If had one complaint about my Rubicon it would be that it tends to push (understeer) in the corners. The live rear axle and all the traction in the rear make it sometimes hard to control.

What would be the shiznit would be a differential in the rear. Even better would be an independent rear suspension. I've got to give it to the Polaris and Arctic Car guys, IRS is the way to go.

How much welding and fabricating would it take to convert the Rubicon to IRS? It can't be that hard.

Any thoughts?

 

GreenRuby, this is a rib (joke), right?

"Wouldn't be too hard" to convert a solid rear axle to independent rear suspension?

Surely, you jest!

Even conversion to a semi-independent swing axle setup appears beyond the engineering and fabrication capabilities of the shade-tree mechanic to me; anyone ever perform this surgery?

Most think a solid rear/swingarm is the best setup for powersliding, anyway.

In a similar vein, I know of one capable machine shop/welding torch guy who attempted a transplant of a Suzuki front differential (with rider-operated locker) to another quad; despite a best effort; this project wound up in the "too hard" box.

Yet, should you undertake conversion of a Rubicon to IRS, I wish you all the luck in the world and salute your ambition and innovation.

Tree Farmer

 

If this is you biggest gripe about the Rubicon, I suggest you buy a Polaris it would be a lot easier than this conversion. Perhaps you should try a softer shock set-up instead.