I thought for sure the Independant Rear Suspension from the Expedition/Navigator would have carried over to the F-150, especially the Screw model. Has anybody heard plans of this being part of the package or an option later down the road? In the current issue of Trailer Boating Magazine there is a short blurb about the possible offering of IRS but appearently the info was wrong. I would much rather the IRS anyday over the ancient leaf spring set-up.

 

With everyone bitching about the $1000 price increase, maybe it was a smart move not to offer it.

 

I'm not so sure the IRS is up to really heavy work like a traditional rear end is. I mean, most Navigators never leave the pavement, they've replaced the Minivan as the choice of Soccer Moms and even single women are driving them because of the "status" they imagine. MHO

 

IRS would render it nearly useless as a truck, since the load changes would necessarily create significant rear camber changes. Cars and SUVs don't see the variance in loading that a truck does.

 

the new lightning had an IRS at the auto show and will most likely be offered since its a high end truck

 

IRS may be stronger than the traditional rear end.
How many BAJA race trucks have you seen with solid axles?

 

IRS would not hold up to towing and cargo loads that most pick up truck users need. When was the last time anybody saw a race truck hauling a camper or towing a piece of construction equipment? If a bed load shifted at highway speeds and you had IRS it would not be a pretty sight.

Few people who buy a lightning are going to use it for towing or hauling so I guess it could get away with having a cars suspension on it.

The added width of the leaf springs and the moving of the shocks closer to the wheels on the outside of the frame should be a good improvement. Ford did the right thing. IMHO

 

Actually IRS is stronger than a straight axle, if built like the Expedition's. The only reason the truck isn't outfitted for one: Cost! And because no one rides in the back of a truck...
If the IRS couldn't stand up to the heavy amounts of power, then the lightning wouldn't have it. A stronger built IRS like the Expedition is actually stronger than any pieces of steel forged into an arc shape.

 

I don't think that's the issue here. No one is going to load the bed of a Lightning with sod or concrete bags, and the Expedition is capable of towing to some extent, but it still does not have nearly the loading variences that a truck commonly receives. Maybe eventually one (IRS) will be made that will be all things for all vehicles, but I don't see it yet. IMO

 

The solid axle has so many advantages - simple, tough, cheap, no alignment issues.

It would cost a lot to build them with an IRS as tough as the solid axle. Then you would have the alignment and tire wear issues. The advantage would be improved ride and handling, but these are pretty good already. They must not think it's worth it.

Sure an IRS can be better in all respects (think HUMMER) if you are willing to pay for it and maintain it.

I think it's cool that the NEW NEW NEW f150 uses horse carriage suspension technology from 250 years ago!

Does anybody know of any links to pages that explain / show the IRS system on the Expy?

 

IRS Picture (cool)

 

Nice picture, if were were going to buy an SUV or a Conversion Van that would be the suspension for me. But it looks way too prone to breaking on a hard used truck. Plus those CV boots are a pain in the tail when you tear them.

 

I haul a lot of things in my 02 L. I have hauled concrete bags several times. I have a bedrug and to clean it all I have to do is just hose it out. So, I think you will see a lot of L owners will haul things from time to time. I think the question will be how much will the 04 L be rated to haul. The 02 L is rated for 500 LBS and the 03 L is rated at 800 LBS.

 

But no sod? Guess there's always an exception. I would have thought you'd have an ordinary truck to spare the L the wear & tear, given the price tag. My hat's off to you.