Independent has less traction as the front wheel often lifts off the ground when cross axeled or in deep ruts. A 'live' front axle does'nt handle just as well on the road as movement on one corner invariable has an effect on the other corner but will find more traction off-road. When lifting an independent sus truck, the articulation is also connected to the camber controlled by the wishbones and the wheels tend to lie in or out unless you add some serious mods. The shougun was nice with its torsion bars up front so a lift was free combined with a cheap set of used Patrol springs thrown in the back.
DId I read somewhere that G wagon lockers are mechanically operated?