[chrisguyw]

isn't this type of (independent) suspension detrimental to car / gear performance 

i mean , the motor and pinion are fixed , but the rear axle and crown gear are not 
and therefore the gear mesh must be affected 
which in my 'tin pot' way of thinking is not a good thing 

pod suspension would be fine , but just rear axle ?

or am i missing something ?

kev

You  have not missed a thing....absolutely correct !!!

Cheers
Chris Walker