I've had a few questions regarding the "stiff suspension" on my RC4WD TF2 SWB rig, so I thought I'd throw out a quick comparison vid between a leaf sprung suspension and a linked suspension.
With a leaf sprung rig, you will be throwing a tire in the air a lot of the time, which means instead of four tires biting on the rocks or dirt, now you're working with only three . With the linked rig, most of the time over average to slightly difficult terrain you will have all four tires on the ground biting and clawing their way through most anything you can find.
Personally, I prefer the challenge that a leaf sprung rig poses. With a leaf sprung rig you have to choose your lines wisely and you have very little safety net should you choose incorrectly due to the limits in suspension travel. To me, this type of set up is more akin to how a mostly stock 1:1 rig would react, and I enjoy watching the struggles of the rig as it tries to navigate the rocky terrain.
Now on to the linked rig... A linked rig is much more forgiving. A linked rig will act more like a highly modified, purpose built 1:1 trail/crawler rig. With a linked rig you can move about with a little more freedom and don't have to be so selective in the lines you take as the suspension travel/flex will keep you planted and get you out of most situations.
Both types of suspensions are fun in their own way. To be honest it really depends on your driving style and how much patience you have. Less patience....go linked. More patience....give leaf springs a try.
Rigs used in vid:
-RC4WD TF2 SWB - Tamiya Jeep YJ body
-Axial SCX10 Trail Honcho
Tires:
RC4WD 1.55 Mud Slingers - Jeep
Duratrax 1.9 Deep Woods CR - Honcho
I hope you enjoy the vid!
