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?

joe_padavano

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

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?

joe_padavano

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

Thanks for the info, Joe!