Rookie Suspension Questions, IFS vs SAS

[dommo]

Hello,

I tried searching for these answers, but nothing really definitive, just opinions on one side or the other.

I owned a couple 4runners before, but both stayed bone stock, so I am pretty new to working on/modifying Toyota's. I am looking to buy another with the plan of building a "do it all" type of rig. I will be DD'ing it(assuming I dont brake anything important), so it absolutely needs to have good road manners. I will take it wheeling as much as time and work permits. I suppose that general trail riding/ expo/ overland/ whatever is going to be much more common than legit, hardcore rock crawling, although I want it capable enough to take me over any rocks I might find. I just wonder if Im not asking too much from IFS. On the other hand, I could go straight to a SAS, be done with it...but that would be more than a little $$$. Im starting to think that my awesome plan of SAS, chopping the top, full exo, etc...really only would be for "bling factor", and that I wouldnt be putting it to good use, and that with the money I could save from not SAS'ing, I could build a damn nice 4Runner.

For what its worth, if I keep the IFS I would be planning on going with a SS or Toytec lift, perhaps a BL, 35's, yada yada yada.

Im just curious to hear peoples opinion of how the IFS has held up, from SAS guys and weather they would recommend it, etc.

As a side note, if there are 17 different threads on this exact subject, please just point me in the right direction, as I couldnt find them, and sorry for asking the same question again.

Thanks in advance,
Dom

 

[4-Ripcord]

IFS is more than capable for what you have planned. Save your $$$ and build a nice overland 4runner! Trail riding and such has always been more fun for me anyway. It's an adventure!

What year/generation were you planning on getting?

 

[dommo]

Im looking for a 3rd Gen 4Runner. I dont really have a preference within those years, as long as it meets certain criteria, mileage, options, etc.

 

[fourwd1]

The Toyota IFS is surprisingly strong. I wheel in the rocks and several wheeling buddies have built IFS trucks (double t-cases, lockers, etc.) They beat the crap out of them, and an occasional busted CV joint is the most common problem. They always have spares on hand.

 

[dommo]

The Toyota IFS is surprisingly strong. I wheel in the rocks and several wheeling buddies have built IFS trucks (double t-cases, lockers, etc.) They beat the crap out of them, and an occasional busted CV joint is the most common problem. They always have spares on hand.

Thanks for the input. This is what I wanted to hear, personal experience with wheeling the IFS. Like I said, I have owned a couple Toyota trucks, but I currently drive an 08 Nissan Xterra. Although I havent had anything major break(that wasnt my own fault atleast, lol), I have heard way too many horror stories about the Xterra IFS for my taste, and I think its time for another Toyota.

I think double T-cases will be in the future, albeit a little later down the road due to the price. Im hoping to find one with the E-locker, if not, I'll be adding those to the "Down the road" wishlist, lol.
I really dig the fact that there is so much mainstream after market support though, definitely a huge improvement over the Xterra's. Theres really very limited options for Nissan, without spending an arm and both legs on custom work.