Your car's handling, performance and ride are all dependent on the kind of axle it has. There are a variety of axle types, but most fall into one of two categories: Solid suspension and independent.
In a solid axle suspension, both wheels are connected to a beam and aligned at the factory. The wheels cannot move independently. If one wheel is jarred, the beam can be knocked out of alignment.
Independent suspensions come in many different forms, but they all share a common feature: They always incorporate a spring. The spring allows each wheel to move independently and absorb shock, making for a smoother ride and less wear on the axle.
It is possible to realign an independent suspension, unlike a solid axle. However, while independent suspensions offer a smoother ride, solid axle setups are more well-suited to off-road use. Additionally, dependent suspensions are more homogeneous, in contrast to the myriad of independent suspensions available.
