Ladder Frame vs. Monocoque - SUVphiles, Kanino Kayo?

**Ungas** · December 13th, 2003 02:20 PM

The Pajero GenIII is the perfect sample of monocoque design SUV. While the Pajero GenII is the chassis-ladder frame sample.

Pajero monocoque body

Pajero chassis

**mbt** · December 13th, 2003 05:18 PM

glenn,

generally mas matibay ang monocoque design kesa body-on-frame design... the whole body shell IS the support

**chronophile** · December 13th, 2003 05:51 PM

Interesting. Seems even offroaders are split between the two???

My two cents on this issue is that manufacturers that sell large SUV volumes are better off economically with monocoques. I mean, these large volumes never set foot on trails anyway, so Sir Otep's very valid concern, from an offroader's perspective, for flexing/traction of ladder frame designs most likely have no bearing on the market's buying decisions who are only buying SUV's for their sheer size/mass.

But for niche players like Land Rover, now that's another matter. But then again, even the new Range Rover is already monocoque. Hmmmmm. Wondering if the Defender is next.

**1.8T** · December 14th, 2003 02:49 AM

my 2001 suzuki grandvitara xl7 has the ladder frame and I'm happy with it.

**splerdu** · December 14th, 2003 03:30 AM

I think it's unlikely for the Defender to go monocoque... The biggest customer for it is the British military, and they want the vehicle to stay the same... On the other hand, most civilian buyers do want something that is more usable on-road, in which case they can opt for the Range Rover or the Discovery.

**kimpOy** · December 15th, 2003 09:40 AM

i want my off road rig to be ladder frame, solid live axle and coils on all four with cherrry on top thanks you.

**Ungas** · December 15th, 2003 09:50 AM

kimpOy::: You forgot to list your factory spec rear lockers. :D

Well, as most of my comrades agree... underpinnings of an LC80 and GQ Patrol will be enough for me. :D