Re: TOY: IFS vs. Live Axles

["Allen Dickenson" <fort.knox@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> This weekend I was wheeling with an IFS truck. We were at Paragon, and on
> the Voodoo trail. On a section of trail that I have run numerous times
(with
> absolutely no breakage) this guy gernaded 2 CVs within 10 ft. Sure, the
> Birfield is a weak point, but compared to a CV, I believe that it is a
whole
> lot stronger. This guy was not heavy on the go pedal, he was driving in a
> straight line, and I saw no reason for them to pop like they did.

Does he have the torsion bars cranked way up?  Just curious b/c I thought by
now I would've broken way more CV's than I have just based on how wussified
everybody says they are.  I've broken one CV since I've had my truck...and
that time I actually broke the stub axle that goes into the knuckle, not the
joint itself.  Textbook situation too....hung up on a rock, backing up,
wheels turned, first trip out w/ the front locker.  Heck, I've had more
trouble w/ the rear axle (grenaded ring & pinion, countless axle seals and a
couple wheel bearings) than the front!

That being said....I'm going w/ a SAS sometime soon (got everything but
springs, shocks and the axle rebuild kit).  It's not b/c I think IFS sucks.
I've wheeled some pretty tough trails w/ the stock IFS.  With a locker up
front, you can get away w/ a whole lot of tire lifting if you know how to
drive sensibly.  I'm going w/ the solid axle for all the reasons that
everybody knows.....flex, durability, selectable locker, simplicity, etc.,
not because I don't think the IFS can be wheeled.  Just because one is
better in a lot of ways doesn't mean that all else sucks.

IFS, solid axle, whatever....it's all wheelin'.  That's what matters, right?


Allen Dickenson      TLCA #6318
http://www.geocities.com/Baja/Trails/8895/
1995 4Runner UnLimited - "Fort Knox" - Lifted, Locked, Geared, Warn'd,
Snorkeled & Dented.