Hey guys..wanted to hear your opinion on SAS'ing or sticking with an IFS

I just purchased my 1988 4runner equipped with an Auto trans to mainly get me around the mountain area I live in during the snow months and on trails since I am a logger. I do offroad the truck but, nothing major.

Many people are saying that SAS is soo much better and that it is almost necessary when offroading...they also say that I may end up ruining the truck by keeping IFS and taking it offroading. Basically implying that the IFS is very weak in design and I would waste my time and $ lifting an IFS.

Now I am no offroad king...I like to go on mild trails and since I love my 4runner I am not willing to go into harsh trails that could potentially damage the body. This truck is really clean for its age and I would like to keep it that way while still having fun on some trails with my wife and son.

Opinions? and if keeping the IFS is one of them...Any kit recomendations?? I was looking at a Rough Country kit that goes for around $600

Thanks for helping a Toyota Noob out! I have been racing Honda's for years..both Drag and Road Racing and finally threw in the towel and went to Toyotas!
Here is the truck

 

For the type of wheeling you describe IFS will be fine for you. IFS is fine up to about a 33" tire though some say it is fine with with 35's.
There are several members, TC for one, that wheel the crap out of IFS rigs that would give some jeeps with 38's jealous fits...
Very Clean runner BTW...

 

The fact that you asked this question means you definatly dont need it.



BTW, I might argue that the toyota IFS is, POUND FOR POUND, one of the most durable IFS out there.

 

Thank you! It is actually really clean! It is an SR5 so it is power everything and also has a sunroof. All I did so far was give it a tune up, did the exhaust, and added the wheels and tires. I am having bumpers made by a friend of mine in Upland, CA...Then I can put my Hellas on and have them somewhat protected!

 

You'll be fine with IFS! People have taken IFS trucks and 4runners over the Rubicon, and I plan on doing it this summer as well.

 

Ok awesome...yeah I am thinking I will stick with the IFS. Was contemplating on selling it and purchasing an older EFI with a straight axle to begine with...but this one is just soo clean compared to others I have looked at for being over 20 yrs old.

 

IFS Sux...



see.

 

If I can get of topic real quick, Where is arrowbear ?

 

Arrowbear is basically in Running Springs, Ca 92382...my PO Box and addy are Running Springs but, the city limit signs say Arrowbear! LOL Go figure!

It is about 15 minutes from Lake Arrowhead, Ca and about 25 minutes from Big Bear, Ca. It is also about 25 minutes from San Bernardino, Ca

Not a bad place to live...still close proximity to the city life with a happy medium of a local mountain town and close to large snow resorts. Gotta love it!

 

Ahh so Im sure you have heard of "lockwood/miller jeep trail" in the gorman area, Or "cleghorn ridge" off of 15...

I know a few peeps from up that way.
Next time we go out wheelin I'll have to let you know..

 

Yeah the 15 freeway is like 45 min from me...so probably not too far away...Let me know!

 

So we should get a SoCal group going soon. I just got my 4runner out here and I am in the process of getting it Registered. I would love to do some trails with y'all as well. I do have my runner SAS'd but is it necessary....well I broke stuff on my rig so that's why I did it. I miss the IFS and there is a big difference between the two, so [if you do not need to swap then I wouldn't.

 

I have a coupple buddie up in san bernadino, And also some people that have messaged me asking when im going to run that trail again....No my answer is, When I get a running truck... .....

 

My question to you, sir is "Does your truck try to flip over when you get the front corner of it up on a huge boulder because you require several more inches of articulation/wheel travel?" If not, then naw, you probably don't require it. Also, if you drive you truck on the road often, then the torsion bar front end is going to provide you with much better road habits than a leaf sprung front suspension. IFS is built for highway use...my $0.02

 

well since yor using it as a travel rig for logging and i have worked for black fox forestry and gone on some crazy roads with a stock dodge, and i off-road a stock Toyota on washed out mine/skid roads IFS truck will work I only go places to get out, hike, fish, and explore.

 

Yeah I am gonna stay IFS even thought this is my toy since we have a Jeep and I also have a WRX...But, I am content with its performance so far...I would like a nice set of lockers though!!

We should get a SoCal group going..there are plenty of trails up here..one of them is almost clear..just a few feet of snow in some areas.