posted 12-17-2004 07:11 PM ET (US)

• Ifs Vs Solid Axle Towing Guide
• What's Better Ifs Or Solid Axle
• Ifs Vs Solid Axle Towing

IFS uses wider bearing hubs in comparision to live axle bearing hubs, and the bearings are the same size. So this wider IFS bearing hub (the part that the rotor bolts to, so behind the rotor) will bolt directly to the spindle of the sold live axle. However, if you use the vented rotors from the IFS, now they will be off by about 1/2 an inch. Both IFS and solid front axles have tie rods, drag link for solid axles and center link for IFS's. Components wear in both. Hitting a bump or pot hole or obstacle causes the steering to be thrown off resulting in vibrations and oscillations throughout the steering system up to the steering wheel. The reason the solid axle feels more secure is because in emegency maneuvers, you have two masses initially going in the same direction when one, the tow vehicle, abruptly changes direction. The boat will want to continue going straight while the tow vehicle's suspension needs to cope with the forces applied to change its own direction as well.

I don't think an independenat suspension would matter much, or at all, as the trailer's weight is on the vehicles centerline/axis and therefore can not apply much lateral leverage.

Assuming the vehicle wheelbase, weight and roads are similar, consider these:

- Are the respective trailer balls at differnt heights relative to the pavement? This would effect overall applied toungue weight (lower ball=more weight)

- Is the Mountaineer's wheel alignment to spec?

- Does the Mountaineer's steering have a numb 'on center' feel? That could give you the sensation of drift.

- Your Jeep is 'trail rated' or more or less designed as a highly off-road capable vehicle (despite its many creature comforts). Your wife's SUV was designed for minimal NVH as a luxury on-road vehicle. Therefore, the selection of suspension bushings by the manufacture's engineers will side towards stiff and responsive in your Jeep and soft and compliant in the Merc. The subsequent flex under load by the Mountaineer could be the realized sensation.

Ifs Vs Solid Axle Towing Guide

What's Better Ifs Or Solid Axle

Ifs Vs Solid Axle Towing