a solid axel jeep/buggy will go further up the articulation ramp than a IRS/IFS set up. solid axels are a h#!! of a lot stronger too

 

Hello Hawkeye1. In general, IRS will give a smoother ride. The reason being (again) the unsprung weight is lower. Sports quads reduce unsprung weight by putting smaller tires and wheels on. This also considerably reduces the rotating inertia so they accelerate faster. There is however, another variable that comes into play when looking at ride quality. That is suspension travel. In general, the more suspension travel you have, the better the ride quality. Look at the difference between the 2004 and 2005 Sportsmans. There is an addition 1.5 inches of suspension travel in the struts. From what I have read, this made a big difference in ride quilty. Hope this helps.
BryceGTX

 

It seems that with SRA the load on rear axle will be equally shared by both rear wheels due to rigid swing arm. When one back wheel rolls over bump the quad will tip so rear axle load is always shared equally between both rear wheels. The front end load will not be equally shared between wheels but will be function of suspension travel. The front wheel with more suspension sag is taking the most front end weight. Both back wheels are getting good grip because the load is equally shared. The front wheel with most suspension sag is getting the most grip.
With IRS and IFS you have 4 wheels that are sharing the load based on relative stiffness of the four independent wheels. When one back wheel rolls over a bump the rear axle load is no longer equally shared between both rear wheels. The rear wheel on bump and diagonally opposite front wheel would have the most weight. It appears that with IRS and IFS you could easily find yourself supported on only two diagonally opposite wheels while quad sits level.
In same situation the SRA quad should tip so that both rear wheel loads are equal, one front wheel is higher in air, but quad is very stable.
I admit to being a total f**king novice about this subject with absolutely zero, zip, nada, 4WD experience. I am trying to understand the differences and would sure like someone with real world experience to correct my obvious errors in thinking.

 

What are you talking about, do you just make things up???
- F1 and indy cars don't run inboard brakes!
-Nascar do have springs on all four corners
-Please tell me what late model sports car runs a SRS, becasue I cant find any.
The hummer H1 having a "rubber band" transfer care, nope sorry they do have "gear to gear"
-drag cars dont have any suspention!!!

Please get your facts right!

 

So is it reasonable to say that the SRA is more stable (ie in cornering, etc.), while the IRS' strength is traversing uneven terrain? Can't say I've had much experience w/ Hummers and Drag racing. Just trying to get a handle on which suspension would be best suitable for me. I want a comfortable ride, but don't want to sacrifice handling in exchange.