IFS or Solid Axle??

If you could have your ultimate off-road vehicle, would it have a solid front axle or independent front suspension? Explain...

Just from what I’ve seen and read.

At least in Arizona, I would have to go with SAS. I really don’t see any benefit of IFS around here. Having that extra articulation with all four wheels touching something would sell me on it. I’m thinking about going this way when I get my taco paid off. That’s if some one comes out with a reasonable kit for 05+. Everything I see now is all custom work. I’m a monkey banging a football when it comes to tooling around too.

What’s your take AzTacoma? I know you have WAY more trail experience and hours.

Coma:

 

 

What’s your take AzTacoma? I know you have WAY more trail experience and hours.

I guess it depends on what you'll be using it for... obviously there's advantages and disavantages to both, and in either case you can mitigate the disadvantages to a good degree. In the end, there's no right or wrong answer, only personal preference.

For me, (and I actually don't feel that strongly about it) I would have to say IFS. As someone who dreams of having a badass expeditionary vehicle I would desire the best combination of capability and manners in a wider variety of off-roading situations.

I would chose SA for the strength when using a front locking diff. There are only two points (Joints) of weakness with a SA. With ISF there are four. Also having the suspension compress (rise) over an obsticle, it leaves the belly in the relatively same position, this could cause hang up.

As for fast desert driving, as when AzTacoma was going about 120 MPH through the North rim dirt roads, IFS had its advantages. Also ON ROAD driving with IFS is far superior. 

I would not put a front locker on an IFS, even with today's stronger IFS systems. If you want a diff lock up front solid is the only way to go.

That’s makes a lot of sense and very good points. Haha, I bet solid would beat the crap out of you at high speed and I would think just day to day too.

I went with front lockers, but by no means for the case of trying to be a rock crawler. More for the added traction on slick and loose surfaces. I knew when I bought them that I would need to be very selective when turning them on if not to start snapping crap. I know I could have put the money into other areas, but I don’t have any regrets. I noticed a dramatic difference on the few occasions that I turned them on. My major regret is that I’m going to spend the same dollar twice if I do decide to go with solid in a few years. Then a again... I'm an ass.

Hah, I forgot you had a front locker! Even with what I've said here, I'm still jealous

Well, I would definitely get your money's worth and not change anything until something happens down there... which could be a very long time. Having it helps a lot, and like you said, why spend the same dollar twice?

No, I totally agree with you. I just wanted that little extra traction. I got it and sure as hell paid for it too... ouch. I'm still walking funny after that one. 

What I think it boils down to is that I'm not able to get the biggest bang for the buck that I spent. Just because I always have that thought of being dragged off the trail and having to pay some one (probably your cousin) to clean up my mess. Like I said, I have no regrets as they do what I want them to. I just need to always keep in mind why I bought them and know that I do have limitations with lockers on an IFS set up.

I'll probably still go "solid" in a few years from now. I don't want a crazy rock crawler, but I do want to get a little funky every now and again. With out giving Mr. Ryan a big head! I would like to get my taco about as capable as his Jeep.

Great forum topic, I like to read comments and opinions on things like this. Hopefully you'll get some more postings to this.

"Mr. Ryan Big head" heh? Only my girlfriend calls me that

I still think both IFS and SFA have their benefits and drawbacks. As Chris said it just depends on what terrain your are looking to tackle.

If you had a AS swap on your Tacoma there would be obstacles that you would had advantage over being a longer wheelbase, but there would be circumstances where I would have the benefit of the short wheelbase. I figured this out when wheeling with JKBrian in is 4 door Jeep Rubicon. Of course I crawled all over him.... Luckily he does not come to this forum enough to call me on my BS.

Wasn’t waiting for that one, but almost expected it man. ha-ha

If I could build my dream machine it would have a heavy duty solid rear with coil springs and and a tough as nails long travel IFS.

Look at the professional baja-type pre-runners... nobody dishes out more abuse on suspension/axles than those guys. And the HMMWV (ie. civilian H1) we use in the Army is IFS and that sucker is tough.

I have been working on a D60 IFS and Twin Traction beam (ford ranger) but I don't have enough money to buy the parts. I can give one of you guys my plans if you want them.