TAK-4® Independent Front Suspension
Proven, proprietary, severe-duty technology. Custom built for Pierce® chassis. The TAK-4® Independent Suspension system maintains the feel of the road with outstanding steer-ability and a dramatically smoother ride over any surface.
A tight steering system, torsion bar independent suspension, and high-performance braking maximize control. It makes a 12-ton fire apparatus feel like an SUV.
TAK-4 Independent Front Suspension (IFS)
Improves Ride Quality and Control Compared to the standard leaf suspension, TAK-4® Independent Front Suspension delivers outstanding vehicle control. With up to 10" of suspension travel, a light spring rate, robust design, and independent wheel movement, the system keeps tires on track for improved overall handling and performance. Better ride quality reduces stress on the occupants as well as on the components and vehicle.
Shortens Stopping Distances Using the TAK-4 system will help you stop quicker, stay in control, and maneuver your vehicle to a safe and controlled stop. This minimizes potential for accidents and helps you get to the fire scene safer and quicker.
Increases Load Carrying Capacity A maximum front axle weight rating of 24,000 lb is possible with 425/65R22.5 tires. A higher rated front axle allows for greater load carrying capacity, enabling you to add more features and equipment to your apparatus, such as front suction or air conditioning without exceeding gross vehicle weight restrictions.
Advances Braking Performance The independent suspension accommodates larger front brakes – which transfers weight quicker to the front wheels. TAK-4 IFS not only maximizes a truck’s performance, it minimizes the wear and tear on your equipment, reduces maintenance, and saves a lot of brake repairs.
Maximizes Maneuverability and Cramp Angle TAK-4 provides you with the highest cramp angle in the fire industry; you can safely and effectively maneuver into strategic locations when responding to a fire. The maximum cramp angle achievable on TAK-4 is 45 degrees, with a minimum of 40 degrees.


TAK-4 Independent Rear Suspension (IRS)
Improved ride. Less maintenance. TAK-4 ® IRS operates in a similar capacity to TAK-4 IFS, only IRS has the ability to drive or provide power to the wheels. Though there are upper and lower control arms and springs, TAK-4 IRS utilizes coil springs instead of torsion springs. IRS has been proven on Oshkosh Defense vehicles since 1996 and modified for integration into Pierce ® custom fire apparatus. TAK-4 IRS adds 1,000 lb per axle to the weight of the apparatus.
Benefits
- Improved ride with reduced road input.
- Increased stability & comfort.
- Less wear & tear on equipment.
- Better traction.
- Ability to add TAK-4 T3TM system to further improve control & mobility.
TAK-4 T3 IRS with Tight Turning Technology
TAK-4 T3TM IRS combines the advantages of TAK-4® IRS with a 100 percent mechanical rear steering system. Just like TAK-4 IFS, the steering system is a mechanical-over-hydraulic system – free of electronics – with two steering gears that provide power to the steering linkage. TAK-4 T3 is available for steering on one or two axles on tandems.
Reduce wide swing turns with a tighter turning radius. Maneuver effortlessly – turn the wheel and you get response. Minimize tire scrub for improved tire life. TAK-4 T3 is available on 24,000 -26,000 lb single axle and 34,000 lb-52,640 lb tandem axle configurations that are equipped with TAK-4 IRS
Benefits
- Improved turning radius & turning diameter.
- Increased tire life with reduced tire scrub.
- Lane-to-lane turning.
- Improved maneuverability & safety.
- Pierce single-source manufacturing.

