Is my Ranger a IFS?

Chris · #1 07-31-2010, 10:09 PM

I got into an argument tonight with a boy over the rangers suspension. He argued it was a Twin I Beam then it went to a IFS. I was wondering if it was, and if it isn't what exactly is it, and how does it work?

smakes · #2 07-31-2010, 10:17 PM

if your asking about your 2004, then yes, its is independent front suspension (control arms)
all rangers from 83-97 were Twin I beam, wich is still IFS, then 98+ is control arms with torsions, or coils, wich are all still IFS

and SFS or SFA (solid front axle) are on the old 4x4's that have an actual full axle with a differential in it

Chris · #3 08-01-2010, 10:18 AM

I thought it had a wish bone style suspension? I could of swore the Chevy S-10's and what not are the only ones that used the IFS. I guess I was wrong.

SPless · #4 08-01-2010, 10:45 PM

Actually, Drew does talk in exactly that same manner and is one of the coolest guys I have ever met. The harsh statement could have something to do with the fact that it doesn't really matter if it is twin I-beam, control arm, or a wishbone style...they are all different forms of IFS

Chris · #5 08-01-2010, 11:09 PM

I apologize for not using the search feature and actually finding the info I needed, but I am not about to sift through a bunch of post via my iPhone. I was in a quick hurry to find out when I made the post, and again even with the search feature, it doesn't tell me what I really wanted to know, which is; how is the Ranger's suspension better then a Chevrolet S10? I know I found a post awhile back where this was a pretty heated discussion between some loyal ranger, and chevy guys here. I am a Ford guy, always have been.

SPless · #6 08-01-2010, 11:58 PM

One is not really that much better than the other as they both have their flaws. Both companies have been working on them for years to better them and have worked out many major flaws, although some still remain.

Chris · #7 08-02-2010, 12:32 AM

Yes but I was told that the Ranger suspension was superior to the chevy's... I believe I read that here on this forum.

Here was the quote I read,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger_mclaren

S10s rust out faster, pluse they have IFS which is expensive to lift and easy to brake. the rangers TTB kicks ass but is easy to do a SAS on. and all motors offerd on with the rangers: 2.0, 2.3, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 4.0 will last forever if taken care of, and you can beat the crap out ranger and it'll will take it.

SPless · #8 08-02-2010, 02:25 AM

That was comparing 4wd's taking from the context of the post, and judging by the information was about the pre-97 ford rangers which had the Twin Traction beam set-up. The 4wd ranger now has a "crappy IFS set-up"

vapiper · #9 08-02-2010, 02:35 AM

all IFS pretty much sucks....wish for solid axle.......oh well...I'll go enjoy my more "car like" ride HAHA

DangerRanger01 · #10 08-04-2010, 08:11 AM

Is your ranger a IFS? Definitely maybe.

01_ranger_4x4 · #11 08-04-2010, 08:52 AM

i cleaned the thread up and re-opened it because there is some usable info in here but lets please quit with the drama.

Chris · #12 08-04-2010, 10:45 AM

Appreciate the clean up. So IFS sucks. I was pretty much told that IFS was pretty good on the Rangers, but was just down right piss poor on the Chevrolet S-10's and GMC S-15's.

sgtsandman · #13 08-04-2010, 10:54 AM

IFS has the benefit of providing better ride and traction but isn't as robust as a solid axle. For most people, IFS fits the bill better.

01_ranger_4x4 · #14 08-04-2010, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris

Appreciate the clean up. So IFS sucks. I was pretty much told that IFS was pretty good on the Rangers, but was just down right piss poor on the Chevrolet S-10's and GMC S-15's.

from my experience with the S-10 IFS is that is sucks compaired to the ranger/ explorer IFS. the chevy IFS has always been terrible with holding alignments, ball joints ect. if you think the parts wear fast in the ranger dont even ask me how much crap needs replaced in the front of my wifes blazer.

sgtsandman · #15 08-04-2010, 11:23 AM

I know the Silverado/Sierra trucks have front end issues all the time.