ICON Vehicle Dynamics 2011-2019 GM 2500/3500 HD 0-2" Lift V.S. 2.5 Aluminum Series Shock System

The ICON Vehicle Dynamics V.S. 2.5 Aluminum Series Shock System is a complete front suspension upgrade for 2011–2019 GM 2500 HD and 3500 HD trucks running a 0–2 inch lift. The system pairs CNC-bent 1026 DOM steel tubular upper control arms (featuring ICON's patented Delta Joint) with V.S. 2.5 Aluminum Series internal-reservoir shocks tuned specifically for this application in both length and damping. It is sold as an integrated system only; the control arms and shocks are not available separately for this fitment.

Shipping: ICON parts ship direct from ICON Vehicle Dynamics, mostly by UPS Ground. Lead times vary by part and some items are built to order, so please allow extra time. We email tracking as soon as your order ships.

Nearly 50% More Wheel Travel

The tubular upper control arms are engineered to deliver close to 50% more wheel travel compared to stock when paired with ICON 2.0 or 2.5 Series shock absorbers. For a heavy-duty truck used on rough terrain, that additional travel means the suspension can absorb larger impacts without transferring shock load to the frame or cab, translating to better traction, reduced driver fatigue, and more confident handling on uneven ground. Built-in caster correction is machined into the arm geometry, so alignment stays within factory specifications after the lift without requiring additional correction hardware.

Delta Joint: Durability Without the Uniball Trade-Off

The upper control arms use ICON's patented Delta Joint, a high-angle ball joint that combines the articulation range of a uniball with the weather resistance of a sealed ball joint. The zinc-plated housing and grease seal protect the joint's internal components from moisture and debris, addressing a known failure point on standard uniball designs in daily-driven applications. The greaseable, metal-on-metal construction extends service life and eliminates the noise that can develop in unsealed joints over time. For a truck that sees both highway miles and off-road use, the Delta Joint removes the maintenance compromise that comes with a traditional uniball.

2.5 Series Shocks Built for Heat and Consistency

The included V.S. 2.5 Aluminum Series shocks are nitrogen-charged monotube units with an internal reservoir, a one-piece digressive piston, and vehicle-specific valving. The larger diameter and oil volume of the 2.5 Series provide better heat dissipation and more consistent damping than the V.S. 2.0 Aluminum Series, which matters on long washboard sections or repeated high-speed impacts where smaller shocks can fade. The 7/8-inch induction-hardened, chrome-plated shock shaft and CAD-plated 1026 DOM steel shock body resist corrosion in mud and salt environments. Both shocks are 100% rebuildable and 100% revalveable, so the investment can be serviced rather than replaced when wear occurs.

Features

• Delta Joint upper control arms: patented high-angle ball joint with zinc-plated housing, grease seal, and greaseable metal-on-metal construction
• 1026 DOM steel tubing: CNC bent, semi-gloss black powder coated for corrosion resistance
• Built-in caster correction: maintains factory alignment specifications at 0–2 inch lift
• V.S. 2.5 IR shocks: nitrogen-charged monotube, internal reservoir, digressive piston, application-specific valving
• 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum CNC components: with 7/8-inch chrome-plated induction-hardened shock shaft
• 100% rebuildable and revalveable: shocks can be serviced and retuned after installation

Specifications

Who This Is For and Isn't

This system suits 2011–2019 GM 2500 HD and 3500 HD owners running a 0–2 inch front lift who want increased wheel travel, caster-corrected alignment geometry, and a rebuildable shock upgrade over stock, whether the truck is used for daily driving, towing, or off-road use.

This system does not fit GM 1500 trucks, any GM HD outside the 2011–2019 model years, or applications requiring more than 2 inches of front lift. The control arms are not sold separately from the shocks for this fitment. Buyers seeking a more user-adjustable damping tune should consider ICON's CDC Valve shock option instead.

Common Questions

Can the control arms be purchased without the shocks?

For 2011–2019 GM 2500 HD and 3500 HD applications, ICON no longer offers the tubular upper control arms as individual components. The control arms are only available as part of this complete shock system to ensure compatibility between components.

What is the difference between the V.S. 2.5 and V.S. 2.0 shocks included in similar ICON systems?

The V.S. 2.5 Aluminum Series shocks have a larger diameter and greater oil volume than the V.S. 2.0 Aluminum Series, providing improved heat dissipation and more consistent damping performance, particularly relevant during extended off-road use or repeated high-speed impacts.

Are the shocks rebuildable after installation?

Yes. The V.S. 2.5 Aluminum Series shocks included in this system are 100% rebuildable and 100% revalveable, meaning they can be serviced, retuned, or refreshed rather than replaced when they reach the end of a service interval.

Will factory wheels fit after installing this system?

Yes, factory wheels are confirmed compatible with this system. ICON also recommends specific aftermarket wheel sizes for this application: ICON Alloys 18x9 with 5.5-inch backspace and 12mm offset, or ICON Alloys 20x9 with 5.5-inch backspace and 12mm offset.

Does this system include a Proposition 65 warning?

Yes. This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth anomalies, or other reproductive harm. This warning applies to California residents under Proposition 65.