However, one of the most widely used solutions for supporting the suspension of vans, lorries, trailers, and other heavy-duty commercial vehicles is the use of leaf springs. Before summarizing the reasons why you would choose leaf springs for your van, truck, pickup, bus, or trailer, we will look at a brief history of leaf springs and the benefits and drawbacks of the modern leaf spring.
A Brief History
Leaf springs can be traced back to ROᴍᴀɴ times, when they were first developed for damping chariots when they were used on uneven terrain. The springs were unchanged for a long time before the first sʜᴏᴄᴋ absorber was developed around the turn of the century and put into mass production with the Ford Model A in 1927. Leaf springs haven’t changed all that much in the modern era. The overall function and design of the leaf spring haven’t changed, but they have been improved to be more durable and strong. But what are the benefits and drawbacks of leaf springs?
Leaf Spring Advantages
The leaf spring has a number of noteworthy benefits. The following are a few of the main benefits: The axle is held in place by the suspension, which is built in such a way as to serve as a linkage without the need for a separate linkage. The position of the rear axle reduces extra weight and expenses. As a result, a Panhard rod and trailing arms are no longer required (AKA track bar). Leaf springs are the best choice for commercial vehicles because they support the chassis’ weight. The high rear moment center and wide spring base allow for more effective control of the chassis roll. The roll tendencies will decrease if the springs are mounted farther apart.
The disadvantages
The modern leaf spring has a number of significant advantages, but it also has a few drawbacks that you should be aware of. These are listed below: Although they aren’t always the simplest to install, there is a straightforward procedure to follow that greatly simplifies things. Because of the friction that exists between each leaf, the ride comfort isn’t as good.
The springs have a tendency to droop and lose their shape over time. Uneven sag can change the vehicle’s gross weight, which may have a little impact on how it handles. The axle-to-mount angle may also alter as a result. Acceleration and braking torque might result in wind-up and vibration. Additionally, the wind-up may result in nose-diving and back squatting. It’s vital to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of any purchase before proceeding, particularly when it comes to vehicle perforᴍᴀɴce.
Why choose leaf springs?
A leaf spring’s basic arcʜɪᴛecture is made up of numerous layers of metal, making it capable of supporting enormous vertical weights. They are ideal for commercial vans, pickups, trailers, and trucks because they provide a significant amount of support between the wheels, axles, and chassis of the vehicle, which is necessary for supporting heavier weights.
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Video resource: Amazing Mechanics
