Automobiles have changed a lot since the very first one was conceived eons ago, receiving loads of new and updated technology over that time span. This includes suspension components, which have changed quite a bit over the years – albeit, not in every area. Rather, every Ford F-150 model – save for the Raptor and Raptor R, as well as the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning – still uses leaf springs out back, which is a somewhat ancient piece of technology that has thus far beaten the odds to stick around. That raises an important question – is it time for Ford to finally abandon leaf springs in the F-150 for something a bit more modern?
The very first leaf springs actually date back to the Romans, who used them to cushion the ride of their chariots somewhat, and didn’t change much until the Ford Model A introduced the first mass-produced shock absorber in 1927. The leaf spring is a simple creation, consisting of layers of steel that are sandwiched on top of each other, held together by metal clamps and bolted into place with u-joints.
Leaf springs offer several benefits, including the fact that they’re quite beefy – which is precisely why they’re still used in many new trucks today. They can handle a lot in terms of vertical loads, and those loads are distributed throughout the length of the leaf spring, rather than being concentrated in one specific area, as is the case with coilovers. They’re also cheap to produce and simple in nature, but they aren’t adjustable like coilovers, nor do they provide the same levels of ride comfort, depending on the application.
Leaf springs are also really designed only to move vertically, and when combined with a live rear axle, can lead to a rather bouncy, unsettling ride over less than perfect surfaces. Regardless, their benefits – particularly in truck applications – are hard to ignore, which is precisely why many manufacturers continue to utilize them there. However, many new truck owners aren’t exactly using them to haul or tow heavy loads on a regular basis, and may prefer to trade some of that capability for better ride comfort. Thus, that begs the question – should Ford ditch leaf springs in the F-150 for coilovers, as it has already done with the Raptor? Let us know what you think in the poll below!
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time to bring back the F150/250 from the late 90s/early 00s back as the F150 HD with leaf springs and F150 with coil. boom, done.
The F-150 Lightning also has ditched leaf springs in favor of an independent coil spring rear suspension.
Splitting hairs here, but the Lightning also runs coils in the rear
I had a Ram 1500 for 10 years on coil springs all over front and rear. It drove ok when new but as it aged the ride got worse. It as well just like the GM twins is not as capable as a ford. Got rid of it and have a 2021 f150 xlt. It has leafs. It is a better ride and more capable.
Rear coil springs is one of the reasons I purchased a Ram 1500 over a F150. I have owned many Ford trucks and it was time to leave the leaf springs behind.
Give the owners choices. Leaf springs for those who haul/tow. Trucks with other forms of suspension for those who just want to look cozy and cute. Some people use them for work and livelihood.
I drive a lot of rental trucks, The Ram trucks ride the best. I think if Ford would change over to coil springs. They would ride so much better.
The F150 Lightning does not use leaf springs. It gets a fully independent rear suspension setup
If you actually use a truck as a truck, leaf springs make all the difference under load, especially when towing.
Yep I didn’t buy a truck for the ride so I haul stuff and tow stuff. And leaf springs are by far still the best.. plus are super easy to modify..no special tools . Once loaded the ride is better than soft car Springs .
Leave the truck a truck. If citiots want the look of rugged they can have the feel too.