Undercarriage Protection

[hodgepodge79]

I found a product for early IFS systems. It is a truss/brace to go between your "A-arm horns."
how necessary or usefull is a product like this?

http://www.sonoransteel.com/Early_IFS_Brace.html

 

[RonMAIDEN]

That's one hell of a piece.:rocker:

 

[ssmathis]

I had a different brand on my 87 but the only reason I did is that there is no stock cross-member at the rar of the lower suspension arm. It's supposed to keep the mounts from flexing. I don't think they are needed on the newer generations since they have more cross-members and a slightly different suspension design.

Scott

 

[hodgepodge79]

It's supposed to keep the mounts from flexing. I don't think they are needed on the newer generations since they have more cross-members and a slightly different suspension design.

Scott

But, how weak are those suspension mounts? Without added rigidity/support, are they prone to flex/bend/break in rough circumstances? Has anyone ever seen such a failure occur on an early IFS system where this type of mod. would have prevented it?

 

[ssmathis]

I've never actually seen one flex or break. I don't think I ever had my 87 in a situation where it might and I did a lot of off-roading in that thing. I did it more for peace of mind.

Scott

edited for spelling

 

[Thai]

I am with ssmathis...newer 4runners have a crossmember at the front for this very purpose. In the 4th gen, it also serves to meet SUV-car crash compatibility requirements. I doubt that you will ever need this unless you plan on doing some off-road racing.

 

[shiftless89]

i have the same brace in the above picture, previous to it I had the downey version. here's the deal, with larger tires, and off road twisting the rear of the lower controll arms tend to do this / \ instead of staying straight I I. this brace prevents the tisting and also adds a place to bolt a skid plate to. This bending of the lower control arm mounts is very common and easliy preventable. I have seen several 4runners ruin there alighnment that were not equpped with a brace of sorts. I recomend any of Steves products like the brace above it is so overbuilt and bullet proof. can be found at sonoransteel.com you can see a picture of my brace and mods here

http://yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=59364