date not saved · #1
IRS vs Live Axle....can someone give me details of advantages and disadvantages of each? Cause I always hear good things about IRS but i also hear crappy things about it too!
Which is better please!
This thread was saved without dates. "Around Aug 2004" is estimated from neighbouring threads.
date not saved · #2
IRS are better for handling and live axles are better for drag racing.
date not saved · #3
Some people like the linear breakaway of a live axle. Some people like the added traction IRS adds, even though it's less comunicative in when it will break free. IRS adds a few pounds over the live axle because of it's ancient 'semi-trailing arm' design, but at the same time allows more options for limited slip differentials. IRS cars came with disc brakes, while live axle cars came with drum brakes.
There's ups and downs to each.
date not saved · #4
In standard form i like the live axle better, seems to be more stable and more predictable (remember both are on near 20 year old springs and bushes etc hehe). The IRS standard was quite scary as it swapped weight from rear wheel to rear wheel when sliding or coming out of corners hard. In modified form (new bushes springs shocks) i still like the live axle, it seems more predictable but the IRS isn't a bad thing either once you make the thing behave itself. The discs stop no better than the drums but they do look alot better. Main reason to get IRS is it is easier to find a LSD for the thing. The live axle (H190) LSDs are rare as.
date not saved · #5
So the IRS is a tad unpredicatable at times.....any way of improving this....i mean besides the obvious of new springs, bushings etc?
date not saved · #6
Springs shocks and swaybar are your tuning options. Mine is much much better with 260lb rear springs and koni shocks but with 4 ppl in the car the unpredictableness comes back. I don't drive hard with 4 ppl in the car so it's not an issue but i will be swapping out the rear springs for some stiffer items for drift and maybe changing the rear swaybar links to effectively increase stiffness.
date not saved · #7
The problem with the IRS setup is that the springs are much too soft. When the rear suspension compresses, it changes both camber AND toe. This is where the unpredictable nature comes from. Neb, when you run your car with just you and maybe one passenger, your car is probably pretty predictable because with your stiffer springs, you're not getting nearly as much compression of the rear suspension as with stock springs. When you load up the back seat as well, it's putting a lot more weight over those rear springs and you're getting too much compression again. It's the toe change under compression that really makes things feel funny.
date not saved · #8
ya since i put in my 250rate springs up back the back has been way more predictable then with the old and saggy springs