When independent front suspension was introduced, it was a huge development for the American auto industry. Okay, why? This 1935 Chevrolet film explains the issue perfectly. 

In our recent feature on Knee Action (“What Was GM Knee Action?” Sept. 21, 2021) we got into the what, when, and how of GM’s adoption of independent front suspension in 1934. But we didn’t delve very far into the why, which is an interesting subject. Why was IFS so important? What’s the big deal? Why not independent rear suspension, which didn’t become commonplace for many more decades? This 1935 Chevrolet movie offers a crystal-clear explanation with plain and simple illustrations.

As the film explains, the drive to IFS was driven by a desperate need to improve ride quality, which in those days was pretty bad, to be honest. Old-fashioned beam axle front suspension required excessively stiff front springs to handle the steering and braking loads, increasing the front ride frequency. And this in turn required stiff springs in the rear as well to balance out the ride motion and provide some pitch stability, and it was a poor compromise. In these old beam-axle cars, the ride was typically better in the front seat than in the rear—hardly an acceptable state of affairs.

Of course, IFS wasn’t new. It dated back to the pioneer days of the industry. But here it offered a new opportunity. By getting rid of the beam axle and suspending each front wheel independently, front spring rates could be greatly reduced, and suddenly it was a new day in ride comfort and stability. The film explains it all in the classic Jam Handy style, in plain language with straightforward illustrations. Video follows.