I was just reading an article in the on-line Unsealed mag ( issue #027 ). It was on the pro & cons of independent vs solid suspension. The article was swayed towards independent, probably due to their sponsors and the fact that the 4WD market is swinging towards more independent set-ups.
Their main pro arguments for the independent was that it's lighter and gives more ground clearance than some standard solid set-ups. They also suggested that independent was just as strong. I'm sorry, but I find that hard to believe, as I'm sure that solid will take a much greater impact and will survive.
The stupidity of their argument became apparent when they suggested that standard 4WD independent suspension was as strong as similar set-ups in some military style vehicles, Hummers and the like. The few Hummers I've looked at certainly have a much "beefer" independent set-up than most of the standard 4WD's on the market and therefor not a true comparison.
I have no issue with independent set-ups as they are fast becoming the "norm" in today's 4WD's. Perfect in a touring set-up as they are more comfortable to drive and reduce weight somewhat. I do have an issue with people "bagging" the solid set-ups as they are ideal for what they were designed for .... a strong reliable suspension that could take the bangs & knocks that a "hard core" 4WD would experience.
I hope that both suspension systems remain available in today's 4WD market for a long while to come, as there is a need for both.
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