SS 1.2 Just arrived!!

[mosupernak]

Hi all! Just got my Sonoran Steel 1.2 in the mail. I'm done some pretty involved work on autos/motorcycles but I've never installed a full suspension lift before. Has anyone done a build page step by step? I could use a reference.
Thanks Marc

 

[dms1]

That looks like a pretty straight forward install - you might want to have the front shocks assembled for you if you have never done it before, otherwise you will need to rent\purchase a spring compressor. Also, could you post a closeup of the diff drop (long bolt looking things)

I'm sure someone here will chime in with an install link

Good Luck

 

[Applejack]

BE DAMN CAREFUL using spring compressors, they can take your face off!! It's worth it to have a shop do that for you.

 

[AlexJet]

Pictures installed...?

 

[SilverBullet]

congratulations on yoru purchase, mine is being produced this week, I plan to pick it up next week. Be sure to post pictures.

 

[Vermonster]

Worst part of that install is getting the current rear shocks off. I suggest cutting the shocks off just below the upper mount. Some guys have luck unbolting the lower mount, holding the upper nut and turning the entire shock. But my experience is that you are going to trash the shock doing that, so might as well just cut the thing. I haven't done one in a few years, but if memory serves me correctly the easiest tool given the space you have to work in is a Sawzall.

I'd also suggest soaking any nut/bolt you need to get off in PB Blaster or equivalent for several days.

+1 one to having a shop compress the front coils. And make darn sure when you take the old shocks off the front you don't remove the center nut until the spring is compressed.

For others ordering from Steve at Sonoran, I think he will assemble the front shocks/coils for $50--which money well spent.

Pretty good set of pictures for the 3rd gen here: http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamods/4runner/4runnerlift/4runnerlift.htm

 

[AlexJet]

Worst part of that install is getting the current rear shocks off. I suggest cutting the shocks off just below the upper mount. Some guys have luck unbolting the lower mount, holding the upper nut and turning the entire shock. But my experience is that you are going to trash the shock doing that, so might as well just cut the thing. I haven't done one in a few years, but if memory serves me correctly the easiest tool given the space you have to work in is a Sawzall.

I'd also suggest soaking any nut/bolt you need to get off in PB Blaster or equivalent for several days.

+1 one to having a shop compress the front coils. And make darn sure when you take the old shocks off the front you don't remove the center nut until the spring is compressed.

For others ordering from Steve at Sonoran, I think he will assemble the front shocks/coils for $50--which money well spent.

Pretty good set of pictures for the 3rd gen here: http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamods/4runner/4runnerlift/4runnerlift.htm

Agreed. I unbolted lower mount (was easy) then using a pipe wrench turn the shock holding the nut soaked in PB. Shocks ruined, but out.

 

[mosupernak]

Thanks for the rear shock pointers guys. I've done some more reading and the install seems pretty simple. I'm still not sure on how to dial in the adjustments on the rear panhard though... I'll keep reading.

 

[seanz0rz]

steve packaged instructions for the panhard bar, set it to the correct length (right now about 3.5 inches) and install, pretty simple, you will have to make adjustments to it later as the springs settle. it is better for it to be a bit too short, so you dont make contact with the gas tank skid.

rear shocks have an allen key recess in the top to hold the shaft while tightening the top nut.

 

[SilverBullet]

For others ordering from Steve at Sonoran, I think he will assemble the front shocks/coils for $50--which money well spent.

Labor $50.00, parts needed to do it, $50.00, so if you want them pre-assembled, $100 more. Still well spent, I did that.

 

[pcampbell]

Call or email Steve. He has step by step instructions with pics available online. Other than assembling the front shocks, it's a pretty easy install.

 

[mosupernak]

Thanks guys Steve game me the links. I'll post pics after.