A non-independent suspension is a suspension arrangement in which the left and right wheels share a single, solid axle.
Overall, non-independent suspensions are less adept than independent varieties at isolating vehicle occupants from bumps and dips in the road. This is because a jolt on one side travels through the shared axle and affects the opposite wheel and, often, the chassis as well.
Non-independent suspensions should not be considered substandard in all cases, however. For example, Jeep uses non-independent axles in both the rear and front of its Wrangler because it affords an advantage in some offroad situations. Most sport utility vehicles designed for true offroad use employ a non-independent rear suspension.
Information for this was taken from the Cars.com’s glossary, written by Joe Wiesenfelder.
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