If you are thinking of lifting your newer Toyota or vehile with IFS (independent front suspension), you might be wondering what other modifications you need to make to ensure a smooth and safe ride. Lifting your vehicle can improve its off-road performance, ground clearance, and appearance, but it also affects the suspension geometry and drivetrain components. In this blog post, we will explain why you should upgrade your upper control arms, CV axles, steering components and wheel offset when lifting your newer Toyota.
The upper control arms are the cornerstone of your suspension system, these parts connect your wheel hubs to the frame, facilitating vertical movement and steering. When you lift an IFS Toyota, the suspension geometry changes, which can lead to unfavorable camber, caster, and toe angles, affecting handling and tire wear. Aftermarket control arms are engineered to rectify these angles while offering superior strength and clearance compared to stock components.


The CV axles are Responsible for power transfer from the differential to the wheels, these components allow articulation and steering. Lifting a Toyota or IFS system increases the CV joint angles, which may lead to binding, wear, or breakage. Aftermarket CV axles and boots are designed to handle these elevated angles and stress levels.
The steering rack and steering components are the system translating your steering wheel input into wheel movement, the steering rack takes on additional strain when you lift your IFS Toyota. Tie rods, bushings, and mounts may flex, bend, or break under the increased load. Aftermarket steering rack and components offer enhanced rigidity, durability, and adjustability.
Upper Control Arms
The upper control arms are the parts that connect the steering knuckle and wheel hub to the frame of the vehicle. They allow the wheels to move up and down while maintaining a constant alignment with the body. When you lift your vehicle, the upper control arms change their angle and position, which can cause several issues, such as:
Caster angle changes: When Lifting IFS Vehicles. When raising vehicles equipped with Independent Front Suspension (IFS) and using stock control arms, it’s common to encounter lower-than-desired caster angle readings. In such instances, we’ve observed that the stock alignment adjustment cams may lack the necessary range of movement to align the caster within the vehicle’s specified specifications.
Negative or positive camber: This is the inward or outward tilt of the wheels when viewed from the front. Improper camber can reduce the tire contact patch, traction, and handling. It can also cause uneven and premature tire wear.
Reduced wheel travel: This is the amount of vertical movement that the wheels can make without hitting the frame or other components. Less wheel travel means less suspension articulation and flexibility, which can affect the off-road performance and ride quality.
Increased stress on ball joints: The ball joints are the pivot points that connect the control arms to the steering knuckle. They allow the wheels to steer and move up and down. When the control arms are at an extreme angle, the ball joints have to work harder and can wear out faster.
To avoid these problems, we strongly recommend upgrading your upper control arms when lifting your newer Toyota or IFS vehicle. Aftermarket upper control arms have several benefits, such as:
Increased durability: Aftermarket upper control arms are usually made of stronger materials than the factory ones. They can withstand more stress and abuse without bending or breaking.
Upgraded ball joints: Aftermarket upper control arms often come with uniball or heavy-duty ball joints that are designed for off-road use. They have more range of motion, better resistance to wear and tear, and ussually have an upgraded seal design to extend the life of the balljoint.
Improved ride quality: Aftermarket upper control arms can accommodate larger coilovers or shocks that offer better performance and comfort than the factory ones. They also can reduce unsprung weight, which is the weight of the components that are not supported by the springs. Less unsprung weight means better handling and responsiveness.
Increased suspension travel: Aftermarket upper control arms can provide more clearance for the wheels to move up and down without hitting anything. This can improve the off-road capability and flexibility of your vehicle.
Increased ride height: Aftermarket upper control arms can also allow you to lift your vehicle higher without compromising the alignment or wheel travel.
CV Axles

The CV axles, or constant velocity axles, are the parts that connect the transmission to the wheels. They allow the wheels to rotate at different speeds while maintaining a constant velocity. The CV axles consist of two joints, the inner joint and the outer joint, which are connected by a shaft. The inner joint is connected to the transmission, while the outer joint is connected to the wheel hub.
When you lift your vehicle, the CV axles change their angle and length, which can cause several issues, such as:
Increased stress on joints: The joints in the CV axles have to work harder when they are at an extreme angle. This can cause them to wear out faster and fail prematurely.
Reduced torque transfer: The torque transfer from the transmission to the wheels can be reduced when the CV axles are stretched or compressed too much. This can affect the acceleration and power of your vehicle.
Increased vibration and noise: The CV axles can produce more vibration and noise when they are not aligned properly or when they have worn out joints. This can affect the ride quality and comfort of your vehicle.
To avoid these problems, you should upgrade your CV axles when lifting your newer Toyota or IFS vehicle. Aftermarket CV axles have several benefits, such as:
Increased strength: Aftermarket CV axles are usually made of stronger materials than the factory ones. They can handle more torque and stress without breaking or twisting.
Upgraded joints: Aftermarket CV axles often come with high-angle or long-travel joints that are designed for lifted vehicles. They have more range of motion, better resistance to wear and tear, and smoother operation.
Improved performance: Aftermarket CV axles can provide better torque transfer from the transmission to the wheels. This can improve the acceleration and power of your vehicle.
Reduced vibration and noise: Aftermarket CV axles can reduce vibration and noise by having better alignment and balance. This can improve the ride quality and comfort of your vehicle.
Steering Components
The steering components are the parts that allow you to steer your vehicle. They include the steering wheel, steering column, steering rack, tie rods, and steering knuckles. They work together to convert the rotational motion of the steering wheel into the lateral motion of the wheels.
When you lift your vehicle, the steering components change their angle and position, which can cause several issues, such as:
Increased bump steer: This is the tendency of the wheels to steer themselves when hitting a bump or a pothole. It can cause the vehicle to wander or pull to one side, which can affect the handling and stability.
Reduced steering response: This is the delay or lag between turning the steering wheel and seeing the wheels turn. It can make the vehicle feel sluggish or unresponsive, which can affect the maneuverability and safety.
Increased stress on components: The components in the steering system have to work harder when they are at an extreme angle. This can cause them to wear out faster and fail prematurely.
To avoid these problems, you should upgrade your steering components when lifting your newer Toyota or IFS vehicle. Aftermarket steering components have several benefits, such as:
Increased durability: Aftermarket steering components are usually made of stronger materials than the factory ones. They can withstand more stress and abuse without bending or breaking.
Upgraded design: Aftermarket steering components often have a different design than the factory ones. They can have more adjustability, better geometry, and more clearance for lifted vehicles.
Improved steering performance: Aftermarket steering components can improve the steering performance of your vehicle by reducing bump steer, increasing steering response, and enhancing stability.
Wheel Offset
The wheel offset is the distance between the centerline of the wheel and the mounting surface of the hub. It affects how far the wheel sticks out or tucks in relative to the fender. The wheel offset can be positive, negative, or zero, depending on whether the hub is closer to the front, back, or center of the wheel.
When you lift your vehicle, the wheel offset changes its effect on the suspension and handling, which can cause several issues, such as:
Increased scrub radius: This is the distance between the center of the tire contact patch and the point where the steering axis intersects the ground. A larger scrub radius can increase the steering effort, tire wear, and brake pull.
Reduced turning radius: This is the smallest circle that your vehicle can make when turning fully left or right. A smaller turning radius can reduce the maneuverability and clearance of your vehicle.
Increased stress on bearings and hubs: The bearings and hubs in your wheels have to support more weight and torque when they are farther away from the center of the vehicle. This can cause them to wear out faster and fail prematurely.
To avoid these problems, you should adjust your wheel offset when lifting your newer Toyota or IFS vehicle. Aftermarket wheels have several benefits, such as:
Increased compatibility: Aftermarket wheels can have different sizes and offsets than the factory ones. They can fit better with lifted vehicles and larger tires.
Improved appearance: Aftermarket wheels can improve the appearance of your vehicle by giving it a more aggressive or customized look.
Enhanced performance: Aftermarket wheels can enhance the performance of your vehicle by reducing unsprung weight, improving traction, and optimizing balance.
Rear Suspension Components
Finally don’t overlook the rear suspension components when upgrading your Toyota or IFS vehicle. The rear suspension components support the rear axle, allowing for vertical movement. Lifting the front can disrupt the rear suspension geometry and ride quality. Aftermarket rear suspension components are vital to match the front lift height, enhance handling, and bolster load capacity. Addressing / correcting this is vehicle specific due to the different types of rear suspension setups. This may include upgrading the rear suspension coil springs, leaf spring packs, leaf spring add-a-leafs, upgraded shackles, upgraded / extended lenght shocks, upgraded bump stops and upgraded anti-rock sway bars. The essential aftermarket accessories and their suitability will vary according to the vehicle being modified and the specific enhancements being implemented.
While these components cover the essentials for lifting your Toyota or IFS vehicle, it’s crucial to remember that your specific vehicle model, lift height, tire size, and intended use may require additional modifications. For optimal results and safety, we recommend always consulting with a us before making any changes to your vehicle’s suspension system. So, gear up and get ready to elevate your Toyota or IFS vehicle for some thrilling off-road adventures!

