When I had IFS - I was happy with it. ProComp lift, custom built swaybar disconnects, costom mods to get more travel, gearing, locker, skid plates, etc.

Would I skip it and go straight to SAS? Not on your life.

I appreciate every modification, every trail ride, every experience from those days. It was part of the "process", and IMHO should not be left out. I learned how to drive my rig, not have my rig drive me.

Some people never want to go further than IFS will take them (which it will take them a LOT of places!) and that is cool too.

Build it, enjoy it, if you outgrow it - move on