Hey Rich
The FOX 3.0 ride on-road is smooth like butter. At least as smooth as stock shocks, and probably better imho. I have read all of this shock shoot-out thread to date. I also have not experimented with Kings or ICONS, so my OPINION is what it is. Sounds like some of the hard-core offroaders believe ICON is the way to go for mega pounding - there is certainly no faster way for an individual driver to tune for an extended run with severe badness. And it probably is a lot of fun to play with all the settings.
In the past it is true that just slapping on a set of out-of-the-box untuned Fox 3.0's and hitting the rough stuff will lead to less than desirable results. You really need to go with the RPG-tuned Fox 3.0's to experience their best Raptor-specific experience (unless you have a lot of time and deep pockets).
I like the adjustability feature of ICON but don't have to have it myself. Like you, my daily driving is 99% onroad with an occasional offroad venture, and a few Raptor Run pounders a year. RPG did a hell of a job tuning the FOX 3.0s the first time, and I am exchanging mine for their newly tuned version.
Apparently the FOX 3.0 is the ONLY one with INTERNAL BYPASS technology for the FRONT shocks due to their patent. There is a very good reason why winning baja race trucks run Bypass type shocks on all four corners. It has to do with overall performance over varying terrain. Here's some info (albeit vendor supplied) regarding internal bypass advantages that you will find interesting:
Fox 3.0 RPG-Tuned Coil-over Front Shocks | Raptor Performance Group
Honestly I believe most guys would just be happy to upgrade to any of these 3.0 offerings. Offroad performance gains compared to stock shocks it is at the very least like the difference going from an F150 to a Raptor.
I have pounded the hell out of these shocks with rocky and washboard terrain, big whoops, big jumps, etc and they have performed flawlessly. Yet they drive incredibly smooth on-road. The ICONs are smooth from what I hear. Just need to make the shock adjustments when going from onroad to offroad and vice versa (which is quickly and easily done).
Without bypass technology on the front - there is no one setting on an ICON for every type of terrain and eventuality that could be potentially encountered offroad either (as noted in the above link). One could optimally adjust for a specific terrain - say monster whoops, then get back out and adjust for the rocky trail, big jump, or the washboards, etc. I have a feeling that most guys are going to dial in their best setting and that is where it will mostly stay when offroad. Kinda like RPG is doing with their FOX 3.0 shocks.
Personally I would love to abuse them all, but so far I have enjoyed RPG's tuned FOX INTERNAL BYPASS 3.0 "set it and forget it" front version (the rear is actually adjustable for varying loads). And one should not neglect the fact that RPG beats the living shit out of their trucks during testing - including deep whoops, rough terrain and big jumps.
And like you, I don't spare my truck when I'm hitting it offroad....
After watching motomute jump on top Of some insane whoops at the dunes that I doubt the $100k sand cars wouldn't even hit was incredible. Stock truck would have snapped in half, he glided right thorough them. I was immediately sold!
(I think whtrapta meant sold on the idea of upgrading to 3.0's in general)
My truck is always ready for whatever comes my way, no adjustments necessary - so far.
I am not advocating only one brand here. All of them are awesome! The ones I chose work great for what I do.
Ford Raptor Jump (58 Feet) - Lil Sahara Raptor Dune Run - YouTube
It's a tough call. Decide what your needs are. Do your homework. Pick your poison. Good luck and happy offroading! John
PS: 37's FTW !!!!!!
