Just installed a SS system #1.2 lift and 32" tires on my rig...Dial-up beware...

[bigwapitijohnny]

Well I am back again with some new pics of the rig. I have waited until my tires wore out, then I pulled the trigger. I decided to go with Sonoran Steel's system #1.2 lift; due to the meticulous R&D, as well as Steve's patience throughout this whole process. He was gracious enough to answer my questions repeatedly throughout the past 1 1/2 years regarding wheelin' and getting my rig to perform optimally in the field. BIG PROPS OUT TO STEVE!

Anyway, here is where I left the 'obsessive progression'. Sliders got welded to the frame, and took the fender flares off and sprayed Ameraguard in their place...


http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/bigwapitijohnny/Sliders/IMG_1279-1.jpg

I took my rig back to the shop in Paola, Kansas (TechtaFab). Duane started the process at 8:00 am, and I was on my way to the tire shop by 12:15 am. BIG THANKS GOES OUT TO DUANE! Fortunately, my rig 'wintered' in NM with my parents for the first 10 years of it's life, and the dismantling process was not as bad as I had anticipated. I sprayed PBblaster on all of the visible bolts, all except the rear shock nuts...Here are a couple of shots of the install...


http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/bigwapitijohnny/Sonoran/IMG_2296.jpg

I paid Steve to assemble the front struts for me. He offers this for a VERY nominal fee. It was well worth it to do this...


http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/bigwapitijohnny/Sonoran/IMG_2303.jpg

Duane modding my front skid plate...


http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/bigwapitijohnny/Sonoran/IMG_2310.jpg

All in all, the directions were very well laid out, and easy to follow. Again, PAY STEVE TO ASSEMBLE THE STRUTS! This was a Huge time saver...Did I mention that Duane's shop has all of the goodies to do any job you need? Seriously, if you are needing ANY work done, Duane will get it done and get it done right...

I did not want to go with an M/T tire due to this being my daily driver. In addition, I did not want to increase my tire size due to mileage/power concerns. Since my rig is armored, I figure the rake will even out quickly as the rear cruiser coils settle. The tires I decided on was the 32" Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revos. I chose these over the Firestone Destination ATs, BF Goodrich All terrain T/A KOs, and the Nitto Terra Grapplers. This was a tough choice, but I got a sweetheart deal for these at the local Firestone dealer that I could not refuse. Anyway, onto the pics...


http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/bigwapitijohnny/4runner/IMG_2444-1.jpg


http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/bigwapitijohnny/4runner/IMG_2443.jpg

CV angle looking good...

As a comparison to my wife's 2004 Sequoia...


http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/bigwapitijohnny/4runner/IMG_2280.jpg

~ BEFORE ~


http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/bigwapitijohnny/4runner/IMG_2455.jpg

~ AFTER ~

I also got my grille and rear 'wing' coated with the Ameraguard coating...


http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/bigwapitijohnny/4runner/IMG_2453.jpg

Next 'mod' will be an expedition style rear cabinet drawer system...YIKES!

Regards,

BWJ

[austintaco]

That looks awesome. I have the Tundra coil/ red/blue 2wd bilsteins on my Taco, and I want to upgrade to the new system or change out the old bilsteins for the adjustable ones.

That front bumper is sweet.

[troyboy162]

very nice looking! also i like how you have put the Ameraguard on. that looks great!

[benp]

I'm seriously thinking about Line-Xing my Limited cladding on 4runner but I'm not sure if I would want to take the cladding of and do it like you have it or do it over the existing flares...