Everything About Toyota IFS | Suspension Construction and Limits | Part 1

If you are researching suspension upgrades/lifts for your Toyota FJ Cruiser, 4Runner, Tacoma, Prado, Lexus GX470, or GX460, this highly technical 2-part video series will equip you with all the fundamentals about Toyota's independent front suspension (IFS). In part 1 video, we will explore the suspension construction and limits. You will see many detailed measurements on suspension travel, what exactly happens when you lift it and why you might want to consider extended travel coilovers.
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Link to KDSS vs Swaybar Video: • Toyota KDSS Ultimate T...
Link to Part 2 Video: • 4 Common Myths About I...
Chapters:
0:00 Intro and Overview
1:42 Construction and Components
6:08 Suspension Travel and Limits
11:57 Part II Preview

[@Icantseeme]

Learned more in 10 minutes than thousands of hours on KZbin. Sucks that not everyone likes to learn how things work.

[@chibu3972]

Literally spent 2 weeks looking for less-than-all of the information in this video. For what ungodly reason has the KZbin algorithm not skyrocketed this channel? Please keep giving us amazing content like this.

[@numbr17]

I agree. This is probably some of the best real world info about suspension. I love Kai's videos.

[@myronjohnson6372]

How is this channel not blowing up! Great in-depth information and the editing of the video is spot on.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thank you! Help me spread the word!

[@Gemini_0815]

It’s probably too hard to understand these things for the majority of car content chasers. They want drag races with teslas, not valuable content 😂

[@JB-Taco]

@@Gemini_0815 unfortunately the average yota owner doesn’t care to research and just goes to a shop for basic suspension setup and calls it a day.

[@Gemini_0815]

@@JB-Taco yes. Toyota customers also have very low expectations, in my experience. How Toyota does it, I have no idea. But they certainly have an excellent sales force, maintaining the myth of reliability and durability. So customers are willing to ignore the poor performance of Toyota cars and trucks when it comes to vehicle dynamics and comfort. Don’t get me wrong, I like my Prado. But it’s a long way behind the New Defender for example. I wouldn’t trade, because I like my car. But the fanboy attitude is beyond me.

[@danmartinez9497]

​@@JB-Taco that's exactly the case here in Dubai, the shops do everything.. the average 4 wheeler has no clue what he's driving only that it's cool looking

[@junfenggao]

This video is a gold mine!! Best explanations ever I’ve heard about lifted trucks. Can’t wait for the next part!! Amazing works Kai!!!

[@sdparksMS3]

I just paused this video midway to comment that this is some of the highest quality content I've ever seen on suspensions (and overall, actually). Completely focused and perfectly concise. I'm very impressed so far!

[@reubadoob]

This video is 2 years old and it is some of the best car YT I've seen in my life.

[@testtesttesttesttest884]

I can not believe how good your videos are, the pacing, the graphics, you have a real knack for this.

[@hjstrater]

As a Jeep guy I’m not sure how I got to the Toyota side of KZbin but this was incredibly well presented and very informative. 👍

[@LaurentMarshall]

Thanks for putting this together! I haven't seen anyone else give this good of an explanation of the Toyota IFS... this was a fantastic concise overview of the suspension and all its major components and their functions! Really valuable info as a new 4runner owner thinking about mods for overlanding/offroading.

[@FreedomAtRisk]

Just ordered new shocks, UCAs, LCAs and tie rods for my 120k mile TRD Pro. And because of your content, I understood what I was buying!

[@tombregman2875]

WOW! This is undoubtedly the BEST explanation of a suspension system that I have ever seen. Clear, concise, organized and very well presented. Thank you! *SUBSCRIBED*

[@mgyexpedition8155]

Very very impressive in-depth review and demo! I don't remember seeing one like this on KZbin. This guy makes other suspension explanation videos look like elementary student work

[@roskataqv]

I'm not into off road driving but the technical level of these videos is awesome!

[@theregoesmiller389]

I RANDOMLY stumbled across your channel and i have to say. ive watched 4-5 videos STRAIGHT , back to back. i love your layout and your delivery of information etc. you would make a GREAT tv show / educational channel for shop classes / school etc. just solely based on how you make things so visual and simplify things. i wish / hope the best for you and your channel. i hope the FJ market comes down again so i can get my first "truck / 4x4" ! ( never was truck guy till the last few yrs ) all i have been watching is FJ videos. please keep this style content coming ! ( ps , i loved your sway bar video )

[@TinkerersAdventure]

I appreciate the kind words man!

[@IYALM]

This should have 1M+ views. Thank you for such an excellent explanation!

[@PLEASE111111113]

Incredible videos, my friend!! I would pay for this level of detailed explanation, it's so cool I don't have to. Thank you so much!

[@Cougnut5150]

Words cannot describe how much your videos help

[@stay_in_adventure]

Oh boy, now I want to modify my bump stop to gain that last bit of articulation. Can't wait for part two!

[@donotbother8545]

I rarely comment or subscribe to channels but this vid is definitely worth it. Thanks for making the video and explaining the IFS suspension in such simple terms.

[@jvogler_art4708]

Absolutely love this series. I always knew I wanted to lift my 4Runner no more than an inch or two because I feel heavily lifted rigs were so excessive and unnecessary. People get obsessed with fitting bigger tires, but with that you’re going to increase weight, need lower gearing, drop the diff and with all of that you’ve now taken a beautifully engineered vehicle and changed it to something untested. You’re also going to effect CV angles (they break all the time) you’re going to raise your center of gravity and risk toppling over, and you’re going to lose down travel at the cost of increase up travel. Super interesting to see you test the diminishing returns you see in travel and articulation. My goal will be to maximize my travel and articulation while maintaining ride quality and factory reliability. I cannot wait to see your video on sway bars cause my next purchase was going to be detachable sway bar end links

[@bruiser6479]

My stepson has bought an older single cab Hilux. He doesn’t even have his license, but has embarked on “improving” it. He has lifted it by 4 inches and wants to put oversize wheels on it. I am quietly confident that he will be breaking driveline and suspension components as he also has a heavy right foot. I would love him to watch this video, but I doubt that he will.

[@DavidRamirez-fe5dd]

With longer suspension uograded you gain upper and lower travel. . He said so on the video. Dunno confused

[@jvogler_art4708]

@@DavidRamirez-fe5dd watch part two. He’s taking about extended coils, most lifts are stock coil size, adjusted with preload. Which comes with its own set of problems.

[@jvogler_art4708]

@@bruiser6479 I looove the hilux. I would focus on making sure that truck runs perfect with no misfires and such before doing anything to the suspension. They do make good rock crawlers, especially with the solid axle.

[@bruiser6479]

@@jvogler_art4708 I totally agree. Unfortunately my stepson doesn’t. My advice to him was to leave the vehicle stock and to only change things when there was an objective necessity to. He really has no understanding whatsoever of how vehicles are designed to be a coherent system. He is adamant he wants to learn from his own mistakes as opposed to other peoples mistakes.

[@nathansingle9698]

I've watched most of your videos now and what you are explaining to people, is what I've been telling people for years and sometimes the information hasn't been taken nicely. Now I can just refer them to your videos to explain it all! Thank you and keep these up!

[@MrKillerHobbes]

Best fuggin explanations ever in all your vids, every sentence with purpose, no repeating bs! keep killing it bro!

[@Amrgheith2]

Man, you rock. You make enthusiasts like me understand complex IFS setup. My Land Cruiser 100 has a tortion bar. I wish to see a video show us how to setup a proper lift for LC 100.

[@srvmotoman]

Fantastic video! This save everyone days/weeks/months of searching forums for explanation of how suspension works and all parts associated. Now research on the forums is more focused and helping people make a better decision about lifting. Superb job and video!

[@opinionsevrywhere]

Thank you Kai. Your passion about engineering comes through clearly in your videos. You have a gift for sharing the information with others too. Great job with the videography and editing.

[@dixonbuttes6564]

This is solidly the most informative and rational channel about Toyota off-road design on the internet. Subscribed, liked, and thankful for the presentation of informed analysis on this topic! Amazing.

[@vanhap]

This is truly first class knowledge and so well done.

[@slopemaster9770]

After watching your videos, I think when the 285’s need replacement, I will be having tge spacer lift removed and going back to 265’s. After three years on the internet seeking the truth about lifts, you are the first person that actually makes sense and backs it up with actual data.

[@jason.scissorfeet]

I have watched and re-watched this so many times. Its a great reference. KZbin needs to install a counter for how many times you watch a video. I bet i've watched this 10x over the last year

[@realrigsrattle8829]

This video should be required watching before logging into any group or forum to ask what/how much lift. Thank you so much for your hard work.

[@Absolute_Unit135]

It would be awesome if you did this same IFS breakdown on other popular IFS trucks like the F150. That way we could know what the actual limits of geometry are. The information you provide is extremely helpful. Thanks for making these videos!

[@buzz7927]

This guy really knows his stuff, some of our aftermarket fitters could learn something from him.

[@MrEvisc3rator]

This is probably one of the best videos i've actually ever seen explaining an IFS setup. well done

[@hardcoreish]

This is possibly the best suspension video ever made! Keep up the great content.

[@hardcoreish]

Will you have that GX 460 bumper available anytime soon? It looks amazing!

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thanks! This is the FJ bumper I was test fitting on the GX. I hope to finish designing one that matches the GX body in later half of 2022. Stay tuned!

[@pbaireddy]

Kai… thankyou so much buddy… never seen any videos get to the details you have done… little overwhelming with the technical stuff, but it’s amazing… I just upgraded with a 3” lift kit from Ironman, I think I need to lower it to May be 2.5 or more…. Keep it going buddy… great job

[@pbaireddy]

Have a question, I see in the video you are adjusting the front coils… is this something that can be done when the strud is on the vehicle…

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thank you! It depends on the coilover design. The ones with a solid adjustment rings like this, you can. Just lift the tire off the ground so the spring load is low enough. Some other ones like Fox and Kings have a split clamping style ring. Those you better remove from the vehicle and use a spring compressor before adjustments. With the spring load in place those can easily skip thread and bind.

[@jessereynolds9013]

Excellent video, thanks so much for making it. You seem to have a great balance of practical and theoretical knowledge. I learned a lot.

[@shredfest30]

Finally..!!!!! I love all these technical aspects you present here, thank you for taking the time to finally explain everything to the world.. Looking forward to the next one!

[@johnheiss9954]

These are the most clear videos on suspension on the entire internet. thank you!

[@16GZ]

I love this video so much, not only because you explained everything clearly with details and great quality of video footage, but also you quantified and summarized the before-and-after changes with numbers and charts. Can't wait of the next part! Great work Kai!

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Much appreciate it!

[@kevinrug]

I never comment on youtube videos but this is gold. Best explanation about IFS and lifts in general I've seen.

[@jd2murray]

Amazingly well organized and thought through. Great video!

[@devrimhusrevoglu4356]

Thank you for going into the technical details, what a great suspension video. Awesome job!

[@GrizzlyPath]

Incredibly well put together overview. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing the next videos!

[@ryannance9673]

The amount of work it takes to film one of his videos, from the movement demonstrations to tearing down his rig and just overall quality

[@ihorsahan615]

This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Can’t thank you enough! Keep up the good work!

[@jgm113]

This guy is a legend, tacomaworld sent me here.

[@voyager11221]

This is the best explanation I've seen. Thank you!

[@jeremylstewart]

Nice!!! Very thorough explanations and great editing!!! Keep up the good work!

[@numbr17]

I love these videos. As a person not new to cars, but new to off-roading and 4x4s, these are fantastic, and really helpful. Nice work!

[@gregmgm06]

Fantastic information!! Very cool to see you run the suspension through its travel. Great information, subscribed.

[@jeddadog1689]

Best explanation of IFS and can’t wait for Part 2 with the answers

[@jamesvo3709]

We really appreciate these videos. This kinda stuff is truly adding to the great good/knowledge of the Toyota community.

[@josh1804josh]

Love these videos my guy. Please keep them coming. So educational.

[@degvello21]

+1 Awesome and informative! Probably the best explanation I saw. Simple and through

[@peterpettis]

Your videos are incredibly informative and well put together. Thank you!

[@oya825]

Awesome vid Bro! No drama explanation. More vid please!

[@jasonsledge7900]

This is some of the best Toyota content. Very thorough and well said. More videos please!

[@evansmith4767]

This is absolutely the best video on this topic! A ++

[@davidwhiterod3148]

This is pure gold-I really appreciate how you neatly explain the role each element plays and how they build on each other. Many thanks. Subbed!

[@TheRockasaki]

What a fantastic channel!! Well done, Kai!! Subscribed!

[@mattwhuntley]

Looking forward to part 2!

[@grschryer]

I've been looking for an explanation like this forever!!! Thank you!

[@norefudiatingit]

Wow Kai, I'm so happy to have subscribed to your channel recently! Such well thought out and executed content! I will be watching all of your Videos for sure!

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thank you very much!

[@mark.esposito]

Great information. Thank you for the technical focus and great intuitive demonstrations of every components role. Looking forward to more videos from you.

[@Cougnut5150]

This guy is going to make tons of money once this channel gets more exposure. He sticks out amongst the competition.

[@TrevorDyck]

Excellent as always. Can't wait for the next two videos.

[@davidrucci]

You’re a mad Toyota scientist and I love it! Thank you bro! Can’t wait to see the vid on sway bars! ❤️👌🤙

[@danielmartinez7198]

Nice job. Thanks for the info. Can't wait for the next video. Nice looking FJ, btw.

[@dannthenitroman]

Youre a champion. Keep this up for us.

[@isomr3b51]

Great video! I really appreciate the clarity and high quality production. I am subscribed!

[@PNWJEEPER01]

I don't even have an ifs rig, but I still learned a ton. You're a rockstar, dude!

[@martincontreras1521]

Amazing content, subscribed !

[@user-fj3wo7dy7g]

This is so informational. Thank you!

[@dmac9777]

Dude went to town on this. The definitive guide to IFS. Top work.

[@duckyjp17]

Unbelievable video. Thanks for this!

[@shubhammukherjee4830]

Ohh my god you are so good at what you share ❤❤ Subbed

[@Anthony-Parsons]

Amazing video. Thank you for making what I thought was a complicated setup, simplified for the average person to understand. Thank you.

[@r0b0saurusrex80]

Hidden Gem of a video.. just found this channel yesterday and now I am hooked. Also by you adding the Prado you are providing info the Land down undAH would appreciate too... looking forward to watching the whole series.

[@netybar7136]

As a alignment mechanic I love this dude !!

[@dirttales]

Keep up the good work bud, these videos are very good!

[@4WDisLife]

agree

[@robertjustin1291]

I'm pretty sure you are going to blow up on you tube. Solid info!! Thank you sir, you got my subscription and I wish you great success

[@stevegoodwin5841]

Amazing wealth of information of the IFS and its engineering and limitations in change of certain aspects, pros and cons. Well presented so that a layman can understand. Great job.

[@madcratebuilder]

Outstanding job on total travel, droop and how the extended C/O works.

[@rob45x]

Awesome video. I can't wait for the sway dedicated video. Very good work !

[@toyotadiesel4970]

The best technical video i've seen, ever. And I have seen a lot. This needs more subscribers and views.

[@matthiasice]

Great stuff! Shared it with my local "Utah Toyota Off Road" facebook group. Useful info for people new to suspension mods.

[@richarddmogg1]

You have impressive knowledge and insight about suspension which is rarely seen.

[@flyfishac]

Awesome content! Would love one for the LC 200 series.

[@Desertpunk1986]

I just shared this with all my none Toyota guys as well. Solid info here! Thank you.

[@mmmhmmmm]

Super informative! Thank you Kai!

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thank you for your support!

[@dausas]

Thank you for the video. We’ll thought out with plenty of data points yet your explanations are very easy to follow. Keep up the great work.👍🏽

[@davidanthonytechurnangauta4880]

Love the videos💯 lookin forward for the next one🤟🏻

[@kwilcox417]

Wonderful explanation, thank you!

[@TheGunner11]

Nothing but substance, thank you.

[@pierogillio]

Your video just blow my mind, it was exact what I was looking for THANK YOU A LOT

[@rockmanagementoffroad9462]

Great video man! It took me years of scrounging the forums to find the info you present here. Thanks!

[@philgriswold2133]

Best explanation of IFS I have ever watched. Thank you.

[@JasonPMcElroy]

Fantastic video. Nice work. For me, conceptual explanations (especially those backed by measurements and examples) are far more useful than procedural or anecdotal ones. Great video.

[@sciCHD]

Very informative video, clear and precise

[@DeuceDeuceBravo]

Fantastic video. This should be required viewing for all truck owners. Thank you!