I'm scheming a build for a vehicle that'll spend 90% of its time on highways and surface roads. The other 10% will be getting point-A-to-B on logging trails and the like, so nothing like the serious offroading that some of you guys do. Seems that IFS gives a touch more ground clearance at the front, too. So far, sounds like I don't need a front solid axle at all, right?

Well, one of the design criteria is maximizing reliability. This isn't a true SHTF vehicle, but there are some themes of that going on. Is there an appreciable gain in durability/longevity from a solid axle vs. IFS for normal-duty use? I don't know what exactly trail rating numbers stand for, but I don't expect to ever drive anything higher than a 3, and that's rarely.

 

No.

That is a TON of work and a much higher COG, just for reliability you'll likely never use.

You could certainly swap with links, keep it low, or go with leafs, and spring under, but that will require more fab on your end.

My 87 4runner ran on 35's, dual ARB's, 4.88 gears, and an ultimate dual transfercase set up and I never broke a front axle or diff.

The idea that IFS is unreliable is BS. Yeah, if you are going to wheel hard and run big tires, then a SAS is the more reliable route. But for what you describe, simple maintenence on the front end, with OEM parts, is going to be JUST fine for your truck.

Here is my IFS runner on the Holy Cross trail in CO, with stock IFS components. Never had an issue, never broke anything:

 

O_O That's well beyond what I expect to do with my rig.

Ok, so it's not worth the work of swapping on one that came with IFS, but how about as a consideration for what year pickup to start with? Should I look for a pre-86, post-86, or do the costs/benefits (with equipment already in place from the factory) make it a wash?

I understand that solid axles have an advantage when it comes to durability (able to take higher stresses); how about reliability/longevity (consistent performance with normal stresses, long life with same)?

 

also I think the IFS rides alot better than a solid axle , I have a stock 85 4runner and it rides pritty ruff , so if your daily driving your truck and not serious rock climbing , you will be glad you have IFS vs solid because of the comfort the IFS brings

 

I would go Tacoma. The torsion bar IFS sucks. It rides rough, and is a pain to lift and get aligned, should you choose to go that route. Coilovers are nice, the rack and pinion steering holds up much better with mild to moderate wheeling, and the power is MUCH better for daily driving.

I modified my IFS to the hilt, including 1/4" DOM steering with FJ80 TRE's, new torsion bars, relaxed all the lift out of the torsion bars, and it still rode like crap, and aligned like crap.

Get something 96 and up.

 

take AxleIke's advice and get a Tacoma, the price is coming down on them as they age. Plenty of aftermarket support and they are proven.

 

I'll listen to some persuasion, but I'm disinclined to go with something that new; too many electronics, too much weight, crappier interiors (the 89-95 ones, anyway. Haven't been in an actual Taco).

The vehicle's going to get a camper conversion on the back (chopping the bed and cab to be like a 1st-gen 4Runner) and a diesel swap of some sort (1.9TDI, perhaps). The object here is crude and cheap, not nice.

I used to have a 2WD '86, manual steering. It certainly wasn't a BMW, but the ride was nothing to complain about. Then again, that was on 195/75 passenger car tires and no front axles...

 

If you want crude and cheap, I'd go with a 4cyl pre-89. It may be rusted out, but if you are going to cut it up, it won't matter. However, why do all that work, why not just get a first gen 4runner?

I'm not sure what you mean by too many electronics? The Tacoma's have a MUCH nicer interior than anything previous, better seats, and quieter cabins. You can get Trucks with more, but you can get them with a stereo, and that's about it.

What is your concern with weight? A camper isn't going to be light.

Anyway, given the new information you posted, get a first gen 4runner. Then you can build your camper onto that without having to cut the truck up first. Just less work.

 

Ike's truck is my go-to for silencing any debate on SA vs. IFS. love these pics!

 

I thought about a 4Runner, and it made a lot of sense until I found that compared to a long-bed or ex-cab, they weigh some 200 pounds more, despite having less room and a shorter wheelbase.

I don't know specifically about Tacomas, other than airbags and OBD2. I'm mostly going off the generality of newer vehicles having more features and more wiring.

Quiet cabin and seats are a plus, but I'm indifferent to "nicer" interiors; I prefer simplicity.

Fuel economy, maneuverability, wear. I know it won't be light, that's why I want to save weight wherever else I can.

 

The 200 lbs is the topper, an rear glass. which you'll be ditching anyway to attach your camper or whatever. Get rid of that, and it is significantly lighter than a pick up: no back of the cab/bed. Shorter is better for manuverability, but they are all pretty good offroad.

Anything pre 89 will be loud inside. Good luck with the build.