Just like the question says. And also what exactly is a live rear axle? Thanks.

[This message has been edited by gamboa (edited August 24, 2002).]

 

The 4th gens as with any F-Body have a live/solid rear axle.

Live axle is a single solid piece that both rear wheels attach. Both wheels are driven by straight solid axles which connect to the differential.

Example....

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Derek M
95 Z28 M6 11.077@132.120
02 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC LB
88 Mustang LX
http://home.attbi.com/~z28sc

 

Thanks for the info Derek. Does anyone know if the C5 corvette rear suspension is a live/solid axle or independent suspension?

[This message has been edited by gamboa (edited August 25, 2002).]

 

All Vette's from 1963 to present have Independent Rear suspension.All Camaro and Firebird's from 1967-2002 all came with a soild rear axle.The Vette is the only Performance car from GM with a I.R.S. from the factory.

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1994 Z/28 M6 t-tops not stock
1970 RS Camaro 383/th350 4.10's
1987 C20 parts hauler/beater

 

So how much of a disadvantage is a live/solid rear axle(F-bodies) vs. a independent rear suspension(Corvettes)when it comes to the overall cornering capabilities of the respective automobiles? I mean even with suspension modifications are we(F-bodies) still at a disadvantage when it comes to vettes or any sports cars with independent rear suspensions.

 

Depends. There are all kinds of live axles and all kinds or IRS, some better than others. Compared to an old Triumph Spitfire or Porsche 356 with swing axle IRS, our rear suspension is an engineering marvel.

But, in general, IRS will be better,especially on bumpy roads. On relatively smooth roads it's a tradeoff between unsprung weight (IRS better) and camber control (live axle better). IRS doesn't magically blow everything else away.

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2000 Firebird convert, chameleon/tan, M5, Y87, TCS
KBDDs, BMR STB and Panhard, 245/50-16 GSCs

 

Ha ha, don't we wish we had an IRS. We have cheapy cars, not Vettes.

Since I think 1999 or 2000 the Cobras get IRS, or was it 2001? I heard it's not that great though, but I don't know first hand.

 

IIRC, unsprung weight of an IRS car is something like 5% better generically speaking than our rear and about 5% worse going from our rear to a first gen rear with the heavy rear spring setup.

On a smooth track not as much difference (and most tracks are relatively smooth/race friendly).

The swing axles as mentioned on VWs and old Porsches have thier own problems like weight jacking etc, you can find this stuff covered in some suspension books.