IFS versus live-axle 4wd

Having owned a Suzuki 4wd a very long time ago, with live-axle front suspension and mediocre handling on the road, I have an interest as to why the on-road driving experience was less than optimal. I posted about these early experiences:

https://bkhome.org/news/201904/car-ball-and-nut-steering.html

...I must add though, I really don't know much about the mechanics of vehicle suspension and steering. Just some fairly superficial reading here and there, so possibly some details in that post are not completely accurate.

Wanting to understand a bit more, I found this great comparison between live-axle front suspension, which the Suzuki has, and Independent Front Suspension (IFS) that just about every 4wd has these days:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nP3uyZn8A8

In fact, what 4wd's are still made with live-axle, apart from the Suzuki Jimny? A search found this (2017):

https://www.whichcar.com.au/gear/traditional-4x4-versus-high-tech-4x4

Quoting:

With the recent demise of the GU Patrol and Land Rover Defender, the only four vehicles left on the [Australian] market with live axles front and rear are the 70 Series Land Cruiser, Jeep Wrangler, Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the tiny Suzuki Jimny

Another point raised by the above link is monocoque construction versus separate chassis. The Jimny has a separate chassis. 

Tags: nomad