ifs strengthening?

[willbill15]

i have a 03 yukon with a 6" rcx with 315/70R17's. i put the lift on at 126,000 miles and now have 136,000 and probably need to start looking at replacing some ifs parts. i absolutely love everything about it and 4wheel it constantly. everybody tells me that the ifs is extremely weak and that i'm lucky i haven't broken anything. So i want to remain lucky and not break anything. what parts should i replace to make it stronger?

 

[bowtiefreak]

Typically what breaks are the cvs, make them stronger then teh differential housing is the weak link. Making the IFS stronger is a waste of time and money. SAS is the next level of strong.

 

[Freedom Motorsports]

I agree, beyond that, MAYBE doing HD Tie Rods and center link, but you have to be pushing some pretty good power to bend or break them. A solid axle is the only real upgrade to the ifs that will make a big enough difference to warrant the cost, and then only if you are offroad rock crawling, etc.

 

[WildBill]

Ive seen guys put the 2500 IFS parts on (I think someone on this board of FSC). I know it was involved, but I cant see a SAS being the only option. what do you need 8+ inches of lift for a SAS, I would rather put the cash into a better IFS. Wild Bill15, you should upgrade to the 2500 hardware and then put together what parts and fabbing was required!

 

[purple 'hoe]

Ive seen guys put the 2500 IFS parts on (I think someone on this board of FSC). I know it was involved, but I cant see a SAS being the only option. what do you need 8+ inches of lift for a SAS, I would rather put the cash into a better IFS. Wild Bill15, you should upgrade to the 2500 hardware and then put together what parts and fabbing was required!

You do not need 8+ inches of lift for a SFA Swap. I've seen a stock ride height 1500 OBS with a SFA on pirate4x4 a while back. The reason people go that tall, 8-10 inches is to clear 37-39 inch tall tire range. And honestly, anything more than 10 inches is too tall for everyday driving, and trail/rock use.

Not to say a Solid Axle will never break or have issues, but the typical IFS problems are
-Hub Assembly's
-CV Joints/Shafts
-Ball Joints

Also with a SFA, you can add a locker or traction device into your front axle. You CAN NOT do that with the 1500IFS and I don't think anyone really recommends it for the 2500IFS either. Also, there's no articulation with IFS (or very little). Solid Axle trucks have more articulation (Especially coil sprung axles) then IFS trucks.

 

[jdpber]

Yea the 2500 hd IFS gear is available.. and decent price for what you get.. that is what i plan to do.. the SAS is a huge chunk of change.. bc if you beef the front to a D60 you should go D 80 rear and up to 8 lug while you are going to the trouble.. i was considering a SAS with long arm.. and well ill tell you this for our trucks it is A LOT OF CUSTOM FAB.. and a nice chunk of change.. i sourced.. 2500 full front lower frame clip at LKQ for $450.. i have it at a budys shop

 

[WildBill]

the front clip sounds like a good idea. When you tear into it you should post some picks (side by side) of the 1500 - 2500 parts.

 

[slocaddy]

Tire size and hp are the deal breaker , if your happy with your setup then just upgrade what you have. cognito suspension makes upgraded parts, iv bought them for my wifes dually, i dont know if they offer 1500 parts.

 

[04PolarBear]

Interesting thread...bump