Ford's Axleless Suspension System
 

Hey All -

I posted a similar question in another forum here on Ford-Trucks, but was hoping to find some more information on an axleless suspension system that has been developed for the Ford F-Series. I did see an example of this application in Ford's booth, and understand that it was originally developed for the commercial market...but because of the interest it has been receiving, it is now being offered on the consumer market as well.

I have come across the Dallas Smith Corp where they look to have a pretty good presence within the commercial industry (shuttle buses, cargo vans, trailers, etc.)...but was wanting to find more information or any personal accounts anyone out there has had with this new type of technology?

Appreciate the help!

Cheers -

First I've seen or heard of it. Looks pretty cool! :D

That doesnt look like a fully boxed frame!

Jim

Looks interesting if your ok with having just front wheel drive.....i'm assuming thats how that works?

Looks good as long as you dont tow, need 4 wheel drive, and enjoy torque steer up the @ss.

A lot of the European FWD commercials use a similar system...

Seems to be more Cargo room as well and not as top heavy...Very interesting

Interesting

No way I'd want a FWD truck though. I hate FWD cars.

True on that one.....I perfer Real wheel drive and I can handle them better...

That is why I drive trucks mostly..Had a Focus and a Taurus and hated FWD..

If you guys would actually take the time to READ the company's website you'll find that the vehicles in question are NOT FWD!!!!!!! But I guess it's just easer to type the same OL fill in the blank responses ya'll always post

from the technical specs it appears as though the wheels are driven in a manner similar to a shaft driven motorbike

More I think about this system..The maintenance could be expensive and try and keep those wheels in line might be a chore..Because I doubt where I live that anyone has experience in alignment..

That may well be the case. It appears as though this suspension system is intended for niche applications where the benefits would outweigh any maininence issues.

One plus about it is that top heavy issue would be cut down..

Maybe you should take more time to read the site! These are specs I found.

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=10 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD noWrap width=351>• Full Time Front Wheel Drive
• Full Time FWD Transfer Case - BAE Systems
• Transmission - TorqShift™ 5-speed automatic
transmission
• Front Axle - Modified Dana Super 60 / 4.88R
• Available with 6.4L Power Stroke® V8
Turbo Diesel or 6.8 L V-10 Triton
</TD><TD noWrap width=385>• GVWR - 16000 lbs.
• Front Axle GAWR - 7000 lbs.
• Rear Axleless® GAWR - 12000 lbs.
• Front Suspension - Air
• Rear Suspension - Air Independent Wide-Trac™
• Ride Height of Bed Floor - 15”
• Load/Unload Height (Kneeled) of Bed Floor - 8”</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

There's also specs for a AWD and RWD system