This month, we have found a manual titled Toyota 4WD Trucks: Mods, Tips & Secrets for Offroad Performance, written by Jay Kopycinski. In this manual, the author compiles information and data on Toyota 4WD trucks that would generally be very hard find in other reference materials. According to the author, “What you won’t find in this book is info on rollbars, lights, stereos, or, heaven forbid, bugshields. What you will find is practical

information on suspension systems, differentials, wheels and tires, drivelines, engine swaps, and lots more info and tips you can use to tweak your Toyota for increased performance.” This is what was found.

The manual begins with a chapter titled the “Model Spotter’s Guide.” It details the history of the Toyota 4WD truck starting with pre-1979 models. During this era, any Toyota truck that was 4WD was an aftermarket modification. From here the chapter details the history of the Toyota from the introduction of IFS, turbochargers, Xtracab, V-6 engines, and fuel injection, to transmission options.

The remainder of the chapters include coverage of the front suspension, rear suspension, engines, transmissions and transfer cases, axles, gears and differentials, driveshafts, wheels and tires, swaps, increasing offroad ability, parts sources, and clubs and associations.

A look at the front suspension chapter gives a good insight into how detailed this manual is and the unique information it covers. The chapter starts with a discussion of leaf spring front suspensions. It then goes into details on front leaf spring suspension lifts. Three methods of doing this lift are replacement of the front leaf springs with aftermarket springs, addition of lift blocks, and replacement of the front shackles with longer ones. The manual then goes into detail on these options. The next item covered in the front suspension is the torque rod. Diagrams are shown of the stock configuration and a modified configuration and lists the advantages of installing the modified torque rod. The advantages include adjustability and the installation of a quick release mechanism. Other suspension considerations covered are the drag link and the knuckle arm.

The suspension chapter also has information on the IFS suspension. It covers the front torsion bars, IFS lifts, the stabilizer bar, shocks, multiple shocks, body lifts, and power steering. The author notes that when doing a suspension lift on an IFS truck, the cost can range from $200 to $1,000 plus the cost of the shocks. That is why he recommends that the user look very closely at the intended use of the truck. Also, when considering a suspension lift, these questions should be answered to help better decide on what kind of lift is necessary. These questions include the following:

1. How much lift will I get?
2. Will suspension travel be increased?
3. Can stock torsion bars be used?
4. Can I use stock wheels or wheels with stock offset?
5. What size tires will fit, with and with and without limit stops?
6. Will axle joint and boot wear increase?
7. Will longer replacement front brake lines be required?
8. If replacement axles or joints are used, how strong are they?

The information provided will greatly assist the reader in deciding what suspension modifications to consider.

Two chapters that were found to be interesting and of great value were the those on gears and differentials and wheels and tires. The gears and differential chapter gives the stock gear ratios for all the trucks manufactured since 1979. Since 1988, it is interesting to note that many different gear ratios have been used. This information is well complemented by the tire and wheel section. Here, a table is presented that shows engine speed in RPM as a function of tire size and gear ratios. This can be valuable in helping to determine whether or not an engine will be able to provide enough horse power to keep the truck moving. If a gear ratio is not listed in the table, the formula for making the calculation is provided. Other details provided in the tire section include the basics of tire sizes, wheel considerations, and what tires will work well on a Toyota truck.

This manual is a good source of information on Toyota trucks and would be an excellent addition to any owner’s library. The manual cost $14.95 plus $3.00 shipping (check or money order) and can be ordered from:

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