2011 GM HD Trucks

[sklunk]

I wonder if they are finally going to get it right and put a solid front axle in there?

Chris

GM has said "No" -- they will remain IFS (at least the 2500/3500, not sure about the upcoming 4500-up).

 

[Diamondpilot]

GM has said "No" -- they will remain IFS (at least the 2500/3500, not sure about the upcoming 4500-up).

That is really too bad. I know lots of guys around here that will not even consider a GM because of it. I guess its fine in a 2 wheel drive truck but for guys who use 4x4 and plow it does not work out so well.

Chris

 

[QueBota]

Everyone I know with a Dodge complains about tire wear. Maybe the newer ones are better.

I got approx. 70K miles out of my factory set of Michelin LTX, they still had useable tread left on them. I have about 60K on my current set of LTX with at least half of the tread remaining. Not a great M/S or offroad tire but they ride and wear well for me.

I watch my tire pressure and rotate whenever the fronts start to get noisy, usually around 7500 miles.

This is on a 2001 Dodge/Cummins 2500 Quad Cab.

Dave

 

[wkpoor]

[I watch my tire pressure and rotate whenever the fronts start to get noisy, usually around 7500 miles.
/QUOTE]
Thats what I'm hearing is about 7500mi. That seems excessive to me to have to rotate that often.
The 70's and early 80's had straight front axles in the Chev but they drove like crap too. Wandered all over the place.

 

[mlauk]

2003 Dodge 2500, I rotate my tires at the half way mark, around 40,000 miles. I just switch the front tires with the backs, but really don't need to. These are BF Goodrich Rugged Trail. Never had a problem with bad wear or wandering.

 

[RobertN]

Wow, you sure have different experiences.

When I was in my teens, my Dad had a stock Chevy "heavy 1/2" ton 4x4. Long bed, 350, 4spd 4x4. He got it with a lot of miles, and we put another 150k or so on it. My brother finally did that truck in; missed a turn, did a jump, and broke motor mounts, exhaust, radiator. Fixable, but my Dad just parked it.

It was stock except for some 33x12.50's for a few years.

That truck handled great. Nothing spectacular, but to wander, death wobble, or anything like that.

It was a pretty decent truck. Except... That 350 SUCKED the gas down. And it was a pain to fill the dual tanks, especially at a busy gas station. Having the fillers on either side of the truck made it a pain. Might as well have had a 454; probably wouldn't have noticed a difference.

My old F250 with a 351 got considerably better mileage.

The 70's and early 80's had straight front axles in the Chev but they drove like crap too. Wandered all over the place.

 

[RobertN]

The Hummer is great off road, but it's IFS is a different story. More clearance, more flex. And, the whole rig is set up different. Very purpose built compared to a standard pickup

Those are legends? Legend = Jeep. So far, still solid axle.

Even the guys I know who have Toy pickups, yank the IFS for a solid axle. It would be easier if they just bought a Jeep, especially since they go on Jeep trails.

Even getting past my bias towards Jeeps, you will find very few of those "legendary" rigs running Rubicon, Barret Lake, or other hard rock trails.

Even if you lift an IFS truck for more clearance, you still do not have the flex of a solid axle rig. It can be done, but you are talking really really expensive suspensions. And the ones I have seen have exposed links running half way down the frame of the truck. A lot of over exposed stuff to hang up on obstacles.

Besides the Hummer H1 has a four-wheel fully independent suspension system and variable-rate heavy-duty coil springs and no question the off capabilities of that beast.

All the legendry off roaders like Pajero, G wagon , land rover discovery, LCruiser series have evolved from non independent live axle to Independent front and in some cases all independent suspension.

 

[jcmseven]

I do not have much of a dog in this hunt since I have owned and liked both Ford and GM products, but I cannot see a huge deal with the IFS v. the solid axle in this type truck (unless one is consistently doing heavy front weighted activities). I have owned both Ford and GM. My 250 had a solid front axle and very heavy suspension. It handled loads great and was very stable towing. It drove great on the highway also. The problem for me was that it steered slowly and the suspension pieces were so heavy they really numbed the steering precision and feel. The GMC I drive does not have the same heavy suspension pieces, and the suspension design is entirely different. Honestly, though on the road I cannot tell much difference in towing stability but the truck steers and drives much better at slower speeds. It also does have a better ride with less recoil from the steering. At highway speeds, the GMC has the faster steering response, but the actual difference is small. I know my Ford would tow. It did not have as much power as my GMC seems to, but it had good power and felt very solid pulling heavy loads. That said I see quite a few GM trucks in the 2500/3500 range pulling some big loads (at or above their rating) without any problem or sfaety concern. Some of these trucks have 300,000 miles plus on them, including the guy working on the road in our neighborhood. Pulls with a 2500 HD Chevy a 10,400 pound loaded trailer up and down mountains with 313K miles and nary a peep. As I have stated before, from a suspension perspective, if one wants the most durable front suspension Ford has it; as not only the axle but the control arms etc, are huge and very heavy. But, honestly for most of us myself included, it would seem having a bit better ride and handling is the better real world option. I feel IFS offer this better than solid front; though I have had good service thus far from both types.

John M

 

[WilliamBos]

I wonder if they are finally going to get it right and put a solid front axle in there?

Chris

The SFA is only as strong as the ball joints that hold it together. No way is it superior.

If I were doing snow for a living, I would not waste a dime on a truck for plowing, because a tractor is FAR superior to any truck for snow removal.

JMHO.

 

[salopez]

Trucks def. have their place for snow, as do tractors. There is now way to run a large snow operation from a tractor...just cant get around fast enough to check on things.