The only thing stupider than this post is that mamouth bumper you used to have. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Waita SAS your junk... you must look really cool driving it to the mall. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

I think a used IFS lift is worth spending the money on. I would not do more than a 2" BL, especially if you want to do a solid axle swap in the future. Most aftermarket Toyota springs are going to give you 4"+ of lift, so if you have a 3"BL already, you will be a lot taller than you need to be. Somewhere in the 1-2" range isn't a bad way to go, especially since it will make installing rock sliders and lifting your drivetrain easier.

A used IFS lift can be had for a few hundred dollars. Many people sell them when they do their SAS. I have been very happy with mine and I don't feel tipsy. But that's just my opinion... we've all got one <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

Here is a post I wrote on Pirate4x4 to outline how I feel about suggestions and the Toyota buildup experience. Read the first response to the person's question:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=374479

Wildcat 4r- that is a nice set up. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> I didn't mean to make my post sound so bad, I was in a hurry. what I was trying to say, is I wouldn't spend $1,500 on a IFS Lift when BL's and Ball joint spacers and such will make the truck very very capable, and fit some 33's easily. I just don't like IFS for rocks and my type of wheeling. I blew my IFS first time out with my 32.5" 35's.

BS, I wheeled (rockcrawling) my IFS for two years and never had problems on the trails I ran (Con, 4-Dice, and Dusy). In fact I think it made me a better wheeler when I finally did the SAS. This is just my opinion, just like yours!!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" />

In my opinion these are junk, get at least 44's.

All three are trails I would love to go on. Were you locked up front at the time?

For a daily driver/weekend wheeler IFS is fine. I drive my 85 Runner around 60 miles a day and I have to say that my 86 IFS turbo truck rode a ton better. I can't wait to get it roadable again. It has a 3" body lift(PO) and 31" BFG ATs(ME) and for the amount of wheeling it's done, quite a lot, i'm happy w/it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Tru-Trak front, ARB rear, Marlin 4.70 gear drive single case, 4:88 gears, 33" BFG MT's, 4"Pro-Crap II lift, and 4" SkyJacker SoftRides in the rear. My Daughter drove it to school daily until I caught her mud running it!!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I have a 86 sr5 extra cab and have a spacer in front, loc-rite in back with shackles, 5 to 1 in the case, 33's, new crossmember and sliders, with the stock ifs. I can do the Rubicon all day, and take on most trails. Now, I take the easier routes, and have a great time. I let the heavier built guys bang on the huge rocks, and I go around them. Seems to be my personalty. I had a stock 47 willys with open axles and no gears, and use to drive that on the Rubicon.

IFS works great, and will get you everywhere. Now, will it hold up beter?? Take it through the little sluice? No! The rest of the Rubicon? Absolutely.

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SAS is the way to go for heavy duty off road use (I've got an 86 w/ SAS and a 94 4runner lifted) but I will say Toyota IFS is strong for what it is. It has some weaknesses but D35/30 are terrible axles <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" /> ...they are definitely women's axles.
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I have SASed my truck, I love it, never regretted it for a minute, wouldn't enjoy another truck without it...

BUT...

You can do a boatload of wheeling with IFS and 31s-32s-33s, with few if any breakdowns, and it will make you a better driver to boot. For $3K, you are not going to get a SAS worth having. On the other hand, you can build a decent IFS rig for that budget, that will get you over 90% of the roads open to us. And, it will get you to work.

As stated, depends on what you want to do with it.