Suspension is a genuine science, and we’ve been in the lab for some time now designing and developing our latest shock absorber; a 2.5” extruded aluminium monotube - introducing, the IRONMAN 4X4 IM2.5.
Enjoy the drive
Owning a 4x4 can truly provide some amazing experiences and enjoyment.
Each accessory provides an opportunity for improved capability, safety, styling and/or convenience.
A great suspension system gives you something few other accessories can offer, and that’s a truly rewarding experience every time you get behind the wheel.
The IM2.5 has been designed and developed with one key focus in mind - Ultimate Ride Comfort.
Tune in
There are some key differences in the fundamental construction and operation of monotube and twin-tube shock absorbers.
The core benefit to you, and your passengers, comes down to tuning.
IRONMAN 4X4 has been designing and manufacturing suspension components and systems in Australia since 1958, which equates to a level of expertise and experience that is unmatched by any other suspension company.
Too softly tuned or under-valved shock absorbers can have a detrimental impact on the driveability, control, handling and safety of a lifted and accessorised vehicle.
IRONMAN 4X4 has always focussed on tuning its range of twin-tube shock absorbers for optimal control and handling, even with heavily accessorised and lifted four-wheel drives.
Developing the IM2.5, a 2.5” diameter monotube shock absorber with a single-wall construction and increased internal capacity, has allowed a massive 57mm piston with a 60% larger surface area than the already large IRONMAN 4X4 Foam Cell Pro product, allowing a greater level of tuning to achieve ultimate ride comfort.
Absorbers for courses
The best shock absorber is the right shock absorber…
Like shoes, just because it suits someone else, doesn’t mean it’s going to suit you.
Twin-Tube Foam Cell Pro
Unmatched Durability
Our Foam Cell Pro shock absorbers deliver unmatched durability and resilience that ensure exceptional performance and stability in any terrain.
Known for their unbreakable reliability, Foam Cell Pro shock absorbers provide outstanding performance in the harshest conditions keeping your vehicle stable and comfortable on any terrain.
The valving characteristics of a twin-tube damper combined with the gasless foam cell technology provide an ultra-robust, cooling-efficient workhorse that is a perfectly suited solution for lifted vehicles operating up to Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM).
Monotube IM2.5
Ultimate Ride Comfort
Experience unparalleled comfort and smoothness with the IM2.5 Monotube shock absorber. A truly refined and plush ride!
At the heart of this velocity-sensitive monotube damper is a large-diameter, ported, billet aluminium piston.
The design of the IM2.5 is the ideal platform for ‘comfort’ valve tuning and is suited extremely well for lighter vehicles where comfort is prioritised.
An optimised low-speed bleed path in the IM2.5 helps minimise harshness transmitted to the cabin ensuring you will experience a smoother, more controlled ride, balancing comfort with superior handling and stability.
While soaking up the bumps and offering a plush ride in daily situations, the velocity-dependant monotube design is also ready to respond to the unexpected and more harsh surface changes we all often encounter off-road.
The IM2.5 is the perfect suspension companion for 4x4 owners who really value all-day ride comfort and plush off-road performance.
Fun Fact
For the weight-conscious, the IM2.5’s aluminium construction yields a 30% weight saving over a steel body equivalent
Comfort you can rely on
Choosing comfort and performance doesn’t have to come at the cost of reliability.
The improved comfort tuning showcased within the IM2.5 has not compromised the overall performance and durability of this on- and off-road shock absorber.
A huge amount of consideration has gone into each and every element, to ensure a robust and well-performing 4x4, off-road suspension solution.
Aluminium cooling
One key advantage of the monotube design is the direct cooling capacity. To take this one step further, we have opted to manufacture the IM2.5 from aircraft-grade 6061-T6 Aluminium.
Aluminium is known for its improved heat management, and it can perform up to 4x more efficiently than steel.
3-4mm wall, 20mm hardened piston rod
There is a perception that monotube shock absorbers are less robust than twin-tube shock absorbers because damage to the main cylinder from stones and rocks disables the piston’s ability to operate up and down the tube.
In addition to the IM2.5’s 3-4mm, Type 2 anodised, extruded aluminium wall and a 20mm hardened steel piston rod, we have also overcome many concerns around body damage with an inverted mounting solution where the body is mounted high away from stones and the rod shaft mounted down and protected by a robust dirt shield.
One thing is for sure, you can be confident in the IM2.5 monotube’s ability to withstand an offroad beating.
Built to last
Backed by IRONMAN 4X4’s Unlimited Km, 4-year warranty, the IM2.5 is manufactured with class-leading NOK seals to withstand the performance pressure and features of a monotube shock absorber.
All IRONMAN 4X4 shock absorbers are filled with Fuchs premium hydraulic fluids and feature proven IRONMAN 4X4 rubber bushes.
Sticks & Stones
It can be a hard life, hanging out at the back and the bottom of a 4x4. We’ve designed the IM2.5 shock absorber with the body at the top, which first and foremost keeps it tucked up and away from the most obvious dangers.
Additionally, all rear shock absorbers are supplied with a robust and replaceable dirt shield which adds a significant amount of protection to the shaft and seals of the shock.
The true coilover solution
Pre-assembled
The IM2.5 strut and coil combination comes pre-assembled in the box. While historically, struts and coils have been provided separately, this application has been tuned to allow a single off-the-shelf solution that can be matched at the time of fitment to suit your vehicle's setup.
Time is money
It really doesn’t matter if it is your time or someone else's; time has value.
The additional benefit of a pre-assembled coil-over design for both the home installer and those having their suspension professionally installed is a saving on time and ease of fitment of your struts and coils to your vehicle.
The right height
Getting your car sitting at the right height is critical to not only how it looks, but also how the suspension performs. The IM2.5 coil-overs feature a strong ACME threaded body and adjustable coil seat which allows for infinite tuning of the vehicle ride height to suit everything from an unladen vehicle to a ‘burger with the lot’ scenario in one coil.
Fit and finish
Duo-tone with a touch of green
A lot of consideration has gone into the overall fit and finish of the IM2.5. While the extruded aluminium tube was chosen for all its performance advantages, a durable Type 2 anodisation process to show off its natural characteristics was consciously decided to further enhance the looks of this material.
The shock absorbers and coil-overs present in a modern two-tone aluminium and black contrast with a striking and unique new IRONMAN 4X4 branding which complements the monotube performance positioning.
Black is back
To complete the sophistication of the IM2.5, the shock range will be supported by a new range of gloss black coils to differentiate the green coils which run alongside our twin-tube range.
Vehicle applications
Suspension is never a one-size-fits-all solution. Each vehicle is unique in its characteristics, geometry, and hardware.
As IRONMAN 4X4 does with all its suspension offerings, each vehicle application has been designed specifically to complement the vehicle and get the absolute best out of the platform.
Look good, feel great
Let’s not beat around the bush, monotube shock absorbers are hot amongst 4x4 enthusiasts, and for good reason!
First and foremost, the ride is unmatched for comfort. An IRONMAN 4X4 IM2.5 monotube shock absorber gives you that plush ride that just feels great every time you get in the car.
They offer fantastic on- and off-road capability for everything from touring the Great Ocean Road to smashing out 1100 dunes over three days across the Simpson Desert.
The comfort you are experiencing is also a sign of performance. A fundamental purpose of a good suspension system is to keep the tyres on the ground, and when the harshness is removed from your ride, that’s as good an indication as any that you’re maintaining more consistent contact with the surface below.
Contact equals traction, and traction fuels momentum!
So you’re travelling in comfort, AND with capability, so there’s only one box left to tick, and that’s doing it in style!
There’s just something to be said about a couple of shiny and exposed 20mm piston rods popping at the back of your 4x4.
Couple that with the potential of a nicely placed 2.5” anodised aluminium body perched in your wheel guard to let everyone else around you know, that you’ve got the goods!
Spec it out
Tube
- 2.5” Outer Diameter
- 3-4mm Wall Thickness
- Extruded 6061 T6 Aluminium
- Type 2 Anodised
Oil & Gas
- Fuchs Hydraulic Oil
- High Pressure 200PSI Nitrogen
- Billet Aluminium IFP
- High-Pressure NOK Seals
Piston & Rod
- Billet Aluminium Piston
- CNC Machined
- Oring sealed PTFE-Teflon band
- 57mm Diameter Piston
- 20mm Hardened Piston Rod
Fitment
- IRONMAN 4x4 double bonded bushes
- OEM fitment with basic fitment kits.
IRONMAN 4X4 - we stand for value
Choosing comfort and performance doesn’t have to come at the cost of reliability.
Practicality, Durability, Affordability. And the IM2.5 delivers in spades.
This new range of premium monotube shock absorbers is now available in coil-over and shock absorber options.