I knwo this is a widley debated topic.

So since I am going crazy here and completly rebuilding the truck now, I need some opinions. I want to do a front axle swap in the near future and I have been researching leaf spring vs. coil springs. Each have their advantages. Before I go off and start cutting the IFS out, I need to get some input. Coil springs seem like they will perform better offroad. A little more work to fabricate but that isn't an issue. As a daily driver, well, a daily driver that is being built more like an urban offroad vehicle, I am leaning towards leaf springs. Seems like I think they will steer and handle a little better on the road and at the same time give me that extra travel and durability for offroad excursions. Less maintenance and easier to install also, simple design. I have seen a lot of complaint with the coil spring setup with on road travel and handling. Input is welcome.

 

If this were going to be a rock crawler, I'd say go with a 4 link and coil springs all the way. But since this is going to be a daily driver like you said, I would defintely pick leaf springs.

 

I personally love leaf springs. I think its the strength and simplicity, that I like. For me a truck is a truck, made to haul junk and tow. Not really for articulation. If you want articulation I say build a buggy. Coil springs are sweet and smooth ride. So I say its up to you. But it seems all the SAS people have done on dakotas seem to be coil spring setups. You can see the links in the FAQ2 if you need some Idea's. I'm sure you have looked but for others to know too.

 

I agree completely. I have been researching and there are a lot of great links in the FAQ2. And yes, most of them decide to go with coil springs, although you never see many really say how it handles on the street. Once you put that much work into it is hard to admit it is for offroad use only, or they only meant it for offroad use. For me, my ideal truck can go anywhere I need it to if it is my daily driver, whether it be on the construction site over small boulders and rip rap, on the roadway, or having a good enough bumper to hold its own when parallel parked in the city. Like an urban assault vehicle.

 

I am starting to wonder if milwaukee is just the correct distance from chicago for somebody to steal my thoughts... I couldn't agree more, and as far as my dak is concerned, I will be moving up to the UP towards the end of the year, and I'll have to deal with not only city driving, but everything that gets thrown my way all the way up in the north woods.

as far as the leaf coil debate... I don't have much experience, but I would think coils would provide a smother ride on, and more articulation off road. I would think just the sheer adjustability would allow for that.

 

Coils do provide much more articulation offroad, the problem is they articulate that much on road too (when you turn)! When I think of the handleing ability of a 4 link setup, the first thing that comes to my mind is watching monster trucks turn, and seeing how far the body rolls on those things. I realize thats a bit drastic of a comparison, but the concept is the same. Leaf springs can better control body roll than coil springs, which means better handling.

 

I wish there was more of a write up regarding the handling of both. I think leafs are the way to go though if it isn't a dedicated off roading truck. In addition to it being an easier setup, I am thinking if I go leaf springs I can prefab almost all of it and fit it up to the truck while I fab it and reduce downtime of the vehicle also.

 

I think for you it's better to use leaf springs....