Community Forums

Jeff007 · 09-16-2003, 12:28 PM

Ok hope this hasn't been asked before, I am still trying to decide on a truck to haul the camper. Wonder who has a GM product and if you have any excessive front tire wear, from the load. Some people like that solid axle upfront, some say better ride with IFS. I have an older Chevy with IFS but have only about 1000 miles with the camper on so I haven't seen any abnormal tire wear. Thanks.

Jeff007 · 09-16-2003, 12:28 PM

Ok hope this hasn't been asked before, I am still trying to decide on a truck to haul the camper. Wonder who has a GM product and if you have any excessive front tire wear, from the load. Some people like that solid axle upfront, some say better ride with IFS. I have an older Chevy with IFS but have only about 1000 miles with the camper on so I haven't seen any abnormal tire wear. Thanks.

Jeff007 · 09-17-2003, 06:52 AM

Come on guys/gals: There must be some input for me is it a concern or not really? I have to say not, my truck doesn't seem to camber the front tires out with my 4000lb camper on it. But I'm never in front watching the front end as I go down the road.

flyinbowtie · 09-17-2003, 09:12 AM

Just my opinion, but I think that if we are talking about a 4x4 truck, the best way to go is solid front axle. The ride is a little stiffer, but they are inherently stronger, less complex. 2 wheel drive, I don't think youhave much to choose from but IFS
FBT

flyinbowtie
'97 F-350,PSD,CC,bagged,bombed,shackle reverse kit,ranchos,etc. Arctic Fox 990, play at Sand Mountain, Nevada, 600 Hp Sand Rail

Frankie · 09-17-2003, 09:34 AM

Back in 1988 I bought a new chevy 4x4 and had nothing but problems with the IFS front end.It was enough of a headache to steer me clear of ever buying another one. I like my dodge.It is a little stiffer ride but have never had a problem with the last 2 Dodges Ive owned.
I have driven my friend 4x4 duramax and ,well , let me tell ya , It was an awsome ride, but I am still down on GM.They didnt stand behind me on my last one .

Frankie
02 3/4 Dodge Ram quadcab shortbed 4x4
01 Keystone Springdale 260tbl 26'

30yrtc · 09-17-2003, 11:59 AM

CHEV/GM :I prefer the IFS ( torsion Bars ) over the old GM Coil suspension . Much less " Bounce ".
I got 232K from my 1/2 ton Z71, Way overloaded.....

Now Have a Duelly, also 4x4 with IFS Rides Very Good...

In both cases tire wear was exceptional, 90-100K
miles on Cooper's on Z71... ( Rotate Regularly )

I think the secret to good tire wear is Air Bags.
Keep truck level so front end remains "Aliened " ..

I believe that heavy loads that raise the front causes
tire wear.

The old solid axle may be stronger, but I don't Plow or OFF Road. and I have not had any front drive train problems with IFS.

Did drive a 2001 Dodge Duelly, I was really impressed with
the Truck.... Like that Cummins...

Ditto on GM, bad consumer support....I buy used so I do not have to deal with GM Warrenty work.....

J & S · 09-17-2003, 12:26 PM

Jeff007:
This is our 2nd GM 4x4 product with IFS and wouldn't have anything else. They ride great loaded or unloaded and with the addition of Rancho 9000X's it's even better. Solid axles are ok but they do add more weight to the vehicle. As was stated above torsion bar suspension is better for performance and handling than coil springs. Good Luck........Steve...

http://jeanieandsteve.irv2.com/about.html

Rick Horwitz · 09-18-2003, 02:51 PM

"As was stated above torsion bar suspension is better for performance and handling than coil springs"

Oh... really... then why is it that all the desert race trucks, and race cars of all kinds use coil springs rather than torsion bars?

If you want the spring that is holding up your rigs front end acting as a skid plate under your truck go for the IFS Chevy/Ford. If you want a REAL 4x4 front axle go with the sold axle in a Dodge.

I have a 2003 Ram Cummins 4x4 and the ride is amazing. I was worried about that since the truck I traded in was a 2001 Dodge 2wd truck with IFS. I figured going to a solid axle 4x4 was going to be a down grade in handling. Boy was I wrong! The truck handles terrific!

2003 Ram, Cummins HO, 6 speed, DRW

Dave Pelletier · 09-19-2003, 06:28 AM

To answer your question,
I don't think you will have problems with the GM IFS with regards to tire wear. The whole CV, torsion bar setup looked inherently complicated (and expensive to fix) to me, but after having 170,000 mi on our '93 chev, we haven't had any front end problems at all. Haven't even aligned the wheels. Despite this, it is hard to refute the brute strength of the straight axle. My buddy's '98 Chev puked out a gear in his dana 60 right through the aluminum carrier. Steel is stronger (and heavier). Same buddy just bought an '03 dodge quad cab dually and the ride is excellent.
So, to recap; you should be fine with the IFS and tire wear. The straight axles are stronger, heavier and simpler. A u-joint is a whole magnitude cheaper to replace than a CV joint. On the other hand, I haven't needed to replace anything on the IFS yet.
Hope this helps
Dave

Bigfoot 25C9.5, 2001.5 Dodge 2500 Cummins, Wells Cargo EW1622 partially camperized.

Jeff007 · 09-19-2003, 11:08 AM

Dave:
Thanks that is pretty much what I was looking for, I was just concerned that there would be excessive or abnormal tire wear. Most I have talked with don't have any problems. Thanks for all the input.

30yrtc · 09-20-2003, 11:57 AM

Never seen a desert racer with a 3000 lb truck camper.....Am I missing something?

BradW · 09-20-2003, 12:21 PM

I had an independent front axle on my '96 F-250 4x4 SRW. I have a solid front axle on my '01 F-350 4x4 SRW. At least as far as these two trucks go, I much prefer the solid axle. Other's results may vary.

BradW

'96 Lance 500, '01 F-350 Powerstroke SC 4X4 SRW, Rancho 9000's, Air Lift Air Springs, Titan Hitch w/24" extension, Happijac Tie-downs, Line-X Bed Liner, 18' Bumble Bee / 150 ProV Yamaha, 16' Aluminum / 35 Honda

Don and Sarah · 09-20-2003, 09:07 PM

Last time I looked I had solid axle in the Ford, I think some one needs to be a little more specific about Fords and IFS.

'03 F350 DRW 6.0 auto
2003 A990S Arctic Fox
Torklift tiedowns, superhitch to tow toys. Jeep on a trailer or 18' boat.

Dave Pelletier · 09-23-2003, 11:18 AM

Don and Sarah,
Brad is right, his '96 F250 4x4 had independant front suspension, as did mine. The Ford IFS is totally different than the chevy setup and used leaf springs and a hokey front axle arrangement. Because of its single pivot point vs. the chevy control arm set-up, it was common for these trucks to have uneven tire wear. This system was used by Ford until the new HD,s came out in '99. F-350 4x4's had the straight axle, only the lighter trucks got the IFS. I think the new 3/4 tons have a different system, but I am not positive.
Dave

ps. I agree with Brad, I much prefer the solid axle.

Bigfoot 25C9.5, 2001.5 Dodge 2500 Cummins, Wells Cargo EW1622 partially camperized.