Originally Posted by Shake-N-Bake
(Post 12827613)
The two main reasons are durability and capability. It is hard enough to keep front end alignment as it is on a solid axle truck....I would hate to have to deal with IFS. The light trucks like our F-250/350 models aren't much of a problem but the higher class trucks have so much weight on the front axle that things actually bend over time. Fleet drivers are hard on vehicles, they would make short work of an IFS set up. We have tons of front end problems with our 2500 GMC trucks. If they can barely hold together in a 3/4 ton truck, then there isn't much hope for the higher class trucks. When GM was building medium duty trucks, they came with solid front axles.
http://www.oshkoshdefense.com/foleya...67L7R5MNQ5zh7l It most certainly can be done. GM recently beefed their IFS setup for 2011, and it's rated at the same 6,000 lb GAWR that the D-60 is rated for under the Super Duty. Has your business broken any of those? ON edit: How many here were part of the crowd that decried the use of aluminum heads on a diesel engine? Everyone swore it would never work, that headgaskets would be lifting left and right. I've been the forum mod for the 6.7L forum for nearly two years now, and I have yet to hear of a single headgasket problem. In fact we have one example that was recently posted of a 6.7L truck with over 500,000 miles on it with little more than regular maintenance done to it. What about twelve years prior, where everyone said the same about aluminum heads on a HD gas engine? Every modular engine built has come with aluminum heads, and those are well known for lasting longer than the vehicles they install them in even with heavy towing use. If everyone was as afraid of change as many on here are we would never have any kind of improvement or forward progress. Today's vehicles share virtually nothing in common with vehicles 100 years ago, and by most regards they are the best ever made in history. That wouldn't be possible unless people were willing to challenge the norm and innovate. |
I am buying a super Duty because I want a solid front axle.
As far as the solid vs IFS off road, lets say on a trail....or rockcrawling, there is no comparison. The IFS lacks leverage...and only so much droop can be built into an IFS setup. On a solid axle, one side is pushed up, the other side is levered down=traction Are most of these Super Dutytrucks used like this? No Could most of these trucks live fine with a sturdy IFS? Yes Are there folks that buy these trucks because they dont want IFS? Yes. Some folks just want a solid front axle...Me included |
Independent suspension can be built to take the weight just like any other suspension. It just take more money and they don't like putting money into vehicles.
Strait axles are cheap and easy 1840 technology, hence more cash in fords pockets. Personally I don't want to see any axles, just independent wheels and drives. ;) |
Sure you can design an IFS to take the abuse, all it takes is money. But the question for me is what does it improve and is that improvement worth the added cost? In other words, a cost-benefit analysis. About the only improvement I see is the better ride - not a big concern for me and certainly not worth the added cost.
I'm not at all against new technology, but only when it offers improvements over existing. I'm also a big fan of the "if it aint broke don't fix it mantra".
Originally Posted by Snowseeker
(Post 12830046)
Personally I don't want to see any axles, just independent wheels and drives. ;)
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Originally Posted by Crazy001
(Post 12827897)
Originally Posted by senix
(Post 12827508)
I'll take a couple copies of that Sir;)
Originally Posted by MitchPeters
(Post 12827722)
Exactly!!!
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You know, I was thinking about it, and I wonder if IFS can be just as simple, durable, and reliable as a solid axle, then why not make the rear IFS as well? Talk about a great ride...
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Originally Posted by Firekite
(Post 12833438)
You know, I was thinking about it, and I wonder if IFS can be just as simple, durable, and reliable as a solid axle, then why not make the rear IFS as well? Talk about a great ride...
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I say we should keep the Dana 60 front axle, but I would love to make a few changes.
First, ditch the weak steering gear box. We need something stronger. Second, upgrade the power steering pump. Again, these trucks need something stronger. Third, a geometry redesign to get rid of death wobble. |
And take about 3000 pounds out of the trucks.
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If you take 3,000lbs out of the truck you have a half ton.
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Originally Posted by MisterCMK
(Post 12833765)
If you take 3,000lbs out of the truck you have a half ton.
Or a OBS that can haul its intended payload without over loading the tires. ;) |
How exactly would you strip 3,000 lbs out of an F250/350?
Originally Posted by redford
(Post 12833552)
Third, a geometry redesign to get rid of death wobble.
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Actually I like my truck when it's heavy. When you are towing something heavy you don't want the trailer tossing or pushing you around, it's not a good feeling. We know our trucks have a few weaknesses, I would like Ford to do a better job at training their tech's, especially ones who can only fix stuff if they get a code. When a tech does his job right, the customer shouldn't have to come on forums like this one and whine about their dealer. Okay rant over.
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Originally Posted by dualwheels66
(Post 12835513)
I would like Ford to do a better job at training their tech's, especially ones who can only fix stuff if they get a code. When a tech does his job right, the customer shouldn't have to come on forums like this one and whine about their dealer.
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Originally Posted by Snowseeker
(Post 12833770)
Or a OBS that can haul its intended payload without over loading the tires. ;)
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