GM IFS refers to General Motors' Independent Front Suspension system.
In 1983, General Motors introduced an independent front suspension (IFS) design for the front drive axles of its four-wheel-drive S and T trucks. This change aimed to improve handling, ease of manufacturing, and facilitate easier repair procedures. The key advantage of IFS is that it allows each front wheel to respond independently to road conditions.
Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of GM's IFS:
- Independent Wheel Movement: Each front wheel can move up and down independently, providing better ride quality and control, especially on uneven surfaces.
- Improved Handling: The independent suspension helps maintain tire contact with the road, leading to better steering and handling characteristics.
- Easier Manufacturing: The IFS design simplified the manufacturing process for GM's four-wheel-drive trucks.
- Simplified Repair: The modular nature of IFS can make certain repairs more straightforward compared to older solid axle designs.
In summary, GM IFS is a significant design feature that improved the performance and serviceability of GM's four-wheel-drive trucks, specifically the S and T models, by moving to an independent front suspension system.
