Well 2wd A-arm suspension with rack and pinion is way better in the tuning/handling department. Plus even in 4wd it is a huge improvement, driveability speaking anyway. I know for off roading the TTB is better due to suspension travel.
Theoretically yes, in actuality, no.
the A-arm suspension because of it's lower unsprung weight theoretically rides better over bumps.
An old axiom of suspension tuning states that
"a tire in mid-air ain't generating any traction"
But a tire that wobbles or doesn't steer in the desired direction
isn't much better.
And that is the issue with the A-Arm suspension, deflection.
they also tend to "Eat" lower balljoints.
So while the TIB is heavy and brutal, it's also rugged to the
point of near indestructability in the bargain.
that's THE advantage to the TTB on a 4x4, it is rugged
and reliable, the same cannot be said of the 4x4 A-Arm suspension.
the secret to good handling on the TIB setup is make the springs
and shocks stiff and live with the rough ride.
Remember on a SMOOTH surface unspriung weight is irrelevant
The unsprung weight only matters on ROUGH surfaces.
the Other secret is to use tires that aid the geometry.
MEaning you need to be very careful about Diameter
and width to achieve the proper scrub radius.
(the relationship between the kingpin axis and the
center of the tire's contact patch.)
You might THINK that low profile rubber would handle better but
this isn't necissarily true either.
after trying almost every size available I determined that the best compromise size for a 2wd ranger was 225/70-15's on a
Factory 15x7 (Explorer) rim, going smaller in diameter made things get "Squirrely" , going wider just increased scrubbing drag in the
corners.
And as odd as this may sound the tires I'm going to recommend
in that size are both firestones. Their SS20 "Indy 500" tire is one choice
the other is their Destination LE light truck tire I'd lean towards the destination LE's if I found myself with another 2wd because they are 50psi tires and between playing with the pressure and the generally stiffer sidewalls that gives you a greater range of adjustment.
You actually do most of "REAL" suspension tuning with
adjustment of tire pressures
Shocks? Monroe Sens-A-Trac worked real well, but if you have more money to spend the Monroe Reflex shocks are good.
you'd probably LOVE the Bilsteins I run on my truck but being honest those cost more for the pair than I paid for my entire truck
Sway Bars? Get the front off an '87-1/2 to 89 STX "Highrider"
Rear? 2wd Bronco2.
AD