Ifs

[doodlebug45]

I'm almost done feeling sorry for myself and ready to get back at this bus searching thing. Thanks to everybody who commented during the last fiasco I sure know a lot more about what to look for. One of the coaches on my list right now has IFS but I know nothing about this on Prevost units and can't seem to find it discussed anywhere. I know I love it on my cars and especially my GMC Sierra but does it work out well on the bus? I would sure appreciate any comments, opinions or other input you guys may have on this subject.
Hugh (D'Bug)

[Jon Wehrenberg]

The IFS equipped coaches have a tighter turn radius than a coach of the same vintage with the solid axle so it is a benefit in that regard.

There may be an advantage during normal driving, but I have about 300,000 miles of straight axle driving, and about 300 of IFS driving, and I probably cannot tell one from another during normal driving. Others more in tune with the feel of the coach may be in a better position to address it from a driving point of view.

[BrianE]

I probably cannot tell one from another during normal driving. Others more in tune with the feel of the coach may be in a better position to address it from a driving point of view.

Meaning: You probably need to drive faster than 62.5 mph to gain any handling advantage.

[Jerry Winchester]

Brian,

That's way harsh..........

But at 62.5 mph he could probably just roll along on the hubs and not tell the difference.

[Jon Wehrenberg]

I was hoping you wizards that have experience driving both would provide some words of wisdom, but apparently you are going to let poor old Hugh dangle in the wind never knowing if IFS is hype or a good thing.

Hugh, ignore these turds and somebody with real knowledge will answer your question. With regard to the 62.5 mph, I have been known to go wild and crazy. Once I got it up to 63 mph. Ask fast Roger...he knows.

BTW, the discussion about IFS is kind of academic. If you happen to focus on a specific coach and that is the one you like due to appearance, features, decor, price, converter, etc. you either get IFS or you do not. The change to IFS happened somewhere around serial number T5883? or thereabouts, a late 96 shell probably titled as a 97 coach.

[truk4u]

Hugh,

I've had both, no difference other than turning radius.

[MangoMike]

Hugh,

I have both and agree and with Trukman.

My serial is T5885, so it's after this.

Mike

[doodlebug45]

Thanks guys. From your comments Jon I take it that all coaches built after that date have IFS. I like the idea of the tighter turning radius. Apparently there must not be any issues regarding alignment, maintenance, etc or someone would have chimed in. I usually notice IFS has a positive influence on rougher roads. Things like potholes seem to be absorbed better than with a solid axle. I appreciate the input.
Hugh

[Jon Wehrenberg]

Whoa.....don't leap to conclusions about not having any maintenance issues.

The IFS has parts. Lots of parts. It may be built tough, but because it has moving parts it can be expected to have more maintenance issues than a solid axle that has the simplicity of an anvil.

Unless the seat of your pants has the sensitivity of a race car driver or aerobatic pilot it is probable you will not be able to feel any difference between the two axles, but there may be times when a tighter turn radius may prevent you from blocking a highway. But despite that I would not walk away from a straight axle coach if I liked it.

[JIM CHALOUPKA]

If anyone had a couple pictures to post of the IFS without the wheel mounted it would be nice to see.

It seems that there would be more to changing the front air bags than with a solid axle.