Cheap and Classy... my '96 Build Thread

[BrianSD_42]

hey he doesnt like the area anyways and that what some of us near the coast jokingly call it

I dont know what the SS System 3 is, I will have to look it up.

 

[Soy]

hey he doesnt like the area anyways and that what some of us near the coast jokingly call it

I dont know what the SS System 3 is, I will have to look it up.

System 3 is basically stock, but nice. '99 Tall coils with Tokico Trekmasters.

4 Wheel Drive - System 3 - $690.00 : Sonoran Steel, Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Toyota Truck Parts

I opted to have them pre-assembled in the front with brand new hardware, thus eliminating any guesswork as to the condition of the existing stuff. From what I can tell of every bushing I've replaced thus far, they're probably pretty bad.

As far as a day trip, definitely count me in. I'd love to get out of town with a group - wheeling alone is not as much fun.

 

[Soy]

hey he doesnt like the area anyways and that what some of us near the coast jokingly call it

Escondildo, Oceanslime, Seizure World, Ramoana, Swish Alps... gotta love our own terms of endearment!

 

[Soy]

Installed the front half of my Sonoran Steel 3.0 kit tonight.

Tomorrow, the rear. Here's hoping it isn't as challenging as some have seen.

 

[GladeRunner]

Great job on your build. Looking forward to the SS 3.0 after pics.

 

[AZ4FNER]

So much for keeping her cheap...ha. But, she sure is classy.

Can't wait to see the pics.

And hey, if properly coordinated...I'd make a run from PHX to your area for a group trail ride.

 

[4Running Daily]

hey he doesnt like the area anyways and that what some of us near the coast jokingly call it

I dont know what the SS System 3 is, I will have to look it up.

Took me a week to notice. And it's true, this place is a dump.

Can't wait to move, only 2 more years...

 

[Soy]

So I got the front suspension in on my own last night. Took all of 30 minutes once I got her in the air.

Fronts in.

So much sag!

So this morning I attempt to wedge myself into place to get the rears done, but no go. Called a friend's shop and managed to get in to get the rest done, plus an alignment.

Of course, while waiting for the truck to get done, needed to burn off a little energy.

Got her back from the shop, and immediate sought out some dirt. Here's how she stands now:

All in all a good day for the truck, and a pretty damn happy birthday to myself.

 

[GladeRunner]

Great job! How do you like the ride on and off road?

 

[Soy]

It's seriously like driving a brand new truck. I couldn't be happier with the result.

Now to get rid of those running boards.

 

[mikemikemike]

looking good, keep it up.

 

[Soy]

So much for keeping her cheap...ha. But, she sure is classy.

Tell me about it. However, this was the big expense on the truck, and I knew I wanted brand new for the shocks and springs. If I had more time and some additional tools I probably would have assembled it all myself, but work schedules and very little weekend time lately have kept that from becoming a reality.

I gotta give props to Steve at Sonoran for Putting together this kit quickly and professionally. Definitely worth the extra money for the peace of mind and significant reduction of effort on my part.

So the "lift" sits exactly as I expected. Floor to fender is 36" at all four corners. She rides a little stiffer than stock, but very comfortable with excellent on and off road manners.

 

[JayRolla]

Tell me about it. However, this was the big expense on the truck, and I knew I wanted brand new for the shocks and springs. If I had more time and some additional tools I probably would have assembled it all myself, but work schedules and very little weekend time lately have kept that from becoming a reality.

I gotta give props to Steve at Sonoran for Putting together this kit quickly and professionally. Definitely worth the extra money for the peace of mind and significant reduction of effort on my part.

So the "lift" sits exactly as I expected. Floor to fender is 36" at all four corners. She rides a little stiffer than stock, but very comfortable with excellent on and off road manners.

Yea Steve knows what he is doing. He has tested it all together to make sure it works right.

I bought a few parts from him when I built my lift kit, but I wanted more lift than what the front tundra springs provide so I went a different route of the front.

 

[AZ4FNER]

Nice Soy! More pics please...

 

[quicksilvr]

Nice job! More pics with the running boards off!


I thought you were getting Billies? The picture shows you got Trekmasters like Steve normally sells with the 3.0 System.

 

[Soy]

Nice job! More pics with the running boards off!


I thought you were getting Billies? The picture shows you got Trekmasters like Steve normally sells with the 3.0 System.

I originally ordered billies, but after a quick chat with Steve I opted to go with the tokicos. Their lifetime warranty (and knowing I'm a 20 minute drive from their HQ) as well as being a softer shock sold me.

 

[fightman80]

Sonoran Steel eh? That's a good lift! Pricey... but great product!

 

[Soy]

Happy Easter folks! Now that the suspension's sorted it became time to get rid of the soccer mom steps and get this truck looking more like a truck. So off with the running boards!

Hooray for quick, easy and free. Probably going to be a little while before anything else gets done to her for now. Need to save up and start looking for deals on lights, roof baskets, and other stuff. Back to cheap.

 

[Jungoes]

B/S Duellers look nice on that ride, Nice car as well, I had a 99 protege as well, really nice car

 

[PitbullRescuer]

What size are those Bridgestones? They look bigger than 265/70's.