What was the first and last year for using this type ? How successful or trouble free has it been over the years ? Thanks. *BW*

 

AFAIK, it's still being used. Both GMT800 and GMT900 use torsion front suspension, even the 3/4 tons. So, seeing as how it's in a few million vehicles, I'd call it successful and trouble free.

 

My 2013 tahoe has coil springs

 

GMT900s don't use torsion bars.

 

1988 was the first year GM put it in something full sized, there half ton pickups. 2007 they switched it to the coil over strut looking things.

As far as success and trouble... Sure it rides smoother than a solid axle, but it can't take the abuse. There are far more opportunities for steering part replacement with IFS, and some of that has been mitigated by the use of rack and pinion. I may be old school, but give me a solid Dana any day.

 

Well, if GMT900s don't use torsion bars, then the front suspension of my 2008 Suburban 2500 must be "magic."

Maybe you can help me identifying this big black torsion bar-looking thing in the middle of this picture of the underside of my 2008 2500 Suburban?

 

My bad. I wasn't considering the 2500 3/4 ton when I made that statement.