Toyota Motor Corp: IFS NO MORE

We, the owners and supporters of Toyota Landcruiser, 4Runner, and Tacoma 4x4 vehicles do hereby request Toyota Motor Corporation USA to end the use of independent suspensions and give consumers more options in our beloved Toyota brand. It is our belief that if we wish to purchase a new Toyota Landcruiser, 4Runner or Tacoma in coming years, we should be able to find one with factory installed solid front and rear axles, electric locking front and rear differentials, full-floating rear axles, gear ratios up to 4.88:1, 5 speed manual transmissions, and gear driven transfer cases. We find the installation of independent suspension in a Toyota 4x4 to be inapropriate and one that weakens the mission of what Toyota has used to market vehicles in past years. Further, the lack of factory options forces consumers to search for aftermarket alternatives in order to regain performance that once was included from the factory.

We believe that by using a less "rugged" suspension, Toyota Motor Corporation has placed the Landcruiser, 4Runner and Tacoma line at great risk, because it now is in direct competition with vehicles that cost less and are percieved as "grocery getters".

We also wish to inform Toyota Motor Corporation that we understand that new innovations are required to retain a presence in the automotive marketplace. But, we the consumers, do not wish to trade the ability to travel anywhere that Toyota vehicles are known best for. We can only advise that all of these innovations not limit the capability of the vehicle.

Examples of "changes-for-the-worse" by Toyota Motor Corporation in the USA marketplace:

1) FJ62, FJ80 and FJ100 Landcruisers and 2001 4Runners not available with 5 speed standard transmissions.
2) 1986 and newer 4Runners/Hilux/Tacoma pickups and FJ100 Landcruisers not available with solid front axles.
3) Tacomas, 4Runners, and FJ100's not available with electric locking differentials in the front and the rear axle.
4) The lack of factory electric locking differentials with 4.88:1 gear ratio.
5) 88 and newer V6 and all 97 and newer trucks/4runners not having gear driven transfer cases.
6) The lack of a full-floating rear axle configuration in any Toyota 4x4 sold in the USA other than some FJ80's.
7) The introduction of rack and pinion steering on late model 4Runners and Tacomas
8)The lack of proper frame boxing and bracing on late model 4Runners and Tacomas
9) The lack of diesel or turbo diesel engines in any Toyota 4x4 sold in the USA.

NOTE: Most of these are/were options at one time in other parts of the world.

In closing, we are owners and admirers of Toyota's legendary commitment to reliability and performance, which we believe will only remain intact if the solid axle configuration is retained and better factory options are available in the USA on the Toyota Landcruiser, 4Runner and Tacoma.