Education needed: IFS vs. Solid Axle

[Ascinder]

Not sure about that...I can turn sharper than any of the Jeeps in my club.

That's why I was trying to keep my references general and not specific. Of course there are exceptions. Both are good systems and have their places, but from what I've heard, your typical yoke joint found in a steering axle is built beefier, can take more abuse, and therefore can turn more with less breakage overall vs. a typical CV setup designed primarily for onroad use.

J/K, I would be curious to see the new IFS kit pitted against a similar set up solid axle.
I did get to open the kit up in the 12 hours I was home before hitting the road again. VERY beefy. More to follow in separate thread.

That's what I want to see too. But I'd also like to see them both installed with locking differentials to boot. If we're going to see some true results, I think that should be a requirement. IFS is very capable in it's own right and the articulation kit makes it even better. I really do believe that IFS is probably the correct choice for the vast majority of people out there. A solid axle isn't a magic ticket to absolute offroad superiority and people who view things that way are just asking to be proven wrong. Solid axle, like anything else, has it's place in rigs where overall durability and ease of trail maintenance are paramount. Like Billy said there are exceptions to any rule. There are people running Baja with solid axles and people running rocks with IFS and both doing very well. It all boils down to preference and what pros and cons you're willing to live with. I'm going solid axle because I got tired of worrying about tearing boots and wanted a system that would be worry free from a breakage standpoint. There are also a lot more gearing options available to most solid axles and you don't have to feel like you're wheeling on borrowed time if you install a locker in one.

[AlaskaVX]

Next time you get the question say it has a solid rear axle, if you say "No, it has no solid axle", it kinda lumps you into the crossover type built vehicles like a Honda SUV or something.

I like the setup of IFS up front and solid rear especially for runs with a few mud pits (most of AK trails) as you have LOTS of clearance under an IFS setup up front so you are not dragging/pushing mud with 2 big ol' low hanging pumpkins underneath, while you still have the rear axle to articulate and keep the traction through the rocks.

[Triathlete]

Next time you get the question say it has a solid rear axle, if you say "No, it has no solid axle", it kinda lumps you into the crossover type built vehicles like a Honda SUV or something.

I like the setup of IFS up front and solid rear especially for runs with a few mud pits (most of AK trails) as you have LOTS of clearance under an IFS setup up front so you are not dragging/pushing mud with 2 big ol' low hanging pumpkins underneath, while you still have the rear axle to articulate and keep the traction through the rocks.

Except when 1 or more wheels are in the air!

[Marlin]

That's what I want to see too. But I'd also like to see them both installed with locking differentials to boot.

Well, I have a locker,and I beat mine up pretty good. I will get some before and after flex pics on a constant spot, like ramps or something.

[Triathlete]

IFS vs. Solid Axle in video...

You won't find any IFS vehicles that can flex like THIS (note front axle nearly verticle)

And you won't find to any Solid Axles doing THIS!!!!

[Ascinder]

I think unless you are in a complete race environment and trim, you could use a solid front axle at speed for most of what was in that video. You aren't going to be as competitive with a solid front vs. IFS, but if you aren't competing, I'd much rather abuse the solid axle vs. stock IFS, lol. My ultimate plan was to build up a rather light solid front axle with all the goodies-fabricated center section, forged knuckles and "C's", the RCV 60 axles(gun-drilled), a True Hi9 diff, etc. But that's so spendy, I thought I'd give myself a chance to finish the VX first, then hang ornaments on it With the lighter unsprung weight up front, your axle isn't fighting the high speed bumps as much as when it's a stock heavy old slug.

[Triathlete]

I think unless you are in a complete race environment and trim, you could use a solid front axle at speed for most of what was in that video. You aren't going to be as competitive with a solid front vs. IFS, but if you aren't competing, I'd much rather abuse the solid axle vs. stock IFS, lol. My ultimate plan was to build up a rather light solid front axle with all the goodies-fabricated center section, forged knuckles and "C's", the RCV 60 axles(gun-drilled), a True Hi9 diff, etc. But that's so spendy, I thought I'd give myself a chance to finish the VX first, then hang ornaments on it With the lighter unsprung weight up front, your axle isn't fighting the high speed bumps as much as when it's a stock heavy old slug.

MMmmmm! Spider 9's

[SilverBullet75]

See, this is exactly why I posted the question.
Yes, I could have Googled, but THIS is the kind of response I was hoping for... A VX-Centric conversation!

Thanks guys, for the discussion and education.

Keep it up!

[MSHardeman]

Don't know if anyone has seen the set-up from Atomic Axles, but they are really strange. Solid axle with high ground clearance at the pumpkin. Check the pics out here (scroll down to get to the pics):
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...IML68AbT5JGuBg

Only issue is that they go for up to $14K (per set, I think).