trail capable IFS???

[KADILLACKID]

Ive got the itch to build something with a bunch of parts I have layin around.

-90 reg cab 2500 6 lug frame up to back of cab(rest got chopped off,needed the room in my garage)
-91 2wd cab with doors in real good shape
-82 SRW14BFF with detroit and 4.11s
-4 ford dually rims
-new precison 4.10 R&P for the front
-6.5 turbo diesel,700,241
-63" 1/2 ton leafs
-skidplates
-shortbed chev topper shell

since I only have half a frame,I was gonna box it along the top of the rails,and build new rear rails,narrow at the back so I could inboard the leafs to use the SRW axle.I was thinkin no lift,110"WB or so and 6 315/75/16s.Id like to build a flatdeck and cage type of thing and put a topper shell I have for a shortbed on the back and a rack for my canoe/kayak up top.Think Id tear the front diff all up to shreads very often.Theres no rocks round here to crawl on,just mostly deep woods trails and some mud,Id like to build it for camping and exploring.I thought with lots of rear traction,it wouldnt really eat up my front diff.

 

[longbedder]

"Camp trails" means different things to different people. For most normal "camp trail" stuff a stock IFS is OK, but you imply something further...

If it means negotiating tough obstacles, climbing over tough stuff, and wheeling hard in mud, IFS is not really your way to go.

If you mean going fast over unimproved roads and somewhat rough terrain, it is the way to go (but not necessarily in stock form). Move your front suspension pivot points as far inboard as practical (think A-arm radius maximization).

 

[KADILLACKID]

I know that IFS isnt the greatest invention,and maybe not the best way to go,but Id like to build another truck with leftovers parts,and hopefully if it works out well and turns out to be a decent build,Ill use it for my DD.I have a big burban now,and a buggy in the works,and a gas guzzlin 2wd DD,so Im kind of trying to build myself a good all around vehicle with what Ive got.

Im gettin old so I dont really have a heavy foot,and 315s are only 35s(and not even true 35s) and I know its IFS so I wont be beating it too hard,but I will be using it on trails,rather than just dirt roads.Ill probably be buying a multimount for my winch soon also.

I thought trying an IFS truck would be fun since everyone I talk to seems to scream DANA 60 anytime anyone mentions something about offroad,but lots of people run big tires on 10 bolts and whatnot,and Ive seen lots of 38s and bigger on dana 30 jeeps.

 

[longbedder]

Don't get me wrong - there is nothing wrong with IFS in general. The offroad race guys, that's what they run (they're also mostly 2WD). Most guys on this site are more into trail crawling, rock climbing, and mud pits, though (slow speed, torque-intensive, driven front wheels). Those are the situations where the solid axle is a better design.

I run my 94 Burb with 33's - it does fine for regular backcountry stuff. There's just not a lot of articulation there.