Re: [AMC-list] AMC/Jeep J-10 Five Speeds & other mods

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

I wrote a detailed article covering the early Jeep IFS in Spring 2009 (AMC #11). Whitle the suspension LOOKS a bit different from the Ford "Twin Traction Beam", it is essentially the same. Looking from the front of the 63-64 Wagoneer there is a joint in the center just to the right of the diff. The axle "breaks" at that joint, there is a stub axle going into the diff, then a u-joint, then an axle continuing to the left front wheel. Ford's "Twin Traction Beam" has a heavier "arm" extending all the way to the opposite side of the frame, but still has only one u-joint "breaking" the axle in the center similar to the old Jeep IFS. The Jeep IFS has the center joint anchored to a crossmember at the break point instead of overlapping beams. The suspension support structure is totally different, but the essential way that the suspension works is the same -- on central u-joint, axle on each side, no change in camber as the wheels move (which is typically known as a "swing axle"). The 
Jeep IFS sure is a lot more compact and less bulky than the Ford TTB, the Jeep looks MUCH better!!

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Date: Sat, 05 Jun 2010 07:56:41 -0500
From: Peter Marano<pmarano@xxxxxxxxx>

Frank wrote:
It's like the later Ford "solid axle" IFS, where the axle
is "broken" in the center. Late 50s and early 60s rear drive Mercedes
IRS axles are done the same way. And of course the VW bug and early
Corvair. There is no allowance for changing camber as the suspension
travels (wheels stay perpendicular to the ends of the axles) , and
travel is limited. For a street/light trail (rough road) truck the
limited travel is fine. The few FSJs that got the IFS weren't used for
off roading I'm sure.

Peter replied:
No, it is not. Are you going to look at the
suspension drawings? Peter Marano Kenosha WI

--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars"
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://www.amc-mag.com
(free download available!)


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