Well, broadening my search to IFS trucks would help. I'ts more important to me to get an SR5 Xtracab. Tell me more about your opinion on SAS and a rear axle swap,thx..

X2...I had an '83 CJ7, needed a tranny rebuild and carb at 25k. I spun out several times on ice and snow and eventually
flipped it in 8" of slush into a culvert end over end landing upside down. I almost drowned but I killed it before it killed me! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" /> After that I bought a '84 CJ7 for summer use and had carb problems and unexpected cutting out. I blew the motor at 125k and the tranny was shot as well. You just cant carry anything in a CJ7. The only good thing is the roof comes off and if you roll it and you likely will, the rollbar will save your skull unless its underwater. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Ok,buy me a clue... What's the scoop on buying an IFS truck and do the SAS being preferred over starting with a SA truck? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

GMJK, where are you located?

Erik B started a provocitive thread about this on the Pirate Bulletin Board a few years ago. It really depends on how extensively you want to modify your truck. If you have big plans, the truck will end up more or less the same regardless of it you start with IFS or swap in a solid axle. In an 85 and older truck, you need to add an IFS steering box and later, wider rear axle. These two items will cost you somewhere around $300. If you start with an IFS truck, you already have these items but you need to get a front axle, which will cost you somewhere around $300. The other expenses are the same, like lift springs, lockers, gears, dual transfer cases, etc.

The ONE thing that this does not take into account is the shape of the front frame rails. You can run approximately 2" less lift on a solid axle frame and still have room for high steer components due to the shape of the frame. I think that this is enough of a feature to make me look for an older truck.

Yea except how many guys are gonna do an SAS without wanting to do some sort of lift anyways? The truth is that you are gonna want about the same lift with larger tires on the 85 frame and when you do an SAS you are likely gonna move the front axle ahead about 2" anyways.

It really depends on where you live. If you live anywhere near or around RUST <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" /> there you will find the parts for an SAS a lot easier then you will a frame that is solid enough for you to invest in a serious wheeler. I got a 3rd gen truck and I am really happy with the condition rust wise. I went to look at an 85 rolling chasis the other day and it was just too far gone. So the lesson I learned is to really descide what you really want and then wait for the right opertunity.

I kind of disagree. There is a new trend towards lower lifts and larger tires. My 85 4Runner had 2" lift springs and a 2" bodylift and ran 35" tires w/o rubbing (stock width axles). It also had hi-steer (pitman arm tapered up) w/o no interference problems, according to the person I sold it too.

The point being, I'd love to lower the front of my 88 4Runner, but I'm stuck. I have old and broken in 4" lift springs that give me less lift than my AP 3" springs.. I still want to drop the front 2" to match the rear. I'd kill (well, seriously mame) for a true 2" lift extended length spring for the front, but no one makes 'em. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Brian is right, and I am sure that the other Brian (894x4) would agree as well. I have 4" All-Pro springs and a 1" body lift and 37s and I would love to lower my suspension by a couple of inches for more stability and just cut the fenders for clearance. Unfortunately the steering components will not allow me to do so.

Wow I thought I was conservative that I wouldn't want anymore then a max of 4" overall lift and 12.5" wide tires. Seems to me that that is a good all round number am I wrong. Especially if 2" of that is body?

I think that those are good values to shoot for. I actually like body lifts on Toyotas because you can raise the gas tank and transfer case crossmember to match and gain ground clearance. The problem is, you cannot run high steer with only 2" of suspension lift on a truck with an IFS frame. This photo should help explain what we are talking about: