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| | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 49 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 49 | Alright, how much of a difference does your IFS conversion really make???
I have a 38 3/4 ton Pickup and I'm up in the air about the front suspension. What I was planning on doing was keeping the org, leaf spring and solid frt axle. I will replace the org. knee action shocks with high quality modern ones(Im thinking edelbrocks), replacing all rubber bushings with polyurathanes, and adding an anti-sway bar. How do you think this will compare against and IFS system? | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 990 Member | | Member Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 990 | Well, an IFS will handle much much better. When one wheel hits a bump on a straight axle it affects the whole thing, but on IFS, only that wheel is affected.
Straight axles can handle the biggest loads, which is why I decided to stay with mine instead of going forward, which would have changed my 1 ton rating. This is why the big trucks still have straight axles and king pins.
All the mods you suggest will help, but its a pretty big leap forward to get to IFS. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,554 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,554 | I went with the IFS,there is no comparison,between that and a straight axle,for handling and ride.It all depends on what you want,and how you intend to use it.Mine is used strictly for shows,cruisins,and an occasional ride.I have had a couple of street rods with dropped front axles,newer shocks,better bushings,etc.but they still rode rough and steered hard.I think IFS is the only way to go,but then thats just my opinion. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2000 Posts: 2,074 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2000 Posts: 2,074 | I have a dropped axle, modern tube shocks, factory sway bar (off a panel), radial tires, restored stock spings, shackels etc, drives and steers great. In my 46 half ton. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 158 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 158 | I guess it depends on how smooth is smooth enough.
Do you want it smooth enough for you to ride in all day;
or smooth enough for the ol' lady to ride with ya?
I plan to save some money AND get some peace and quiet...
Cheers,
mark.
'51 KY 3100 | | | | | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | How much difference probably depends on how you plan to drive it, and where you plan to drive it. If you are going to drive nice on paved roads you may never be able to tell the difference.
The key to making a straight axle ride and drive nice is making sure the entire suspension is in good condition. Don't swap to an IFS just because your straight axle suspension is worn out.
1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble... | | | | | Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 47 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 47 | i've always liked the straight axle...just plain and simple.
1966 Chevrolet C-10
1971 Chevrolet Camaro RS
1989 Pontiac Bonneville
MY GARAGE...www.dragcitygarage.com
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 1,420 ODSS President | | ODSS President Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 1,420 | MAC, what kind of driving/hauling are you talking about. Are you ready to put more money into your truck than you did for it's initial purchase? I hear of guys doing this all the time and only bring their rides out in good weather.
I improved the ride dramatically with tube shocks, king pins, sway bar, and of course RADIALS. I haul a bit so I use LT 215 85r 16's, I assume a more comfortable ride can be had using a P tire. Incidentally, I am a daily driver of a '49 3100, '56 235, 1-hw, Fentons, '62 3sp+od, '57 3.90 rear. I have travelled in excess of 1500 mile round trips a few times.
I'm with chevyman on this one.
~ Cosmo
1949 Chevy Half Ton
Rocinante, like Don Quixote, he is awkward, past his prime, and engaged in a task beyond his capacities.
"...my good horse Rocinante, mine eternal and inseparable companion in all my journeys and courses." ...Don Quixote, Cervantes
"If you come to a fork in the road, take it."...Yogi Berra
"Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength." ...Eric Hoffer
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 926 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 926 | I kinda figure If you want soft-n-cushy,you should drive a car. I like my rough ridin',sloppy steerin',build your arm muscles up ol'trucks. And granted,IFS will help your handling,but really,you aren't goin' road racin' in it,are ya?(Actually,even my worn out ol' trucks aren't THAT hard to drive)
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