I've got an 85 Pickup with a 22RE, automatic, 4wd (of course). It's about stock height on 31's. I thought about fixing it up for some light trail use, no rocks really, mainly just mud holes. Stuff that my 98 STOCK Jeep Wrangler with 31" M/T's does pretty good with (but needs more ground clearance). Well, anyways. My truck is kinda rough, 211,000 miles, bed is 25% rust (or just big holes), needs tires, suspension work, etc. Well, a guy I know has an 86 pickup for sale which of course has the IFS but has a Superlift or some other name brand 4 or so inch lift and at least 33's on it. It looks pretty tough and pretty tall and is a stick shift, which is my main gripe about my truck, its an auto. On the trail, whats the pros and cons of IFS vs SFA? I know I could do an IFS->SFA conversion on this other truck but then I'd have to relift it and all that and I really don't want to put additional money into it. I can probably trade this guy his truck for my dirt bike, I think he's just asking $1000 for it.

 

I think IFS would do fine for that type of wheeling. Solid front is best for big rocks and big tires (35"+). But if you don't need massive wheel travel, IFS is fine.

Or you could swap parts from the '86 to the '85 frame (cab/bed/drivetrain).

 

Yeah, I usually don't see places where you need a lot of wheel travel. 95% of my 4 wheeling is in mudholes, usually rutted pretty bad where the most ground clearance is needed. I probably wouldn't swap parts from the 86->85 because I'm too lazy, cheap, and just don't have time for it. The appeal is the guy's 86 was that it appeared to be ready to roll, where my 85 would need some upgrades/repairs.