Why SFA over ISA?

[Young Guy]

I am very new and i am looking into buying a first gen toyota 4runner or a pick up of the similar year. Now i am pretty sure that none of the first gen 4runners come with a SFA front axle and i am unsure about the pickups but i guess i am just asking to be straightened out as far as what i would gain with that over the ISA and if any of these vehicles come with SFA already?

Also i see lots of people complimenting the power of the 4 cylinder in the first gen 4runner and so i just want to make sure this is going to have enough power to cruise highway speeds comfortably, this wont be a daily driver but i still need it street legal in order to drive to my destination because i would rather not tow it.

Please entertain my ignorance and i would appreciate anyone who would take the time to explain a few of these concepts to me and maybe even recommend what they think would be a good starting rig for me to do some mild 4x4 in and have a lot of room to expand and slowly make myself a badass rig!

Thanks!! LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

[Luvbowhuntn]

Strength is what you gain by having straight axles. Cant help ya on the Yota 4 cylinder questions though

[95rokrunner]

84-86 p/u were avaliable with SFA, check though as 85-86 IFS was an option as well. I've also seen 86's that were carburated

85 4runners were SFA

above info is best I can recall, but if its wrong someone will correct it

as for the 22r/22re it can hold its own as long as you realize its just a 4 cylinder and you wont be setting any land speed records

[Provience]

as far as i know, the solid axle was only available until 85 then everything switched over to independant. never seen a newer with a factory solid axle here in the states. you gain strength and greater articulation.

as for the engine, most (if not all) 4runners were efi after 85, but the pickups still had optional carbs up until 89 (? very rare to find an early 90s with a carb, but i hear they are out there, also not sure if it was 88 or 89 when they started to disappear.

the 4 cylinder is a good little motor, just try to keep expectations in line

what are your plans for the truck?

[CSP]

With a solid front axle as a tire encounters an obstacle it lifts everything out of the way. With independant, only the tire/wheel moves up.

IFS is for a cushy ride. That's why automakers prefer it. The majority of 4WD owners don't go off pavement. Solid axle FTW for four wheeling.

[1985runner]

IFS sucks... you don't want ifs it blows for 4wheeling and u gotta deal with so much more crap breaking.

[flatlander757]

Everything in the front end sucks... and all the stuff stated above:



He broke a CV joint(birf?). I don't know Toyota shit.... I just know it was a trail clog for other reasons too

[Young Guy]

Originally Posted by Provience

what are your plans for the truck?

Well i plan on it being locked, lifted and protected, I will put a bullbar on the front w/ a winch. I dont plan on putting anything bigger than 33's on it. Just basically want a fun little rig to take out and play with on weekends. Strong, Reliable and Cool.

[Ginge]

get some longer shackles, longer shocks all around, even on 33"s a 22R will a lil sluggish- get some lowers gears while getting your lockers

[Provience]

Originally Posted by Young Guy:13197074

Well i plan on it being locked, lifted and protected, I will put a bullbar on the front w/ a winch. I dont plan on putting anything bigger than 33's on it. Just basically want a fun little rig to take out and play with on weekends. Strong, Reliable and Cool.

you can have a bunch of fun with the ifs. if you are dead set on doing an sas, look into picking up a 2wd truck, they are usually cheaper, the swap is a little easier, the frame is a touch different than the 4wd ifs frame so you end up a bit lower. for something on 33" tires it would look very clean.

[TJVigilante]

Originally Posted by Provience

as far as i know, the solid axle was only available until 85 then everything switched over to independant. never seen a newer with a factory solid axle here in the states. you gain strength and greater articulation.

land cruisers were solid up until the new FJ Cruiser. Not a pickup or 4-runner but it's a toyota nonetheless.