Axle and suspension debate

Hey all first post here. I recently got both an 89 and 85 runner through unfortunate circumstances as well as a 5.29 geared solid front and rear axle, rear bumper etc. I’ve absolutely fallen in love with them to the point where I’ve sold other vehicles to build these. I’ve been doing little things to the 89 to make it more of an overland rig (the 85 is half restored and has minimal miles so staying away from there for now). The 89 is knocking on the door on half a million miles and the suspension is past shot. Question I have is, is it worth me putting the money into getting all new suspension front and rear for the ifs rig or does it make more sense to swap it over to the solid front end since I have the axles that are already geared. I do quite a bit of offroading but no rock crawling. I know a solid front end would ride rough but I can’t imagine it would be more rough than this ifs is right now it feels every single crack on and off the road. If anyone has an ifs with a good suspension that can comment on how comfortable the ride is that would be great. If it truly is that much more comfortable I would lean that way just not sure what to do since I know having the geared axles is half of the sas conversion. Thanks all

 

OK. 47 views and no responses so I'll take a crack at it.

So, I'm no expert but:
I did have an '86 that I wheeled hard on IFS, then straight axled and wheeled it harder, then did some expo type trips with.
With a rear locker and some sliders you would be surprised how much rock crawling you can take on with IFS.
With a well set up SA you can also do pretty well with road work. I think the one weak spot was washboard road if you wanted to do any sort of reasonable speed. And in my neck of the woods there is ALOT of washboard.
Remember that these trucks have 40 year old suspension system technology.

I think it might be a good idea to really take a breath and decide what you really want to do with these trucks. If you're not going to rock crawl you really don't "need" to go straight axle no matter how cool it is. You could also consider a long travel set up in the IFS truck and have a nice go fast truck as well as the '85 for straight axle fun. It is kind of hard to answer your question until you define for yourself what exactly you want to do with the rig.

Also, what engine and transmission combos are in the rigs?

 

@BLKNBLU thanks for the response I appreciate it. Both rigs are 22re 5 speeds. I live in northern Nevada so I’ve been around rock crawling forever but I honestly have more fun going on longer offroad trips. I’ve taken the 89’ on a few 500 mile trips where much of it is offroad. I’m definitely looking to make it capable on most trails without sacrificing its ability to drive on the pavement decently. I have a rooftop tent and full kitchen in the back with other heavier equipment plans in the future. I don’t need it to be able to climb a rock face but I would like to be able to not have to turn around when the going gets tough. As far as the suspension goes, my 30 year old diesel work truck rides nicer than this ifs so I’m just making sure if I redo the suspension and stick with ifs I’m not just shooting myself in the foot if that makes sense. There’s a lot of washboard near me too and with this current setup my teeth are vibrating out unless I’m going fast over them