Sonoran Steel lift install

[sschaefer3]

Dude,no tool needed to disconnect the Ball joint from the spindle, there is a flat surface on the front facing out, just hit that with a mallet/hammer and it will pop out.

Just make sure to have it supported underneath the lower arm so it doesn't just drop out.

I'm not hitting my $38,000 truck with a hammer the 50 dollar tool I already had was perfect.

The tool also pulls pitman arms so when you buy an old Toyota (79-95) and straight axle it, your set. (86-95 SA, 79-85 most kits require a drop hanger, I have done it without) Pick your poison.

 

[nevetsvsx]

Woho! The lift came in today and I'm putting on tomorrow.

One quick question, are these for the bottom of the coil over (to go on the side of that single bolt mount)?

 

[sschaefer3]

Yes they are.

 

[nevetsvsx]

Yes they are.

You're awesome! Thank you very much!!!!

 

[nevetsvsx]

Lift Installed!!!

Weekend before last I got my lift installed!!! Had to travel immediately and work got in the way but I got it aligned last Thursday so I can post pics now :biggrin1:

Love the lift, install was strait forward after all the advice you all gave me. :thanks:

I do have a question though, I am getting a hair of rubbing at full droop from the UCA on the coilover coil after alignment. Should I go back and have the alignment fixed, or do you guys think this is a need for a new UCA?

Also, [MENTION=1795]sschaefer3[/MENTION] can you tell me what the paint used for the coilovers is or recommend a touch up? If not I'll get something close so its no big deal but just wanted to ask.

Here is why I asked (got this on both sides as the rub before alignment was pretty bad, now it is just tapping):

Oh yah and the ride has SIGNIFICANTLY improved on and off road!! It is so much better my wife even noticed when she drove it yesterday and she never notices things like that!!

 

[sschaefer3]

It's called sparkle silver powder coat, but I am sure there are other touch up paints that will match.

Honesty the best thing to do is the Camburg UCA's. The 3rd Gen's (4Runner) have a much better stock UCA, but the 4th and 5th gens stock UCA is just crummy.

That will fix the issue and give you an even better alignment as the arms adds 2 degrees of caster.

 

[nevetsvsx]

It's called sparkle silver powder coat, but I am sure there are other touch up paints that will match.

Honesty the best thing to do is the Camburg UCA's. The 3rd Gen's (4Runner) have a much better stock UCA, but the 4th and 5th gens stock UCA is just crummy.

That will fix the issue and give you an even better alignment as the arms adds 2 degrees of caster.

Thank you!!! Time to start looking up UCA install videos I guess...:couch2:

 

[sschaefer3]

Installing the UCA's is actually quite easy. You can do it by yourself in a few hours. I have a few tricks. If you want the camburgs, I have an order in with Kayla already for several sets, they are making more.

 

[AllenL]

After 10k on my 4Runner, and around 8500 on the lift, I'd like to report back that I'm very pleased with how everything rides and handles on-road and off. The suspension is very well balanced.

Steve - I am starting to think about stiffening up the rear for trips. When I'm fully loaded down with gear and dogs the rear is sagging. And recently I've been loaded for trips more than any other type of driving. Suggestions? Maybe a stiffer coil or bag-type load assist...

 

[sschaefer3]

An air bag setup would be the way to go, because you can fine tune it every trip to the exact weight added. When your city driving, you can return to the softer suspension and when off roading, you can reduce down to 5psi and get the full movement out of the suspension.

You would not need a dedicated compressor, filling with a schrader valve works just fine. The bags would need to be cross linked so they articulate, shift air side to side for of road use.

Let me look into it. We have a custom kit for the 3rd gen which works extremely well. I don't think the 5th gen will have to be as custom.

 

[AllenL]

Sounds good, I'd be interested to see what that looks like.

 

[sschaefer3]

I sent you an e-mail with all the information.

 

[9mmMike]

This is the kit I am getting. Had a bunch of Sonoran stuff on my beloved 3rd gen.

 

[nevetsvsx]

This is the kit I am getting. Had a bunch of Sonoran stuff on my beloved 3rd gen.

You'll be pleased!! I love mine!

 

[smallfry]

I need my 3rd gen to sell so I have some money for a lift.

 

[sschaefer3]

I need my 3rd gen to sell so I have some money for a lift.

Since that truck has a brand new dealer installed engine, I don't think it will be hard to sell.

 

[AllenL]

Bags ordered and now waiting in the garage.... I just need to find some time to install. I'll have them on before a 2-3 week trip in March. Steve, we'll be passing thorough S AZ on our way over to San Diego. I may have to get some suggestions on through-trails.

An air bag setup would be the way to go, because you can fine tune it every trip to the exact weight added. When your city driving, you can return to the softer suspension and when off roading, you can reduce down to 5psi and get the full movement out of the suspension.

You would not need a dedicated compressor, filling with a schrader valve works just fine. The bags would need to be cross linked so they articulate, shift air side to side for of road use.

Let me look into it. We have a custom kit for the 3rd gen which works extremely well. I don't think the 5th gen will have to be as custom.

 

[sschaefer3]

OK sounds good. I can give you some suggestions.

 

[9mmMike]

Got mine yesterday. Right on time. I have to wait a week to get it installed. Sigh.

Pics to follow.

 

[9mmMike]

On the lift now. Tires will not arrive until tomorrow....weather permitting. Ugh.
Got to drive my old Icon/Camburg-equipped FJ 6MT today at least. So glad that we did not get rid of that when we got the T4R.....my glass half-full moment! Ha!
Should have the T4R back tomorrow night. Already planning "Phase II".