IFS to SFA conversion?

[TJ Starting]

I've had the idea for a long time that I think it would be a really fun project to convert a newer model single cab, short or regular bed 1500 GM 5.3 truck to a solid front axle with coil springs. (If I could ever get away from project TJ. )

I had a 14' Chevrolet 1500 4x4 and I liked everything about it besides the front suspension. For some reason I just despise IFS. In my mind the design is shit. Especially if its lifted. I put a 2in level on it and I preferred the ride of the TJ 100%. And I guess I'm just a solid axle fanatic. I personally think Ford did it right putting solids on their F250s. My dad has two 6.7s for his plumbing business and they are beefy. Which got me thinking, why not do basically the same thing on a 1500.

Anybody seen or know anything about something like this? I know it would be no small undertaking. Any ideas or thoughts? Just trying to gather thought for the projects I build in my head when I'm bored. Or maybe someday irl.

 

[reddvltj]

I've had the idea for a long time that I think it would be a really fun project to convert a newer model single cab, short or regular bed 1500 GM 5.3 truck to a solid front axle with coil springs. (If I could ever get away from project TJ. )

I had a 14' Chevrolet 1500 4x4 and I liked everything about it besides the front suspension. For some reason I just despise IFS. In my mind the design is shit. Especially if its lifted. I put a 2in level on it and I preferred the ride of the TJ 100%. And I guess I'm just a solid axle fanatic. I personally think Ford did it right putting solids on their F250s. My dad has two 6.7s for his plumbing business and they are beefy. Which got me thinking, why not do basically the same thing on a 1500.

Anybody seen or know anything about something like this? I know it would be no small undertaking. Any ideas or thoughts? Just trying to gather thought for the projects I build in my head when I'm bored. Or maybe someday irl.

Switching to a solid axle front from an IFS (also known as a "SOS" or solid axle swap) isn't anything new it's been done countless times, and there are conversion kits available for a lot of the more popular vehicles.
As to the ride comparison of a lifted IFS vs a solid axle, a correctly lifted IFS is going to have 10 time the ride quality, (Comfort not function) but there is a LOT more to it than a 2" leveling kit which usually consists of just a torsion bar key replacement on the GM style suspensions, or a quick coil spacer on the newer IFS systems.
Solid axle will take more HEAVY abuse without constant need of realignment etc but the IFS will always ride smoother.

Just my 2 pennies...

 

[reddvltj]

http://www.trucktrend.com/how-to/tr...ation-plus-rdp-xtreme-gm-solid-axle-swap-kit/

 

[TJ Starting]

Switching to a solid axle front from an IFS (also known as a "SOS" or solid axle swap) isn't anything new it's been done countless times, and there are conversion kits available for a lot of the more popular vehicles.
As to the ride comparison of a lifted IFS vs a solid axle, a correctly lifted IFS is going to have 10 time the ride quality, (Comfort not function) but there is a LOT more to it than a 2" leveling kit which usually consists of just a torsion bar key replacement on the GM style suspensions, or a quick coil spacer on the newer IFS systems.
Solid axle will take more HEAVY abuse without constant need of realignment etc but the IFS will always ride smoother.

Just my 2 pennies...

Yes I know theres a lot more to lifting IFS properly than just a coil spacer(which is what I did) but its pretty expensive. Not saying swapping isnt. But I would definitely like the function and strength of the solid and I've never really had a issue with how solid axles rode.

 

[TJ Starting]

http://www.trucktrend.com/how-to/tr...ation-plus-rdp-xtreme-gm-solid-axle-swap-kit/
View attachment 200148

Great read! Just need the same idea on a 1500.

 

[reddvltj]

Great read! Just need the same idea on a 1500.

I would imagine it's pretty much the same as the HD trucks only a slight modification for a smaller frame... I'm assuming that GM uses a less beefy frame in their 1500s, (not much of a chevy fan... lol)

 

[Rick Flair]

I did it to my 4Runner. It’s not hard honestly but I haven’t done so with a newer vehicle and ABS. I’m sure it’s not hard.

 

[reddvltj]

I did it to my 4Runner. It’s not hard honestly but I haven’t done so with a newer vehicle and ABS. I’m sure it’s not hard.

The ABS might be a hard hurdle to overcome unless which ever axle being swapped in has a tone ring with the same number of teeth as the GM tone rings.

Edit: If they do have the same number it would just be a matter of splicing the new sensor into the GM harness

 

[TJ Starting]

Any ideas on what axle would would be appropriate for something like this? Something similar to the factory rear axle.

 

[Rick Flair]

The ABS might be a hard hurdle to overcome unless which ever axle being swapped in has a tone ring with the same number of teeth as the GM tone rings.

Edit: If they do have the same number it would just be a matter of splicing the new sensor into the GM harness

Yeah, I know with Ford it’s not too terrible as they still have newer SFA’s that make it much easier but I’ve seen new GM trucks done so it can’t be too difficult.

 

[reddvltj]

Any ideas on what axle would would be appropriate for something like this? Something similar to the factory rear axle.

That's a good question, with nobody out there making SFA for a half ton truck the width might be an issue. I have no idea what the track width is on a GM compared to a Newer JK or JL Rubicon but that's what I would look at for as close to bolt in as you're going to get. In all reality it would probably be massively cheaper to go 3/4 ton front and rear that way bolt patterns match and tone rings all match.

 

[Rick Flair]

Any ideas on what axle would would be appropriate for something like this? Something similar to the factory rear axle.

Find one with the same side drip as your T case to start.

 

[TJ Starting]

Did a bit more searching and it looks like going to Dana 60s is pretty popular but I'm not really looking to add more strength then the factory rear has. A guy from a series on Merricks Garage on YouTube used a 1979 Ford F-250 HIGHBOY 4x4 - Dana 44 HD front axle. Thoughts?

 

[TJ Starting]

Did a bit more searching and it looks like going to Dana 60s is pretty popular but I'm not really looking to add more strength then the factory rear has. A guy from a series on Merricks Garage on YouTube used a 1979 Ford F-250 HIGHBOY 4x4 - Dana 44 HD front axle. Thoughts?

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In the part two of that video series, he talked about a kit he bought the fixes the ABS issues. And converts it to front GM disk brakes.

 

[Rick Flair]

Yeah, the HP44 isn’t exactly easy or cheap but maybe a little less than a Dana 60. The issue you run into is that parts aren’t that much cheaper and when you factor in a regear, new parts and conversions....the Dana 60 usually doesn’t cost much more. And if your converting bolt patterns you might find the larger brakes and components of the 1 ton stuff with your bigger tires is worth worthwhile.


Just spread sheet it. You will see the advantages and disadvantages easily that way.

 

[SubLime]

kits for 01-10 model years
https://www.offroaddesign.com/suspension/solid-axle-conversions/01-10-gmt800-conversion-kits.html