TEX said:
You like the way a SFA truck tracks on the highway better? WTF?

I've towed with a lot of SFA trucks and have NEVER had one that was even remotely as comfortable to tow with as my IFS GMC. And by "comfortable", I'm not just talking about the ride - rather, I feel "comfortable" that my truck will actually go in the direction the wheel is pointed and that I will maintain control despite any pavement irregularities I encounter. The only thing that tracks worse than a SFA is Ford's old TTB - talk about scary
Dude, SFA trucks have their benefits TO BE SURE. The way they "track" on the highway is NOT one of them, though.
TEX
Honestly, that's my opinion. Not to turn this into an IFS vs. solid axle thread, but here's my explanation. I don't like the way the suspension cycles and the way the front 'bobs' as it does so. My wife and I were considering replacing our '89 Suburban (obviously, that's kind of an old vehicle but has and will continue to serve us well) and we drove about 10-12 3/4 ton IFS Subs and we both liked the way the 2 or 3 Excursions rode and drove better than the IFS Subs (ranging from older '94ish to late model '02ish). I'd have to admit, the newer generation felt better than the '91-99 versions. (and I did just get back from Oregon where we towed a CJ8 on an IFS ext. cab----I get the same feeling---it wasn't a bad feeling, just not what I'm used to and a little more 'funky' than I like). My family has been a GM family for at least 3 generations, and I want to buy a GM truck (despite the 'styling') just because I 'trust' the brand more than the alternatives, but I think my $$$ will go to F*rd just because of the suspension and the interior.
I respect that you like the suspension feeling of a '76 Caprice wagon while towing, but I'd rather have a more truck-like ride. The Dodge or the Ford give me that. (and frankly, the Dodge is pretty nice riding---kinda similar to our ZJ, which we both like quite a bit--If they only had a full size SUV, it'd be a no brainer)
A lifted solid axle Chev (the kind the suspension doesn't cycle because there is significant arch in the springs) will behave like your describing, but the stock '89 Sub I have is very predictable. If it had a turbo diesel, and a respectable air conditioner I'd just keep it until it started totally falling apart.
We live in Utah, and have some of the worst freeways I've been on. (I'm not a truck driver or anything, so there are probably worse around, but I'm not sure where) Lots of expansion joints and elevation changes within short distances on our rebuilt (for the Olympics) freeways. I'm not sure if that's a factor or not. :shrug:
Oh, and unit bearings........ They just sound like they plain suck on the modern pickups (I haven't had any issues on my coil sprung Jeeps, though) ..... :barf: $$$$ :barf: $$$$ :barf: ......