Dreaming

revrnd · September 27, 2003

With GM cutting the price of the Quadra Steer option, one wonders if the money spent on new inner & outer box sides to accommodate the axle, if this money would have been better spent in putting a solid front axle in the K2500HDs & K3500s?

I realize the axle setup itself was developed by Delphi, so GM didn't really spent a huge amount. Mostly 4 sets of dies to stamp out the panels.

I think if they had a solid axle in the front they would take a lot of sales from Ford & Dodge. When I was in northern British Columbia in 1999 (just before the Silverado HD was intro'd) All the logging & construction service trucks I saw were Dodges & SD Fords. No GMs. All these trucks had HD aftermarket pickup style boxes installed. Sort of like a Power Wagon or M715 box.

4 years later can anyone comment on the GM penetration of the HD market (logging, construction, etc.)?

CMNTMXR81 · September 27, 2003

Around here all three are pretty evenly represented in terms of sales.

I also fail to understand what the attraction is with a SFA. The minimal loss of maximum load capacity vs. ride quality isn't worth GM investing millions of dollars to run two front axle assemblies, two different tooling's for those two axle assemblies, different frame alterations, etc, etc.

Most customers seem to agree and Chevy has been very successful with IFS. Last I towed, I towed with the trailer BEHIND me. Last I hauled 5,000lbs in the bed, it was centered over the REAR axle. I don't plow frequently, but a simple adjustment of the torsion bars makes up for it's mass. Kinda see where I'm going.

I'll gladly give up a few pounds of maximum front weight capacity for a more comfortable, compliant and forgiving ride as well as superior handling. Also, most of the work I do with my truck centers around the back of it, not the front.

Sorry, to me money spent on an SFA setup is money pissed away.

HendyPhoto · September 27, 2003

I wouldnt ever want a solid front axle again! I have had a few through the years, and they feel like you are driving on washboard ALL the time. WAY too stiff, and an awful ride, especially offroad. I am with CMNTMXR all the way, I fail to see the attraction, maybe because thats all they could come up with, and there are alot of dedicated Ford owners that will buy anyting that Ford puts out! ALTHOUGH!!!!!! Even if Ford had the same setup as GMC, I still wouldnt buy a Ford.

99-2door · September 27, 2003

I'll gladly give up a few pounds of maximum front weight capacity for a more comfortable, compliant and forgiving ride as well as superior handling.

Sorry, to me money spent on an SFA setup is money pissed away.

It's time Ford and Dodge got their act together and moved out of the 70s with their suspensions.

To me this is one of GM's strong advantages over the other mfgs.

pacodiablo · September 28, 2003

Apparently all of the SD owners (and there are many) think otherwise.

Why should Ford change? People buy them and like them. No reason for Ford to change...just buy a GM if you don't like it.

revrnd · September 28, 2003

Jon, how much did it cost you to lift your truck? Did you do it yourself?

I had a '82 GMC K15 that I put a 6" Rough Country suspension lift it by myself in my driveway. Would I attempt to lift the GMT400 or the 2 GMT800s I've owned? No, IMO, too much cutting & grinding. How much would a shop charge to do this?

Are the CV boots in the GM IFS any different than those in a car? I'd hate to have one go & have to swap out the axle end to replace it.. In less than 55,000 kms I had both the LH & RH axle seals replaced due to leaking on my '94 K1500. This was after moderate off road use & the stock 265 tires. Fortunately these replacements were done under warranty.

My '82 GMC, never had any axle problems during the 130,000 kms I owned it. That truck had 33" & 38" mudders on it & was used a lot harder than the '94.

HendyPhoto · September 28, 2003

RVRND, There is no cutting or grinding on these new lifts, its a one piece, bolt on sub frame, and you could do it yourself in a day (8-10 hours). To have a shop install it, would run you about 500 bucks. The lift comes with drop brackets for everything, and new spindles. SIMPLE!! here is a picture of all the components on my lift. (tuff country)