stock sr5 suspension limits

[shaftymcgee7]

i am curious how capable a stock sr5 is offroading, i am very green and am specificly curious about the amount of up-down travel by rear suspension, i have read the rear suspension is solid live axle with 4 link long travel suspension in this article
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee V-6 Limited vs. 2010 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition - Comparison - Motor Trend
is this accurate or does it only apply to trail editions i was under the impression the only difference between sr5 and the trail's w kdss is the bigger sway bars and hydralic systems and the shocks and basic suspension was the same?
one more question i always hear people say solid suspension systems are better for offroading than independent why is this?
thank you for you replys

 

[limamike]

You are correct, all 4Runner models have a solid rear axle and an independent front. Which is "better" is dependent upon how you want to use your truck. If your goal is to hit the the trails and roll over washboard as fast as you can, then independent suspension systems are the way to go as they will absorb shock much better - especially at high speed. Generally, though, most hobbyist off-roading involves low speed maneuvering over obstacles. In this case, a solid axle is a better setup for a couple of reasons:

1. It is more durable. It's a more simple system, and can sustain a bit more abuse (e.g. no CVs to break).
2. It allows for greater articulation (on non-modified vehicles) and helps enforce wheel plant at low speeds. Like a lever, when one side of the axle goes up, the other side goes down. So, it helps you keep your tires planted when tackling obstacles.

When people talk solid axle setups vs independent suspension systems they're usually comparing non-modified or lightly-modified vehicles. In reality, independent suspension systems should be a better solution all around, but as they come from the factory most vehicles have independent suspensions for on-road comfort, not off-road performance.

 

[Jeremy556]

Yes, other than KDSS, the suspension between SR5 and Trail are the same.

Solid axles are generally preferred for offroading because they are (generally for all of these things) stronger, more simple, easily modified, provide good articulation.

 

[shaftymcgee7]

so the suspension in the rear is live axle with long travel 4 link suspension was curious i have seen the term long travel used with suspension a bit does that mean the rear articulates more than traditional live axles am curious to how far down they will go to help with hill climbs and such

 

[limamike]

so the suspension in the rear is live axle with long travel 4 link suspension was curious i have seen the term long travel used with suspension a bit does that mean the rear articulates more than traditional live axles am curious to how far down they will go to help with hill climbs and such

Can you restate the question?

 

[shaftymcgee7]

the rear suspension is a live axle with a long travel 4 link suspension from what i've read , does long travel mean the wheel can drop more that non-long travel?
am just curious sorry if i was a little unclear on previous question am trying to find out what it means that the rear is long travel type suspension according to the link posted in the review in the first post, thanks

 

[Jeremy556]

the rear suspension is a live axle with a long travel 4 link suspension from what i've read , does long travel mean the wheel can drop more that non-long travel?
am just curious sorry if i was a little unclear on previous question am trying to find out what it means that the rear is long travel type suspension according to the link posted in the review in the first post, thanks

Long travel compared to what? Compared to a IRS Jeep Grand Cherokee, sure. Compared to a Reubicon? No.