Before lifting my 99 4Runner, I found it difficult to find pictures of Sonoran Steel's System 1 lift (specificly, on a flat surface). So, here are a few shots after the install & alignment. I have 265/75R16 Wild Country Radial XLTs from Les Schwab (a bit on the small side). No additional weight in the front; I have a constant 100lbs in the back (subs & box).

A couple notes that may reduce others' frustration:
-Install all the diff drop, extended brake line & emergency brake exention before installing the new springs
-Using a spring compressor will make installing the rear springs easier
-Top rear shock nut is easily removed by putting a 1/2 drive 14mm deep socket over the nut, attach the 1/2 drive, then using extra thick rubber gloves turn the top half of the shock. The driver needs to be safely pressed agaist the frame (not pintching a hose or cable) for this to work. The nuts popped right off for me (had original factory shocks/118,000 miles).
-The entire install took me about 11 hours by myself. I am experienced at suspension maintenance, but I took my time and spent a little time on YotaTech ensuring I was doing things right.

In addition, the height to the lip of my front wheel fender is 37" and the height to the lip of my rear wheel fender is 39 1/4". I do not have initial height measurements.

 

Wow that looks good. Take measurements in a couple of weeks when everything starts breaking in so we can see how much it "settles". I totally want to get that lift.

 

Good looking rig! I don't even mind the look of the 265/75's, but you need a beefier tire (M/T). How does that setup ride vs. stock?

 

looks good man! I am installing the exact same lift this saturday. Can I put the diff drop on and drive it before i put in the springs and shocks? I am thinking I may do some small things on friday night to lighten the load.

Daniel

 

Nice Job on the Install, I just did my SS Kit a couple months ago. my springs have settled quite a bit!! I'm down at least an inch in the rear!!

After putting my lift in, I felt that the truck rode even nicer then stock... The suspension is plush!!

 

the link in my sig has pictures of said lift...

 

Thanks for the compliments. I'm really enjoying the lift. While I don't think it's quite a luxurious as the factory suspension, it rides a lot nicer than most other lifts. At slower speeds (<35 mph), I can really feel bumps and holes in the road. At faster speeds the ride really seems to smooth out - I did 40mph over some fairly large speed bumps (NOT humps) the other day and could barely feel them. She handles GREAT off road - I took her down a steep, rocky canyon road the other day and had a much easier time getting down the canyon than when she was stock. As a side note, I don't feel there is much more body roll than before.

4Runner4Life - I can't see any issues with dropping the diff and driving it a little before installing the springs. The diff drop is very quick and easy - it is as easy as replacing 2 bolts, so doing this the night before isn't really necessary. However, I would suggest installing the rear brake line and emergency brake extender the night before. Remember to bleed the rear brakes afterwards! Removing the spare tire makes replacing the extended brake line MUCH easier (for the early 3rd gens that have the brake line above the center of the rear axel)! Install the new rear bump stops last, otherwise they get in the way of installing the rear springs. The trac/panhard bar can be replaced at any time. As for the rear sway bar, my suggestion is to remove it before starting in on the springs and replace it after everything else is done.

Hope all that helps. I'm open for any other questions - I had a million before installing this kit!

 

yea when i did mine the rear sway bar got in my way everytime i went to do something. should have removed it completely but i managed with just disconnecting it from the axle.

also, on my front shocks, one of the top nuts was coarse but the stud was fine thread. i had to go find a M8 nut at autozone that would fit.