Originally Posted By: Need4racin
compare the front steering/ axle shafts/ knuckles on the 4x4 super duty to an IFS front end. They have the best axle setup of any truck, most of us use the axles for off road/ rock crawlers etc. They are a beef setup. With IFS you will be replacing ball joints, wheel bearings, tie rods every 100-150k.
The Dana 60 in the front of Super Duty Fords is a STOUT set-up, I am not going to argue against that fact.
If the OP is going to some serious off roading/rock crawling/4wd launches at the strip.....Get the Ford (Dana 60) or a Dodge (AAM 9.25) solid front axle.
If this is a tow pig that needs traction for ice-snow/boat ramp/camp ground/light off roading.........Like 95% of people do with their 3/4 & 1-ton trucks, The GM trucks drive/ride/handle BETTER. The Inner Tie Rods & Draglink are the weak link when you start hitting boulders & launching in 4wd on dry/sticky surfaces.....Common sense says not to do either of those in a vehicle you depend on everyday.
The aluminum GM AAM 9.25" front diff.....NOT going to break that with a 6.0L or a modified Duramax for that matter!
The CV axles on 2500/3500 trucks are HUGE, Not going to break those either.
All 4x4 HD trucks use Wheel Hub assemblies.....Try again!
Keep the Tie Rods & Ball Joints greased, My 2500HD Chevy has 350,000 miles on it & ALL the front end parts are original including the Wheel Hubs......They have had a little play for the last 150,000 miles, No Noise & they're still smooth.
If one wants 500 pounds of extra UN-SPRUNG weight in the front of their truck, Insufficient Caster, Poor Damping, Harsh Ride & the possibility of "Death Wobble" that may or may not be fixed by throwing parts at it........Have at it. At least you can brag about your ancient outdated "Beefy" front end!
PS......HD trucks absolutely SUCK at off-roading....Why even do it??