Chevy 3500…
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 111
Likes: 42
My POINT
I can detect the additional mass at the front of the SD as it contributes to additional understeer versus a 3500. I can detect the increased span of the SD mirrors versus the 3500. I can detect the torque limiting through the 10spd versus the 6spd. I admit that these observations are limited but they are indicative of test drives rather than daily driving. I'm sure once I've had my SD sideways a few times I'll have a better appreciation for it dynamics. I would be happy to offer additional feedback as necessary. I will not be bashing anyone else's vehicle choice based on brand. That would be POINTLESS.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,516
Likes: 198
The actual total mass of the front suspension/axle of the GM HD's compared to the SD is probably a lot closer than you would think. While the Dana front axle of the Ford is quite heavy, the AAM 9.25 HD IFS axle on the GM isn't exactly light. Beyond that, the GM's have much larger cast iron knuckles, forged upper and cast lower control arms, large diameter torsion bars, and a more substantial front frame section which is required by the IFS. All Ford really has is a couple of stamped radius arms, 2 large coil springs and a track bar. The big difference in handling is the much amount of unsprung weight in the Ford front end.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 483
From: Southern OH
I never said I couldn't tell the difference between those two examples because I can. I can also explain those differences with words rather than merely bashing a brand based on feelings whilst lacking the ability to quantify said feelings beyond simple comparisons.
I can detect the additional mass at the front of the SD as it contributes to additional understeer versus a 3500. I can detect the increased span of the SD mirrors versus the 3500. I can detect the torque limiting through the 10spd versus the 6spd. I admit that these observations are limited but they are indicative of test drives rather than daily driving. I'm sure once I've had my SD sideways a few times I'll have a better appreciation for it dynamics. I would be happy to offer additional feedback as necessary. I will not be bashing anyone else's vehicle choice based on brand. That would be POINTLESS.
I can detect the additional mass at the front of the SD as it contributes to additional understeer versus a 3500. I can detect the increased span of the SD mirrors versus the 3500. I can detect the torque limiting through the 10spd versus the 6spd. I admit that these observations are limited but they are indicative of test drives rather than daily driving. I'm sure once I've had my SD sideways a few times I'll have a better appreciation for it dynamics. I would be happy to offer additional feedback as necessary. I will not be bashing anyone else's vehicle choice based on brand. That would be POINTLESS.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 391
Likes: 18
From: Calhan, CO
Really wan't to know the difference in strength, just count how many kits are on the market to convert your solid axle over to IFS. None, not one.
Then ask yourself why they don't have IRS in 3/4 and 1 ton trucks. (there are a few rare exceptions I'll admit) It's because they are not strong enough.
FYI The GM 9.25 IFS is rated for MOT of 4663 lb-ft. Even the Ford 8.8 IFS in 1/2 trucks is rated at 4600 lb-ft MOT . So, even by the numbers, the GM IFS is not real impressive.
Now, having said all that, don't think your wrong for owning an IFS truck. If it works for you then great and that is why you bought the truck in the first place. And that is all that matters my friend.
Then ask yourself why they don't have IRS in 3/4 and 1 ton trucks. (there are a few rare exceptions I'll admit) It's because they are not strong enough.
FYI The GM 9.25 IFS is rated for MOT of 4663 lb-ft. Even the Ford 8.8 IFS in 1/2 trucks is rated at 4600 lb-ft MOT . So, even by the numbers, the GM IFS is not real impressive.
Now, having said all that, don't think your wrong for owning an IFS truck. If it works for you then great and that is why you bought the truck in the first place. And that is all that matters my friend.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 111
Likes: 42
Really wan't to know the difference in strength, just count how many kits are on the market to convert your solid axle over to IFS. None, not one.
Then ask yourself why they don't have IRS in 3/4 and 1 ton trucks. (there are a few rare exceptions I'll admit) It's because they are not strong enough.
FYI The GM 9.25 IFS is rated for MOT of 4663 lb-ft. Even the Ford 8.8 IFS in 1/2 trucks is rated at 4600 lb-ft MOT . So, even by the numbers, the GM IFS is not real impressive.
Now, having said all that, don't think your wrong for owning an IFS truck. If it works for you then great and that is why you bought the truck in the first place. And that is all that matters my friend.
Then ask yourself why they don't have IRS in 3/4 and 1 ton trucks. (there are a few rare exceptions I'll admit) It's because they are not strong enough.
FYI The GM 9.25 IFS is rated for MOT of 4663 lb-ft. Even the Ford 8.8 IFS in 1/2 trucks is rated at 4600 lb-ft MOT . So, even by the numbers, the GM IFS is not real impressive.
Now, having said all that, don't think your wrong for owning an IFS truck. If it works for you then great and that is why you bought the truck in the first place. And that is all that matters my friend.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 483
From: Southern OH
How many IFS and straight axle vehicles have you worked on in the past month or even in the past year?
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 67
Likes: 26
Meh, owned 4 Chevys, ‘02 k1500, ‘98 K1500, ‘98 K3500, ‘06 K2500. None had substantial rot, except for brake lines. All gave good service 60k miles, 105k miles, 160k miles and 233k miles respectively.
I drive an eco boost TT F150 police responder at work, figured it was time to try something different for my (small) company truck.
didn’t really consider dodge had bad juju from a ‘10 VW Routan that we owned and an ‘11 hemi charger at work.
I drive an eco boost TT F150 police responder at work, figured it was time to try something different for my (small) company truck.
didn’t really consider dodge had bad juju from a ‘10 VW Routan that we owned and an ‘11 hemi charger at work.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 1,423
From: CA
I smell a fanboy.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 111
Likes: 42
Feelings
How many arbitrations or mediations have you presented in the past year? How many terminations have you reversed?
My guess is zero and that is just as relevant to the OP's position.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 483
From: Southern OH
So I am guessing zero, but since you have owned a couple of them you are an expert right? I work on dozens of these vehicles every year, I have seen all the problems that the IFS trucks have vs the straight axle trucks, and how well they are built. There is no comparison, a straight axle is far better.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 111
Likes: 42
Like a Rock
So I am guessing zero, but since you have owned a couple of them you are an expert right? I work on dozens of these vehicles every year, I have seen all the problems that the IFS trucks have vs the straight axle trucks, and how well they are built. There is no comparison, a straight axle is far better.
At least my reading comprehension seems to be improving...
