ManfromSnowyRiver
Explorer
Back from a shake down run in Silverton for the 4th. 2 Front drive shaft bolts were loose and I ended up with a badly damaged U-joint. A number of other small issues to address as well. It is certainly is not quite "Sierras Ready" as Esther put it. Whether this is worth it or not, is dependent on what you do. A SAS is a ridiculously expensive proposition. At one of the most dirt cheap shops on planet earth we managed to blow over 8K. Granted that is a nearly bomb proof SAS, but still, you better be wheeling hot and hard to justify that kind of bling.
Here it goes;
1. On Highway -- More body roll, tippier on turns.(also no more sway bar, but IFS was very stiff). Front feels like its "floating" and takes a lot of getting used to. Rear end can kick out on slow speed turns due to roll. I was doing 80mph on way home, takes some getting used to though. No death wobble or extreme handling issues.
2. Turning Radius -- 3 Foot Ball Fields(oh those mining roads are fun)
3. Steering -- On highway it is much less precise, tends to feel like there is a delay when you turn. Off-Road, wow, MUCH EASIER, turns like butter compared to the bulky IFS.
4. Off-road stability -- About the same
5. Crossing major boulders -- yeh, I know, hard to find in the San Juan's but I found a rock slide to drive over, and truly the Solid Axle took away all the drama. Maybe 3 foot rocks.
6. SAS on Easy trails -- You feel ridiculous with such equipment for sure. I used 4x4 twice, and never locked.
7. Ride -- On road, rougher on big bumps, otherwise about the same. Off-Road, maybe a bit rougher on big bumps, but in general it was not nearly as bad as I feared.
8. Ground Clearance - -Who are we kidding, its **************. No more down hill road grader plow. Just miss the pumpkin and you are all good.
Overall a SAS is probably more negative then positive. It really boils down to is the super high cost and reduced every day ride worth it to you to replace the aging, delicate and break down prone front IFS, while gaining extreme off-road capabilities.
Here it goes;
1. On Highway -- More body roll, tippier on turns.(also no more sway bar, but IFS was very stiff). Front feels like its "floating" and takes a lot of getting used to. Rear end can kick out on slow speed turns due to roll. I was doing 80mph on way home, takes some getting used to though. No death wobble or extreme handling issues.
2. Turning Radius -- 3 Foot Ball Fields(oh those mining roads are fun)
3. Steering -- On highway it is much less precise, tends to feel like there is a delay when you turn. Off-Road, wow, MUCH EASIER, turns like butter compared to the bulky IFS.
4. Off-road stability -- About the same
5. Crossing major boulders -- yeh, I know, hard to find in the San Juan's but I found a rock slide to drive over, and truly the Solid Axle took away all the drama. Maybe 3 foot rocks.
6. SAS on Easy trails -- You feel ridiculous with such equipment for sure. I used 4x4 twice, and never locked.
7. Ride -- On road, rougher on big bumps, otherwise about the same. Off-Road, maybe a bit rougher on big bumps, but in general it was not nearly as bad as I feared.
8. Ground Clearance - -Who are we kidding, its **************. No more down hill road grader plow. Just miss the pumpkin and you are all good.
Overall a SAS is probably more negative then positive. It really boils down to is the super high cost and reduced every day ride worth it to you to replace the aging, delicate and break down prone front IFS, while gaining extreme off-road capabilities.
