Does anyone have any information-first or second hand-on the early Dana IFS on the 2001 U320's?
I was told there were a lot of complaints of noise, problems with alignments, and a feeling that it no longer 'rode' like a Foretravel. That said, I've spken owners who loved it. A very expensive option.
Phil Bostrum had one. I know he traded it off for a 42 foot non slide but he said he liked it a lot. His was 36 foot 01. there were not many made with it and he was the only owner I know with one.
I bought Phil Bostrum's 2001 with IFS. Haven't driven another F.T. with straight axle so I can't give information regarding a comparison. I haven't had a problem with the IFS, but I believe it does have a tighter turning radius. There are 2 shocks instead of 4 and as far as alignment Phil used a local truck shop who had no problem doing one. Tire wear is fine and handling is good.
Sometime I may have the chance to drive a straight axle F.T. and see if there is a real difference between them.
I've been told that less then 18 IFS F.T. were made in 2001 with a option charge in the neighborhood of 15K.
I talked to a tech at Dana and he said it was a model 84 and was designed and made in Europe and he thought less than 20 were made.
The designation in the model # will indicate. U320I
A total of 25 coaches with IFS were built.
What is "IFS"
IFS= Independent Front Suspension
Brett