RFS or IFS

Submitted: Tuesday, Apr 15, 2003 at 16:36

ThreadID: 4409 Views:3563 Replies:6 FollowUps:2

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Hatcher

Just thought I would open a can of worms and see what comes out!

I noticed that Toyota has changed the 100 series from live-axle (RFS) to independant front suspension (IFS)

I'm curious to know people's opinions on this, ie. pros and cons, as I'm thinking of buying one for 80% on-road, 20% off-road use. I'm leaning toward RFS for articulation, but others are saying IFS gives a smoother ride. Is RFS all that harsh on-road?

Thanks

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Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2003 at 17:17

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2003 at 17:17

Its smoother for people to take the kids to school with.

You know them gutters are killers outside the schools....

LONG LIVE COILS ALL ROUND

AnswerID: 17685

Reply By: Member - Dave- Tuesday, Apr 15, 2003 at 17:55

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2003 at 17:55

I’m on my 7th 4wd and use them for all sorts of travelling I have just brought a Toyota Turbo IFS and it’s the best thing since sliced bread. The ride and handling are nothing short of magnificent and the amount of articulation you loose is to my mind is only of use to those who are using 4wd to the extremes for which they are designed. (And nothing wrong with that either) Yes I have fitted a diff lock and to my estimation it makes up for what is lost when you lift a wheel from shorter suspension travel.
Before the Nissan Toyota bagging starts I have had both and am not addicted to either.
I will buy the car each time that fits the needs I have at the time. The 100 series TD is in my estimation a bit above the rest AT THE MOMENT and yes the price reflects that. But as I have said many times look at the sales figures Toyota Landcrusers are selling almost twice the numbers of Patrols.
My next wagon may very well be a Nissan and if they had done something with the 4.2 td it may have been now. But saying that they don't match the 100 for ride.
So my advice is pretty straightforward it still depends on what you want to use the vehicle for and what level of comfort you want to do it.
Oh yes the price has a big bearing too. If you can afford it and you like almost car like comfort and quietness the 100 TD is the way to go.

AnswerID: 17689

Follow Up By: David - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2003 at 18:31

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2003 at 18:31

Hi All

This IS going to be a can of worms and has the potential to create a record thread.

I have had a 100 series T/D with IFS since last September and I have to agree 100% with ALL of Dave's comments above.

Coming from a Discovery with ACE, the handling of the IFS cruiser is not in the same league as a Disco, however, for all round ride, comfort and handling the IFS is exceptional.

Yes, in extreme off road conditions it does not have the same articulation, but in reality, how many people are ever going to notice or in fact need this?

I think that Toyota are spot on as to how they currently offer the IFS / live axle set-ups. People choosing either the V8 or T/D will be doing so for the performance, towability and general offroading and will benefit greatly from having IFS.

Otherwise, if you think that you need to off road ability that the live axle offers you can select the standard diesel providing you can put up with power (or lack of it).

As I see it it is really horses for courses and I do not see it as a Toyota Vs Nissan thing. Lets face it they are all great 4WD's anyway.

Rgds

David

FollowupID: 11109

Follow Up By: Jayson - Tuesday, Apr 15, 2003 at 21:40

Tuesday, Apr 15, 2003 at 21:40

I had serious misgivings about upgrading my 100 series RV to the TD 100 but have no regrets about the IFS six months down the road.
Strange, isn't it, how all the misgivings come from those who don't have an IFS TD 100 whilst all of the praise comes from those of us who do.
Some base their impressions on rumour while others base ours on experience. I even love the auto up/down electric windows all round, although "electrics" aren't any good in the bush. Love going shooting with the CD's playing and cold air blasting out the open windows - to keep the dust out of course.
Regards
Jayson - Ex surveyor, Karratha

FollowupID: 11121

Reply By: StephenF - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2003 at 11:12

Wednesday, Apr 16, 2003 at 11:12

Does a live front axle make that much difference to comfort or handling? I'm looking at a Disco in the future and the main negative for me is the old live front axle. It seems to me that the quality of the ride must suffer with all that unsprung weight bouncing around, or doesn't it matter that much on a 2000+kg vehicle?

Stephen.

AnswerID: 17751

Reply By: Wooders - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2003 at 14:04

Wednesday, Apr 16, 2003 at 14:04

Since I really like playing on rocks I just wouldn't consider an IFS or IRS equipped rig - the wheel travel is just that much less than what can be achieve from solid axles.....
However for outback or light trails or where plenty of street driving is involved independant is an obvious winner.....
What's better - well IMHO that's always going to vary from owner to owner and just where/how they use their rig....

AnswerID: 17771

Reply By: rors101 - Wednesday, Apr 16, 2003 at 14:52

Wednesday, Apr 16, 2003 at 14:52

I was lucky enough to drive them back to back before buying my new new rig, and yes if I did spend the extra money I would be be trying to convince myself how much better IFS is too, instead I am looking to buy a new boat to go behind the mighty Patrol ;-)

The next Question should be TD Tojo vs TDl Beema they both are similar price - both are turbo deisel for 4wd cred and economy
My vote goes with the Beema's for the better ride plus with the ETC no need for the locker.

AnswerID: 17778

Reply By: David N. - Tuesday, Apr 22, 2003 at 13:08

Tuesday, Apr 22, 2003 at 13:08

I agree with rors
It is human nature to nearly always praise your own decision and justify your expense- unless it is so bad it's a total disaster, THEN you get angry.
Me- I like simplicity and reliability.
I know which I'd rather have in the bush- but then everybody is different.
Coils were a quantum improvement over leaf springs- but IFS vs live axle- now we are talking fractions.
Cheers

AnswerID: 18085