02-19-2016, 08:18 AM
Newell changed from a Ridewell solid front axle to the Independent Front Suspension in the 1996/1997 model years. Coach 443, a 1997, on had the IFS, however, Newell also installed the IFS on #423 and 434, both 1996 models. You will find it not uncommon for Newell to make a change on one or two coaches then test them out before making a change to all future units.
The next major suspension change was the change to the ZF suspension with the steerable tag axle. This change occurred in the 2004 model year. Beginning with coach #697 all Newells have the ZF suspension. However, 3 Newells prior to #697 also had the ZF suspension. Those were #671, a 2003 model and #'s 681 and 685, both 2004 models.
During the 2012 model year, Newell added StabilRide active-suspension. I am not sure of the coach number but the build date would be January 2012 or later and I believe it was an option rather than standard equipment originally. It appears to have been added as standard equipment with the 2013 models.
The next major suspension change was the change to the ZF suspension with the steerable tag axle. This change occurred in the 2004 model year. Beginning with coach #697 all Newells have the ZF suspension. However, 3 Newells prior to #697 also had the ZF suspension. Those were #671, a 2003 model and #'s 681 and 685, both 2004 models.
During the 2012 model year, Newell added StabilRide active-suspension. I am not sure of the coach number but the build date would be January 2012 or later and I believe it was an option rather than standard equipment originally. It appears to have been added as standard equipment with the 2013 models.