Did the search, but as you might imagine most of the results pertained to swapping out IFS for SAS.

Has anyone swapped out SAS for IFS? I might have a lead on a nice 85 4Runner, but I honestly think I would prefer IFS, for my purposes (90%DD, 10% trails). In the long run, I might want to go for a more robust desert-race style suspension. Is this swap feasible? Are there threads or resources here?

Or, does anyone think that the comfort/control level of IFS for street and mild trail is not important enough for such a labor? I'm just mining for opinions on that one.

Thanks in advance- bk

 

You're WAY better off getting an 86-89 4runner as they come with IFS anyways if $$$ is your problem. My understanding SAS swaps (the opposite of what you want) is that once you go that way you can't go back, so I'd imagne setting up an IFS on a SA Vehicle might be pretty darn tough. You're better off finding a 86-89 4runner and looking into some type of long travel IFS kit. It'll cost you some $$$ but it'll give you more articulation and might be a bit more heavy duty for what you desire.

 

What he said.

It's possible, but not feasible.

If the 85 is in good condition, you could straight up trade that truck for a VERY nice 86-89 4Runner with IFS.

 

might want to swap out the efi for a carb'd engine while your at it

 

If you want a cheap swap, then come my way... GIve me a few weeks, and I'll swap out my motor into the 85, and my gears and other mods, then you can have my 87, with the 85's motor, so you'd have efi, and IFS....JK seriously, i wouldn't bother with the 85 at all if you really want IFS...But, i think the 3rd gen's might be a better bet, just because first and 2nd use torsion bars...which i personally like the ride of a leaf sprung axle more than torsion bar IFS

Also something to consider, many new pickups come with axles still (dodge, ford). They ride fine... A stock axle on an 85 is just fine for driving on road...it was designed to...

 

i have straght axle front it it rides on the road just fine, and ive got 35"s on it and 4" lift just make sure u have a good steering stabilizer if ur gonna go big with the tire

 

thanks for the input fellas. i am in agreement with the overall opinion, not to mess with it, take it as is or not at all. i am not hooked on the deal yet, but if you all are interested, here is an ebay link. the auction finished with out the reserve being met. the last bid was $2035, and the buy-it-now price was $3700. i am guessing that the guy will take something inbetween, just to move his stock. this seller sells a 4runner about once a week, likes to keep them moving.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

 

Just because I'm not the trusting type, I'd ask about why there is a pic of the engine still in the truck with the head missing. If it stayed in the truck, it wasn't rebuilt right IMO. No way it was bored, honed, decked and/or whatever else may have been necessary on a 200k engine block with it sitting like that. I'd bet he just roughed up the cylinder walls a tad and stuffed in the new pistons. With the 22res love of piston slap, that is just asking for trouble not to mention potential problems with other bearing surfaces.
As for the real question, I'd say skip the '85 and hunt for the '86 and up. There are so many around that you can pretty much pick and chose with them and get one in better shape for cheaper. Plus, the wider rear axle with the IFS works a bit better with the long travel IFS setups anyway since the long travel IFS setups generally add a considerable amount to the front wheel to wheel width.
Just an opinion.

 

Don't buy a vehicle you don't need or want...destroying an SFA vehicle to make it into an IFS is completely moronic...not to mention ruining it for someone else.

 

thanks again fellas. you are all sounding the thoughts that i had in my head as well. i have a 'saved search' on ebay for the first gens, and one seems to pop up almost every day. i will definately wait it out until i see the One. and i will also post some pics when i get it, thnx.