Coil spring vs. leaf spring suspension

Longhorncutlass · March 2nd, 2009, 08:09 AM

Do coil springs generally provide a softer ride and leaf springs are generally stronger, sturdier? Trucks mainly use leaf springs I guess for durability in carrying loads and towing and GM went to coil springs on most of their cars in the 70s for ride comfort. Am I correct in these assumptions?

joe_padavano · March 2nd, 2009, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorncutlass

Do coil springs generally provide a softer ride and leaf springs are generally stronger, sturdier? Trucks mainly use leaf springs I guess for durability in carrying loads and towing and GM went to coil springs on most of their cars in the 70s for ride comfort. Am I correct in these assumptions?

Not just ride comfort. The four link suspension does a better job of locating the rear axle than leaf springs.

Longhorncutlass · March 2nd, 2009, 11:55 AM

Joe, what do you mean by "does a better job of locating the rear axle....?" Do coils give the axle more flexibility than leaves?

joe_padavano · March 2nd, 2009, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorncutlass

Joe, what do you mean by "does a better job of locating the rear axle....?" Do coils give the axle more flexibility than leaves?

Leaf springs can allow the axle to move in unintended directions relative to the body during cornering. The GM coil spring suspension uses a four link design with angled upper links that do a much better job of controlling rear axle motion during cornering.

Longhorncutlass · March 2nd, 2009, 02:53 PM

Thanks for the info, Joe!

March 2nd, 2009, 08:09 AM	#1 (permalink)
Longhorncutlass Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 14	Coil spring vs. leaf spring suspension Do coil springs generally provide a softer ride and leaf springs are generally stronger, sturdier? Trucks mainly use leaf springs I guess for durability in carrying loads and towing and GM went to coil springs on most of their cars in the 70s for ride comfort. Am I correct in these assumptions?

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March 2nd, 2009, 11:55 AM	#3 (permalink)
Longhorncutlass Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 14	Joe, what do you mean by "does a better job of locating the rear axle....?" Do coils give the axle more flexibility than leaves?

March 2nd, 2009, 02:53 PM	#5 (permalink)
Longhorncutlass Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 14	Thanks for the info, Joe!