Solid versus Independent

[Imnosaint]

In making the conversion from sports cars to expedition vehicles I took some solace in having independent suspension all around on the Gen III. But as I research and read I'm finding this isn't a preference for off-road excursions, but I'm not finding why. Can anyone shed some light here?

Great thanks.

 

[haven]

It depends on the sort of off-road driving you expect to do. Rock crawlers like the solid front axle for its ability to achieve extreme angles of articulation. Desert racers like an IFS for better control at speed. Almost all new SUVs use independent suspension to make the ride more car-like and comfortable on pavement. The Wrangler, the G-Wagen and Toyota 70 series are the notable holdouts.

The chief advantage of the solid front axle is that it's less expensive and more straightforward to do a large suspension lift. IFS requires new upper and lower control arms that are more difficult to fabricate. Here's the IFS from a Ford Raptor pickup.

OME and TJM make suspension lifts for the Montero. The result is not a large increase in lift, just enough to use a taller tire. the kits are available with higher spring rates, which help maintain ground clearance when loaded with camping gear.

 

[off-roader]

As has been noted Rock Crawling is the one area where solid axles are preferred. Depending on the design and implementation I suspect an IFS/IRS vehicle could be made to compete with solid axle rigs in rock crawling scenarios but the design would need to be fairly robust to be competitive. For most other off road adventures IFS/IRS are just as capable if not more and typically far more comfortable than a solid axle design & for higher speed off road travel (>20mph) independent suspension is far more comfortable.

For my needs (both rock crawling & general off road use) the IFS/Solid Axle rear of the gen I and II Montero's have been great.

 

[geocrasher]

I've been just as many places with my IFS Gen1 Raider as I have with any other truck, it works great

 

[Imnosaint]

Thank you. Certainly, lifting and modding IFS/IRS is difficult and expensive as I've checked out systems for the Montero, and I get the robust nature of solid axles. I see some of the spindly applications of IRS on some Honda products and wonder how they don't shatter under a minimum of torque. It just seems from a tire-patch geometry standpoint that independent axles can articulate for better grip. It's all a compromise, climbing or comfort.

I won't be rock crawling by any stretch, but want the versatility and the ability to get in and out of rough terrain, and so far the Monty has delivered. After seeing the performance of what appears to be a stock Shogun, same as my Limited, from the support crew for Long Way Round, I'll focus on recovery a bit more than suspension. Edit: It does have an OME spring upgrade from TBR UK. This Shogun found its home here after it was wrapped for LWRound. Lucky sort.

 

[SOFpirate]

Also, from what I heard the front ends in the Gen II Monteros are comparable to the strength of a Dana 44. I caveat that with ... RUMOR!

But with a Gen III, the design is typical Japanese genius. It's a Unibody (first of all the Monty's) and each corner for the suspension has it's own subframe. With the Unibody design coupled with the independent suspension throughout, you wouldn't get much for flex like all the solid axle guys, but the Unibody is 300% more rigid than our older ones. It's comparable to a Ford F350. Impressive. All in all, focus on recovery equipment. Your Gen III will easily give you the feeling of invincibility off road.

 

[4D55 Performance]

It needs to be mentioned that while the Gen III is a unibody construction, it does have a unique sub-frame which connects to the suspension. Because of this sub-frame it is possible to add a specialized body lift. Several Japanese company's make Gen III body lifts that will allow for fitment of 35" tires while maintaining the factory ride. Also, the IFS and IRS in the Gen III are very strong components and it can be argued that the Gen III's axles are stronger than those found on the Gen II and Gen II.5.