Outer Limits 4x4 Board

ok guys, can you tell me what the main/major problems are when lifting IFS, more specifically, a Vitara IFS?

(stoopid newbie question, yes i know )

well, you can put a 3" sus lift under a standard vitara.

if i lower the front diff, i can increase the lift correct? but not necessarily increasing any travel from the struts.

i have 3.5" lift in the front of my vit now. front diff has not been lowered.
so, if i lower the front diff 3", can i lower the struts 3" and have a 6" coil?

i know i haven't gained any ground clearance by lifting another 3" as well as lowering the front diff 3", BUT i can fit a way taller tyre in, giving about 3" more clearance. so all up, i would only have 3.5" above standard sus lift, and 3" in tyre lift. so maybe i could run a 34"-35" skinny tyre.

i would be making new longer lower control arms, and i would cut out the crossmember where the rear of the diff is bolted to, and make a new one. i was even thinking of hanging the rear mount of the diff instead of it sitting on top. i would need to lengthen the driveshaft also.

why goto all that trouble and still have ifs ? hilux diff it

So the only real benefit of doing this would be to fit a bigger tyre?

I second what Huggy said, SAS it and guard chop Those vit cv's will thank you for it.

PS. I'm pretty sure sawzall off the board fitted 34's to his stocker vit with just guard cutting too.

SiKiD_01 wrote:ok guys, can you tell me what the main/major problems are when lifting IFS

Basically the fact that when you're done, you still have IFS

Seriously though, it's the CVs that are the biggest issue. Once you start lifting the CV angle makes them effectively weaker (eg, it's easier to break a sierra CV when the front wheels are turned, same concept). You'll also find that unless you go to the trouble of different a-arms etc you will have less down travel as well.

There will be a critical point of diminishing returns when it comes to IFS. Once you pass that point you're better off seeking a better solution. Have you reached that point? Only you know that, but my guess is that if you are looking at running a 35" tyre you may be pretty close to it.

Sikid,

You have pretty well got it covered mate,

Firstly, Cv's won't be the big issue as lowering the diff fixes this problem and you will just have the same CV angles you have now. (overall strength will be in question though)

Secondly I think the main issue you will have is getting the track width right, 6" lift will reduce your width alot so that would probably be your main concern.

Finally, have you thought about mounting the diff underneath the cross member? Another vit owner who has calmini suspension system has bent his extended diff mounts, so you will want to make them nice and strong, unless you decide to move the mounts lower which i haven't looked at yet, but would probably be your better option i would think.

as for SAS, personally i have looked at this and i don't want to give up ride quality and avaiability of parts going custom junk under my front end and besides 6" lifted ifs will have way way more clearance than a hilux diff on 35's

Hope this helps.

Ric

(Is it possible to discuss IFS without everyone jumping on the SAS boat?)

Ric wrote: Firstly, Cv's won't be the big issue as lowering the diff fixes this problem and you will just have the same CV angles you have now.

Oops, I missed where he mentioned that. My bad.

Ric wrote: (overall strength will be in question though)

That would be my next concern, especially if he is going to be running bigger rubber. You're not locked up front are you Sikid?

Damo wrote:You're not locked up front are you Sikid?

I think he has a welded front centre.