For Jeeps and other off-roaders, the leaf spring vs coil spring debate has been raging for as long as the two types of suspension have been in use. Each one has its relative merits, shortcomings, costs, and maintenance requirements. Both types require the use of a shock absorber or damper to dampen the springing effect that they cause.
Do you have a leaf spring set-up and want to convert it to coil springs, or vice versa? It may be possible to perform such a conversion on some vehicles, particularly if the manufacturer offered both alternatives. However, on most off-roaders and SUVs, converting is an arduous affair that can usually ruin your vehicle’s dynamics. That’s why we’d recommend checking out our range of Truck and Jeep Lift Kits and Suspensions for high-performance alternatives instead. Here, you’ll find some fantastic components from the best brands in the world that will truly uplift your ride.
What are Leaf Spring Suspensions?
Leaf springs, as the name suggests, utilize long strips of steel ‘leaves’ that are secured to the vehicle’s frame at either end, and the axle is suspended from them at the middle. The springing action is provided by the leaves compressing and rebounding in response to the movements of the axle, as communicated by the tire and wheel that is rolling along the surface.
Leaf springs offer superior load-carrying capabilities, which is why you’ll find them, particularly at the rear axle, of heavy-duty vehicles such as larger pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. The flex of a leaf spring under load is far lower than a coil spring, and leaf springs are far more durable and less prone to breakage. However, this reduced flex also means that you can encounter a situation on an off-roader where a wheel leaves the ground under extreme axle articulation.
The simplicity of the leaf spring system also means that it’s easier to increase or lower the ride height of a vehicle that’s equipped with them. However, this also limits the scope for suspension tuning, as the springs are attached to fixed points on the chassis. You can’t adjust suspension geometry as easily as you could with a coil spring.
Finally, leaf springs can be uncomfortable for passengers, as they tend to bounce more and absorb road impacts less. This is most apparent when the vehicle is loaded to less than half its capacity.
What are Coil Spring Suspensions?
Coil springs are what you’ll find on nearly every car, minivan, SUV, and small- to mid-size pickup truck nowadays. As the name suggests, they are a spring in the shape of a coil, which is the stereotypical image that one thinks of when the word “spring” comes to mind.
Coil springs offer far more tunability in terms of suspension geometry, and owners can typically swap out coil springs for higher performance ones if desired. However, they are more prone to breakage under load, and can’t carry as high loads as leaf springs.
Coil springs can extend and compress within a far greater range of movement than leaf springs. This makes them ideal for off-roading, as you’ve got less of a chance of having a wheel in the air under extreme axle articulation. However, coil springs are costlier to produce than leaf springs, and thus more expensive to purchase. They also can’t be repaired if they’re cracked or broken, whereas a leaf spring can have an individual leaf replaced. On the flip side, coil springs offer ride comfort and quality that even the best leaf spring setups can’t match.
Coilovers vs Springs
Coilovers are merely a form of coil spring suspension whereby the shock absorber or damper is placed within the coil spring. Many vehicles come with a form of coilover suspension from the factory. Others see the spring and the shock absorber placed at different points within the suspension assembly.
Coilovers are popular in the sport and performance arena, as aftermarket coilovers tend to allow adjustment of a variety of factors. These factors include suspension preload, ride height, and level of damping. You can buy aftermarket coilovers for a variety of vehicles, including trucks and off-roaders.
Which System Has Better Performance?
It depends on what you’re terming as performance. If you want superior load-carrying capabilities, a leaf spring setup is the best option. If you’re interested in dropping your truck or off-roader low to the ground and fitting it with an air suspension system, once again, leaf springs offer the best avenue. That’s not to say that this can’t be done with coil springs or coilovers, but the process will be more involving and costly.
However, as we mentioned above, the relatively limited axle articulation envelope brought about by a leaf spring means that you may very well encounter a wheel in the air when off-roading. This can be tiresome if you’re other three wheels don’t have sufficient traction to get you out of a sticky situation.
With coil springs, you can unlock extreme axle articulation, as you can fit long-travel dampers and elongated springs, minimizing opportunities for wheel-in-the-air situations when on the trails. You and your passengers will also enjoy superior ride quality with coil springs, as leaf springs can be jittery and bouncy, particularly when the vehicle is not loaded. If passenger comfort is a crucial factor, particularly in a vehicle that you’re using for family purposes, stick with coil springs.
Off-Road Suspension And Everything Else at 4 Wheel Parts
At 4 Wheel Parts, we’ve got everything you can think of for your Jeep or other off-roader. Be it suspension, performance parts, wheels, tops, bumpers, lights, or other stuff, you’re sure to find it in our inventory. You can shop online or visit one of our stores. We offer countless products from hundreds of the world’s best brands, competitive pricing with a price-match policy, superior after-sales service, and unmatched warranties. Come to us, and you’ll never have to worry about aftermarket off-road parts again.
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