What makes the JKs suspension Better then the Independent suspension in an off road situation? What makes it Worse?

I am looking for positives and negatives as well as the different offroading situations it applies to

 

Independent suspension in terms of the Hummers (not prerunners) has no articulation. The wheels will be off the ground on hills. Spin them hard and you will destroy that rear locker when it catches. It also kills your traction, stability, etc. The Jeep's suspension allows the wheels to stay in contact with the ground.

Independent suspension is also hard to lift. They typically have a goofy bracket that kills your ground clearance.

 

IFS used for higher speed, controllable and ride comfort.

I always saw independent suspensions on trucks as higher speed use setups. If you were on a baja type race, the independent is what you need. Rocks, trails, slow, solid axle for those off camber, and clearance needs.

No real data on that, just always been my thought process, we will see if I am close!

 

No, that's pretty much correct. Although, I have seen a few high dollar rock buggies with IFS and IRS. Definitely not the norm though...

 

Independent:

Pros: Comfortable, better control on road, etc., useful at higher speeds.
Cons: Worse articulation, PITA to lift.

Dependent:

Pros: Better articulation, more ground contact when climbing obstacles, easier to lift.
Cons: Less comfortable, feel every bump, not as useful at higher speeds.

At least that's how I was told.

 

My wife has had an H3 for 2 years and I have only had my Rubicon 2 weeks but I would agree with the previous posts. Of course I haven't had either of them really "wheeling". Just mild mountain stuff.

 

Important point: The suspension of the H1 is much different than the H2-3.

 

True. I guess I didn't know which Hummer this thread was referring to. My bad.

 

With out a doubt, I have seen on offroad TV there are some sick, I mean SICK buggies with IFS or IRS that are rock crawling. But those are specific built.