How to build your own Sonoran Steel 1.2 Lift Kit

[Bad Luck]

Bilstein 33-187174 are rear shocks for 4th Gen 4Runner/FJ Cruiser in case anyone stumbles across this.

 

[3bears]

I'm not sure about upgrade but 5100 rears are optional because he recommends in his install instructions that to get the most benefit from tokicos you have to widen the upper shock mount hole due the larger retaining cup. If the tokicos are installed without widening, it can wallow it out. The 5100 (bil 33-187174) are optional for those that don't want to drill out the mounting hole.

thanks a lot. which is the better shock, If im into it that far drilling out a hole is nothing...but if the toyota shock is better than I need to know b4 I start this project.
then again ....which is not only the best shock...but which lasts the longest etc. would not want to drill out the hole the after I blow a shock or they wear out...which si gonna be the best replacement. Drilling it out...does it lock me to that shock in the future cause other wont fit ?

 

[fourfive]

thanks a lot. which is the better shock, If im into it that far drilling out a hole is nothing...but if the toyota shock is better than I need to know b4 I start this project.
then again ....which is not only the best shock...but which lasts the longest etc. would not want to drill out the hole the after I blow a shock or they wear out...which si gonna be the best replacement. Drilling it out...does it lock me to that shock in the future cause other wont fit ?

It was several years ago that I talked to him about his lift kit but at the time he seemed to favor the tokicos over the bilsteins & for longevity I'd imagine the tokicos. His instructions say that you don't have to drill out the mounting hole & if you don't to not use the middle retaining washer but you may not get the full performance of the shocks. If you do drill out the mounting hole I think you would be limited to those shocks or any other shock that uses the same size retaining washer which I'm not sure what shocks that would include. He would be a better source to get specific info from. He's always been really quick to respond to emails & get a hold of by phone. He's pretty particular & opinionated about the way he has his lift kits specifically set up but very informative. He responded within minutes on a weekend when I ran into some issues installing his washer relocation kit several years ago and was extremely helpful.

 

[fourfive]

Also, the Bilstein 33-187174 he sells already has the bottom mount bushings replaced to fit our 3rd gens. If you get those 5100s anywhere else be sure to get the 3rd gen lower mount bushings bc the bushings that originally come with it won't fit. I don't have experience with the tokicos but I have the bilsteins from him and like the way they ride...with the understanding that ride quality is very subjective.

 

[Dieselchessy]

If you want what Sonoran steel sells then buy from them. You would have to go used and build some yourself to save anything.

Price it out yourself.

$400 TRD coils or used $???
$20 coil isolators
$220 tundra 5100’s
$80 if you need top hats.
$40 brake line
$160-200 rear bumps or build for $40
$200 panhard bar
$180 rear 5100 or $80 tokicos
$180 rear springs, or $80 used 7.5 wraps
$60 sway bar relocation
$50 diff drop
$30 brake cable bracket

 

[3bears]

If you want what Sonoran steel sells then buy from them. You would have to go used and build some yourself to save anything.

Price it out yourself.

$400 TRD coils or used $???
$20 coil isolators
$220 tundra 5100’s
$80 if you need top hats.
$40 brake line
$160-200 rear bumps or build for $40
$200 panhard bar
$180 rear 5100 or $80 tokicos
$180 rear springs, or $80 used 7.5 wraps
$60 sway bar relocation
$50 diff drop
$30 brake cable bracket

I did price it out, and if I decide for sure to go this route I WILL just order the whole kit from him and have them assemble front. shocks/springs , If there is a savings on doing myself it is small and not worth the hassle, Rather them just supply all and know it is correct and all together.
But life is getting hectic, and will have to wait and order in late july...gonna do upper ball joints and upper control arm bushings at same time....lowers are less than a year old...current springs and shocks are only about 40k old

 

[fourfive]

In case people weren't aware, his 7.2 kit comes with 890s for less rear lift & uses the same 5100s as his 1.2 kit. The other difference is the 7.2 doesn't come with rear sway bar adjustment brackets bc he said it's not needed but can be requested.

 

[3bears]

In case people weren't aware, his 7.2 kit comes with 890s for less rear lift & uses the same 5100s as his 1.2 kit. The other difference is the 7.2 doesn't come with rear sway bar adjustment brackets bc he said it's not needed but can be requested.

Thats goood to know... more options to think about.....thanks



whats your bolt on sliders ?

 

[fourfive]

Thats goood to know... more options to think about.....thanks

whats your bolt on sliders ?

I had them custom made.

Custom made bolt on rock sliders (no frame drilling)