[Bill_L]

Why does everyone on here seem to hate it so much? I am sure that it is not as strong as a solid axle but there must be some good points with it as well as a few bad. There are good and bad points to everything..

Anyone?

 

[TUNIS]

Yeah Bill, you're right? There's gotta be a reason why Dodge changed their front suspension/axle set-up??? But you kinda wonder why??? After so many years...maybe change is good? Could be bad? Maybe Dodge wants to be like all the other trucks out there...but that takes away Dodge's saying:
D I F F E R E N T !!! I guess we'll just wait and see...who knows...they may go back to the solid axle 4X4???

 

[big pa s]

solid axle
positives
greater articulation
stronger (less parts)
cheaper to mantain (less parts)
cheaper to lift (less parts)
cheaper to manufacture(less parts)
Less parts to break (less parts)
Negatives
rougher ride on the road
rougher ride off the road
(usually but good aftermarket kits can make it too close to call)

I own a '97 Ford and I pretty much a Ford guy but I almost bought a Dodge before my current truck just because of the solid axle. My next truck will be a superduty Ford with a solid front axle.

As far as why did they switch. Simple because most people don't use their trucks for off-roading. they only use them to go back and forth getting groceries and carrying lumber so for that an IFS is good enough and it provides a smoother ride for the wife while going shopping <IMG SRC="/board/images/smilies/icon_frown.gif">

 

[Outlaw Ram]

IFS on a 1/2 ton is ok. But you cant alienate solid axle fans all together. 3/4 and 1 tons should have the solid axle for good. I talked to a dealership and they said that Frod and Chevy half tons were outselling them badly. So thats why they switched.

 

[wickedakota]

I seen in Four Wheeler magazine a '03 Dodge Ram 3/4 ton that still had the solid axle. I'm sure Dodge is going to stick with the solid axle under the 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks. I think it also had the body design of the '02 Ram too.

 

[Ian_Wallace]

IFS has a smoother ride. Since the majority of people who purchase their 4x4s rarely take them off pavement, they usually look for smoother riding vehicles...trucks that ride like cars. The majority of people of people who purchase heavier duty trucks will/should actually use them. They should stay solid up front. I would have bought a 3/4 ton if I was able to afford it...