hross14

I tried to add this to an exsiting thread but didnt get any repsonses. So here goes.

Sonora Steel #7 Lift. Does anybody have this complete lift and what are your thoughts on it? Read all the threads avaliable but i would like input from somebody who has the complete system.

Superwinch EP9.0--can anybody think of a place where i can get it for cheaper than $513 bones? This is what i have decided to put into/on my TJM T-17 bumper--when it arrives.

kenai

installing it today...ill let you know.

hross14

thanks--Funny--there are lots of views but very few responses? HMM

Scottiac

PM paddlenbike... he has the SS#7, and has some pretty solid (positive) opinions about it.

Rock Slide

iTrader: (1)

Love mine. I'll be posting a thread on it tomorrow.

Not too stiff and not to soft. Just right IMO. Most people that ride in my 4Runner for the 1st time can't believe how well it rides to have a suspension lift.

2 Thumbs up for me.

hross14

thanks guys--i think that reafirms my thoughts. I take it that it has done pretty good for you offroad?

Rock Slide

iTrader: (1)

Well, I'm still running stock 31 ATs, so I have not really "pushed" to see where I could go that I couldn't go before. However, the few times I've gone off road since the install, the added ground clearance and articulation has been great.

UAGEODOC

I am very happy to have the Sonoran Steel System 7.1 suspension installed on my 2001 Limited 4Runner. I was very impressed by the quality of each of the components. The fit of each was perfect - none of that hammering or grinding that seems common with other kits. The on-road ride is more firm without being harsh, but the real improvements are noticed off-road. Wow! What used to be bouncing and jarring terrain was tame and controllable. The amount of articulation in the rear is pretty amazing and really helps keep the tires pulling through the rough stuff. The System 7.1 sure made a fantastic addition to my truck. Do be prepared to do a slight mod to the gas tank skid plate if you'll be doing full rear articulation with the left rear stuffed; not too difficult though.

aquasport17

I just finished mine. I had some trouble getting the shock aligned in the spring perfectly. If it's not 99% perfect, the spring will bow out and hit the frame. I had to redo one of mine. Don't attempt to compress the springs with your typical portable spring compressor. Take them to a shop that has a floor press and save yourself some hassle.

The truck never rode better - I also installed the 265/75/16's. Rides great off road, and I would bet you'll be happy with it.

Oh, I went with the upgraded blue Tokico shocks in front.

J

gregbreakseverything

The sonoran #7 lift is perfect. The ride is beoynd awsome, it looks perfect, everything was easy to install and fit perfectly, and steve was great to deal with. At first I had the top out spacer in, but the front was too high, so I took it out. The hardest part was getting my old rear shocks off, they were rusted in something fierce. The 285's are going on tommorrow afternoon.

hross14

Sweet--i am going SS#7 with upgraded shocks. This whole truck thing gets addicting. went from little stuff to lift, brakes, bumper, winch.....where does it ever stop? Thanks for the input

RockyMtRunner

Could you be more specific about the tank skid plate mod?

Henrythewound

I was considering this system too, but I am not sure I want to go up to 285s, I had that size on a full size chevy and it looked perfect but they rubbed (with a spindle lift) a bit. I am worried 285s on a 4runner wont fir w/ stock wheels and will cause power and mpg loss. I think if I go with 265s they may look small with the ss#7 lift.

toy_tek

Look into replacing all your front bushings at the same time... they don't come with the shocks. The new rear shocks should have all new bushings with them. I have the #1 kit, so I'm going off of that. Also, since you're installing the diff drop, might as well replace your steering rack bushings if you haven't done it yet. Easy job that requires removing the drivers side diff bolt.
SS's parts are well designed and stout. I think you'll be pleased.

toy_tek

Once again, I have a #1 system. 265's looked small to me, but not 'weird' small. I just installed 285 BFG's on stock rims (see sig link). Had to trim a little at the back of the front fenderwell pinch weld, no biggie. But they do rub the frame slightly with the steering at full travel L or R. Power loss is negligible (hardly noticable) and MPG hasn't been determined yet.

Henrythewound

Cool, your Runner looks nice and the 285s look great. When you say they rub at full travel I assume you mean just sitting there. It would potentially be worse if going over rough terrain at full turn?

toy_tek

They rub when making a sharp turn on a flat surface. So I would imagine (and I'll find out for sure this weekend) that yes, they will potentially rub even more when the tire is stuffed up in the wheelwell on a hard turn. And these are AT's with no spacers on stock wheels. I'm sure M/T's or Nitto TG's (the other tire I was considering) would be even worse with a wider section width. The BFG AT's don't rub the control arms either.

Henrythewound

At least we are in AZ so getting the Sonoran Steel lifts is relatively painless. I believe steve has some info about 285s and these lifts in his webpage. I'll read up on that. Thanks a lot, I have heard nothing but good with regard to SS products.

sschaefer3

Both System 1.1 and 7.1 are designed to hold a winch. Myself and Andy (Bamachem) benchmarked the coil/shock combo with winches.

Add a Winch & TJM or ARB bumper and you will have zero issues.

JETSI

I have the Sonoran Steel #7.1 lift. The ride is perfect,it looks great, and Steve is a super guy to deal with. I'am running 305/70/16 Nitto Tera Grapplers on 3.5/8 backspacing rims.Had to pound the pinch weld a little, but have no rubbing now even at full lock ether way. Would recomend this lift to anyone.