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

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

Postby 91xlt » Sat Apr 15, 2006 10:22 am

what are the major pro/con issues? which is stronger? i am looking for brute strength for my build, thank you....
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Re: what are the pros/cons to leaf spring axles and torsion

Postby Nitetimes » Sat Apr 15, 2006 10:35 am

91xlt wrote: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.
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Postby elmo » Sat Apr 15, 2006 10:42 am

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.

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

Postby madjack » Sat Apr 15, 2006 10:49 am

Nitetimes wrote:
91xlt wrote: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
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Postby 91xlt » Sat Apr 15, 2006 10:53 am

yeah, thats what i thought. but wanted to be sure. thanks to all.
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Postby Arne » Sat Apr 15, 2006 4:34 pm

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.
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Postby Chip » Sat Apr 15, 2006 4:59 pm

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

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Postby Classic Finn » Sat Apr 15, 2006 6:23 pm

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

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Postby doug hodder » Sat Apr 15, 2006 10:24 pm

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
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Postby Micro469 » Sat Apr 15, 2006 11:24 pm

arnereil wrote: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? :lol:
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Postby Chris C » Sat Apr 15, 2006 11:26 pm

:oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: (Can he say that on this site?) :lol:
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Postby Arne » Sun Apr 16, 2006 5:44 am

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....
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Postby Juneaudave » Sun Apr 16, 2006 8:52 am

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.
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