If I remember right - if any of the leading wheels hit a rock or similar, the wheel set would rotate, so that it would effectively roll up and over the obstacle...
The ruskies did one better, the MAZ 537, 38L V12, all independent all wheel drive, 24 universals in the drive train. Just google it an you will see. CK
Now, 1999 Mr Bitchy Challenger 2.8 4M40T
Then in the great White North, 1997 Dodge 2500 Laramie 4x4 Cummins 6BT 5.9L