I have been reading conflicting info. about which is better off road. My personal experience is straight axle is better for out ‘n‘ out four wheeling and wishbone is better at higher speeds with small obtacles. All I know is my 98‘ discovery spanks my brothers H3 when we go wheeling on his farm. Could some one w/more 4x4 experience clear this up for me. thanks.
Just a peek at the problem. Space Shuttle tires are only used ONCE. I have visited the testing facility near here. Vigorous tests.
Very nice write up Eric! I might add that they are also filled with nitrogen because it expands less with increased temperatures.
I think you mean independent not wishbone. And yes straight axle with a locker is much stronger and better for wheeling.
Axle is better. When the Army first got their Jeeps, they had straight axles front and back. They could go anywhere and jump almost anything, Then in Vietnam, the Jeep had an independent front suspension. It was possible to roll the Jeep over during jumping and kill everyone riding in the Jeep. The Hummer gets away with this by being W-I-D-E.
For an all-out off-road vehicle straight axle is the best way to go. It offers durability beyond anything independent. This is because independent suspension systems have too many weak and exposed moving parts and connections. If it wasn't for making 4WD vehicles handle better on highways, most would not be independent from the factory.
