joez
1/2 ton status
Like i said, ford has never used a 5-link, they use radius arms. Thats how their coil suspensions have always been.
CK5
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Will Gm ever bring back sfa???
- Thread starter protechk5
- Start date
Fry
1/2 ton status
eveyone keeps talking about he nicer ride for IFS being the main reason for no SFA in chevy but don't they have a SFA with leafs in thier one tons 2wds? I know they did cause my brother had a chev service truck with one, but it was like a 2001 or so.
I just bought a 99 (old body style) Z71 and I love the ride, handling, etc of the IFS. But its also never getting lifted or anything either so IFS is fine in my situation.
I just bought a 99 (old body style) Z71 and I love the ride, handling, etc of the IFS. But its also never getting lifted or anything either so IFS is fine in my situation.
sled_dog
1 ton status
not 1 tons, they are the 3500HDs they are like a 1 1/4 ton I'd guess.
if GM had a SFA i'd be driving one instead of my 350 SD. i had a f-250 (an 86) withe that ifs. and their is just to many weak links in an ifs. IMHO /forums/images/graemlins/k5.gifto /forums/images/graemlins/truck.gif
I wish they would, by the time it happens though I will just be getting out of debt
Pookster
1/2 ton status
3500 HD's are totally different from 3500's. Dunno why they gave it such a similiar name. (Another GM issue, just like "Blazer" s10 and k5 variants)
3500HD's use 10 lug 19.5" wheels. And they I believe were 2wd only.
3500HD's use 10 lug 19.5" wheels. And they I believe were 2wd only.
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P.S. The new '05 superduty is a badass truck, they finally junked the leafs and went coils and 5 link up front, kind of like the dodges and early 78-79 f150's.
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Uh, i guess you havet actually seen a ford link suspension. They do not, nor have they ever had a 5-link. They use Radius arms, and the only thing similar to the dodge suspension is the fact that they use coils and have a trac bar.
[/ QUOTE ] I have not yet had a chance to take a peek at an '05 yet but have seen the advertisements for the new "5 link" front suspension. What the "5 link" ford setup consists of I could care less because I have read that it is similar to the early coiled trucks. My GF's dad has two 1979 F150 rangers and have spent plenty of time under those, it could be setup better but it's tried and true. I am tickled to death that Ford went back to a coil suspension setup because IMHO that is a better design up front. I am expecting a better ride than an '04 and obviously there is no debate that they can handle more weight and brake better than the '04's. Not to mention that new front axle is probably going to be a parts pickers dream in a few years, 6,000 load rating from thicker tubes, coil perches, and 35 spline throughout. THey have ball joints...ya ya....IIRC no one makes a front axle with king pins anymore and I would imagine, like a SFA under a chevy, king pins are unfortunately a thing of the past under a light duty truck.
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P.S. The new '05 superduty is a badass truck, they finally junked the leafs and went coils and 5 link up front, kind of like the dodges and early 78-79 f150's.
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Uh, i guess you havet actually seen a ford link suspension. They do not, nor have they ever had a 5-link. They use Radius arms, and the only thing similar to the dodge suspension is the fact that they use coils and have a trac bar.
[/ QUOTE ] I have not yet had a chance to take a peek at an '05 yet but have seen the advertisements for the new "5 link" front suspension. What the "5 link" ford setup consists of I could care less because I have read that it is similar to the early coiled trucks. My GF's dad has two 1979 F150 rangers and have spent plenty of time under those, it could be setup better but it's tried and true. I am tickled to death that Ford went back to a coil suspension setup because IMHO that is a better design up front. I am expecting a better ride than an '04 and obviously there is no debate that they can handle more weight and brake better than the '04's. Not to mention that new front axle is probably going to be a parts pickers dream in a few years, 6,000 load rating from thicker tubes, coil perches, and 35 spline throughout. THey have ball joints...ya ya....IIRC no one makes a front axle with king pins anymore and I would imagine, like a SFA under a chevy, king pins are unfortunately a thing of the past under a light duty truck.
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P.S. The new '05 superduty is a badass truck, they finally junked the leafs and went coils and 5 link up front, kind of like the dodges and early 78-79 f150's.
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Going to coils was a dumb move just not as rugged as a set of leafs. Dodge is a joke as well with Their hubless front axels.
I still dont like the ideal of coils but at least it does have hubs and a lever on the t-case.
[/ QUOTE ] I beg to differ...after owning both a leaf sprung chevy and now a coiled HD truck I would take my dodge anyday. It rides 10 times better than my blazer ever did with stock springs.
The dodge is a joke??? It sure is nice throwing the tcase LEVER in 4wd and having it lock automatically. I got slightly stuck for the first time in my new 4wd dodge the other day, shifted in 4wd, and backed out without spinning a wheel and without having to get out to lock the hubs in along with tracking mud back in all over my leather interior. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif The CAD setup isn't as bad as some people HEAR it is IMHO. Just like how the frame can crack at the steering box on the early chevys. Not as a big of deal as it sounds sometimes.
ANyway, you can keep your stiff leafs and lock out hubs. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
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Not to mention Fords have always been better quality than the Dodge's.
[/ QUOTE ] BAHHHHHHH! Go actually look at the ford's interior! I wouldn't take the ford interior if it came with 500 bucks!
I parked my "poorly made" stereo typed dodge next to me neighbors 2004 HARLEY EDITION ford SD and my black leather seats looked much thicker and tougher along with a more attractive design than his black leather seats. I was simply amazed on how much nicer my black leather interior in my '01 was over his leather '04 harley SD.
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P.S. The new '05 superduty is a badass truck, they finally junked the leafs and went coils and 5 link up front, kind of like the dodges and early 78-79 f150's.
[/ QUOTE ]
Going to coils was a dumb move just not as rugged as a set of leafs. Dodge is a joke as well with Their hubless front axels.
I still dont like the ideal of coils but at least it does have hubs and a lever on the t-case.
[/ QUOTE ] I beg to differ...after owning both a leaf sprung chevy and now a coiled HD truck I would take my dodge anyday. It rides 10 times better than my blazer ever did with stock springs.
The dodge is a joke??? It sure is nice throwing the tcase LEVER in 4wd and having it lock automatically. I got slightly stuck for the first time in my new 4wd dodge the other day, shifted in 4wd, and backed out without spinning a wheel and without having to get out to lock the hubs in along with tracking mud back in all over my leather interior. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif The CAD setup isn't as bad as some people HEAR it is IMHO. Just like how the frame can crack at the steering box on the early chevys. Not as a big of deal as it sounds sometimes.
ANyway, you can keep your stiff leafs and lock out hubs. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
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Not to mention Fords have always been better quality than the Dodge's.
[/ QUOTE ] BAHHHHHHH! Go actually look at the ford's interior! I wouldn't take the ford interior if it came with 500 bucks!
I parked my "poorly made" stereo typed dodge next to me neighbors 2004 HARLEY EDITION ford SD and my black leather seats looked much thicker and tougher along with a more attractive design than his black leather seats. I was simply amazed on how much nicer my black leather interior in my '01 was over his leather '04 harley SD.
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P.S. The new '05 superduty is a badass truck, they finally junked the leafs and went coils and 5 link up front, kind of like the dodges and early 78-79 f150's.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah, maybe they can have broken track bars and worn out front bushings too. /forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif
If anything they should have put a kingpin frontend in it.
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ah, simple fix in the 2nd gen dodges. Aftermarket track bar and the problem is fixed. THe 3rd gens have a much better track bar anyway.
Like I said in the post above, I'll take my coils over leafs anyday. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif
Oh, and you can forget about kingpins, unfortunately at the moment they seem gone forever in a light duty truck.
[ QUOTE ]
P.S. The new '05 superduty is a badass truck, they finally junked the leafs and went coils and 5 link up front, kind of like the dodges and early 78-79 f150's.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah, maybe they can have broken track bars and worn out front bushings too. /forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif
If anything they should have put a kingpin frontend in it.
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ah, simple fix in the 2nd gen dodges. Aftermarket track bar and the problem is fixed. THe 3rd gens have a much better track bar anyway.
Like I said in the post above, I'll take my coils over leafs anyday. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif
Oh, and you can forget about kingpins, unfortunately at the moment they seem gone forever in a light duty truck.
84_Chevy_K10
Banned
Having a track bar period proves its a crappy design.
They were too lazy to design a real 4 link to they slopped that mess together.
They should have just left the leaves...less wearable parts and works just as well or better.
Then again the Ford has a track bar even with leaves. /forums/images/graemlins/angryfire.gif
They were too lazy to design a real 4 link to they slopped that mess together.
They should have just left the leaves...less wearable parts and works just as well or better.
Then again the Ford has a track bar even with leaves. /forums/images/graemlins/angryfire.gif
joez
1/2 ton status
[ QUOTE ]
Having a track bar period proves its a crappy design.
They were too lazy to design a real 4 link to they slopped that mess together.
They should have just left the leaves...less wearable parts and works just as well or better.
Then again the Ford has a track bar even with leaves. /forums/images/graemlins/angryfire.gif
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Tim, i think you need to go study suspesnion designs and characteristics a little more before you try to criticise the chrysler/AMC front 5-link. /forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif
Oh, and Ford runs a track bar for better towing characteristics and handling, as leaf springs still deflect, no matter how stiff they make them.
Having a track bar period proves its a crappy design.
They were too lazy to design a real 4 link to they slopped that mess together.
They should have just left the leaves...less wearable parts and works just as well or better.
Then again the Ford has a track bar even with leaves. /forums/images/graemlins/angryfire.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
Tim, i think you need to go study suspesnion designs and characteristics a little more before you try to criticise the chrysler/AMC front 5-link. /forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif
Oh, and Ford runs a track bar for better towing characteristics and handling, as leaf springs still deflect, no matter how stiff they make them.
[ QUOTE ]
Having a track bar period proves its a crappy design.
They were too lazy to design a real 4 link to they slopped that mess together.
They should have just left the leaves...less wearable parts and works just as well or better.
Then again the Ford has a track bar even with leaves. /forums/images/graemlins/angryfire.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
Tim, what do you expect them to do? Put the engine up above the hood so that there is room for a triangulated 4 link without hitting the oil pan? You seriously need to shut up about stuff you know nothing about.
Having a track bar period proves its a crappy design.
They were too lazy to design a real 4 link to they slopped that mess together.
They should have just left the leaves...less wearable parts and works just as well or better.
Then again the Ford has a track bar even with leaves. /forums/images/graemlins/angryfire.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
Tim, what do you expect them to do? Put the engine up above the hood so that there is room for a triangulated 4 link without hitting the oil pan? You seriously need to shut up about stuff you know nothing about.
84_Chevy_K10
Banned
They're actually extremely soft, thus the track bar.
I personally feel that the sway bar should be sufficient to do the job....if not, at least run one or the other.
The drag links without replaceable ends are another hack job.
I personally feel that the sway bar should be sufficient to do the job....if not, at least run one or the other.
The drag links without replaceable ends are another hack job.
sled_dog
1 ton status
ever look at the sway bar on a SD? Its mounted to the frame by long links that would deflect easily with the leaf springs. Side to side it would do nothing, thats not the purpose of a sway bar, using it as such would put unneeded stress on the bushings, the we'd be saying how the sway bar bushings wear out too fast.
joez
1/2 ton status
[ QUOTE ]
They're actually extremely soft, thus the track bar.
I personally feel that the sway bar should be sufficient to do the job....if not, at least run one or the other.
The drag links without replaceable ends are another hack job.
[/ QUOTE ]
Thats exactly what i was getting at. They can make them as stiff as they want, but they are still gonna deflect. So why not make the ride more comfortable with less deflection? And the springs are not THAT soft. The sway bar only controls body roll, it is not meant to keep the axle centered under a high lateral load. Sway bars have a "spring" rate as well, they are supposed to be able to flex. If you made them solid enough to control deflection, it would no longer control body roll, and it would feel like you were riding on a sheet of plywood.
They're actually extremely soft, thus the track bar.
I personally feel that the sway bar should be sufficient to do the job....if not, at least run one or the other.
The drag links without replaceable ends are another hack job.
[/ QUOTE ]
Thats exactly what i was getting at. They can make them as stiff as they want, but they are still gonna deflect. So why not make the ride more comfortable with less deflection? And the springs are not THAT soft. The sway bar only controls body roll, it is not meant to keep the axle centered under a high lateral load. Sway bars have a "spring" rate as well, they are supposed to be able to flex. If you made them solid enough to control deflection, it would no longer control body roll, and it would feel like you were riding on a sheet of plywood.
Diesel Dan
1/2 ton status
From my experience in stock configuration here is how my trucks rated: best to worst.
1)2000 K3500 SRW crew cab
2)1998 Dodge 3/4 ton diesel
3)1988 V30 SRW crewcab
4)1990 Dodge 3/4 ton diesel
This is comparing front suspension ride, all rode like crap on the rear due to the heavy springs. In the 4 days I had the ram before it got wrecked we had already figured out that a GM crewcab was back in the picture. Dodge's cab is just too small, still no real crewcab.
Once had a 1985 1 ton crewcab chevy that rode very good. It had 4" softride springs that were settled down to about 2" of lift and running 35" a/t radials. That did ride good but wasn't good for towing with the extra height.
My brother still owns the old '88 crew, evertime we take it on rough rodes it reminds me how much better my '00 rides. For a solid axle I would much rather have the coils.
For those that thing coils are for wimps....my 'mog has 4 wheel coils /forums/images/graemlins/woot.gif!
1)2000 K3500 SRW crew cab
2)1998 Dodge 3/4 ton diesel
3)1988 V30 SRW crewcab
4)1990 Dodge 3/4 ton diesel
This is comparing front suspension ride, all rode like crap on the rear due to the heavy springs. In the 4 days I had the ram before it got wrecked we had already figured out that a GM crewcab was back in the picture. Dodge's cab is just too small, still no real crewcab.
Once had a 1985 1 ton crewcab chevy that rode very good. It had 4" softride springs that were settled down to about 2" of lift and running 35" a/t radials. That did ride good but wasn't good for towing with the extra height.
My brother still owns the old '88 crew, evertime we take it on rough rodes it reminds me how much better my '00 rides. For a solid axle I would much rather have the coils.
For those that thing coils are for wimps....my 'mog has 4 wheel coils /forums/images/graemlins/woot.gif!
