A de Dion tube is a form of non-independent automobile suspension. It is a considerable improvement over the swing axle, Hotchkiss drive, or live axle. Because it plays no part in transmitting power to the drive wheels, it is sometimes called a "dead axle".
De Dion rear axle
A de Dion tube used in a 1998 Ford Ranger EV. The gray bar is the de Dion tube, and the black rods above it are the Watt's links used to laterally locate the tube.
Independent suspension is any automobile suspension system that allows each wheel on the same axle to move vertically independently of the others. This is contrasted with a beam axle or deDion axle system in which the wheels are linked. "Independent" refers to the motion or path of movement of the wheels or suspension. It is common for the left and right sides of the suspension to be connected with anti-roll bars or other such mechanisms. The anti-roll bar ties the left and right suspension spring rates together but does not tie their motion together.
A multi-link type rear independent suspension on an AWD car. The anti-roll bar has some yellow paint on it.
Double wishbone suspension; arms and knuckle painted yellow
MacPherson strut (painted black) on Proton Exora
Studebaker "Planar" transverse leaf spring front suspension