live Axles

[charger]

Are trucks without 2 solid axles any good off road. My mate has a Toyota 4runner with IFS & it has great ground clearance can fit 31" on with no mods. Also I know someone who use a trooper for work in a quarry that has IFS but he rekons it's unstopable in the mud.

[ScottieJ]

yes IFS can work off road and works better at speed but for a rock crawler/trialer live axle is best as when the axle articulates the wheel on the droop side is pushed down into the ground as the axle pivots around the bumpstop, this doesn't happen with independent suspension.

IFS also tends to be weaker unless you spend a lot of money on strong CVs.

IMO if you want a crawler/trialler you want live axles at both ends

if you want something to just go fast offroad then IFS and IRS

If you want something that does both and have the money to spend on a custom IFS set up then you want IFS front and a live axle rear


But at the end of the day you can make anything work anywhere if you have the time, money and skills.

BUT it's easier to make a solid axle truck go fast than it is to make a Independent truck crawl without some sort of forced articulation, doesn't mean you can't though


Your mate needs to go to a pay and play site no 4x4 is unstoppable!

[charger]

Thanks for that, my anus has live axles & that is pretty good off road too. Why would Toyota make trucks with massive clearance only to put IFS on it. Suppose it's like my WJ has Danna 44 axles but crap ride height stock.

[ScottieJ]

Because IFS gives better handling on road and most pickups etc are designed to do a lot of road miles and carry loads as well as be used on rough terrain.

Generally live axle front and rear is the best for technical off roading.