Coil to Leaf?

[Chevyguy111786]

I was considering switching to a leaf suspension. If i do this. Would there still be a need for the trailing arms? and are leafs more stable than coils. which holds more? thanks

[crazy longhorn]

If you switch to leafs, you wont needthe trailing arms.As far asload tings , the leafs should hold more. they also corner a little flatter. There are a few cons also .....wheel hop issues, squeaks in the rear suspension,stiffer ride,ect.I have run slapper bars to help with wheel hop.I am setting up a 2 link with bags for the longhorn. The factory trailing arms are a very good design. Good luck,crazyL

[Longhorn Man]

In reality, both coils and leaf springs are rated for the exact same loads. In minor overloads, the leafs are better, but if you get real crazy and load 3000 pounds of crap in a 1/2 ton (Just an example) then the coils will go into coil bind and stack up into a solid spacer between the frame and axle, while a leaf spring truck would be snapping leafs. (and these trucks do seem to break leafs)

[crazy longhorn]

The coils are no doubt a better setup crazyL

[Longhorn Man]

I agree, I just wish i could install one ton coils on the longhorn...if only there was such an animal.

[72 CustomCamper]

Originally posted by Longhorn Man
In reality, both coils and leaf springs are rated for the exact same loads. In minor overloads, the leafs are better, but if you get real crazy and load 3000 pounds of crap in a 1/2 ton (Just an example) then the coils will go into coil bind and stack up into a solid spacer between the frame and axle, while a leaf spring truck would be snapping leafs. (and these trucks do seem to break leafs)

I don't know about that Andy, my C/20 has more than once had over 6 tons yes thats TONS of rocks in one load on it, and the leaves are fine...

Chuck

[Huck]

There was just a great article a while back on leaf/coil in one of the trucks mags---if you look under the bottom of a NASCAR you will see a very familiar set up, of rear control arms similar to our trucks!!!
However, the article talks to the mounting of the springs ----leafs are on the outside of the frame which makes the handling a little better on curves verses the coil which is mounted on the inside of the frame. Leafs limit the size of the rear tires a bit -but you got have really big rubber before that becomes a factor. I have two 1/2 ton trucks -one coil and one leaf- both with front sway bars, ralley wheels and both with overload booster springs. The leaf truck hauls better with lots of weight as you don't feel like it is going to roll over on turns. The leafs tend to pull a trailer better as well. For a "nice ride" the coils are a bit better. So in summary, kind of depends on what you are going to do with your truck. Can't talk to the 3/4 ton issue as my experience is strictly 1/2 ton.
Chevy switched back to leafs after 72 and are still using them!?

[VTKidder]

Does anyone know the rating on coils with the inverted leaf overload spring? '69 C-10 by the way.

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

I agree, I just wish i could install one ton coils on the longhorn...if only there was such an animal.

My thought was to get some bags capable of 1ton+.
I was thinking this would be the best of both worlds.
Let the air out when unloaded for a smooth ride, and pump em up when carrying a load.
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[leddzepp]

Wow....this thread is almost 8 years old...

[LostMy65]

I didn't even notice.

I used the Google search above with 'leaf coil' and this thread popped.

I am kinda funny about trying to find an existing thread to post in rather than starting another.
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