Icon Stage 2 EXP 2.5 Lift Kit Review for 2022+ Tundra – Underdog Performance

If you’ve been tracking our test builds, you already know the Tundra platform has become one of our favorite labs. After running multiple suspension configurations - from Eibach Stage 1 and 2 kits to a few OEM+ setups - we finally bolted up Icon’s Stage 2 EXP 2.5 kit and ran it through our full battery of testing: daily driving, towing, off-roading, high-speed dirt, and technical crawling.

Let’s break down what this kit does right, where it falls short, and who should be considering it.

Real-World Testing on a Daily-Driven Tundra

For context, this Tundra is a 2024 TRD Off-Road (non-hybrid) that pulls daily driver duty, hauls dirt bikes and small trailers, and gets out to Mammoth and Big Bear with the family in tow. It's sitting on 315/70R17s with a +18 offset - nothing extreme, but enough to demand solid travel and control.

This truck has seen the Eibach Stage 1 and 2 kits already, and while each served its purpose, neither fully kept up with our demands for travel and composure under real off-road loads. The Icons? They changed that - dramatically.

Kit Components: What You Get with Stage 2

The Stage 2 kit includes:

• Icon 2.5 EXP front struts
• Icon 2.0 rear shocks (non-reservoir)
• Tubular front upper control arms (a must-have)
• Optional rear leaf springs (we added these for +¾” rake)

You can go Stage 1 if you're looking to save a bit - just front struts, rear shocks, and sway bar drops - but we strongly recommend going Stage 2 if you're serious about ride quality and off-road performance.

Why? The factory upper control arms aren’t designed to manage the added travel or angles introduced by this kit. You won’t get the full benefit of the EXP struts without upgraded UCAs. Plus, the factory bushings and ball joints will start to show their limits fast under load.

Axle Shaft Compatibility: Know Before You Buy

One key detail often overlooked: axle shaft fitment. The Tundra platform has three axle variants:

• Black (Base Model) – Tripod-style joint, limited travel. You’ll need a diff drop or an axle upgrade to run this kit safely.
• Red (TRD Off-Road / TRD Pro) – Uses a high-articulation Rzeppa joint. This is what we’re running, and it held up well.
• Silver (Toyota 3” TRD Lift Kit) – Similar to the red shafts, but longer, solving potential spline engagement issues. Come standard on TRD 3” Lift kits off the Toyota dealership lots.

If you have red or silver shafts, you’re likely fine - but adding Icon’s diff drop kit is cheap insurance. It's a bracket-style drop (not a spacer) and helps minimize bind under load or at full extension. If you're running 35s or wheeling hard, don't skip it.

On-Road Performance: Balanced & Comfortable

Small-bump compliance was surprisingly good. Historically, Icons lean firmer, but this kit walks that fine line between control and comfort. Daily driving felt confident and controlled, even over potholes, driveways, and freeway transitions.

• No harsh top-out or bottom-out.
• Controlled rebound, even at full load.
• Slightly firmer than Eibach, but more composed.

Body roll was present - but in a good way. It kept the truck planted without being stiff or twitchy. The added travel meant the suspension wasn’t topping out under load like we saw with Eibach's shorter assemblies.

Off-Road Crawling & Articulation

On our hill climb course, the EXP kit flexed far better than previous setups. The longer front end travel, paired with upgraded UCAs, delivered significantly more articulation without unloading tires. Compared to the Eibachs, the Icons allowed the truck to:

• Keep tires planted longer
• Maintain traction across off-camber events
• Transition side-to-side more predictably

The rear 2.0s didn’t perform as strongly as the fronts here, and we’d love to see 2.5s out back - but the improvement from the Eibachs was still massive.

Frame Twister Test: Controlled & Composed

This test simulates a deeply rutted trail - similar to what most of our customers run into on weekend excursions. Here’s what stood out:

• Minimal bounce or kickback
• Controlled compression and rebound
• No harsh spikes, even at low speed

Even on uneven terrain, the cab stayed flatter, and the added travel gave the suspension more room to work before lifting a tire. It's firm, yes, but not punishing. Controlled and predictable - just how you want it.

Washboard Road & Speed Zones

Here’s where things get fun. The Icons felt best in the 40–45 mph range on our washboard test course. Anything below 15 mph felt firm (as expected), but the moment you got up to trail pace, the kit smoothed out completely.

We hit a rhythm at 35–45 mph that felt like we were floating. Compared to stock or even the Eibach Stage 2R, the EXP kit:

• Tracked straight
• Controlled chatter
• Handled like a high-performance setup

Only caveat? The rear 2.0s started to show their limit when pushing 35+ through larger whoops. They didn't fade or blow out, but they definitely worked harder than the 2.5 fronts.

Whoop Section: Respectable, but Rear Limited

These weren’t small dips - 8–10” deep and spaced 2 ft apart. At 25–35 mph, the Icons held up well. The front end floated over while the rears started to get overwhelmed - but not dangerously.

Want to run at Baja speeds? Get the 2.5s in the rear too. For 90% of users though, this package is more than capable, even with some spirited dirt driving.

High-Speed Handling & Emergency Maneuvers

In our sweep test and tight chicanes, the Icons impressed. Turn-in was predictable, body roll was minimal, and both understeer and oversteer were progressive and manageable.

In emergency situations - or even high-speed cornering on fire roads - the Icons maintained composure. You knew what the truck was going to do before it did it. That's confidence-inspiring.

The Downsides: What to Consider

This kit doesn’t install itself. There’s some cutting involved, particularly in the lower control arm pocket. You'll need to address sway bar clearance (especially if you're running a TRD skid plate), and assembling the front struts requires reusing your stock springs and top hats.

Also, like all performance suspension, you'll be rebuilding these at the 40K mile mark. If that sounds like too much, factor in install labor and future servicing.

Verdict: Who Is This Kit For?

The Icon 2.5 EXP Stage 2 kit is best for:

• Weekend warriors who want real off-road performance
• Drivers looking for comfort + control on-road and off
• Anyone towing, hauling, or running big tires regularly
• Enthusiasts who don’t mind a bit of install effort to get it done right

Who it's not for? People expecting a plush Cadillac ride or those avoiding any DIY or shop time. And if you're trying to squeeze every last drop of performance? Step up to the 2.5 rears too.

Final Thoughts: EXP Delivers

This is our favorite suspension package tested on the Tundra so far. Every single element - from droop travel, to road comfort, to body control, to off-road capability - took a measurable step forward.

For the money? It’s hard to beat.

If you're eyeing this kit, check below for any current promotions or discount codes. And if you’re curious about how these compare to the Bilstein 6112 or 6100s, make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel - those are up next in our testing pipeline.