Sonoran Steel 1.2 vs. Toytec Ultimate Lift Kit

[Jeff16758]

Alright guys, this is my first post. Not trying to start a war between members, but I have a '98 SR5 5-speed that's begging to be lifted and I'm on the fence between the Sonoran Steel 1.2 package and the Toytec Ultimate with the Billstein upgraded shocks.

As far as I can tell the kits are pretty comparable except the SS package has the adjustable trac/panhard bar and extended rear brakeline included. The OEM bushings up front are a nice touch since I want to replace all the bushings when I install the lift too.

I know a lot of people on this forum run both setups... Is anyone NOT happy with their lift choice? Are the Tokiko rear shocks in the 1.2 kit half decent vs. the Billsteins offered with the Toytec kit front and rear?

Also, if I am to go with the Toytec I'm wondering which OME Coils would work best for me (890 or 891).I plan on using my T4R mainly for driving around town (I don't have a commute to worry about) and some weekend wheeling, but I want to have it set up right. I plan on adding a lot of steel with bumpers, rock sliders and skid plates eventually but for now just want to get the lift and some 33's on there...

Any input (well, any intelligent input) is greatly appreciated.

 

[blazingshadow]

Having going with SS, and actually installing a lift for my first time. I'm impressed with SS, but NOW... I would piece together the lift and do it all myself...and on that note the 891's are good if you have a heavy rear plate bumper and actually tow things with your 4runner...The other thing I loved about SS is their website is one of the most informational about lifts for 4runner...Happy trails....

 

[JasetheDamager]

I have the SS 1.2 Kit and I love it. Steve has been helpful and answered all of my questions. He actually dropped the original 1.2 kit and now only offers what was called the 1.2 A kit, which has the Bilstein fronts and Tokicko rears. I use my rig as my DD and no complaints thus far. I have no experience with the Toytec kit, but I've also read excellent reviews on it.

I know some people would rather piece everything together separately, but this way you get everything at once and you know it's high quality from a name you can trust. I work 60-90 hours a week and would rather spend my free time using my truck than spending many hours trying to save a few bucks.

Good luck!

 

[AZTOY]

I researched for six months before I got my lift. I ended up getting both. SS 1.2A rear and Toytec adjustable coilovers on front. I wanted fully adjustable coilovers for maximum control over front lift height. And I liked everything that came with the SS rear. I am very happy with my set up. I use my runner as a DD and wheel a few times a month. I have no experience with Toytec customer service, but SS has always been helpful when needed. He has a good reputation. I really recommend my set up. But I am biased. Good luck.

 

[4-Ripcord]

I researched for six months before I got my lift. I ended up getting both. SS 1.2A rear and Toytec adjustable coilovers on front. I wanted fully adjustable coilovers for maximum control over front lift height. And I liked everything that came with the SS rear. I am very happy with my set up. I use my runner as a DD and wheel a few times a month. I have no experience with Toytec customer service, but SS has always been helpful when needed. He has a good reputation. I really recommend my set up. But I am biased. Good luck.

On the face this seems like the best, but Im curious as to the overall cost of this if you don't mind.

Toytec hands down has the better front end. The only thing better about the SS rear is the included adjustable bar, but of course they factor that into the price.. and toytec has an adjustable panhard too. And with the rear of the toytec kit you can choose between two very good arb coils, with the SS you only get one.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Toytec hands down has the better front end. The only thing better about the SS rear is the included adjustable bar, but of course they factor that into the price..

Why is it better / have you driven both?

I have more respect for Toyota brand coils than OME from China, that is why I went with the SS Toyota parts kit.

I know both kits use a different design but I fail to see how the Toytech kit is better.

Also, don't people usually have to rebuild their custom adjustable coil-overs after awhile?

 

[AZTOY]

On the face this seems like the best, but Im curious as to the overall cost of this if you don't mind.

Toytec hands down has the better front end. The only thing better about the SS rear is the included adjustable bar, but of course they factor that into the price.. and toytec has an adjustable panhard too. And with the rear of the toytec kit you can choose between two very good arb coils, with the SS you only get one.

My cost was around $1500. Toytec does not come with extended bump stops (and does not offer them), no extended brake line, doesn't come with panhard bar (didn't even offer adjustable one when I ordered mine), doesn't come with ebrake relocation bracket (and doesn't sell one).
If you buy toytec ultimate kit and buy other parts separately, the cost is about the same as I spent.

 

[JohnnyMack]

I'm reviving this thread to see if anyone else wants to weigh in on the topic. I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on one of these in the coming weeks. I'm leaning towards the SS 1.2 lift. Why? I rode in a T4R equipped with it. I like how it look and how it rode.

My only concern, admittedly, is that I'm getting the lift for looks and some light wheeling. Kind of seems like overkill for $1500 + shipping.

Thoughts?

Is it worth an extra $89 to upgrade to the Bilsteins in the rear?

 

[JayRolla]

The SS kit has a little more than just extended rear brake line and panhard bar. Comes with following.

Custom lowered rear soft bump stops that actually work after the lift

Rear sway bar lift brackets

Rear ebrake extension bracket

Rear zerk plug so it dont sheer

To me both kits are awesome. If you looking for the best offroad and onroad performance go with SS as it just rides better on road and does everything the Toytec can offroad. OEM coils and shocks just ride better than anything aftermarket.

If you want adjustable front suspension and more than the 2.5" front lift you get with SS go with toytec.

I went with OME front and SS rear, hybrid lift. I pieced it all together myself. I love the rear end of the SS kit and the front of the toytec. I will probably end up going toytec adjustables in future if the SAS dont pan out.

 

[AZ_Trails]

I wouldn't (and didn't) bother with the upgrade to Bilsteins in the rear. The LC Tokicos are an excellent choice, both on and off road. And they are low cost if you need to replace one down the road.

 

[JohnnyMack]

The SS kit has a little more than just extended rear brake line and panhard bar. Comes with following.

Custom lowered rear soft bump stops that actually work after the lift

Rear sway bar lift brackets

Rear ebrake extension bracket

Rear zerk plug so it dont sheer

To me both kits are awesome. If you looking for the best offroad and onroad performance go with SS as it just rides better on road and does everything the Toytec can offroad. OEM coils and shocks just ride better than anything aftermarket.

If you want adjustable front suspension and more than the 2.5" front lift you get with SS go with toytec.

I went with OME front and SS rear, hybrid lift. I pieced it all together myself. I love the rear end of the SS kit and the front of the toytec. I will probably end up going toytec adjustables in future if the SAS dont pan out.

I wouldn't (and didn't) bother with the upgrade to Bilsteins in the rear. The LC Tokicos are an excellent choice, both on and off road. And they are low cost if you need to replace one down the road.

Thanks for the insight/advice guys, that's what I was looking for. :thumb:

 

[SURF RUNNER]

After a lot of research I plan on going with the Sonoran Steel 1.2 when I have the funds. I was told that with my weight in the rear (Shrockworks rear bumper, tire carrier, jerry can holder) that I would be better off with the Tokicos - they would work better than the Bilsteins because they have a faster rebound rate (or something like that). It makes sense to me to use Tundra coils (they are progressive) in the front and Land Cruiser coils in the back. The 1.2 kit gives you everything you need to make it work.

Toytec hands down has the better front end.

What brand of shocks does Toytek use for the front? Where are the front coils from? Are they progressive? Is their front setup really better than the Tundra coils and Bilsteins that the 1.2 uses?

 

[ReconCmdr]

I had the Toytec Ultimate kit and loved it...however the rear end never rode high enough...always seemed like it was dragging below the front. It rode great on the road and decent offered but the rear wheels would always jam up in the wheel wells. I switched to the SS1.2 rear end about 10 months ago and it rides much better now and wheels better. The shocks and coils are stiffer the ride height is taller in the rear so looks better and when I have stuff in the back the ass isn't dragging. The rear bumpstops work great offered etc.

So basically great from both worlds.

When I do it again however I will probably go Kings/Icon/Fox....but then your in a whole other world cost wise.

Good luck I don't really think you can go wrong either way.

 

[ihateBL]

ok so i have had a 99 with the ultimate and a 00 with the 1.2 . had both on a trailer and crashed the truck with trailer and totaled the runners. i took the offroad/important parts off of course. and took the best of both and put it on my "new" 99. front is the ultimate's adjustable coilover and rear is the lcs with tokicos. best lift is that right there.:rockon:

 

[JayRolla]

ok so i have had a 99 with the ultimate and a 00 with the 1.2 . had both on a trailer and crashed the truck with trailer and totaled the runners. i took the offroad/important parts off of course. and took the best of both and put it on my "new" 99. front is the ultimate's adjustable coilover and rear is the lcs with tokicos. best lift is that right there.:rockon:

Yes the hybrid lift is best IMO. Its what I planned but ended up getting really good deal on my 881's. I will upgrade front to coilovers one day like you have ran. The LC rear with Tokicos is awesome!!!

 

[Aznwolf118]

I have one of the older SS 1.2 before there were shock options.

I would do the SS 1.2 over again but with a radflo set up.
I talked to Steve and good news for owners of the older SS 1.2 you can get the spec out radflos from him

 

[ihateBL]

Yes the hybrid lift is best IMO. Its what I planned but ended up getting really good deal on my 881's. I will upgrade front to coilovers one day like you have ran. The LC rear with Tokicos is awesome!!!

ya. i can see why a lot of 4runners dont have this cuz the coilovers alone are crazy expensive for thenthe whole package. i got ultimate kit used but the ss wasnt cheap either:car:.

 

[jpeaslee]

I know it's not exactly what you asked, but I just put Bilstein 5100s all around with TRD coils up front and OME 906s in the back, giving about 2inches all around. The ride on road is great. So far I haven't been able to get out to anything more than some rough dirt roads, but it seems promising. With just 2 inches, it doesn't seem to need the new panhard bar, extended brake line, e brake bracket or Diff drop (though I'm going to install that anyway.) My total cost is about $700 right now. I'll probably go ahead and do the extended brake lines to be safe. Juust a thought if you're having a hard time swallowing the $1500.

If you want more info, Speedy has an awesome thread on it. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/154200-speedys-lift-install-how-video.html I did the fronts Friday evening and the rears saturday morning. I'm mechanically inclined (changed calipers, rotors, motor/tranny mounts, fluid flushes, etc.) but this was probably the most involved thing I've ever done... and it was pretty damn easy. Granted, I have a 100% South Georgia car, so despite the 13 years and 235k miles, I didn't have to deal with any rusty bolts.

 

[datdoublea]

Anyone have good experience with the 1.2 with the radflo coilovers? Im also debating between toytec ultimate or just money up for the SS with the external reservoir radflo.

 

[Captramrod01]

Anyone have good experience with the 1.2 with the radflo coilovers? Im also debating between toytec ultimate or just money up for the SS with the external reservoir radflo.

I have most of Steve's parts from the 1.2 kit with 2.5" radflos non resi coilovers and shocks. Went with the extended travel fronts and camburg uca as well. 650# springs in the front seem to be perfect with savage front bumper with engo winch and full skids.

No idea how it rides compared to the trd bilstein setup as mine had stock shocks on it before but I do know it rides awesome compared to those. Honestly unless you are going serious extended prerunning in the desert reservoirs are a waste.