Why does Ford still use leaf springs?

Why does Ford still use leaf springs?
Leaf springs have been used in vehicles for over 200 years and are still utilized in certain applications today. While modern cars more commonly use coil springs and dampers or multi-link suspension independent setups, leaf springs are still used in trucks that require heavy load-bearing capabilities.
Ford has used leaf springs on the front of some of their trucks, such as the Super Duty trucks, from 1999 to 2004. One advantage of leaf springs is that they are less prone to developing issues like death wobble compared to coil spring trucks. Additionally, leaf springs are less expensive and simpler to design compared to coil springs, which require several trailing/stabilizing arms to properly locate the axle.
Furthermore, leaf springs have a long history of use in heavy-duty vehicles designed for commercial purposes. They have proven to be reliable and effective in handling heavy loads, making them a suitable choice for trucks that are used for work purposes, hauling, and towing.
It’s worth noting that Ford has also made changes to their suspension systems over the years. For example, the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor has switched to a coil spring rear end, departing from the leaf springs used in previous generations.
In summary, Ford continues to use leaf springs in certain applications, particularly in trucks that require heavy load-bearing capabilities. Leaf springs have a long history of use in heavy-duty vehicles and offer advantages such as simplicity, reliability, and the ability to handle heavy loads effectively.

Are leaf springs better than coil?

Leaf springs are much sturdier in comparison to coil springs. They’re capable of handling much highest loads with less deflection than coils, trucks with leaf springs are also easier to raise or lower.

Why does Ford use leaf springs?

It has had leaf springs since it’s inception in 1964 because leaf springs are cheap to produce. It is an adequate suspension system. There are better suspension systems but they are more expensive to produce and maintain for that matter.

Are leaf springs stronger than coil springs?

Coils are not generally favored for heavy load carrying, as the coil on axle setup isn’t nearly as stable or strong as a leaf spring.

How many miles do leaf springs last?

about 200,000 miles
On average a set of leaf springs for a standard pickup truck or van will have a lifespan of about 200,000 miles. This number is not written in stone, and some vehicles will break their springs with far less than 200,000 miles on them while others will go well beyond the 200,000 mile mark before they break.

What is better than leaf springs?

Coil spring suspensions provide more range of suspension movement and allow the user a wider turning envelop through the suspension range than the leaf springs. Practically all high-performance applications use coil springs where possible if the budget permits.

What’s better leaf spring or coil?

Coils spring suspensions offer more range of suspension movement, and allow the user a wider turning envelope through the suspension range than leaf springs. Practically all high performance applications use coil springs. Coil spring suspensions usually perform better, having better engineered geometry than leafs.

What are the disadvantages of leaf springs?

Over time, the springs tend to lose shape and can sag. When the sag is uneven, it can alter the cross weight of the vehicle which can affect the handling slightly. This can also change the axle-to-mount angle. Wind-up and vibration can be caused by acceleration and braking torque.

When did Ford start using coil springs?

Last month, we featured multiple interchanges for leaf springs used in pre-1965 Ford products. In part two, we will continue with additional leaf spring interchanges as well as list several rear coil spring interchanges that began when Ford first started using rear coil springs in 1965 Ford and Mercury fullsize cars.

Why are leaf springs not used anymore?

Leaf Spring Cons
Leaf springs don’t allow for the same approach and departure angles as coil spring suspensions. Because of the way they fit under the frame of the vehicle, they can impede wheel travel when on too steep an incline or decline. Leaf spring shackles also affect these angles.

What year did Ford stop using front leaf springs?

2005 was the first year that Ford switched from the leaf spring to the coil spring in the front suspension.