So now that OW is out of the question...

[xonetruthcrewx]

Originally Posted by bulldog

I believe the SS kit is based of the Bilstein 5100s??

Any specifics on this choice vs any of the other Bilstein setups/kits out there?

http://www.sonoransteel.com/index.ph...099b4fba21366a

Yes. The SS kit uses Bilstein 5100 series shocks. Prior to the 4th Gen I had a 2009 Nissan Titan. I ran 5100s on that and I was very happy with them. Even with the preload on the front springs (1.5" level) they were worlds better than the stock shocks. They handled very well.

So why did I go with SS? Number one reason, I am familiar with this kit from my old 3rd Gen. Steve told me today, "If you were happy with the 1.2 kit on your 3rd Gen, you will be happy with this kit on your 4th Gen." With that said, I would hate to go a different route only to wish I had the SS kit. Is there another suspension setup out there that I would like more? Probably so. But you rarely get the chance to regret the unknown. Ya know?

And yes, this kit comes with an adjustable trac-bar. I know how some of you feel that it is not needed on our 4th Gens, but like Steve states, the bushings on his trac-bar allow for more articulation over the stocker. And Im all about that. Especially since I will be without lockers for a while.

And to answer your last question.... This Bilstein kit vs. the other Bilstein kits. Simply going with the adjustable 5100s and using the stock 4runner springs, well that wasnt an option. The other option would have been the Toytec Bilstein option. And honestly, I would prefer the OEM Progressive TRD Tundra coils over the Toytec/Eibach coils. Sometimes OEM parts are actually really good parts. Not always, but sometimes. IMO, this is one of those times.

Like I said above... I was very happy with the SS 1.2 kit on my 3rd Gen. So if I get the same ride/performance out of this kit on my 4th Gen... I will be a happy camper.

[bulldog]

Cool, thx for the detailed explanation.

I think Joel proved that the stock links are very capable in terms of flex allowed, he has a custom shock setup with a lot of travel and flex to keep up with the front LT system. Reused the stock geometry and only swapped lower links AFAIK - details in his build thread. Not had an issue with the panhard really holding flex back on the 4th Gen.

AT any rate you seem to have found what you were looking for. Any plans to add a bumper and inch like your 3rd Gen?

[xonetruthcrewx]

I actually ordered a set of rear links from Medic as well. As for the trac-bar and it improving flex over the stocker, perhaps I will have to do a comparison of the two.

And yes, so much in the works. If only life (Wife, Kids, Dogs, House, Bills....) didnt require so much money, I would get there so much faster. Order of mods will be something like this.... Full set of Budbuilt skids, Shrockworks front w/winch, gearing w/f&r lockers, switch from 33s to 35s, CBI rear bumper..... and I think that is enough to drain my funds for a while.

[Mikestang]

Originally Posted by xonetruthcrewx

Yes it is. Love the V-Notch!

Sweet, I thought so. I had to do a double-take and re-read your post, because I'd only ever seen locked trucks do that, but I see your old one was locked.

Have fun with the new build. As far as the coil-over choice goes, there are other reasons besides intended vehicle use. I wanted them mostly for their adjustability, that I could decide how much lift I wanted in the front, and re-tune as I added my bumper again, and for when I do dual batteries and the winch. I've used my truck in all sorts of conditions, from sand to snow to rock to "hauling ass through the desert" (which is what I do mostly now), and have loved my setup from day 1. Going with what you know is always nice, too, I'm sure you'll be very happy.

[xonetruthcrewx]

I probably visited Last Chance Canyon 4 times before I did the V-Notch. I was finally with someone who had done it before, and with his spotting it was no big issue. It is pretty gnarly though. Just a little slip and you eff yourself big time. The amount of broken glass on the ground and the many colors of paint on the rock wall, any screw up is a BIG screw up! And IIRC, it only took the rear locker to do it. Front stayed open. Cant wait to lock the new 4th Gen and go handle it!

And one more view for those of you who havent seen this in person...

This is my 5'4" Wife standing in the middle of it.

[Bahnstoermer]

OW had service and expertise well beyond what a $1500 product is normally given. It was engineering grade advice normally found for products in the 10,000-500,000 dollar range.. Or more. As a professional sales engineer I see the best and the worst. These guys were top notch. So sad to have OW gone...

[chayos00]

Originally Posted by Bahnstoermer

OW had service and expertise well beyond what a $1500 product is normally given. It was engineering grade advice normally found for products in the 10,000-500,000 dollar range.. Or more. As a professional sales engineer I see the best and the worst. These guys were top notch. So sad to have OW gone...

I second this, but do have to say... they are not gone, just in retirement. Their knowledge, and them, are still here in the forums with us!

[xonetruthcrewx]

After all this talk.... I think Im gonna just drop it and run some 24s.

[MCL68]

Originally Posted by xonetruthcrewx

After all this talk.... I think Im gonna just drop it and run some 24s.

LoL!

Sent from my Galaxy Note using Xparent Blue Tapatalk 2

[Bahnstoermer]

Originally Posted by xonetruthcrewx

After all this talk.... I think Im gonna just drop it and run some 24s.

Wow. LOL.

[UnionJack]

Originally Posted by xonetruthcrewx

After all this talk.... I think Im gonna just drop it and run some 24s.

Let us know if there are any issues with the low profiles rubbing anywhere

[xonetruthcrewx]

Body mount chop and I can probably run some 26s!

[bulldog]

26s are for amateurs, 30+ is the way to roll

[Ludedude]

24s are definitely played out.

[xonetruthcrewx]

Donks!!!

[Teotwaki]

Originally Posted by UnionJack

Let us know if there are any issues with the low profiles rubbing anywhere

Saturday night at the drive-in movie theater?

[xonetruthcrewx]

Just a quick pic from the phone. Cooper STTs in 285/75/16. Measurements - Ground to bottom of wheel well - 39.5" front and 40.5" rear. The Sonoran Steel Suspension is quite amazing. Once I have some more time I will make sure to do a little write up with some pics.

[MCL68]

Looks good!
Glad you didn't go with 24's.

Sent from my Galaxy Note using Xparent Blue Tapatalk 2

[xonetruthcrewx]

Thanks. Its a start... Too many damn hobbies though. Wife and kids aren't helping the cause either. Haha.

[MCL68]

Originally Posted by xonetruthcrewx

Wife and kids aren't helping the cause either. Haha.

I know the feeling! LoL

Sent from my Galaxy Note using Xparent Blue Tapatalk 2