New Front End

[akrunning]

Hey all,

The time has come to rebuild/replace the front end of my '89 4Runner. I had it the last 80k miles or so and we've been over some rough roads here in the interior of Alaska. My thought is new steering components, suspension system, and likely some new brakes. I've swapped out parts and pieces over the years but it is clear now that I just need to upgrade the whole thing.

I'm looking for some solid advice on gear. I would rather not have to buy things piece meal and just get a whole set up in one go as much as possible. I'm not looking to make this an off-road, rock crawling machine just a reliable sturdy rig, though the roads up here are pretty rugged so I don't want to skimp either.

So who's got a solid steering system I can swap in with out too much headache? What are some good suspension set ups? and if you were to upgrade your brakes what would you go with. I'm not rich, but think I could throw about $3k at this - cheaper would be better but I don't want to have to do it again for a while. .

Thanks!

 

[RonJR]

If it were me, I'd replace whatever is worn with OEM parts. The 2nd gen IFS system as designed lacks in articulation, but not in strength and durability. It's probably the strongest and most rigid IFS that Toyota has built. I routinely hammer mine on rough roads and rocks, and it never goes out of alignment.

Put in new control arm bushings, new tie rod, idler arm, and relay rod ends, and new ball joints and it will run a long time again. I would think that would cost significantly less than 3K if you shop around on the internet dealer sites.

 

[fourwd1]

IDK of any improved steering system for the IFS 4runners. Some of the better aftermarket suppliers like All Pro Offroad, Marlin Crawler, or Trail Gear may have heavier duty parts available.

For brakes, if you have a 4 cylinder truck you could install the 6 cylinder calipers and pads. If you do you may find that you might want to upgrade to a 6 cyl Master Cylinder as well.

For suspension upgrades, after market t-bars might help. IDK if it's still available, but Old Man Emu makes a most excellent 2" suspension kit for these trucks. Well worth the $.

If your not into serious offroading/rock crawling, swapping to a solid axle setup probably wouldn't be cost effective.

 

[Blind Cleric]

The 2nd gen IFS system as designed lacks in articulation, but not in strength and durability. .

Isn't an '89 technically a 1st generation?

If OP has 4 cylinder truck then a brake upgrade may be possible by going with the V6 front calipers.

Otherwise I agree about replacement parts. Someone makes a super heavy duty idler arm but that's not really necessary for basic use.

My idler was really fawked by the time I noticed it. I replaced with Moog.