independent front suspension vs solid axle

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independent front suspension vs solid axle

2022.07.31
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independent front suspension vs solid axle

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I first got addicted to Toyotas via Land Cruisers and Ive never really looked back. Solid axles are exactly that, a solid axle housing that spans the width of the vehicle and houses the differential and CVs/axles within. SFA is really the only option when you want to have a reliable and capable rig at a descent price. axle solid ifs vs suspension independent jeep cherokee air cherokeeforum sfa you would never see these crazy set ups on an enthusiast vehicle. Although, when it comes to budget,whatever is under your truck is what youll enjoy the most. The heart of any off-road suspension setup on a 4WD vehicle is the axle, in the sense that any suspension system must accommodate that axles design. IRS and IFS generally run one of four types of springs: coils, coilovers, torsion bars or airbags. Learn how your comment data is processed. It's a minor annoyance in my BMW 335d to have to p 2022 theEngineBlock.com - All rights reserved. The issue is that because of the way IFS works with a differential in the middle and control arms and hubs moving independently the CVs are on an angle from standard. A big one is wheel control, which suffers on a live-axle vehicle. For now, I will continue enjoying the flex I have with my car and constantly missing the feeling of lifting wheels over 1m into the air and freaking out my passengers. Auto Industry News: Overlanders Enjoy Oregon, New Ford Raptor R Roars With V8, and GMs Cruise Lands In Hot Water, Dont Get Bent At The Line Get Mandreled Instead, New Performance Products for the Jeep Wrangler JL, SpeedFX Fuel Jugs Ensure No Adventure Is Out Of Reach, Jeep Purists vs Futurists The Rise of the JK.

Whether youre looking for plain old ground clearance, or seeking extra articulation, IFS will likely be the better option for your truck. Auto Industry News: Hot Rod Power Tour Kicks Off, Bronco Engines Shut Down, Charging Network Takes Shape, & Dealerships Face an Uncertain Future, UnderCover ArmorFlex: The LINE-X Bed Cover, Vehicle Spotlight: 2017 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, Auto Industry News: Hipster Smart Car, Self-Balancing Motorcycle and More, 2016 Mazda CX-9: Meticulously Crafted for Drivers, Off-Road Checklist: Be Smart, Go Prepared, Mustang vs Camaro: Age-Old Rivalry Alive and Well, 7 DIY Garage Projects to Keep You Motivated This Winter, Auto Industry News: Current Market Run-Down and Exciting Developments for 2021 Pickups, Tech Corner: Taking Control with Aftermarket Sway Bars Installation, The Key to Convincing Customers to Run a Winter Wheel and Tire Setup. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. On a more serious note, the main purpose of IFS is comfort and stability. On the other hand, if youre consistently spending time rock crawling, solid axles could be right for you. In this clip, watch how the front wheel of the solid axle truck comes off the ground at multiple points, while the truck with IFS stays planted to the ground at the same points on the course. Why the Moonroof is One of Fords Key Selling Point Features. With IFS one is on either side and the rods are often constructed from 10mm-thick steel, which commonly bends when steering against a hard surface such as a rock. Why or why not? A solid axle setup can improve traction over big bumps and hills as well as gain more torque from the differential as there are fewer parts that power must transfer through, says aftermarket manufacturer Fab Fours in a comparison between both systems. Yet slowly, the solid front axle has died out. Whether you are looking for IFS or a solid axle truck, we at Sanders Ford have you covered. Auto Industry News: Monthly & Quarterly Auto Sales, Incoming & Outgoing Vehicle Models, Musk & Twitter Drama, and Whats Up With EV Tax Credits? For pure price/performance, a solid axle is generally the way to go, but a mostly stock IFS isnt all that terrible in something like mud or sand. The fact that solid axle suspension keeps the wheels from moving independently of one another while an independent suspension doesnt, would give the initial impression that the independent suspension is superior. For me, when I started 4WDing I had absolutely no idea what I would end up doing and fully expected to drive on some easy dirt roads and go camping in random places. In the time I have had my Nissan I have learned that there are some real advantages to IFS. What a magical example of solid-axle vehicles lifting wheels in huge ruts! Pick a category to see all related products. Also, the setup isnt as strong asa solid axle system, since it lacks a rigid beam interconnecting the two wheels. Competition Corner: August 2022 Auto Events Round Out Summer. According to Gavin McGee, a vehicle dynamics engineer for the Bronco, Ford considered a solid front axle. As you can see from my flair, I ended up with an IFS vehicle: the Nissan XTerra. But in any case, both wheels will be connected to a single axle housing that runs the span of the vehicle. However, very few of us have the luxury of making modifications without factoring in these restraints. But don't I sacrifice off road performance? CV stands for constant velocity and refers to the transmittance of engine power at a constant rotational speed, regardless of turning angle. But what are IFS and solid axles and why is this an ongoing subject of debate? This is an acquired taste and I can confirm I have made quite a few passengers freak out when Ive lifted a wheel over 1m off the ground before jumping out to take a photo! For decades, the debate has raged on over whether solid axle trucks or IFS trucks are superior, with plenty of big names and professionals backing both sides of the argument.

Our car experts choose every product we feature. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This heavenly scene is something only a few off-road enthusiasts ever encounter and gives the allusion that the truck is cruising atop a lake. Instead of axle tubes running out to the wheels, CV axles are used.

But there are some drawbacks. Even if it doesn't come with the vehicle it's like a good choice to replace an IFS with a solid axle like people do with Toyotas google toyota SAS. When it comes to an off-road vehicle, the suspension must provide additional ground clearance, be versatile in performing on a variety of terrains through a variety of driving styles, and it will need to articulate well over that terrain. In short, I compromised. However, I dont think many are quite as heated as the argument over whether an independent suspension will outperform a solid axle suspension. But if you have the money and want to do jump, mud and rock crawling a real built IFS can do really well. But, in general, to build up a solid axle extensively will run around $7,000-$10,000 while building an independent suspension system may run north of $15,000. Case study: I've owned a 1991 Chevy S10 Blazer 4x4 and a 1990 Jeep Cherokee 4x4. IFS doesn't get that added downward pressure so you can't get as much traction on the drooping tire. Well, the Toyota and the Jeep ended up going away for various reason and I found myself living in the middle of a major city driving a Honda Civic for several years. It wont be the most comfortable or the lightest, but it will be the easiest to deal with. I am a keen off-road enthusiast and driven entrepreneur from Brisbane. Allowing your wheels to move independently of one another means that the wheels can be on different surfaces, without having the issue of directly affecting one another. It is all a matter of what you want to do. In stock form, while the wheels can move freely of one another, travel is usually a bit less with independent suspension. More moving pieces means youll have to watch the extra parts for wear. That means more on-road comfort around town with better composure in challenging high-speed terrain. Overall, it seems to be a more preferred and comfortable option for off-roading, especially when driving youroutfitted truck orJeepat higher speeds.. No matter where your adventures take you, when youre ready to hit the trails, weve got all the gear and expertise you need. In addition to the more complex construction of the parts, which are difficult and time consuming to repair (even in the best of circumstances), most IFS center sections are aluminum, which pales in comparison to iron in the strength department. In fact, even off-road intended vehicles, such as JK Wranglers, still use solid axles. If simplicity is your goal, nothing will beat a strong solid axle setup. As long as youre not spending every minute on the trails crawling through rock gardens, IFS can still be a great option.

We use cookies on our websites for a number of purposes, including analytics and performance, functionality and advertising. I've been building my rig with the goal of doing overland adventures, that means lots of time hauling across open country and even old highways and country roads (eventually while towing a trailer) and still being able to tackle the technical sections when I get to them. for EXTREMELY built race vehicles they may run special IFS set ups but these vehicles run hundreds of thousands of dollars and really only are race cars. IFS, or commonly known as independent front suspension, is the updated modern suspension used by most manufacturers in todays trucks. Technology has changed and developed over the years, and it can be tough to sort out which option is right for your truck. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. Not only will they be a pain to repair, theyre more likely to require it and itll never happen anywhere good. This setup allows the wheels to move up and down without affecting one another. Many XTerra owners prefer this to a SAS because they keep the versatility of the IFS while still gaining articulation, travel and stability. IFS is better than some give it credit for. Choosing the correct suspension can have a big impact on which truck you should purchase from your Ford Dealer near New Bern. The piece that most people miss is that the high dollar setups like Baja 1000 trophy trucks are 2WD! All Rights Reserved. Hardcore off-roaders and Jeep fans swear by the solid axle. This added strength for heavy use is why most modern heavy-duty series trucks, such as the F250, use the solid axle over IFS. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The type of axle used in this sort of suspension is known asyou guessed itan independent axle. Plus, I can hit the flat desert trails and easily cruise at 70+ mph in total comfort and still be in control of my vehicle. Now, dont forget Flexible 4WD Solutions has access to a wide range of suspension components to suit your needs and we are just a call away! This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. Overall for those looking at a daily driver style truck, IFS suspension is your Ford dealer near New Bern go-to choice. Once the vehicle is lifted, the differential lifts up, as do the inside of the control arms, however the outsides remain at the same height because they are mounted to the hub and wheel. Image Courtesy of VWVortex. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, God Help Me, I Love Honda's Automatic Motorcycle, Here's How Brake-by-Wire Works, and Why It's Safe, Future Tesla Cars Will Have Structural Batteries, Ford 7.3 V-8 Makes 600 N/A Horses With Basic Mods, GM's New EVs Will Use Wireless Battery Management, How a Tesla Can Drive Twice as Far as Porsche's EV, Porsche Investigated Over "Engine Manipulation", The Ram TRX's Grill Badge Is Hollowed Out for Air, Why the 2021 Ford Bronco Has Independent Front Suspension. If you plan on doing more heavy use, a solid axle platform is the recommended option to go as the added strength and rigidity will be a big benefit. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. I posted the following two months ago in a similar discussion: First of all, I will capitulate that, for the money, a solid axle setup is the most cost effective for extreme boulder crawling. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. If youre building a serious long-range desert machine, both of those things will matter matter. Solid axle suspension has far less mobility than their IFS cousin. But when you see the two in action, you will see that when comparing independent front suspension to solid axle front suspension, the independent suspension has a bit less trouble getting around obstacles. Even if you do find yourself with serious damage, solid axles are fairly easy to fix, even on the trail. So, when it comes down to it, an independent suspension will handle better than a solid axle, making it an ideal setup for higher speeds and smaller obstacles. As the name suggests, the independent front suspension allows each side of the vehicle to move independently from the other side. Each suspension setup has pros and cons and each setup stands out in its specific field. There are a lot of heated debates out there when it comes to comparing the performance of off-road suspension setups. Solid axle suspension systems are often found on older model vehiclesthe common source pool for budget off-road builds. Auto News: Enthusiast Wins, Vehicle Quality Losses, Ford Lease Changes & New Dieselgate? In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Replacing the shocks, springs and control arms will get you more travel and provide lift. This is due to the suspension having a cross-member that each side of the vehicle suspension attaches to underneath the truck. GM to Limit Warranties, Buyers to Combat Z06 Flips, NJ Allegedly Hunting Facebook For Illegal Diesels, Honda SUV Wrecks McLaren 570s on Woodward Ave, Ford Will Reveal Next-Gen Mustang in September, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Of course, cost will vary. The blazer could be lifted, but to gain additional travel you have to change the control arms, the mounting locations, and drop the front differential so that the angle of the half shafts won't be too steep. Remember, Supply and Demand, BMW is building more Hooah! Lock the front as well and you won't blow so many CV's, while I can live and deal with IFS I would swap it for a solid axle I'd I had the cash.

For some, that is independent suspension, for others (me), solid axles are more appropriate and the reason for this is the same reason why a drift cars suspension setup is different to a V8 Supercar or seven-second drag car. I was firm in my belief that my family's FJ-80 and later my Cherokee (XJ) were superior to any IFS vehicles out there simply because I had a solid front axle. Only the most secure connections, to keep you safe. At the end of the day, I dont believe in a better suspension type, however a solid axle vehicle simply makes more sense for me! Finally, while independent suspension used to mean limited wheel travel, Ford says the Bronco's suspension has 17 percent more travel than the Wrangler. So, what does this all mean for the Everyman? Would independent suspension be better for mudding or rock crawling? The new Overland Expo Pacific Northwest seems to be a hit, with plenty of adventure enthusiasts showing their support . Unfortunately, lifting an IFS vehicle is costly and the height of suspension lift is generally limited to about 3. That means the drooping tire has downward pressure. On top of that, a solid axle lets the wheels droop down much more, so you can keep more rubber on the ground. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Below we have listed several tips to help you determine which suspension you should choose on your next truck to suit your needs. They say the durability, articulation, and simplicity of a live-axle setup can't be beat. Each individual should buy a rig that meets their needs and desires. Sign up to receive special sales and promotions, Project Rubiconier: Just in Time for Easter Jeep Safari 2016, Electronics | Navigation | Action Cameras. Perhaps more importantly, independent front suspension allows for more precise, responsive steering. One of the reasons IFS is often limited in its articulation is because of the type of lift installed. It costs roughly twice as much to get the same amount of travel out of a 4WD IFS system compared to a solid axle. Having three sections allows the suspension to move independently on either side. But in reality it is like the saying, Horses for courses. One of the key things that reduces the flexibility of an independent suspension setup is the stabilizer bar, which links the two front wheels together to reduce body roll. The breakdown between road and trail is important, and even moreso, your level of comfort in working with the technology. Those who are buying a rig to drive in the city for 95 percent of the time and hit the odd dirt track or beach trip really need to buy a different style of fourby than those who are planning on going rock hopping and tackling extreme tracks on a regular basis.

Solid axles might not have as much ground clearance at rest, but because the diff can move, you pretty much always have the same amount.

The downside is a CV breakage on a solid axle vehicle often takes much longer to repair. For those of us who can't afford a dedicated trail rig and drive our rigs on the road every day, IFS has some real advantages. *Everything that has to do with 4 wheel drive*, Press J to jump to the feed. If your wheeling truck is also your daily driver, comfort is going to rank higher than if were talking about a truck you take out for a few hours a month. Required fields are marked *.

He just tends to carry a wheel everynow and then. 3 Reasons Why You Should Buy A Used Vehicle. In the long runwith budget and time asidethe independent has more potential than a solid axle.

For me, previously owning IFS vehicles and now owning solid axle vehicles, I am often relying on the strength of the solid axles to push through challenging tracks without acquiring damage or mechanical issues. The Bronco instead opts for an independent front suspension, like pretty much every other truck or SUV out there. Well lets kick off this article explaining what IFS, IRS and solid axles are before jumping into what the differences actually mean for you and your rig. Learn more about Reddits use of cookies. Among different build types, the features of each system will vary in terms of dimensions, but some key characteristics will always remain. You can also get Bilstein position-sensitive dampers on every trim of the Bronco, which get stiffer toward the top end of their travel. On high-speed washboard surfaces or desert conditions, independent suspension allows for greater control. While this platform has less mobility than IFS, your Ford dealer near New Bern recommends solid axles as they allow for a far more sturdy and capable suspension setup. I cross-shopped with another IFS, the FJ Cruiser but I rejected the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited because, at the time, Chrysler's future was very much in doubt and I didn't want to buy into a brand that might not exist in a week or two. Other IFS benefits include ground clearance while off-road, due to the nature of IFS manufacturers being able to lift the differential housing higher, which in turn gives better ground clearance from factory. Independent suspension allows for more modern steering systems, which should help give the Bronco better high speed behavior than the Wrangler, and more precise steering feedback at all speeds. The increase in stability and comfort is why most passenger vehicles and race cars (both on and off-road) run independent suspension. In saying that, when I eventually move into wider touring, family making and sensible life choices I will likely move back to independent suspension. I always like to take the stance that the best performing system for your car or truck is the one that you can affordwhich is usually what the vehicle comes stock with. If youre dailying your truck, lower unsprung weight will mean not only better gas mileage, but better handling as well. Wed also like to extend the offer of a simple chat to any readers who either want advice on choosing a suspension type for their lifestyle or would like more information on this months article (or to debate with us!). And now we know the new Ford Bronco won't change that. A lot of builders modify their trucks or Jeeps to help increase the amount of travel their vehicle has. Your email address will not be published. Blazer came stock with a metal front skid plate). Most solid axle setups feature cast iron center sections as durable as youre going to find, and more important than ever when youre bashing your truck on solid rocks day in and day out (although hopefully youve got a better spotter than that). Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. If you are staying stock with stock travel and near stock tires, then yes the IFS setup will have more clearance. An example of this is tie rods, which are a steering component that often consists of two joints and a rod in the middle. No Comments . With so many moving parts in the suspension setup, IFS vehicles also often suffer from undersized steering components. In a nut shell, a solid front axle is stronger, cheaper to build (assuming it's already on the vehicle) will have more parts available, easier to work on, easier to get good articulation with, on a mud/rock vehicle I would definitely go with a solid axle. The technique is fairly simple: Clear the sand, mud, or snow from the front of one of the stuck tires using the, Easter Jeep Safari 2016 has now come and gone in a typical whirlwind of last minute vehicle builds, sleepless nights, and plenty of fun out on the rocky trails of Moab, Utah with friends, both new and old. Because both wheels are tied together, a bump on one side affects the other. SFA > IFS for mudding or rock crawling applications. A video was released spotlighting the crossover going off-road, which is, according to In Auto News, comical. Jacksonville Ford Dealer, Jacksonville Ford Service | Solid axles are also more durable than most independent front suspension (IFS) axles and can be easily changed in comparison, making axle repairs on off-road trucks no problem.. Either way, were here to help you make the right decision. The MAXTRAX recovery Board is an anti-skid traction plate designed to extract or recover a stuck or bogged vehicle in a safe, simple, and quick manner. If you had your own off road buggy or mudding machine would you go with a solid axle? As this occurs the body leans towards that side while the opposite side of the axle pushes away from the body and naturally provides a form of counter weight. Well, the short answer is yes, my rig, despite all the work I've done, probably doesn't have the articulation that could be achieved for less money on a solid axle vehicle. According to Fab Fours, IFS is more agile and maneuverable by offering improved handling most of the time and freer movement of the individual front wheels and tires. One of the greatest advantages of an independent front suspension is ride comfort. It can provide more front end clearance in some instances, as the front wheels have greater articulation.

When I returned to the mountains my Honda got wrecked and I took the chance to get back into a 4x4. Now, why do people spend their time debating on IFS or solid axle? Lets see what all the forum fuss is about. Road & Track participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Lastly, McGee says Ford has mitigated a lot of the off-road compromises of independent front suspension. It wasnt until the 90s that full-sized pickups began using independent suspension from the factory.

Solid axle vehicles run the CV joints within the axle housings, which negates the need for a rubber boot around the joint itself and reduces the requirement for two joints per side down to one per side this means longer-lasting CV joints. However, in a fair argument, a well-built independent suspension system is going to outperform a solid axle system. At the center of an independent axle assemblyis an axle housing in which the ring gear and carrier live. Solid axles come with other downsides such as less ground clearance due to the pumpkin (differential housing), costly parts and the challenges around correctly adjusting camber. But beyond the fact that the increased unsprung weight tends to make for an uncomfortable ride, there were other dynamic concerns. The XTerras were blasting across the desert at highway speeds (even those with stock suspensions) while the Jeeps fell farther and farther behind. Due to each wheel moving independently, the body of the vehicle has less movement, allowing the cars stability to increase and disruption from each bump is transferred on one corner rather than the entire front end. Tags: car dealers jacksonville nc, car dealerships jacksonville nc, car dealerships near me, changing your oil, ford dealer in jacksonville nc, ford dealership jacksonville nc, ford jacksonville nc, ford swansboro nc, ford vehicles jacksonville nc, jacksonville nc ford vehicles, new car technology, partnership, sanders ford jacksonville Posted in The key is travel, not just lift. And in that case, a solid axle suspension can be built to perform better than an independent suspension, dollar for dollar. The big pro of IFS suspension is mobility. Based in southeast Queensland, my mates and I travel all over the east coast of Australia chasing extraordinary tracks. ), which improves comfort while driving deep rutted tracks. So which is it? Back in 2017, they went all out with their Ultra4 vehicle that has independent suspension all around. The front differential case on the blazer is aluminum and too weak to run a locker. Unfortunately, due to a large metal casing solid axles weigh a lot, which takes its toll on your fuel economy, however also poses benefits off-road. EJS16 was similar to many others in the past, but as the 50th anniversary of this amazing, UACC is THE Ultimate Adventure Cherokee Chief, and its a force to be reckoned with (or at least will be when were done with it)! My buddy rock crawls a 96 Taco with the solid front axle and he does fairly well. Well, its actually pretty simple, a large portion of the 4WD community wants to be able to say that their choice of 4WD is better or more capable than others. In the XTerra world one of the more common mods is a Titan-swap, where the front running gear and suspension components from the Nissan Titan truck are swapped onto an XTerra or Frontier. Flex and stronger components are the two main benefits that sway my decision when thinking about the best suspension setups. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, 92 Explorer - locked, lifted and banged up. But here's the thing: I've never come up against an obstacle that I couldn't get over in my rig that a similar solid axle vehicle would be able to navigate. For that, the IFS does a better job than two solid axles. As entertaining as it is to see one wheel come off the ground when someone is crawling, it can be detrimental (not to mention dangerous), as traction is completely lostat that point, the suspension has hit its limit of articulation. Ford Raptor R; Overhyped Or Worth The Wait? Even having independent suspension in the front is a no-go for some. The decision between independent and solid suspension depends on your preferences and your truck well help you work out what the right answer is for you. These solid axles can be found on current F250+ series trucks as well as other heavy-duty vehicles. Solid-axle vehicles mostly use recirculating ball steering systems, an ancient design. This means that traction will always be maintained. For the vast majority of my driving the IFS makes the ride more comfortable, the steering more compliant and I've never experienced the Death Wobble. Combined with the inherent advantages of independent front suspension, the new Bronco should easily feel more refined and stable than the Wrangler, especially in the on-road driving where most owners spend the majority of their time. This solid axle that is physically connecting both wheels to the same housing, is what makes the suspensiondependent. But many off-roaders fear that the CV axles used in an independent suspension design wont last. Because IFS center sections sit higher under the truck, with each axle angling up toward them, youll have extra clearance right off the bat. Photos from CherokeeForum.com: Solid Axle on the Left; IFS on the Right. So with all this preference for solid axle suspension setups, how is it that independent suspension is often considered, in concept at least, to be the superior design? If you are looking for something more casual just as a daily driver, IFS might be the route for you. Most IFS designs offer less suspension travel than a solid axle, making it harder to maintain traction on uneven surfaces and keep all four wheels on the ground. Check out the video posted below. When it comes down to it, independent front suspension is the right answer for the vast majority of the customers we deal with. Independent suspension utilises constant-velocity joints without a housing protecting the joint. Long story short, its harder to lift wheels on a solid axle vehicle than it is on an IFS or IRS vehicle. Obviously, applying these capabilities to both ends of the vehicle would be ideal. The Bronco has an available electronic disconnect on its front stabilizer bar, allowing way more travelon an RTI ramp, which measures a 4x4's suspension flex, a Bronco Badlands goes from a score of 560 with the stabilizer bar connected to 700 when disconnected.