In my experience, IFS makes for a much better ride, but solid axle results in better wheel contact over uneven terrain. That makes a fair difference when you're trying to get up rutted out hills or rocky faces.
Strength is the other issue. I personally have broken more CV axles than I can count on my various 4runners. At ~$200 per axle (per side), this can add up. A solid axle won't break as much (in theory).
Another point is that solid axles are pretty much a necessity if you want more than ~3" of lift (unless you go for wider control arms, but then you increase wheelbase width). Look at some of the long travel IFS guys and you can see that it would be impossible to keep good camber for the road with any decent amount of lift. http://davidgtaylor.smugmug.com/KOH2013/pirate-upload/i-BLp2rHK/0/L/DSC_...
You're never going to be able to do something like this with IFS http://www.4x4wire.com/insider/ors/indy1.jpg - even though that's probably much more extreme than anyone here is doing.
Most of the lakes that are close *and* easy access, are full of people.. You'll probably need to do some driving to get to somewhere secluded.
A good place to check out if you're into a bit of a drive is Francis lake. Head to duncan, then left off the highway towards cowichan lake. Hang a right off the cowichan highway towards youbou. Keep going past youbou on the gravel road towards nitnat. Before you get to nitnat there will be a fork, hang a right and start heading towards port alberni. You won't actually make it all the way to port, but about half way there will be a couple of lakes on your right. just past the first lake there is a small trail on your right which leads to a beauty camp site. You should be able to make it down there in a fullsize, but it will be a squeeze.
Beyond that, your best bet would be rivers - there are lots around the cowichan area, some of which you will pass on the above route.
In my experience, IFS makes for a much better ride, but solid axle results in better wheel contact over uneven terrain. That makes a fair difference when you're trying to get up rutted out hills or rocky faces.
Strength is the other issue. I personally have broken more CV axles than I can count on my various 4runners. At ~$200 per axle (per side), this can add up. A solid axle won't break as much (in theory).
Another point is that solid axles are pretty much a necessity if you want more than ~3" of lift (unless you go for wider control arms, but then you increase wheelbase width). Look at some of the long travel IFS guys and you can see that it would be impossible to keep good camber for the road with any decent amount of lift. http://davidgtaylor.smugmug.com/KOH2013/pirate-upload/i-BLp2rHK/0/L/DSC_...
You're never going to be able to do something like this with IFS http://www.4x4wire.com/insider/ors/indy1.jpg - even though that's probably much more extreme than anyone here is doing.
I've got km2's and I love them - great tires. That said, I think size is more important. Go with the 35"s.
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Most of the lakes that are close *and* easy access, are full of people.. You'll probably need to do some driving to get to somewhere secluded.
A good place to check out if you're into a bit of a drive is Francis lake. Head to duncan, then left off the highway towards cowichan lake. Hang a right off the cowichan highway towards youbou. Keep going past youbou on the gravel road towards nitnat. Before you get to nitnat there will be a fork, hang a right and start heading towards port alberni. You won't actually make it all the way to port, but about half way there will be a couple of lakes on your right. just past the first lake there is a small trail on your right which leads to a beauty camp site. You should be able to make it down there in a fullsize, but it will be a squeeze.
Beyond that, your best bet would be rivers - there are lots around the cowichan area, some of which you will pass on the above route.
Pending sale..