what are the pros/cons to leaf spring axles and torsion axle

[91xlt]

what are the major pro/con issues? which is stronger? i am looking for brute strength for my build, thank you....

[Nitetimes]

what are the major pro/con issues? which is stronger? i am looking for brute strength for my build, thank you....

Leaf springs. I have seen too many broken torsion axles. They don't allow the range of motion you get with leaf springs. Springs are also much simpler for emergency repairs.

[elmo]

If I remember right, aren't you buiding a off-road TD? If so I think that leafs would be your best option, like Rich was saying. That is just my opinion.

Have a Happy Easter!

Elmer out

[madjack]

what are the major pro/con issues? which is stronger? i am looking for brute strength for my build, thank you....

Leaf springs. I have seen too many broken torsion axles. They don't allow the range of motion you get with leaf springs. Springs are also much simpler for emergency repairs.

...perzactely what he said...now having said that, torsion axles give a much better ride than springs alone on most surfaces but if you are gonna do some serious off roading then go with springs and consider adding the shocks for a better on road ride
madjack

[91xlt]

yeah, thats what i thought. but wanted to be sure. thanks to all.

[Arne]

I've seen bent torsion arms (about 2 weeks ago). It does not happen often, and it took hitting a curb at speed to bend this one.

I use leaf springs because they come with h/f trailers. And the only advantage it would be to me to go torsion would be adjustable ride height.... but yes, I think torsion would ride better (and squeak less at night)... but, not enough difference to toss the h/f suspension and spend another $200.00 for a torsion spring with wheels, hubs, etc......... imho.

[Chip]

Definately springs and axle,, since its for off road, ya can raise the body with spacers or axle on bottom of springs or lower on top, and if they break,, you can have one spare that can be field replaced and get ya home,, Tortion axles are great but they are more for pavement warriors

jmho
chipper

[Classic Finn]

Well Ive installed both leaf springs and air shocks.....

Classic Finn

[doug hodder]

I've had both...torsion on my 49 Kit...but it was ancient when I got it...but it was beat...pretty mushy....I prefer the springs...they give you lots of ways for "field" repairs and height...when you need to do it, and you can pick up a spring a lot easier than the torsion parts if needed...especially in an off road situation...and for squeeking...get the hanger bolts with the grease fittings....just my opinion...Doug

[Micro469]

I've seen bent torsion arms (about 2 weeks ago). It does not happen often, and it took hitting a curb at speed to bend this one.

I use leaf springs because they come with h/f trailers. And the only advantage it would be to me to go torsion would be adjustable ride height.... but yes, I think torsion would ride better (and squeak less at night)... but, not enough difference to toss the h/f suspension and spend another $200.00 for a torsion spring with wheels, hubs, etc......... imho.

Have ya tryed doing it during the day?

[Chris C]

(Can he say that on this site?)

[Arne]

John, the squeaks just seem louder in the quiet of the night.... I'm guessing it squeaks the same in the day time, as well....

[Juneaudave]

I've never seen a torsion axle break, so I can't say either way. If an axle were to fail, leaf springs would be easier to get parts for.

On a side note, what I have seen (and experienced) is a lot of failed bearings from lack of maintenance. Seems to me that the biggest risk area lies in the hubs and tires regardless of the axle used.