Independent Suspension

[Clinton Bean]

Hi everyone,



I've seen from Ford's website and various posts here that the new '07 has 4-wheel independent suspension. I know that independent suspension is a much more complex system than a straight live axle, as well as more expensive to fix if anything breaks. It also plain just "looks funny" from the rear....



Those negatives aside, are there any reasons to prefer independent suspension on the rear instead of a beefier traditional live axle? I truly don't know the answer....so information if appreciated.



Thanks!

 

[shawn stonbraker 2]

The ride is better. My wife's Mountaineer has IRS and it rides like it's on air. I like the fact that the new ST went that way. I don't usually do much with the height of my vehicles so it doesn't matter to me. I also don't do alot of offroading either. I can say that compared to my wifes vehicle, my ST rides like a truck!:lol:

 

[Rodger Tellefson]

Clint, Did you studder? :lol:



When we were in Dallas for the National meet the Ford techie told me that they also stiffened the frame on the '07 ST. Going off road ought to be interesting, and to see if they will offer a FX4 Off Road version.

 

[Nick Pachnos]

Just look at the lack of group clearance of Independent Suspension vs. Solid Axle and you'll see why it is not suitable for off-roading.

 

[Andy G]

IRS sill help any vehicle behave better at freeway speeds when it comes to corners, bumps, that type of thing.

 

[Tom Schindler]

Just look at the lack of group clearance of Independent Suspension vs. Solid Axle and you'll see why it is not suitable for off-roading.

Actually, the Explorer has more ground clearance then the Trac did.





Tom

 

[Fer Echegaray]

What's the clearance of the '07?

 

[Tom Schindler]

2007 Trac 8.4" ground clearance





Tom

 

[Larry Phillips]

It helps not having that differential hanging down there.