Hey everyone at yotatech, this is my first thread so I'm obviously a newbee. I guess I'm pretty new to moding my Toyota too since I really just got into fixing up my 1999 4WD 4Runner this summer. So far I've installed a new ARB Bull Bumper, 2 IPF 800XS driving lights, a Warn M8000 Winch, and a Safari Snorkel. I did it all myself and now I'm hooked on making the Runner more capable and the obvious next step for me is a suspension lift. I've done a lot of research and it seems that the best kit I can find is the system 1.2 from Sonoran Steel. Ideally I'd like to put 35" tires on it but I'm not sure how much cutting on the wheel wells that would take. So my questions are:

1. Has anyone installed a system 1.2 on their 4Runner? What do you think of it?

2. Is there more that needs to be done to the 4Runner after the kit is installed other than just getting it aligned? Are there other parts mandatory to buy along with the lift to make everything work properly?

3. How do you pick the correct rim/ backspacing/ tire size once the lift is completed? I hear 35" tires need some cutting to fit but how much? I will settle for 33" if 35" is a huge deal to make work but I would love the extra 2.5" lift the 35" would supply.

If anyone out there can splash some logic about this lift on me I'd greatly appreciate it! Thanks guys!

 

Lots of pics of 3rd gens on 35's with the 1.2 kit on Sonoran Steel's site here:
http://www.sonoransteel.com/store_co..._liftkits.html
I know Steve personally and have wheeled with a number of those rigs and they work very well. I don't personally have one however, I have a 1st gen, so I can't shed any personal experience on specifics. I would say go to the source. Steve will answer all your questions completely and he won't BS you. If something won't work or is liable to cause you problems, he will tell you.

 

1. Has anyone installed a system 1.2 on their 4Runner? What do you think of it?
-I have the equivalent of this lift less the bili rear shocks as they werent available when I ordered my lift 3 years ago. I did replace the fronts with the bili's and holy cow what a difference. The rear coils will settle after 2 years or so with occasional towing and lots of gear for camping and mountain biking.

2. Is there more that needs to be done to the 4Runner after the kit is installed other than just getting it aligned? Are there other parts mandatory to buy along with the lift to make everything work properly?
-I added limiting straps but there isn't a need. Steve has done a hell of a job putting this kit together.

3. How do you pick the correct rim/ backspacing/ tire size once the lift is completed? I hear 35" tires need some cutting to fit but how much? I will settle for 33" if 35" is a huge deal to make work but I would love the extra 2.5" lift the 35" would supply.
-My factory rims would have been ok up to a 285 but at the time I had 285 Interco SSR's and they measure 33.9 X 11 a heck of a lot bigger than any other 285 i know of. So I added a 1" wheel spacer and life has been great for the last 2 years. I wanted my rig to be able to fit and clear 35's but run 33's. YOu will also have to consider re-gearing which will set you back (I waited a year) But with that comes the other can of worms. If you re-gear you will want to consider traction aiding devices .

If anyone out there can splash some logic about this lift on me I'd greatly appreciate it! Thanks guys![/QUOTE]

 

I have the lift and it is great. If you order it through SS you get everything you need, you just have to get a wheel alignment afterwards. I did the fronts at the max reccomended 2.5" lift, I can feel the shock top out while wheeling/ bouncing over bumps. If it was on the next lower setting it would be better as there is more down travel. I may drop mine down a notch one day, but that will only be about 2" of lift which would give massive rake. I got about 3.75" lift at the rear after it settled. Also my front cv boost are spitting out some grease due to the haigher cv angle....they arent torn or damaged.

The suspension rides really soft, almost too soft. I do 85% street driving. You do get body roll in corners but not too bad. I ended up putting a set of Firestone airbags inside the coils, which requiered to put the cone bumpstops back in...which gave me another 1/2"-3/4" lift at the rear. but with 5 psi in the bags it now rides perfect!! and I can load it to the top or tow with out super soft susp.

Here is a pic with 285/75/16 MTR's:

 

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/m...ne-now-112514/

This thread may give you an idea.

 

Lots of trimming...I actually cut out part of the fire wall and welded in a new panel.

It's worth it though...Fat & Low....Dirty too...