On my 84 Yota, I have noticed some sort of torque-arm, on top of the front axle, connecting with the frame. What is this, does it hinder articulation, can I remove it, do I need to? This truck NEVER touches pavement. It is an off-road woods truck only. Thanx for all the help...

 

AKA the torque rod. It serves two main purposes, one is to prevent brake and bump steer (it runs parallel to the steering draglink) by keeping the axle from twisting up load. It also helps to protect the stock steering J-arm from damage. You can try taking it off, you may get a little more wheel travel, see how you do with hard braking, it will pull to one side. Some folks make up something to replace it, one option is to cut it in half, weld a tube over one end to let the other end slide in and out of. This way it can extend for suspension travel, but bottoms out when you slam on the brakes, preventing brake steer. If you do modify or remove it, seriously consider taking along a spare driver's side steering arm. It will break sooner or later if you wheel it hard.