SFA is better and cheaper (if your truck comes SFA) to 4 wheel with. SFA is old tech which isnt bad because its much more durable and stronger due to less moving parts. IFS is a much softer better feeling suspension on the road which is where 90% of ppl that buy 4x4 drive them. Btw chevy dode and ford all have ifs trucks but for 3/4 and 1 ton trucks i think ford and dodge still use sfa while gm uses a beefed up IFS.
why doesnt GM use SFAs?
Ok i dont really know much about SFAs except that they are just that, sfa and that they use leaf springs. Ive noticed ford has them, not sure if dodge has them...but why doesnt chevy (or dodge if they have IFS) have SFA? are there more disadvantages to having a SFA then there are advantages? is it easier and cheaper to GM to make IFS? is it just a smoother ride type of deal or what? why no sfa?
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Probly because IFS handles allot better, and steers easier. Now days the trucks are made for ease of use for every type of driver, I.E. push button 4wd. I believe dodge went to IFS when they updated body styles, and ford is due for an update on their super dutie line. So the SFA's probly wont be around for too much longer. IMO
:read:KoTToN said:IFS is a much softer better feeling suspension on the road which is where 90% of ppl that buy 4x4 drive them.
those were my thoughts...just wanted to check, i figured IFS rode better then SFA...thanks guys
half ton dodges are, but the hd's are still dana 60'sSilverado said:I believe dodge went to IFS when they updated body styles, and ford is due for an update on their super dutie line.
ford the new superduties are still sfa, but with coils
Why goes backwards a step? It's just a matter of time before Ford and Dodge covert to IFS on all their trucks.
We're beating a dead horse here.
Most of us seem to agree that SFA would be better for us 4 wheelin' enthusiasts. But the fact of that matter is that more people would prefer a nice ride and good handling. And the vast majority just dont give a shit either way.
Most of us seem to agree that SFA would be better for us 4 wheelin' enthusiasts. But the fact of that matter is that more people would prefer a nice ride and good handling. And the vast majority just dont give a shit either way.
I think truck manufacturers are aiming to make trucks more like cars. IMO, trucks are trucks, not cars, there should be a distinct line drawn between the 2 of them. Unfortunetly, that line is getting blurred.
I don't forsee Ford changing the IFS to SFA anytime soon. How many superduties do you see lifted? LOTS. Granted, it may not be a big percentage, but it will upset LOTS of people if they change.
I don't forsee Ford changing the IFS to SFA anytime soon. How many superduties do you see lifted? LOTS. Granted, it may not be a big percentage, but it will upset LOTS of people if they change.
:word: every car and truck manufacturer whats thier trucks to be as smooth riding as possible, which is why IFS got big in the late 80s. the superduty trucks are built to be really strong work trucks, and do a good job of that IMO. they have beefy axles, strong motors (with the exception of the 5.4), strong everything, interiors aren't the best, but hell, they are made to be work trucks. Chevy on the other hand, IFS, pretty strong parts, strong motors, interiors are pretty nice...can be a work truck, but shouldn't be used day in and day out...you can tow a tractor in luxury with a GM every once in a while, Ford is built to do it everyday...IFS is woderful for the 99% of people that will never have thier trucks see more than a gravel parking lot or a dirt road. for the other 1%, you can a) buy a pre 92 blazer/sub, pre 88 half ton w/ sfa and stop bitchin, or do what Dark Eternal is doin and build your current 88 or newer truck into an SFA monster...Sr2003 said:I think truck manufacturers are aiming to make trucks more like cars. IMO, trucks are trucks, not cars, there should be a distinct line drawn between the 2 of them. Unfortunetly, that line is getting blurred.
Grant said:We're beating a dead horse here.
Most of us seem to agree that SFA would be better for us 4 wheelin' enthusiasts. But the fact of that matter is that more people would prefer a nice ride and good handling. And the vast majority just dont give a shit either way.
:word: The only thing i do not get is why GM can not make it an OPTION. Make all the IFS trucks you want for the people that want them but It should be where a SFA is an option for the ones that want it :read:
We need to start a Petition :read:
word to that, maybe way into the future, but ford knows thats why the sell the most 3/4 and 1 tons.Sr2003 said:I don't forsee Ford changing the IFS to SFA anytime soon. How many superduties do you see lifted? LOTS. Granted, it may not be a big percentage, but it will upset LOTS of people if they change.
I agree with bd, i wish they would make an option, or even a special order for a front dana 60.
cuz of all the $$ it would cost them to provide and install that option.
Esp. if it was a coil job instead of leafs. Now you've got me dreaming again. A 2500HD with Dana 60 up front and 14BFF in the rear. Both on coils. Right off the dealers lot. Where do I sign?!Andy said:I agree with bd, i wish they would make an option, or even a special order for a front dana 60.
01Z71GMC said:Esp. if it was a coil job instead of leafs. Now you've got me dreaming again. A 2500HD with Dana 60 up front and 14BFF in the rear. Both on coils. Right off the dealers lot. Where do I sign?!
:word: If you find where to sign.. pass it my way!
If they kept the 1500's on IFS would be fine IMO. But for the 2500 or 2500HD+ even if it is not standard there should be a SFA option on these trucks IMO.
EXACTLY.Grant said:But the fact of that matter is that more people would prefer a nice ride and good handling. And the vast majority just dont give a shit either way.
If SFA is the best for offroading...why does the Hummer H1 use independent suspension all the way around?
I don't know a lot about offroad suspensions...but I am curious as why to SFA is better, yet the ultimate offroad vechicle uses IFS and IRS.
I'll go back to my street forum now :crazy:
I don't know a lot about offroad suspensions...but I am curious as why to SFA is better, yet the ultimate offroad vechicle uses IFS and IRS.
I'll go back to my street forum now :crazy:
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA[yet the ultimate offroad vechicle uses IFS and IRS
Thanks I needed a laugh...
The hmmwv was designed to perform mainly out in the desert at high speeds. Thus the 4 wheel independent suspension. They wanted something with high ground clearance, hence the geared hubs, and wanted some good vertical wheel travel. It is far from the ultimate off road vehicle, hell we see a couple being pulled off of trails often, broken geared hubs mostly. That and a-arms ripping off of the frame mounts... The ideal setup is a portal solid axle setup such as a Unimog or Volvo axle, but this doesn't offer the vertical travel of the independent setup.
Anywho, my thoughts on the matter. GM caters more torwards all of the soccer moms and the lawyer dads who want to drive a truck but also want it to replace their older mercedes or bmw they used to drive. Thus they use IFS and really soft leafs or coils in the back to give it a better ride. 90% of all 4x4's sold today never go off road, people just seem to want them...
The hummer had a beefy IFS compared to reg ifs trucks. Like Jason said its more for desert than anything which is why they need the most height and travel they can get. The ultimate offroad vehical to be would be an M1A1 Ambrams tank which will get you anywhere and if theirs a roadblock just shoot it. SFA is better for most off roaders because it does better on trails and mud and rocks, so unless you in the desert and want a prerunner SFA would be the way to go. BTW i would also gladely sign up on that gm 2500 SFA paper if you would kindly pass it to me next! 
dont abrams have jet turbines on the?
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