Pros and Cons of Independent suspension
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 740
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
I found this with a quick search of RTI comparison numbers. It is a bit dated and doesn't include the Tacoma, but it reinforces my point ...
Ramp Travel Indexes tests for various stock vehicles:
1991 Honda civic hatch back (factory stock): 319 - (just for a refference point)
1997 Jeep Wrangler (factory stock): 607
2002 Jeep Cherokee (factory stock): 575 (approximate)
2007 Toyota FJ cruiser (factory stock): 491
Although the FJC’s RTI numbers put it in second last place out of the four listed, we have to remember that it has IFS and the two Jeeps were designed with stock axles. That being said, 491 is pretty respectable for a vehicle with IFS. You probably wont see too many stock IFS SUVs that will score higher than this.
However the really depressing thing for the diehard FJ cruiser fans is when you compare it to the 2007 Wrangler’s RTI figures:
Driving right off the dealer’s lot the 2007 wrangler will give an RTI of 652 (with the sway bar). If you hit the sway bar disconnect button on the dash, it will pull a whopping 832 RTI! This is on a completely stock Jeep!
Ramp Travel Indexes tests for various stock vehicles:
1991 Honda civic hatch back (factory stock): 319 - (just for a refference point)
1997 Jeep Wrangler (factory stock): 607
2002 Jeep Cherokee (factory stock): 575 (approximate)
2007 Toyota FJ cruiser (factory stock): 491
Although the FJC’s RTI numbers put it in second last place out of the four listed, we have to remember that it has IFS and the two Jeeps were designed with stock axles. That being said, 491 is pretty respectable for a vehicle with IFS. You probably wont see too many stock IFS SUVs that will score higher than this.
However the really depressing thing for the diehard FJ cruiser fans is when you compare it to the 2007 Wrangler’s RTI figures:
Driving right off the dealer’s lot the 2007 wrangler will give an RTI of 652 (with the sway bar). If you hit the sway bar disconnect button on the dash, it will pull a whopping 832 RTI! This is on a completely stock Jeep!
IFS can be made to work but it requires a very wide track width and ALOT of money. Look at the desert racing guys...
JK Junkie
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,142
Likes: 2
From: Rockwood, TN
I am not neccessarily arguing for or against IFS but there are other factors to consider other than RTI scores. For example, ride comfort is vastly greater on a IFS than SA.
IFS can be made to work but it requires a very wide track width and ALOT of money. Look at the desert racing guys...
IFS can be made to work but it requires a very wide track width and ALOT of money. Look at the desert racing guys...
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,800
Likes: 374
From: Midwest City, OK
I am not neccessarily arguing for or against IFS but there are other factors to consider other than RTI scores. For example, ride comfort is vastly greater on a IFS than SA.
IFS can be made to work but it requires a very wide track width and ALOT of money. Look at the desert racing guys...
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
Xtreme 4x4 just had an episode on king of the hammers IFS vs solid axle. They were talking about how IFS was a lot faster and more stable on the high speed desert portion and the solid axle was a lot better on the rocks. So it really just depends on what you need. Most people by jeeps for the off road articulation or to make sure they don't get stuck in the parking lot at the mall. Jeeps weren't really designed to go fast so IFS wasn't considered over the solid axle. You can never tell what is in the future maybe a jeep desert racer?
JK Junkie
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 4
From: Jacksonville NC
Here ya go IFS and a V8 Hemi........
JK Freak
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
From: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
I had a Suzuki Sidekick on 33's at one time, which is IFS. I couldn't even go where a Samurai on 31's could go. I learned the hard way. Would never waste money modifying an IFS 4x4 ever again. Just my opinion though.