Off-Road Toyota Truck IFS Suspension - Independent's Day

When Toyota took the major step away from its popular, rugged and easy-to-lift solid axle/leaf spring front suspension, many enthusiasts were shocked and dismayed. After all, countless Toyota 4x4 trucks were skied with high-arch leaf springs and rode atop tires as large as 44 inches in diameter; tricked solid-axle Toyotas enjoyed a huge following. Additionally, there were loads of aftermarket support for solid-axle Toyotas, which led many enthusiasts to ask: Why mess with a good thing?

But Toyota Motor Company was following its own plan. Japan's number one automaker had invested heavily in an all-new independent front suspension design, and there was no turning back. While many enthusiasts bemoaned the loss of solid front axle Toyotas and wondered aloud if the new Toyota IFS suspension would enjoy aftermarket support, aftermarket suspension engineers weren't asleep at the drafting board; companies such as Skyjacker were going all out to develop a suspension system that would provide additional lift to Toyota's IFS suspension system.

As we enter the year 2001, lifted IFS Toyotas are becoming the norm, thanks to well-engineered lift systems such as the Skyjacker 4-inch Tacoma lift that's reviewed in this story. To be sure, lifting an IFS Toyo isn't as simple as lifting a solid- axle Toyota, but the moderately complex installation is well worth the effort if you're looking for a supple ride, a tall stance, and bulletproof off-road performance. Here's a look at what it takes to get an IFS Tacoma ridin' high.

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