When did GM/Chevy small block V-8 motors stop turning into oil-burners at 100K miles?
Back in the 1970s, GM said that 1 quart every 500 miles was not excessive for new factory engines.
I worked for a dealer for a while back then, and that was the rule for doing or
not doing warranty work for oil consumption.
Some folks were not happy.
I think 2002 was the last year that suspension type was used. Hey, technology progresses. The twin I-beam suspension was an improvement over the old chuck wagon front axle. The current unequal length control arm setup is an improvement over twin I-beam. Etc, etc, etc.
The twin I-beam suspension was actually pretty good for a truck... if the bushings were in good shape. Let the bushings get even the least bit worn, though, and all kinds of nastiness would rain down on you - squirrely handling, appalling tire wear, yada, yada. Bushings were cheap and so pathetically easy to change that it was kinda stupid not to swap in fresh ones on a regular basis.
Brad
The twin I also had a couple interesting effects if you drove "off road" a lot:
1) If you got a rock wedged between the beams, you would get an awful noise
2) If you hit a stump and bent the front beam, then you would get a really awful noise