IFS vs SFS

[KOOS BEST]

This proofs that independent front suspension is much more enjoyable than solid front suspension.

If you are considering a Nissan Pathfinder or any other car with an 'independent front suspension', this little commercial should prove to be helpful in understanding the concept before making your purchasing decision. An 'independent front suspension' system is when one front wheel of a vehicle hits a bump or pothole, will move up or down to compensate while the other wheel remains steady. Both wheels are independent of each other, and hence the expression. Watch the attached video all the way to the end. It is a German commercial for the Nissan Pathfinder. This gives a moving experience which should benefit your understanding of this piece of engineering. It's arguably the best explanation I've ever seen.



Well no- one can argue this point
Groetnis

[JG Shields]

Koos, the video illustrates it very well. Just keep in mind that the real challenge comes with real obstacles, not "wanna-be" small, usual, every day etc. stuff.

[Stefan]

I have to agree with both of you gentlemen. All the engineering principles are very well demonstrated - althought there is clearly no contest between IFS & SFS when it comes to handling the rougher terrain

[Saltman]

Stefan

Couldn't agree with you more!

Having experienced both setups (Range Rover & Patrol - SFS) and (VW T4 Syncro & Toyota Hilux D-4D - IFS), it is horses for courses.
Do you use your 4x4 for the "Big 5" ie. Sandton, Constantia, Tygervalley, East Gate & Cavendish Square, where worst case implies climbing the pavement, then IFS is for you. It has superb tar road holding and handling characteristics and a comfortable open road and gravel road ride quality.
And the advert above clearly demonstrates the definition and advantages of the term "independent" bounce, errr, recoil, errr, whatever ... but watch what happens when the straps let go ... talk about black eyes ...

But, if you use the vehicle for its intended use as an overlanding vehicle (particularly in Africa), or you love 4x4 ing and actually use it off-road, then the serious advantages of the SFS is amply demonstrated by (in this case) the robustness of the Patrol setup:
Zambian and Tanzanian roads are less than kind to IFS setups. The Disco III and the Hilux attested to that on a trip in 2008. At one point in northern Tanzania I had to get the wheel alignment reset as it was out by 8mm (no not a mere 8 degrees, 8 MILLIMETRES !!) after a bad stretch of road and black cotton soil plus bad judgement caused the damage! The Disco resorted to safe mode after the computer recorded a more than allowable out of tolerance measurement from the IFS!

Yet the thousands of Toyota Troopies and Cruisers and Nissan Patrols - all SFS, just steamrollered past us, seemingly oblivious of the poor road conditions.
So in true comparative advertising style, put the model in a Patrol and give her a sturdy underwire bra and viola, problem solved!

At least the SFS will get you there ...

[Stefan]

In the name of science I will gladly make my patrol available for such an experiment!