Could someone please tell me the differences between straight (live?) axle and IRS? I have heard stories of both being better, and would like to know the truth. Thanks

 

Saying one is better is really based on what it's being applied and how it was engineered. There is not a straight answer on which is better and guys who swear to one probably don't understand how the other one works, or it's potential to be designed very well.
Basically how they work is simple. The solid rear axle is a solid connection on both wheels on each side. the middle part is the pivot point, so when one wheel is going up the other one will push downward. That is the general way in how they all work.
An IRS setup has the center point with two axles, each owning their own pivot point which doesn't affect the other side at all. Enabling both wheels to independantly act on the road surface, and never exert any pressure to the other side.

Theres alot more to it, so I'm leaving alot empty for others to share their inputs.

 

thanks Manny!

 

Back in the early days of this forum, there were volumes full of debate on this subject. Since then, due to problems with the service provider, the forum has started over from scratch. I am not sure how much of that debate is on the newer forum database, but I would have to imagine a search would yield a good amount of info for you.
I mention that because most members got so sick of the debate that you may not get many replies on the subject. Happy hunting!

 

My understanding, in short is as follows:

IRS systems tend to weight more overall, have a lower unsprung weight which allows for softer springs to have the same amount of control over that corner and are much better for handling bumps mid-corner (as only one corner is affected by the bump).

IRS systems are cheaper and much tougher. They are great for handling torque and on a smooth surface, with a good, free-moving design, won't loose much to IRS on the race track (note the Grand-Am FR500Cs) becuase ride isn't a concern.

 

er mike, for that second one, dont u mean 'SRS'

 

Dont forget to add, IRS absorbs more power due to its mechanical complexity.

 

thanx every1