IFS ram...

Jerry D. · 05-23-08, 07:56 AM

I know that with time and money, anything can be done. But I would like to know “should” it be done and what results can be expected?

A friend has an ’86 4Runner with a 4” lift, 33” tires and stock IFS. He likes rock crawling and puts the truck to hard use. There are two problems; first he has only one arm, left arm, and secondly he is not wanting to spend a bunch of money on the truck. He has problems turning the steering wheel when the tires are in big rocks or twisted up in ditches or against other objects.

So, my question, can we install a “rock ram” on the stock IFS system and expected good results??? We’re just trying to get him some relief in turning the steering wheel. Or is there something out there for the IFS other than a rock ram??? The truck is not used as a daily driver, but he drives it to the various runs/trails. Again, we do not want to put in a solid front axle.

Thanks,
Jerry D.

2ndGenToyotaFan · 05-23-08, 09:00 AM

Is he locked up front?

At the very least you'd want to get a pitman arm reinforcing bracket, or whatever you call those things... You may want to under-size the ram a little, I don't know how it would hold up in the long run.... But I think it could be done.

Does he have a handle on the steering wheel? Or are those illegal in FL?

Tell your buddy I said

to the one armed wheeler!

That's badass all over!

Downey · 05-23-08, 09:06 AM

Jerry, one of the problems with hydralic ram or high pressure AGR steering is that in exactly your friends situation (i.e. tire against a rock or in a ditch) the big-boy steering systems tend to destroy the vehicle if you're not careful. If this is something you believe you are persuaded to do, then the hydralic ram must be connected to the relay rod between pitman arm and idler arm. I doubt you will find a pre-made kit for doing this since most of the manufacturers (of steering components) are convinced solid axles are the only thing worthy of such use.

toyminator · 05-23-08, 12:51 PM

There is no way the stock IFS steering will hold up to Hydro assisted steering. I made the ultimate decission to go to a SAS after I bent a bunch of my steering components with the stock pump. you can try mounting a steering knob on the wheel so it can be used 1 handed.

KLF · 05-23-08, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toyminator

There is no way the stock IFS steering will hold up to Hydro assisted steering.

Agreed. You'll be bending idler arms constantly.

Suicide knob is the way to go.

WristPin · 05-23-08, 07:48 PM

oh, no

-1 on the suicide knob.
they dont get that name for no reason.
one of those lil buggers broke my arm on the trail.
that was NOT fun.

just throw a solid axle in there and be done with it.

Jerry D. · 05-24-08, 06:24 AM

Thanks for the input, and the suicide knob is not an option. Neither is bending up steering components. Guess the only practical way is to talk him into a SAS.

Does anyone have an early right hand drive with solid axle and an automatic in it??? That would solve a lot of concerns and labor

...

Thanks,

Jerry D.

2ndGenToyotaFan · 05-24-08, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry D.

Does anyone have an early right hand drive with solid axle and an automatic in it??? That would solve a lot of concerns and labor

...

That sounds like the #1 best idea for this situation!

Hehe You'd almost have to import it though...

Jonathan_Ferguson · 05-24-08, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2ndGenToyotaFan

That sounds like the #1 best idea for this situation!

Hehe You'd almost have to import it though...

Unfortunately there's no such beast.

"N8" · 05-24-08, 10:59 PM

Heh i could build you a right hand drive but youd havta treck up to boston to get it =P

05-23-08, 09:00 AM	#2
2ndGenToyotaFan No longer pre-approved... Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Yreka, CA TLCA# 13872 Sign Up!!! You know you want to! Posts: 3,729	Is he locked up front? At the very least you'd want to get a pitman arm reinforcing bracket, or whatever you call those things... You may want to under-size the ram a little, I don't know how it would hold up in the long run.... But I think it could be done. Does he have a handle on the steering wheel? Or are those illegal in FL? Tell your buddy I said to the one armed wheeler! That's badass all over! __________________ Jerod Online Toyota Parts Catalog!!! 89 4Runner "The James Caird" 01 4Runner, for my Jefferson State Cruisers

05-23-08, 12:51 PM	#4
toyminator IH8MUD Regular Join Date: May 2007 Location: St. Louis, MO USA TLCA# 17965 Posts: 397	There is no way the stock IFS steering will hold up to Hydro assisted steering. I made the ultimate decission to go to a SAS after I bent a bunch of my steering components with the stock pump. you can try mounting a steering knob on the wheel so it can be used 1 handed. __________________ 1989 Toyota Pickup - 255,xxx miles, SAS, Bed Bobbed 14", 95 4Runner front clip, Hanemman Fiberglass front fenders, All Pro 5.5" lift, Hi Steer, 5.29 gear rear Detroit locker, front ARB locker. 1988 4Runner - Blown up 3.0 V6 1999 4Runner SR5 Sport Edition 1992 Lexus SC400

05-24-08, 06:24 AM	#7
Jerry D. IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Citrus Springs, Florida TLCA# 7234 Posts: 192	Thanks for the input, and the suicide knob is not an option. Neither is bending up steering components. Guess the only practical way is to talk him into a SAS. Does anyone have an early right hand drive with solid axle and an automatic in it??? That would solve a lot of concerns and labor... Thanks, Jerry D. __________________ 1968 FJ40 - 2F, H41, ToyBox, 3 speed Xfer, 4.88’s, ARB's front and rear, York air, Saginaw PS w/Toyota pump, disk brakes around, Warn winch, Trail Gear 6 bolt knuckles, 4X4 Labs high steer, 38.5X14.5 TXL/SX, full cage, 3” body lift, 4” suspension lift, FF rear axle. 2007 FJCruiser: empty bank account. Member: Toyota Land Cruiser Association; Florida Land Cruiser Association; FL4WDA Last edited by Jerry D.; 05-24-08 at 06:25 AM. Reason: addition

05-24-08, 10:59 PM	#10
"N8" IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Boston Ma Posts: 408	Heh i could build you a right hand drive but youd havta treck up to boston to get it =P __________________ -Nate 88 PU long bed, pro comp 33's All Pro rear suspension Toyota factory e-locker 4/88's And a whole lot of dents contributed solely by new england's natural flora and fauna (mostly responsible is one species of flora... pine) (and the elusive new england delivery truck)

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05-23-08, 07:56 AM	#1
Jerry D. IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Citrus Springs, Florida TLCA# 7234 Posts: 192	IFS ram... I know that with time and money, anything can be done. But I would like to know “should” it be done and what results can be expected? A friend has an ’86 4Runner with a 4” lift, 33” tires and stock IFS. He likes rock crawling and puts the truck to hard use. There are two problems; first he has only one arm, left arm, and secondly he is not wanting to spend a bunch of money on the truck. He has problems turning the steering wheel when the tires are in big rocks or twisted up in ditches or against other objects. So, my question, can we install a “rock ram” on the stock IFS system and expected good results??? We’re just trying to get him some relief in turning the steering wheel. Or is there something out there for the IFS other than a rock ram??? The truck is not used as a daily driver, but he drives it to the various runs/trails. Again, we do not want to put in a solid front axle. Thanks, Jerry D. __________________ 1968 FJ40 - 2F, H41, ToyBox, 3 speed Xfer, 4.88’s, ARB's front and rear, York air, Saginaw PS w/Toyota pump, disk brakes around, Warn winch, Trail Gear 6 bolt knuckles, 4X4 Labs high steer, 38.5X14.5 TXL/SX, full cage, 3” body lift, 4” suspension lift, FF rear axle. 2007 FJCruiser: empty bank account. Member: Toyota Land Cruiser Association; Florida Land Cruiser Association; FL4WDA

05-23-08, 09:06 AM	#3
Downey IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Whittier, Calif. TLCA# Associate Member/Sponsor Posts: 758	Jerry, one of the problems with hydralic ram or high pressure AGR steering is that in exactly your friends situation (i.e. tire against a rock or in a ditch) the big-boy steering systems tend to destroy the vehicle if you're not careful. If this is something you believe you are persuaded to do, then the hydralic ram must be connected to the relay rod between pitman arm and idler arm. I doubt you will find a pre-made kit for doing this since most of the manufacturers (of steering components) are convinced solid axles are the only thing worthy of such use.