TRUCK/SUV
JEEP
TOWING
WHEELS
TIRES
PROMOS
☰
MENU
813-769-2451
Monday - Friday:
9:00am - 6:00pm EST
813-769-2451
HELP
My Account
Shipping
Tracking
Refunds/Returns
Warranty
Site Policy
About Us
Contact Us
CART
View Cart
Checkout
SEARCH
Close
  
testLogin
Existing Account:
For returning customers, please enter your email and password to log in to your account.
Forgot Password?
Logging-in please wait...
Select Vehicle:
Note: Due to the number of combinations, this feature will not apply to wheel and tire fitments.
Optional:
Extended:
×
Search 4WheelOnline
Articles and Reviews
Truck and SUV Articles and Reviews
Suspension Lift Kits Articles
Leaf Spring Suspension Information
Change Vehicle
Select Vehicle:
Note: Due to the number of combinations, this feature will not apply to wheel and tire fitments.
Optional:
Extended:
Leaf Spring Suspension Information
Leaf Spring Suspension Information
Unlike today, Fred Flinstone’s car didn’t have suspension. Of course, he didn’t mind too much; he was a caveman.
We Need Suspension
Driving a car with no suspension would be like riding a sled. There would be no cushion to absorb the bumps of the road, and the vehicle would eventually deteriorate. The spring suspensions (leaf, coil, airbag, or torsion bar) that automakers implement allow the wheels and tires to bob and grasp for traction as the rest of the body stays smooth and even keeled. The best springs- leaf and coil- have a soft initial spring rate that absorbs the bumps of the road, along with a firm spring rate that can also handle larger bumps.
The Leaf Spring Suspension History
Up until the late 1970s, Leaf Spring Suspensions were common on many American cars. But with the advent of the popularity of front wheel drive, leaf springs slowly started to dissipate from compact cars. Compact car manufacturers instead opted for the now standard coil springs. However, Leaf Springs continued to be used with heavier commercial vehicles and are now commonly used for trucks, SUVs, and vans.
For heavier loads, you may want to consider a leaf spring suspension system.
Reasons to Get a Leaf Spring Suspension System
Leaf Springs are great for heavier vehicles because leaf suspension systems spread the vehicle’s weight evenly over the chassis (spring coils, on the other hand, distribute the weight to a single point, which could be detrimental). This even distribution helps to reduce sway in larger vehicles. As you’re driving through bumpy terrain, the evenly distributed leaf spring will flex and relax, which allows your suspension to adapt to the changing road conditions.
Leaf Springs also eliminate the need for trailing arms and a panhard rod. These two devices are usually used to attach coil springs to the chassis and axle. By eliminating their need, you will be saving extra costs. Additionally, having less pieces makes for an easier and smoother installation.
Leaf Springs offer re-enforced strength and help to prevent sagging.
Most importantly, Leaf Spring Suspension is great because it gives your truck re-enforced strength. When your vehicle is carrying a heavy load, the Leaf Spring helps to prevent sagging. For this reason, most towing and cargo trucks utilize multiple Leaf Springs in their chassis.
Downsides to Leaf Spring Suspension
Before deciding on a leaf spring suspension, you may want to know some of the downsides as well. The truth is there aren’t many. Leaf Springs and coil springs are the two most popular styles Available For a reason. However, here are some of the most common complaints concerning Leaf Springs:
Leaf Springs are heavy.
Leaf Springs are prone to axle wrap. Axle wrap is when torque and traction combine to twist the axle. When this happens, energy stores in the spring until the tire slips. At that time, a hopping sensation, also known as “axle hop,” may occur. This can be very hard on the driveshaft and u-joints.
They require a lot of mounting space.
If you have a heavy duty truck, these disadvantages don’t come into effect as much. Undoubtedly, any heavy duty trucker will find that Leaf Spring Suspension Systems are the perfect choice. We offer a Full Line of
Suspension Lift Kits
.
By: Tim Snyder
Posted on August 14th, 2013
There are no products available for your selected application. Please clear the filter or choose a new application.
TOWING
Towing Accessories
Towing Accessories
Shop All »
Mudflaps
Tube Covers
Trailer Wiring Kits
Brake Controllers
Truck Leveling Kits
Towing Ball Mounts
Towing Ball Mounts
Shop All »
B&W Heavy Duty Ball Mounts
Diversi-Tech Ball Mounts
Reese Class V Ball Mounts
Tow Ready Ball Mounts
Draw-Tite Ball Mounts
Blue Ox Drop Receivers
Towing Hitch Balls
Towing Hitch Balls
Shop All »
B&W Hitch Balls
Trimax Tow Balls
Tow Ready Hitch Balls
Blue Ox Hitch Balls
Towing Hitches
Towing Hitches
Shop All »
Class I Hitches
Class II Hitches
Class III and IV Hitches
Class V Hitches
Gooseneck Hitches
Front Mount Receivers
5th Wheel Hitch
5th Wheel Hitch
Shop All »
Reese 5th Wheel Hitches
B&W 5th Wheel Hitches
5th Wheel Tailgates
5th Wheel Tailgates
Shop All »
Advance Manufacturing
Custom Flow Tailgates
Go Industries
Louvered V-Gate Tailgates Black Top
Go Industries
V-Gate Tailgates Stainless
Go Industries
White Painted V-Gate Tailgates
Brake Controllers
Brake Controllers
Shop All »
Blue Ox Brake Controllers
Tekonsha Brake Controllers
Tow Ready Brake Controller Wiring Adaptors
Draw-Tite Activator Brake Controllers
Westin Brake Controllers
Front Mount Receivers
Front Mount Receivers
Shop All »
Draw-Tite Front Mount Receiver
Front Mount Receiver Accessories
Gooseneck Hitches
Gooseneck Hitches
Shop All »
B&W Turnoverball
Gooseneck Hitch
Reese
Gooseneck Hitches
Gooseneck Rails
Gooseneck Rails
Shop All »
Draw-Tite
Gooseneck Rail Kit
Reese
Signature Series Rail Kits
Hitch Accessories
Hitch Accessories
Shop All »
Brands
Bestop
Blue Ox
B&W Hitches
Daystar
Draw-Tite
Factor 55
Hidden Hitch
Lund Truck Accessories
Mile Marker
Monster Hooks
ProRac Cargo Management
Rampage
Reese Trailer Hitch
Smittybilt
Surco Racks and Accessories
TeleSwivel
Tow Ready
Trimax Locks
Warn
Westin Automotive
Towing Locks & Security
Towing Locks & Security
Shop All »
Master Lock Security
Xena Security Systems
Blue Ox Locks
Trimax Locks
Bolt Security
Trailer Wiring Kits
Trailer Wiring Kits
Shop All »
Hoppy Tee Connector Trailer Wiring
Tow Ready Wiring Harnesses
Blue Ox Lighting/Wiring Kits
Wheels & Tires
Wheels & Tires
Shop All Towing Wheels
Shop All Towing Tires
Shop All Towing Sections
»
Other Sections
Truck and SUV
Towing
Jeep
Wheels
Tires
Promos
Account Information
Promos & Specials
Truck Articles & Reviews
Privacy Policy
My Account
Returns
Warranty Info
Tracking Info
Price Quotes / Match