Sonoran Steel Install

spongerx

spongerx

Member
This has been the long time coming.

I got my first toyota (88 pick-up) when I was 19. I always wanted to lift it but never had the money or the know-how. Two honda accords later, I got a 4runner, joining this forum a few months after buying it. I've been reading and asking a lot of questions over the past few years and finally pulled the trigger on a lift. I went with the Sonoran Steel system 1.2. and spent the last day and a half putting it in.

It'll take a little while to get used to but so far I'm really happy with it. Very comfortable ride. It's stiffer, yet softer over bumps, if that makes any sense. I think the rear will settle a bit more over the next few days as it's quite high right now. The back end feels a bit loose but I'm sure I'll get used to it with some more time behind the wheel.

Thank you very much for all the questions you have answered regarding my purchase. You guy's have been really patient and I appreciate that. Especially when I was http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/59282-looking-lift.html

Anyway, here's the photos. :lmao:. Enjoy.

Parts:
IMG_0572.jpg~original

Stock shot in garage.
IMG_0574.jpg~original

Front Before
IMG_0577.jpg~original

Rear Before
IMG_0580.jpg~original


Trusty stool and tool chest
IMG_0586.jpg~original

Front comparison
IMG_0589.jpg~original

IMG_0590.jpg~original

IMG_0594.jpg~original


Rear set up
IMG_0604.jpg~original
 
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Front after
IMG_0605.jpg~original

Rear after (went for a drive and it dropped 3/4 of an inch. I think the coil was held up)
IMG_0606.jpg~original

Lifted
IMG_0614.jpg~original

2001 comparison
IMG_0609.jpg~original
 
Was wondering if you were doing that this weekend. I love the stance in the last picture. Looks great! From the side I immediately want to put bigger tires on it. I know this is going to happen to me if/when I ever tackle this - gonna drop a WAD!

Hows the feel of the ride, now?
 
bigtimeweb said:
Was wondering if you were doing that this weekend. I love the stance in the last picture. Looks great! From the side I immediately want to put bigger tires on it. I know this is going to happen to me if/when I ever tackle this - gonna drop a WAD!

Hows the feel of the ride, now?
Click to expand...

It feels pretty good. The aliment is off pretty bad so its hard to judge the ride when the steering is all over the place. Just drove back to my apartment - 120 miles at 60-80mph and the truck feels good. More stiff on the corners and much smoother. I'm happy. I reckon wider tires would really be the way to go but I'm not sure if I want to experience the loss in power or mpg with 285s. We'll see when I get closer to needing new shoes.
 
That looks really good!!!! Do you have the front set at 3" of lift? I hope to order my SS1.2 this week! How does it handle on twisty backroads? Does it feel really top heavy?
 
I am set at 2.5 inches in the front, although by my measurements I'm higher than that.
It's really hard to tell about handling right now because my alignment is so bad. This was the case before the lift but I don't think the lift helped any. I'm still getting used to it but I won't be able to give proper feedback until after alignment, hopefully by weeks end. It does feel a little top heavy but I think I'm just not used to it yet. I'm not sure if it's just because it feels higher, which, of course it is. No regrets here though. I'll need tires in the next year and 285s will add some stability (I'm sure I'll toss and turn over that decision too :)). The ride is certainly better than my stock system that had 160ks on it. :thumb3:
 
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It looks good my friend! Time for larger tires and an alignment!


Don't you love it now that it feels like you're actually driving a truck now?
 
spongerx said:
I am set at 2.5 inches in the front, although by my measurements I'm higher than that.
It's really hard to tell about handling right now because my alignment is so bad. This was the case before the lift but I don't think the lift helped any. I'm still getting used to it but I won't be able to give proper feedback until after alignment, hopefully by weeks end. It does feel a little top heavy but I think I'm just not used to it yet. I'm not sure if it's just because it feels higher, which, of course it is. No regrets here though. I'll need tires in the next year and 285s will add some stability (I'm sure I'll toss and turn over that decision too :)). The ride is certainly better than my stock system that had 160ks on it. :thumb3:
Click to expand...

So do you have two more settings on the shocks before it's maxxed out?
 
Justin727 said:
It looks good my friend! Time for larger tires and an alignment!


Don't you love it now that it feels like you're actually driving a truck now?
Click to expand...
Yeah. I'm 6"2' but it's still helpful to use the "oh s#!t handle" to get in. My seat is going to get worn down from all the drag :lmao:
Bigger tires are certainly a possibility (so I guess I'll just HAVE TO throw in 4.88's as well).

01PArunner said:
So do you have two more settings on the shocks before it's maxxed out?
Click to expand...

I think I do... Yes, I have two more settings on the fronts to lift it up to 3.5 inches - maxed out. I don't think I'll ever use them unless I get a front bumper and winch. Either way, I'll be emailing Sonoran Steel to double check first. My understanding is one doesn't want to use those settings unless you have the extra weight loading it down. :thumb3:
 
This picture is a perfect example of how much nicer the earlier 96-98 grill is than the 2001-newer grill. I've never understood why everyone seems to like the newer one better. The original is much more handsome. :)

IMG_0609.jpg~original
 
What's the site that you ended up buying your kit from? What'd you pay? I'm debating between the SS 1.2 kit and OME. Still haven't decided which to go with but OME is definitely the money saver.... What is everybody's thoughts?
 
98'4runnerSR5 said:
What's the site that you ended up buying your kit from? What'd you pay? I'm debating between the SS 1.2 kit and OME. Still haven't decided which to go with but OME is definitely the money saver.... What is everybody's thoughts?
Click to expand...

there are many threads on this topic already but basically the toytec lifts are fine unless you want the absolute best off road performance that the SS lift offers.
 
98'4runnerSR5 said:
What's the site that you ended up buying your kit from? What'd you pay? I'm debating between the SS 1.2 kit and OME. Still haven't decided which to go with but OME is definitely the money saver.... What is everybody's thoughts?
Click to expand...

The site is Sonoran Steel, Sonoran Steel Custom Metal Fabrication L.L.C. Custom Toyota Truck Parts and the prices are listed there. One of the reasons I went with them is the fact that I live in Montana and I have been told that road salts/snow etc during the winter can damage the "threaded" style coil overs that some kits offer. The SS kits are adjustable but not with a threaded system. The SS kits are certainly the most expensive of what most guy's on the forum are running. Toytec lifts will also give you a coupon code if you buy from them and are a member here (which is pretty sweet).
 
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