Sonoran Steel lift owners - 1.2 or 1.2A?

[AZ4FNER]

For those that are running Sonoran Steel systems 1.2 or 1.2A...

When you were shopping, which did you choose and why? Now that you've installed it, did you make the right choice?

Only difference is rear shock according to website. "The Tokico shocks are the same length as the rear Bilstein 5100 in both compressed and extended values, yielding the same articulation off road. The difference is that these Tokico Black Rear Shocks have a slightly higher dampening and tighter rebound. Here is a reference chart for which rear shock would work best for how you use your vehicle:"

System 1.2 - Bilstein 5100 Rear Shock would be better if:
You never carry a load in the cargo area
You primarily drive on city streets, not on Highway/Freeway
You use the truck ONLY off-road
You like a very soft Cadillac type ride

System 1.2A - Tokico Rear Shocks are better if:
You carry a load, in the cargo area
Drive a lot on the highway/freeway, reduces sway
Tow a trailer
Like a slightly firmer than stock ride

Airbag Kit - "What this will do is increase your load carrying capability with the rear coil spring suspension. It will also reduce sway at highway speeds typically found on California urban freeways."

Expectations from my vehicle:
My truck is not a daily driver, but will use sometimes for in city use. Lots of highspeed freeway/highway usage a given. Want the best offroad capable vehicle without making vehicle difficult to drive at high speed or loaded down. Expect to drive long distance to some trails, possibly muti-state trips. Also, plan on truck to be weighted down with cargo for camping trips, etc. May tow in the future, but no immediate plans. Do NOT currently have additional weight of armored front or rear bumper. May purchase down the road. Will be adding sliders and roof rack within the next couple of weeks. Do NOT plan to load down with cargo during more common local "wheelin" events.

Also, want to know if anyone has added the Airbag kit.

Trying to decide personally if I should get the 1.2 and add the airbag, or just get the firmer 1.2A.

Would appreciate your 2 cents please.

 

[Aznwolf118]

i got the 1.2 from Sonoran Steel.
great lift got me every where i wanted to go and more.


the 1.2A was not an option when i got the my lift fyi.

 

[t4r4life]

1.2 is a good kit, Bilstein 5100s are awesome, and they stand up to abuse. i love mine.

 

[Socco]

I've got the 1.2 as well. You'll love it.
It took a little getting used to the soft rear end (and having a lifted truck in general) over speed bumps and such. After my first trail ride with them in, all regrets about my decision to A) go 1.2 over 1.2A or even ToyTec B) To spend that much money on something I'll use now and then, vanished.

Three of us went out in two trucks (my '99 and in-laws '87) after a couple hours my buddy thought he should switch trucks to keep my father in law company. About 20 minutes later, he was back in mine 'cause it was WAY more comfortable!

 

[JayRolla]

For those that are running Sonoran Steel systems 1.2 or 1.2A...

When you were shopping, which did you choose and why? Now that you've installed it, did you make the right choice?

Only difference is rear shock according to website. "The Tokico shocks are the same length as the rear Bilstein 5100 in both compressed and extended values, yielding the same articulation off road. The difference is that these Tokico Black Rear Shocks have a slightly higher dampening and tighter rebound. Here is a reference chart for which rear shock would work best for how you use your vehicle:"

System 1.2 - Bilstein 5100 Rear Shock would be better if:
You never carry a load in the cargo area
You primarily drive on city streets, not on Highway/Freeway
You use the truck ONLY off-road
You like a very soft Cadillac type ride

System 1.2A - Tokico Rear Shocks are better if:
You carry a load, in the cargo area
Drive a lot on the highway/freeway, reduces sway
Tow a trailer
Like a slightly firmer than stock ride

Airbag Kit - "What this will do is increase your load carrying capability with the rear coil spring suspension. It will also reduce sway at highway speeds typically found on California urban freeways."

Expectations from my vehicle:
My truck is not a daily driver, but will use sometimes for in city use. Lots of highspeed freeway/highway usage a given. Want the best offroad capable vehicle without making vehicle difficult to drive at high speed or loaded down. Expect to drive long distance to some trails, possibly muti-state trips. Also, plan on truck to be weighted down with cargo for camping trips, etc. May tow in the future, but no immediate plans. Do NOT currently have additional weight of armored front or rear bumper. May purchase down the road. Will be adding sliders and roof rack within the next couple of weeks. Do NOT plan to load down with cargo during more common local "wheelin" events.

Also, want to know if anyone has added the Airbag kit.

Trying to decide personally if I should get the 1.2 and add the airbag, or just get the firmer 1.2A.

Would appreciate your 2 cents please.

I just ordered up my lift kit. I did research for about a month, not to mention talkign with Steve directly for a while through email.

I ended up going with the tokico in the back. If you want a more stock feeling ride thats not really floaty go with the tokico. If you like the soft ride go with bilstein.

I myself like to tow sometimes and the LC coils are very soft. If you add the tokico it will help with towing and highway driving.

I went with a hybrid style lift, here is what I ordered.

Front:
OME 881 Coils w/ SS steel sleeves (these are better than top spacers, they correct the droop a toytec spacer causes)
OME Comfort 90004 shocks.

Rear:
New 7 wrap LC coils from Steve
New rear Tokico Shocks

Extras:
Sway bar links
Extended brake line
Tapered SS diff drop
New Taco Ball Joints
New Taco tie rods

I just ordered this all up and cant wait to install it. Its going to be fun. Been a long time since I got to upgrade and work on one of my vehicles.

 

[AZ4FNER]

Thanks for the comments everybody, keep em coming!

So, the 1.2 does not cause excessive body roll during highspeed lane changes, etc...? I'm thinking I will like the "soft ride" of the 1.2, but am concerned that long distance travel will not be relaxed because I will be fighting the body roll (especially if I'm loaded down in cargo area and have bajarack full of stuff).

Anybody order the airbags?

 

[PoRunner]

I ordered the 1.2A for a few different reasons. The first being that I do a lot of towing during the summer. Nothing to heavy but I always end up pulling the boat and skis out to the lake. Second is that I have had tokico shocks on all of my Supras and never had a single problem. I like my ride a little firmer so this was an easy decision for me. We have a trail that is named the articulation station down in a local off roading spot here in Rio Rancho and this was my first test of the suspension. I did the trail with tons of snow on it and the rig did fantastic. My friends Jeep with a 6" long arm got stuck twice and I had to run through it again to recover him.
I have had it for awhile now and do plenty of highway driving and I can run it 75 on the highway with little to no difference in the feeling. This being caused by the geometry of the front not changing to drastically.
One word of advice though is be careful with the adjustable panhard and make sure the measurements are correct on each side. The first day I had it out I almost ripped the weight off the drive shaft and bent the crap out of the gas tank skid. You're going to love the lift.

 

[Desertrunner]

I have the 1.2A rear only kit and love it! I don't find it too be that stiff, but i guess that all just depends on what type of ride you are comparing it too.

It works well for towing light trailer and it is awesome out in the desert at higher speeds.

I think it drives great on the highway. I personally make the trip back and forth from Ca to Az many times every year. (not terribly far but still a good drive) and have never had any problems.

Either kit will be good. Sonoran steel puts together a good product.

My vote would be for the 1.2A kit

Good luck with the decision!

 

[AZ4FNER]

Thanks again everyone, is there anyone else that can speak from personal experience on one of these systems?

I'm actually surprised no comments on the bags. Are they cool, do they suck? It sounds pretty interesting to have the flexibility to air up/down the stiffness of rear stability based on payload and on/off road driving. Am I the only one that doesn't think that sounds PERFECT?

Never dealt with bags before, don't know if they are more hassel than good.

If we are already airing TIRES up/down for different driving purposes, what extra inconvenience is it to just air up/down the rear bags?

 

[t4r4life]

bags are unreliable, prone to damage, high cost and maintenance, dont do well offroad or on road for that matter, its pretty much for show.

 

[TN_Soljah808]

I have the 1.2 and tow two skis about 90 miles round trip in the summer. I have no complaints or regrets. I also DD it to work and back around 40-50 miles a day. The only thing people say is how high the back is compared to the front. But I do plan on adding a bumper.

 

[99runnerwa]

I originally had the 1.2 but found that i was loading too much weight for the springs to handle so i upgraded. to the Land Cruiser Tokico shocks and the Heavy Load 2 inch lift springs from the LC. Now with it fully loaded it rides about level (rear still slightly taller than front). When empty the rear rides pretty high but the over all ride isn't all that rough. I don't have much of a problem with body roll unless i am doing some high speed evasive maneuvers.

 

[AZ4FNER]

bags are unreliable, prone to damage, high cost and maintenance, dont do well offroad or on road for that matter, its pretty much for show.

If thats true, that would make me lean toward the Tokico 1.2A system. Do you know someone on the site that has installed bags?

 

[t4r4life]

If thats true, that would make me lean toward the Tokico 1.2A system. Do you know someone on the site that has installed bags?

not on this site, but im sure you can find them on LR and jeep forums

 

[AZ4FNER]

I have the 1.2 and tow two skis about 90 miles round trip in the summer. I have no complaints or regrets. I also DD it to work and back around 40-50 miles a day. The only thing people say is how high the back is compared to the front. But I do plan on adding a bumper.

I think I'm gonna like the rake, but will have to reserve final decision once lift is on & settled completely.

I originally had the 1.2 but found that i was loading too much weight for the springs to handle so i upgraded. to the Land Cruiser Tokico shocks and the Heavy Load 2 inch lift springs from the LC. Now with it fully loaded it rides about level (rear still slightly taller than front). When empty the rear rides pretty high but the over all ride isn't all that rough. I don't have much of a problem with body roll unless i am doing some high speed evasive maneuvers.

So, now we have 1 vote for each for 1.2 and 1.2A. Eitherway, it sounds awsome.

 

[MARTI]

Here's what I would do:

1. Don't over think it.
2. Listen to Steve (the guy is solid).

Either way, what he sells is a great set up and you will be glad you went through him.

 

[AZ4FNER]

Here's what I would do:

1. Don't over think it.
2. Listen to Steve (the guy is solid).

Either way, what he sells is a great set up and you will be glad you went through him.

Thanks, I'll be giving him a call soon.

 

[GiGi's 1996]

Thanks, I'll be giving him a call soon.

Have you called Sonoran Steel/Steve? Did you decide between the 1.2 or 1.2A or 7.3 or 3......haha. I laugh because I am over analyzing this decision too! Sorry if I've missed a post on this. It is very hard to do specific searches on my Tab. I think I have gotten the green light to go forward with this upgrade. No more bouncy bounce bounce! At this moment I'd like the 1.2A, but tomorrow I might think stock is enough.

 

[AZ4FNER]

Have you called Sonoran Steel/Steve? Did you decide between the 1.2 or 1.2A or 7.3 or 3......haha. I laugh because I am over analyzing this decision too! Sorry if I've missed a post on this. It is very hard to do specific searches on my Tab. I think I have gotten the green light to go forward with this upgrade. No more bouncy bounce bounce! At this moment I'd like the 1.2A, but tomorrow I might think stock is enough.

I talked to Steve while he was welding on my sliders, but we only discussed the 1.2A.

I pretty much decided on 1.2A, but am re-considering system 7.2.

I'm wondering if the lift is too much for 265/75/16 size tires. I just bought new tires when I got the truck, and don't want to be tire shopping because the wheels "look small". On the other hand, will the lift be too small when I'm shopping for new tires in the future? Chicken or the egg situation I guess...HA!

 

[shadow247]

With the 3" lift you will be able to fit a 285/75/16 with wheel spacers or a 255/85/16 without wheel spacers. Both are about a 33" tire. The 265/75/16 you are running now is about a 31.6" tire. 265's look just fine with the 3" lift, but 285's do look meaner and beefier.