I beat an offroad obstacle that I have been trying at this past year.

[oldman03]

The Alamo obstacle at Prairie City SVRA. The obstacle resembles a 3 level pyramid.

[Mike W.]

Not many here seem to use them as real off road vehicles, but if you have good driving skills they are very capable. I bought mine with the specific intention of going off road in National Parks on vacation and it has performed quite well. It could use more ground clearance but for a stocker it does quite well.

[PalmerWMD]

I always liked this generation of pathfinder!

[PalmerWMD]

I always liked this generation of pathfinder!

[oldman03]

Its the solid rear axle that makes the R50 Pathfinder QX4 capable off-road vehicles. Solid axle suspensions can be better at suspension flex, travel, than independent suspensions that many modern SUV's have. When the suspension can flex better, the wheels are able to stay on the ground with good traction.

[Mike W.]

Its the solid rear axle that makes the R50 Pathfinder QX4 capable off-road vehicles. Solid axle suspensions can be better at suspension flex, travel, than independent suspensions that many modern SUV's have. When the suspension can flex better, the wheels are able to stay on the ground with good traction.

Elaborate please, I don't follow.

I do know solid axles, front and rear seem to be prized by the 4WD community, but generally independent suspension allows wheels to better follow the terrain. I think of the side by sides, UTVs, whatever you want to call them, they seem to excel, a solid axle is cheaper but they use independent. I'm not a rookie, but not an expert either and know it.

[oldman03]

Independent suspensions have suspension flex maximum around 20 degrees, because of cv axle binding, sometimes wheels don't have enough suspension flex to keep on the ground when in rut or depression in ground. Solid axle suspensions can have 2-4 times as much degrees of suspension flex, wheels stay on the ground more often. Wheel spacers and bigger tires can improve suspension flex performance of both solid axle and independent suspensions. Check out my video explaining this.
https://youtu.be/YMR_8LR6_0Q

[oldman03]

independent suspensions can be better for high speed off-roading due to better handling, solid axle suspensions better for beating off-road obstacles.