How about a real IFS system up front instead of an SFA?

CRD Joe · **Posted:** Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:45 pm

A friend of mine is a 4x4 shop owner and a mechanical engineer. He's built some kick booty buggies and other SFA trucks. He suggested to me that he could replace the front suspension in my CRD with a true (desert racer type I guess) IFS suspension. One that really did articulate and one that was TOUGH!

Any thoughts from you guys on that.

Tom

TexasRock · **Posted:** Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:46 pm

I am very interested in what he has to say and what he comes up with.

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Fri Mar 12, 2010 9:17 pm

$$$$$$ - how much?????????
I'm afraid the SFA will look cheap.

(although using an Al casing as a model - a sandcast or CNC'ed Steel housing might not be as bad -
but you're still limited on gearing choices)

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Fri Mar 12, 2010 9:58 pm

Yeah that would my SFA parts cost look like chump change.

CRD Joe · **Posted:** Fri Mar 12, 2010 10:20 pm

I dont see why. There are about a billion Hummer IFS parts lying around everywhere. Let alone other options. Just as an example. I wouldnt do it if it cost MORE than an SFA. At the moment Im putting together costs using Spider Trax spider 9's with Hummer portal boxes on the end. That way I should be able to get tire clearance without a hugh lift measurement.

stumpjumper_09 · **Posted:** Fri Mar 12, 2010 10:27 pm

I'll definately be watching.

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Fri Mar 12, 2010 10:40 pm

The original Liberator used an steel WJ(?)diff - but the knuckles were custom - and seriously expensive if you wanted to duplicate it
http://www.wjjeeps.com/misc/sema_2003/sema_2003.htm

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Fri Mar 12, 2010 11:36 pm

CRD Joe wrote:

I dont see why. There are about a billion Hummer IFS parts lying around everywhere. Let alone other options. Just as an example. I wouldnt do it if it cost MORE than an SFA. At the moment Im putting together costs using Spider Trax spider 9's with Hummer portal boxes on the end. That way I should be able to get tire clearance without a hugh lift measurement.

You couldn't just swap in HMMWV portals on and go,you would need completely different diff(s) made that spin the other way since the HMMWV portal hubs only are 2 gears unlike the 3x-4x more(cost wise) portal boxes that use 3-4 gears so no drivetrain mods are really needed.

Then with flipping some diffs like a 9" center section you got issues with strength since you will be applying torque to the weaker side of the R&P set which comes into play when running 35"+ tires on them.Plus HMMWV portal hubs are real fun to keep adjusted correctly,those dang lock washers(even the new improved design) are junk.

Oh and the HMMWV IFS/IRS does not have alot of flex,much less then what the KJ's OEM IFS has.

durangotang · **Posted:** Fri Mar 12, 2010 11:53 pm

Here you go.... start saving... :mrgreen:

From the manufacturer:

"4x4 Front IFS bulk Head Price is $19,500.oo

The 4x4 Front bulk head includes.

The 4x4 hubs, spindles, Tie rods, Upper and Lower arms complete, diff housing, rotors, calipers, all f911 hardware, shock tower built into the bulkhead with mounts for the ram and servo.

(No third member)

Other needed parts for the 4x4 system.

The bulk head is designed for the PROAM RAM ONLY part numbers will be given.

The Bracket that locates the ram and the Tierod will also have a part number.

The Drive line parts such as the Outer pro 4 fixed CV joints, axles and inner stub axles with 934 cvs, can be purchased from RVC with specific part numbers will be given. For this kit.

The specific King Shock combination will be given with correct valving for most applications.

We are fully aware that this is an expensive system, This is a 100% competition ready 4x4 IFS system. The system requires all the parts listed, no trying to save $500 for a less expensive heim joints and bolts. All the joints are Aura joints, you get what you pay for. If you have any questions please ask. "

CRD Joe · **Posted:** Sat Mar 13, 2010 12:03 am

Good responses for sure. Thanks.

STINGN · **Posted:** Sat Mar 13, 2010 4:32 am

Now how come no-one has tried to re-do the Liberator lift???? that thing looks CV and ball joint friendly

CRD Joe · **Posted:** Sat Mar 13, 2010 4:49 am

What exactly is that?

STINGN · **Posted:** Sat Mar 13, 2010 5:08 am

look at the angle that the cvs are at, they are almost straight like stock, where as when you lift it, they are at a much larger angle

CRD Joe · **Posted:** Sat Mar 13, 2010 6:08 am

Mostly I was curious about the complexity of a true IFS system. For low speed wheeling SFA is the way to go.

InCommando · **Posted:** Sat Mar 13, 2010 10:44 am

They idea of modifying the cradle to except a much stronger and easily available front diff. has been talked about, but no one has done it.

stumpjumper_09 · **Posted:** Sat Mar 13, 2010 12:16 pm

I was totally sold on the sfa until last weekend when the CJ7 that went wheeling with us on my trails couldn't make most of the turns that the libbys were walking through. I guess in tight wooded areas it is better to have ifs. But as evil libby found out it is better to have sfa on the rocks. Being that his is now in pieces on the rocks.

Neatus · **Posted:** Sat Mar 13, 2010 2:13 pm

stumpjumper_09 wrote:

I was totally sold on the sfa until last weekend when the CJ7 that went wheeling with us on my trails couldn't make most of the turns that the libbys were walking through. I guess in tight wooded areas it is better to have ifs. But as evil libby found out it is better to have sfa on the rocks. Being that his is now in pieces on the rocks.

The stock CJ steering doesn't have that good a turning radius. My SFA KJ turns way sharper than my CJ5 which is way shorter than the KJ. I would be willing to say that my KJ turns almost as tight as it did before and now I don't have tire rub doing it.

Donkeykong · **Posted:** Mon Mar 15, 2010 9:01 pm

I've been wondering the same thing.

http://www.chaosfab.com/86000.html

Check out the video.

What is needed is a longer intermediate shaft (the middle shaft) to make the CV's longer.

The LCA is extended by whatever the length of the intermediate shaft is, and same with the UCA.

After reading up on CV's it looks like the middle shaft is removable from the two CV's and can be custom built.

I have posted a few threads about this and haven't found much interest.

Mark

How about a real IFS system up front instead of an SFA?

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