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The rigid axle is a sturdy and inexpensive suspension configuration. It has almost disappeared from the moderns automobile, although there are still notable exceptions such as some Nissan sedans, the Chrysler PT Cruiser, and the Ford Mustang. Additionally, the rigid axle is still a valid configuration for off-road vehicles and light trucks. The main disadvantage for live, rigid axles is the high unsprung weight, that is, the axle assembly is relatively heavy. This forces the dampers and springs to be stiffer than would otherwise be necessary to control oscillations of the axle. Another disadvantage of rigid axles is the obvious dependence in the motion of the wheels in each side of the axle. The dynamic characteristics of the rigid axle are highly sensitive to the location method used. |
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