Independent Rear Suspension applied to SUVs

Jan 06, 2004 2 Replies

Given the relatively high CG heights these vehicles feature, you probably want a fairly high rear roll center (like that of a solid axle) to keep the roll moment to a minimum. Then again, jacking is probably something to keep out of the picture on such a vehicle.



You would think that you'd see more live axles these days, but this is not the case.



Given the above, what kind of rear roll center heights are todays SUVs employing with independent rear suspensions these days?


Thanks,



Jim



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Every ENGINEERING consideration in the world suggests that live axles would be superior for SUVs, trucks, minivans, and anything else with a high CG and highly variable cargo weight. Unfortunately, rags like 'Consumer Reports' and 'Car and Driver' will continue to stupidly bleat about how "archaic" and "outdated" live axles are and how only an SUV with independent rear suspension should even be remotely considered as acceptable.

Thanks for the reply, Steve.

Apparently, with the advent of electronic stability control, kinematics are largely ignored.

Jim

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