The Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco are two of the most capable 4x4s on the market. Both are available with a removable top, 35-inch tall tires, locking differentials, and low gearing for off-road use. One of the biggest differences between the two is the front axle and suspension; a solid axle for the Wrangler and Independent Front Suspension (IFS) for the Bronco. The debate between a solid front axle or IFS started when the first IFS 4x4 rolled off the assembly line, and it still hasn’t been resolved. Forty years ago almost every truck came with a solid axle. Over the years, trucks have gone from utility vehicles to daily drivers, with the cabs getting bigger, the beds getting smaller, and more and more creature comforts added. Part of that refinement meant phasing out leaf springs and the replacement of solid front axles with independent front suspension.

Today the only vehicles that come with solid front axles are the Ford Super Duty, Ram heavy duty pickups, the six figure Mercedes G Wagon, and the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator. Does that mean independent front suspension superior to a solid axle? Like so many things in life, the answer of which is better is “it depends.” But what does it depend on? Keep watching as we go into detail on the mechanics of IFS and solid axles, the terrain they accel in, and a real world shootout between a Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco.

Chapters-
00:00 -Introduction
00:40 - Suspension History
01:29 - Vehicles with Solid Front Axles
01:59 - Suspension Terms
03:07 - Strength Comparison
04:45 - Wrangler vs Bronco
05:11 - Mitch’s Bronco
10:24 - Matt’s Wrangler
14:32 - Rocks Comparison
15:21 - High Speed Comparison
16:21 - Outro

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