Community Forums

tropical36 · 06-14-2016, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

This was only on the early model IFS Spartan chassis, newer models (post 2004?) have grease boots that don't deteriorate in a few years. New ball joints + installation labor is over $2,000, The IFS has ball joints, the solid axle has king pins.
I'm holding off replacing my ball joints until they show signs of out-of-tolerance wear per Spartan inspection specs.

I'm going to assume then, that king pins will last a lot longer, as not so high tech. Actually have had good service from my present P30 IFS and have kept it well greased. 32 fittings in all, including the drive shaft.
Had a 57 chevy pickup once that didn't wear out the king pins, but the axle instead, so it was easier to replace the whole front end with one from the junk yard.
I do like simpler at times and this might just be one of these cases.

DAJO · 06-16-2016, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

This was only on the early model IFS Spartan chassis, newer models (post 2004?) have grease boots that don't deteriorate in a few years. New ball joints + installation labor is over $2,000, The IFS has ball joints, the solid axle has king pins.
I'm holding off replacing my ball joints until they show signs of out-of-tolerance wear per Spartan inspection specs.

This is partially true, newer models do not use ball joints in the independent front suspensions. It is completely different front end and does not have the grease boots to deteriorate. I ask Spartan when they switched over and they could not give me the exact year, they really do not want to talk about the early ball joint issues. My 99 and 2005 had the ball joints and torn boots, my 2008 does not have ball joints. The non ball joints units ride much better IMHO.

tropical36 · 06-16-2016, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAJO

This is partially true, newer models do not use ball joints in the independent front suspensions. It is completely different front end and does not have the grease boots to deteriorate. I ask Spartan when they switched over and they could not give me the exact year, they really do not want to talk about the early ball joint issues. My 99 and 2005 had the ball joints and torn boots, my 2008 does not have ball joints. The non ball joints units ride much better IMHO.

Most sure my soon to be 07, has the straight axle, as I did give a glance down under and not knowing of this when inspecting it. So, with the IFS, what might have been the cost for this option?

DAJO · 06-17-2016, 07:33 AM

Not sure of what you are asking. Independent front suspensions are usually installed on higher end chassis since they cost more to produce.

tropical36 · 06-17-2016, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAJO

Not sure of what you are asking. Independent front suspensions are usually installed on higher end chassis since they cost more to produce.

Seems that the Spartan Mountain Master chassis, comes both ways with as near as I can figure at this early stage of learning, so the reason for the question. Also mentions a GT, which might stand for grand touring and maybe even the one with the IFS.

Steve Ownby · 06-17-2016, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tropical36

Seems that the Spartan Mountain Master chassis, comes both ways with as near as I can figure at this early stage of learning, so the reason for the question. Also mentions a GT, which might stand for grand touring and maybe even the one with the IFS.

Hard to separate out a $$$ at the consumer level. The coach builder will spec the chassis including the IFS option as a bundle with a higher line model.

Ray,IN · 06-25-2016, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tropical36

Seems that the Spartan Mountain Master chassis, comes both ways with as near as I can figure at this early stage of learning, so the reason for the question. Also mentions a GT, which might stand for grand touring and maybe even the one with the IFS.

You may be right. My Spartan MM, GT chassis has 12,000# IFS.

Mr_D · 06-25-2016, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

You may be right. My Spartan MM, GT chassis has 12,000# IFS.

Our 2002 Dutch Star had the MM chassis and 12,000# IFS front axle when it left Newmar, but they had to have Spartan put a 14,600# IFS unit under it in 2004 as it was overweight when it left the factory.

tropical36 · 06-26-2016, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

You may be right. My Spartan MM, GT chassis has 12,000# IFS.

Actually I'm not right, as I go through the this learning process.
According to Spartan the one I'm getting, is an MG chassis???, which is also a MM chassis.
Also has the straight front axle which I find listed as having a 47 degree wheel cut. The IFS model has a 55 degree wheel cut and turns really sharp. I think the straight will be fine and less to go wrong with it. Certainly not a deal breaker, when well within my budget.
Still awaiting delivery and while correcting some things that were found during the PDI.
This from Spartan on this 07 FW Revolution LE 40E:
This chassis is:
Mountain Master MG
GVW specs - GAWF: (front) 14,000 GAWR: (rear) 20,000 GVW: (total vehicle) 34,000 GCWR: (combined with tow) 49,000
Tow hitch 15K
Front axle - Meritor Straight Axle with wheel cut of 47 degrees (the cut, I added myself, to these specs)
Drive axle – Meritor 4.88 to 1 ratio
Engine – CAT C-9 400 HP
Transmission – Allison 3000MH
Radiator – side mounted
Cooling Fan – 2 speed hydraulic
Fuel Tank – 125 gallon
Tires – 295/80R 22.5 Goodyear G670RV (at manufacture)

Tha_Rooster · 06-26-2016, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OneSebago

Looking to buy my 1st rv (2007 Fleetwood Revolution le) with solid axel, Spartan chassis. A friend said to stay away from it and buy one with IFS with 57 degree turning. What is the wheel cut on this straight axel?

The coach has 20,000 miles, cat 400, very clean $100,000.

Does IFS matter that much?

Looking for opinions, Thank you!

The le spartan has spartan front and rear parts and Fleetwood put the middle in a engineering marvel. Mine is a le rides and drives great never worried about turning degree.

tropical36 · 06-26-2016, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tha_Rooster

The le spartan has spartan front and rear parts and Fleetwood put the middle in a engineering marvel. Mine is a le rides and drives great never worried about turning degree.

I believe Fleetwood calls this their Liberty chassis, with slight mods to the Spartan and did have me confused for awhile.
My short test drive, proved great and found the turning radius to be much more than what I'm used too. Then again, didn't have an IFS to compare it to. Either way, not a deal breaker for me, considering the price, I'm paying and can do without the extra moving parts, with this monster having plenty enough of them, as it is.