properly loaded. A clutch-type unit uses an array of springs to apply pressure to the side gears which puts pressure on the clutch packs in the outer part of the carrier. When a tire starts slipping, the clutch packs are engaged with differing resistance. The clutches compensate to maximize traction between the tires, transferring more torque to the tire that has the best grip while reducing torque transfer to the tire that has less grip. A gear-type Spartan Helical LSD from USA Standard Gear has no frictional surfaces to initiate torque transfer. It uses floating helical-cut worm gears that operate in pockets and mesh together. When acceleration or wheel slippage occurs, axial and radial thrust is applied to the helical gear pinions in their pockets. Under these loads, the gears lock and more torque is transferred to the tire with the best traction in a mild progressive manner as torque is withheld from the tire that is slipping. Advantages Of Gear-Type Spartan Helical Limited Slip Differential The Spartan Helical LSD limited slip differential provides smooth engagement, quiet operation, and requires no maintenance because there are no clutches to rebuild. The unit’s 10-pinion design has a strength advantage over an equivalently sized 6-pinion or 8-pinion gear-type unit because it has more points of contact and a greater surface contact area to deliver optimal load distribution. This LSD is built tough. The Spartan Helical LSD is a fully assembled unit featuring a forged 8620 grade steel case and stout 8620 alloy internals for superior durability. Fits Dana 30 front differentials 27 spline, 3.73-and-up ratio Forged 8620 grade steel case, 8620 alloy internals for superior durability No clutches, no need to rebuild Shop Spartan Helical LSD Other Gear-Type Diffs Available From RANDYS The Spartan is not the only gear-type diff offered by RANDYS. We also have helical gear limited slip differentials for select GM and Chrysler applications. GM & Chrysler 11.5-Inch Helical Limited Slip Differential This 30-spline unit fits Chevrolet, GMC, Dodge, and Ram 2500- and 3500-series pickups produced from 2001 to 2019. GM 8.5- & 8.6-Inch Helical Limited Slip Differential This unit fits a multitude of half ton 1500-series pickups and late model cars and SUVs from The General. It’s a 30-spline unit that works in diffs with ratios of 2.73 and up. Chrysler/AAM 11.8-Inch Helical Limited Slip Differential This unit is designed to fit model year 2016-and-up Ram 3500 pickups with a 16-bolt ring gear. Chrysler 10.5-Inch Helical Limited Slip Differential This 30-spline unit fits 2003 to 2010 RAM 2500 pickups and 2011 to 2013 RAM 1500 pickups.
Strengths & Advantages Of The Spartan Helical LSD
When you’re driving in a normal manner a positraction limited slip differential is pre-loaded and provides equal traction to both wheels. Mashing the throttle, taking a tight corner aggressively, or working through loose gravel trails will result in the limited slip differential applying more torque where it’s needed. This enhances the grip, control, and predictability of the vehicle. Understanding Clutch- & Gear-Type Limited Slip Differentials The main difference between LSD types is how each applies additional torque when the unit is properly loaded. A clutch-type unit uses an array of springs to apply pressure to the side gears which puts pressure on the clutch packs in the outer part of the carrier. When a tire starts slipping, the clutch packs are engaged with differing resistance. The clutches compensate to maximize traction between the tires, transferring more torque to the tire that has the best grip while reducing torque transfer to the tire that has less grip. A gear-type Spartan Helical LSD from USA Standard Gear has no frictional surfaces to initiate torque transfer. It uses floating helical-cut worm gears that operate in pockets and mesh together. When acceleration or wheel slippage occurs, axial and radial thrust is applied to the helical gear pinions in their pockets. Under these loads, the gears lock and more torque is transferred to the tire with the best traction in a mild progressive manner as torque is withheld from the tire that is slipping. Advantages Of Gear-Type Spartan Helical Limited Slip Differential The Spartan Helical LSD limited slip differential provides smooth engagement, quiet operation, and requires no maintenance because there are no clutches to rebuild. The unit’s 10-pinion design has a strength advantage over an equivalently sized 6-pinion or 8-pinion gear-type unit because it has more points of contact and a greater surface contact area to deliver optimal load distribution. This LSD is built tough. The Spartan Helical LSD is a fully assembled unit featuring a forged 8620 grade steel case and stout 8620 alloy internals for superior durability. Fits Dana 30 front differentials 27 spline, 3.73-and-up ratio Forged 8620 grade steel case, 8620 alloy internals for superior durability No clutches, no need to rebuild Shop Spartan Helical LSD Other Gear-Type Diffs Available From RANDYS The Spartan is not the only gear-type diff offered by RANDYS. We also have helical gear limited slip differentials for select GM and Chrysler applications. GM & Chrysler 11.5-Inch Helical Limited Slip Differential This 30-spline unit fits Chevrolet, GMC, Dodge, and Ram 2500- and 3500-series pickups produced from 2001 to 2019. GM 8.5- & 8.6-Inch Helical Limited Slip Differential This unit fits a multitude of half ton 1500-series pickups and late model cars and SUVs from The General. It’s a 30-spline unit that works in diffs with ratios of 2.73 and up. Chrysler/AAM 11.8-Inch Helical Limited Slip Differential This unit is designed to fit model year 2016-and-up Ram 3500 pickups with a 16-bolt ring gear. Chrysler 10.5-Inch Helical Limited Slip Differential This 30-spline unit fits 2003 to 2010 RAM 2500 pickups and 2011 to 2013 RAM 1500 pickups.
How It Works: Positraction Limited Slip Differentials
Positraction or Limited Slip Differential Limited Slip Differentials (LSD) significantly increase the traction and performance of Jeeps, trucks, 4×4s, and RWD vehicles on the street, at the strip, or on the trail. Positraction is what General Motors called its limited slip differential, the term has come to refer to LSDs in general. How Do Limited Slip Differentials Work? An LSD’s main job is directing torque where it’s needed. When you’re driving in a normal manner a positraction limited slip differential is pre-loaded and provides equal traction to both wheels. Mashing the throttle, taking a tight corner aggressively, or working through loose gravel trails will result in the limited slip differential limiting wheel spin across the drive axle by permitting the axle shafts to spin at different speeds while continuously trying to balance the application of torque between the two axles. This results in transferring more power to the wheel with the best traction which enhances the grip, control, and the predictability of the vehicle. Are There Different Kinds of Limited Slip Differentials? Yes. In their static state, when traveling in a straight line where wheel speeds are identical on both sides, all limited slip differentials provide equal traction to both tires. The difference between LSD types is how each unit applies torque when additional traction is needed. Clutch-Type Limited Slip Differential In regular circumstances a clutch-typeunit, like the Yukon Dura Grip, uses an array of springs to apply pressure to the side gears which puts pressure on the clutch packs in the outer part of the carrier. Both axles get equal pressure and both tires get equal traction. When a tire starts slipping, the clutch packs are engaged with differing resistance. The clutches compensate to maximize traction between the tires, transferring more torque to the tire that has the best grip while reducing torque transfer to the tire that has less grip. All Dura Grip units are four-spring designs built with a high-strength nodular iron case, forged 4320 chromoly spider gears, and high-quality composite clutches. The Dura Grip positraction limited slip differential is engineered for long life and is completely rebuildable. The clutches can be replaced to bring the unit back to its original performance level, or different clutches and spring rates can be used to fine tune the Dura Grip’s performance to better match the style of driving/racing you are doing. The Yukon Dura Grip is transparent in its traction enhancement, coming online only when the edge of adhesion is reached and slippage occurs. This makes it ideal for daily drivers that will be driven hard on the street and see extended action on the trail or at the track. Yukon Dura Grip Specs Four-Spring Clutch-Type LSD High-Quality Composite Clutches Tough Nodular Iron Case Forged 4320 Chromoly Gears Fits All Gear Ratios Choose from Four Levels of Spring Pressure When Rebuilding Each Unit is Quality Tested and Assembled in the U.S.A. Recommended Gear Oil: Non-Synthetic 80W-90 GL-5 1-Year Warranty Against Manufacturing Defects Gear-Type Limited Slip Differential A gear-type LSD, like the Spartan Helical LSD from USA Standard Gear, have no frictional surfaces to initiate torque transfer. It uses floating helical-cut worm gears that operate in pockets and mesh together. Under normal driving conditions this type of LSD acts like an open diff. When acceleration or wheel slippage occurs, axial and radial thrust is applied to the helical gear pinions in their pockets. Under these loads, more torque is transferred to the tire with the best traction, in a progressive manner, as torque is withheld from the tire that is slipping. The Spartan Helical LSD provides smooth engagement, quiet operation, and requires no maintenance. The unit’s 10-pinion design has a strength advantage over an equivalently sized 6-pinion or 8-pinion unit because it has more points of contact and a greater surface contact area to deliver optimal load distribution. This LSD is built tough. The Spartan Helical LSD is a fully assembled unit featuring a forged 8620 grade steel case and stout 8620 alloy internals for superior durability. Spartan Helical LSD Specs Fits Dana 30 Front Differentials 27 Spline, 3.73-And-Up Ratio Enhanced Off-Road Grip, No Compromise of On-Road Drivability Maintenance Free, No Clutches to Rebuild Low Noise, Smooth Engagement, Linear Traction Forged 8620 Grade Steel Case, 8620 Alloy Internals for Superior Durability Recommended Gear Oil: Non-Synthetic 80W-90 GL-5 Use of Friction Modifiers Not Recommended Assembled in the U.S.A. 1-Year Warranty Against Manufacturing Defects Because they give your ride that extra bit of bite, limited slip differentials are ideal for daily drivers that will be driven hard on the street and see extended action on the trail or at the track. Whether you’re facing mud, loose gravel, or steep inclines on the trail or slippery snow or rain on the road, the Spartan Helical LSD will ensure you have unrivalled traction and supreme confidence in your vehicle. Call Now 866-631-0196 Shop Limited Slip Differentials Spartan Helical LSD Yukon Dura Grip