On Wed, 23 Aug 2006 17:24:19 -0600, "Nathan W. Collier"
> wrote:

>i just got done watching the superlift show (TIVO caught it as a random
>recording, i dunno what channel it comes on normally) on the testing of the
>new '07 wrangler. while there are many improvements i would have liked to
>see on the tj (4 doors/better seats/etc), unless 7 grille slots is all it
>takes to be a jeep these days this one is gonna flop amongst those who buy
>jeeps based on jeep heritage. one of the designers talked about how they
>argued IFS vs. solid axle throughout the design (which tells me that IFS
>will always be on the horizon until "dr. z" eventually forces it on the SWB
>jeep). with all the fancy gadgets like 4 wheels sensors to control the
>fancy brake - (almost) lockers i get the impression that "dr. z" is trying
>to morph the SWB jeep into a land rover wanna-be (particularly ironic since
>the first land rover started out as a jeep!).
>
>im not saying this is a bad thing because i hold a high respect for him, but
>ive never felt more like bill. this thing just is not a "real" jeep. i
>almost would have preferred the awful willys concept, at least it remained
>true to the overall size of a SWB jeep. this is just one of many flops on
>the horizon for DC (like dropping the cummins engine from the dodge truck
>line in favor of a mercedes diesel sometime around 2010 after the cummins
>contract expires)
>
>THAT SAID, my cj7 build is looking better and better and better.

Please excuse my questions, but I am new to the Jeep world.
I am pretty sure IFS means Independent Front Suspension, but I don't
understand how it compares with a solid axle, and why one is better
than the other.
Also, is SWB, Short Wheel Base? As in Wrangler? as opposed to the
Grand Cherokee?

I'd also like to know how an IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) affects
towing capacity. Something I read on a jeep related forum. The tone of
the thread was that in most cases IRS reduces towing capacity
dramatically, but there are ways to maintain 5K capacity if it is done
right?

Just trying to learn more and more.
Thanks