Hardware is not included and never has been. You will need 4: 3/8" bolts that are 4" long. Grade 5 or 8. You can use 1/4" or 5/16" as well.

 

got it. i'm sure home depot has them. do you recommend these bolts with nylon inserts? or just plain is fine.

 

You can use Nylock nuts with the nylon inserts or just lock washers. Either will work fine.

 

I know I know - I'll have to wait for the next round..

I was in in discussion with sschaefer3, but since I didnt have the truck I coulnt measure the spread to get the right one....

Oh well

Since the truck has been in Mod phase since new in 1989... whats another few months.....(yeah - original owner)

 

I guess the ? has already been answered, but I used 1/2" bolts with lock nuts, because I like the added strength in suspension parts. Good luck.......

 

There's not a whole lot of beef where the bolts go through the a-arm - too big is probably worse than too small ...

 

This is just a thought, bu why not use Class 10.9 or 12.9 metric hardware so your truck remains metric requiring a smaller variety of tools to work on it.

12.9 is harder than standard grade 8. Typically you can bet capscrews up to 12.9 below a certain size which I believe you will exceed here. The nuts are typically 10.9.

Frank

 

Just got mine, first coat of paint is drying. I'll buy the hardware tomorrow and slap it on. Sorry to Ewong, this is one nice hunk of metal.

 

The hardware store where I'm looking to get mine doesn't have metric grades higher than 10.9. They do however have metric stainless. Am I correct in assuming it would be harder than 10.9?

 

I know - Im running a Downey one now...

 

No. Stainless can't be heat treated, so while it's stronger than unrated regular bolts, it's nowhere near as strong as the higher rated ones.

Metric (EU) 8.8 = JIS (Japan) Grade 8 ~ SAE (USA) Grade 5
Metric (EU) 10.9 = JIS (Japan) Grade 10 ~ SAE (USA) Grade 8

Ace Hardware carries 12.9 socket head cap screws. I don't think hex head bolts are available anywhere in 12.9. Actually, I would be concerned that 12.9 would be too brittle and MORE likely to break in service than grade 10.9.

Seriously, looking where the holes are drilled in the A-arm frame, you're more likely to rip through there than break a 8.8 or 10.9 bolt IMHO ...

 

Yeah, I see your point. I'll go with the 10.9, less chance to bend 'em or foul the threads.

 

i bought a Downey truss before i found steve had his back for production. i have weighted both last night on my digital scale.

Downey: 3.26lbs
Sonoran: 13.30lbs


i took some side-by-side pictures, too. i'll upload them tomorrow.

 

I was going to buy one of those because the Sonoran Steel site said they were out of stock. Then this thread and the oppurtunity arose. Call Steve and give him your CC and info and that will hold your place.

 

got a present from the UPS man today. this thing looks awesome!. great work Steve and THANK YOU again.

 

I just finished the installation on my 4runner, took it back off to paint it later today.

I have one of the Downey trusses that I never installed. Compared to the Sonoran Steel truss it is pretty wimpy. I will put it on my other truck since I don't take it offroad much.

The fit of the Sonoran Steel truss is perfect. Kudos to Steve for making a great product for us first gen guys even though it is a pain for him.

If you want one of these I suggest you call Steve and get on the list, The last batch went pretty fast.

Thanks again Steve, I will post pics after I paint and install it.

Robb

 

A few pictures of the mounted truss.



Nice welds

 

just got mine in the mail today. Since it came directly to our shop, i decided, hey why not powder coat it since i can do it myself for free!
EDIT: dont mind the smudges, those are just finger prints, not the powdercoat. It is slicker than snot

 

I decided to seal mine up with some RTV/FIPG before I paint it. I plan on much submerged activity, and you can't exactly paint the inside of one of these things. Nor do they have/need drain holes, if you seal those gaps. So here's how I make water-tight.

Take a look before.


After.



I'm going Hot Pink with the paint, so nobody claim they thought of it first. I figure the toughest part of my suspension needs a catchy color.

 

i like the idea of the RTV, i think i will have to copy your idea. BTW good call on the hot pink