On Fri, 27 Jun 2003, Andrew Grebneff wrote:

> Hiace just needs IRS to be perfect, but with semielliptic or
> torsionbar rear end (depending on trim level) it does extremely well
> anyway.

I tend to think IRS is overrated for vans.  For sports cars, sure it's
great, but for something that's basically a heavy cargo vehicle it's hard
to beat the durability and strength of a solid rear axle.  I never really
had any complaints about the suspension performance on my Ford (twin
I-beam independent front suspension with coil springs, live rear axle with
leaf springs) except that it chewed up front tires.  Wheel hop was a bit
of a problem in reverse on loose gravel, but a set of traction bars might
have helped.

David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Diesel Westfalia
'94 Honda Civic Si