TTB Vs. Solid Axle Vs. IFS

[Ford4x4Chik27]

Originally Posted by BigFootIsAFord

Big Foot is a Ford. Need I say more?

BTW, TTB does better for offroading than a solid axle.

It's just that people don't understand how to work on TTB set ups on Ford if it tears up.

I didn't want to respond to this and go so far off topic that we forget what the 'best muddin truck' thread is about.

However, I do want to state my opinion on this. I have wheeled TTB, IFS and Solid Axles on both rocks and mud.

I have found the solid axle, though you don't get the ground clearance with a solid axle that you get with IFS or TTB, rules the rocks. As far as mud goes, I can't complain about neither. They all perform well. However, when you break, it's a lot easier to put together a solid axle than TTB or IFS. I say this because I know more about solid axles and IFS than TTB, but I do know that solid axles are simpler and there are less components to mess with.

Take a look, which looks more complex vs simple. Not to mention that there are more components to break on IFS and TTB:

TTB:



IFS:



Solid Axle:

[mudseeker]

TTB? please clarify for us non ford folks.

[75K30]

"TTB" Is Ford term that stands for "Twin Traction Beam", and is thier version of an independant front suspension designed to allow a greater amount of front wheel traction by limiting the forced articulation found in solid axle front ends.

While I aggre with Ford4x4Chick27 and her statements regarding the TTB being a decent axle, because it is, I have to lean towards the simplicity of the solid front axle.
The TTB has to have an extra u-joint to allow the axle to pivot in the center, and this is often a problem and weak link, especially when used with larger tires. Articulation and wheel travel can be limited simply because of the limited length of the axle and the relationship to the pivot. We have discussed the lack of forced articulation with the TTB axle. This is when one side is forced up by an obstackle, the other side (of a solid front axle) is forced down, providing additional extension, or droop. This can't be obtained with a TTB set-up.
The other problems associated with the TTB, is the added stress associated with TTB and lifted vehicles. The pivot bracket has to be lowered and this allows a great deal of levereage on the frame, usually resulting in cracks, and eventual failures.
Camber control is another big issue. Because of the length of the rather short axle halves, means that the camber changes quite a bit during suspension cycles. This can be very hard for the tires, and does cause them to wear out faster than a conventional straigh axle.
TTB's were also only available in D44 and D50 versions, so the largest component was only as big as any D44. A D50, is really only a D44 with larger D60 style knuckles, and hubs. This was to allow the use of 8 lug wheels on F250's, but did not really offer too much strength over its D44 cousin.
Most SAS folks will be comfortable with installing a solid axle front D60 during thier swap, and when comparing any TTB with a Solid axle D60, it becomes easiy to see the advantages of one axle over the other. Reliability, and overall strength become a great factor.
In a chevy with a-arm style front suspension, getting rid of the IFS is easily justified, and a D44 is a reasonable solution, but when dealing with fords and TTB, doing the SAS and installing a solid axle D44, is not quite as justified, but most are installing D60's, so the swap becomes quite a bit more justifiable.
This strength advantage is probably why D60 TTb was never introduced. COuld not get the same strength with so many moving parts.

[Ford4x4Chik27]

I agree K30... 3 of my 4 trucks have solid axle.. for a reason

[72'CaminoKid]

solid axle all day

[75K30]

Originally Posted by Ford4x4Chik27

I agree K30... 3 of my 4 trucks have solid axle.. for a reason

I have a narrow 44 with a Detroit, and chro-mo axles if you wanna make it 4 for 4!
Won't go under the "migo", but the toy axles are killer in that.
Although, I do have some "blue" hub center sections (4.36's) also. What ratio are you running? Running 33's right? Have 4.11's now? Maybe a trade? Open diffs, but I do have like 6 spools, and 5 Detroits for the 8 inchers.
Not really trying to sell stuff, But I also have a 35 spline D60 outer front axle (stock width) if you are interested. Blank housing with All-Pro chro-mo hi-steer, and crossover, minus a center section. Was gonna get a high pinion unit, but project went another direction. (9" with 35 splines took it's place).

[Ford4x4Chik27]

The only thing that's still stock is the Ranger.. and that has to stay that way. It's my daily driver 5:71's in the Migo right now....

[72'CaminoKid]

woah now 75. i was just thinkin today to pm you bout some axles

[Ford4x4Chik27]

Originally Posted by 72'CaminoKid

woah now 75. i was just thinkin today to pm you bout some axles

[72'CaminoKid]

pic no work