Do pickup trucks have leaf springs?

Yes. Leaf springs remain common on the rear axles of many pickup trucks, especially in heavy‑duty and work‑truck variants. Modern light‑duty pickups, however, increasingly use coil springs or independent rear suspensions to improve ride and handling.

What leaf springs are and why they’re used

Leaf springs are stacking steel or composite strips that flex to support a vehicle’s weight and carry cargo. They are simple, robust, and inexpensive to manufacture, which has made them a mainstay for trucks that routinely haul heavy loads or tow large trailers. Their straightforward design distributes weight across multiple leaves, helping to keep the rear axle aligned under stress.

Current landscape: heavy‑duty versus light‑d duty pickups

Before listing the typical suspension setups by truck category, note that there are exceptions and year‑to‑year changes. The following breakdown reflects common patterns in recent model years:

• Heavy‑duty and work‑truck pickups routinely use leaf springs on the rear axle to maximize payload capacity and durability (examples include Ford Super Duty, Ram 2500/3500, and Chevrolet/GMC 2500/3500 series).


• Most light‑duty or “half‑ton” pickups increasingly use coil springs or multi‑link independent rear suspensions to improve ride quality, steering response, and overall daily drivability (examples include many versions of Ford F‑Series F‑150 and Ram 1500, with other brands offering similar configurations).


• Some models offer optional air suspension or configurable ride height, allowing buyers to tailor payload handling and ride comfort to specific needs.

Leaf springs persist primarily for their proven load‑bearing capability and ruggedness, while coil or independent suspensions are favored for a smoother ride and better on‑road manners when the truck is not fully loaded.

Why leaf springs endure in certain segments

Leaf springs remain advantageous where maximum payload, tow capability, and long‑term durability matter most. They resist sag under heavy loads and are relatively cost‑effective to replace or repair. The trade‑offs include a less compliant ride and more road input transmitted to the cab, especially when the truck isn’t heavily loaded.

What to consider when shopping for a pickup

Before choosing a model, consider how you plan to use the truck: daily driving vs. frequent heavy loading, towing, or off‑road use. The suspension type affects ride comfort, handling, and load distribution, so it’s worth checking the official specifications for rear suspension configuration and any available air or adaptive options.

• For frequent heavy payloads or towing, a leaf‑sprung rear may remain advantageous for its consistency under load.


• For everyday comfort and refined highway manners, a coil‑spring or independent rear suspension is often preferred.


• Always verify the exact rear suspension setup for the year and trim you’re considering, as automakers may mix configurations across model lines.

In practice, there is a spectrum rather than a single answer: leaf springs dominate in heavy‑duty pickups, while coil and adaptive suspensions dominate in many light‑duty models.

Summary

Leaf springs continue to play a vital role in pickup trucks, especially on heavy‑duty variants designed for high payloads and work‑truck toughness. Modern light‑duty pickups increasingly favor coil springs or independent rear suspensions to deliver a smoother ride and better handling when unloaded or lightly loaded. The right choice depends on your typical use, towing needs, and preference for ride quality. Always check the specific suspension configuration for the exact model year and trim you’re considering.

Does the F150 have leaf or coil springs?

The F-150 Has Three Very Different Suspensions All In One Basic Truck Architecture. Three very different rear suspension designs — a solid axle held by leaf springs that do everything, a solid axle held by five links and sprung by coil springs, and a fully independent suspension — for three different purposes.

Do tacomas have leaf springs?

Yes, many Tacomas have leaf springs, especially in the rear suspension of certain models and generations. However, some newer, higher-spec models, like the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, have switched to a coil spring rear suspension system for better ride quality and articulation.
 
Which Tacomas have leaf springs?

• Older generations: Most Tacomas from previous generations, especially 4x4 and Prerunner models, have leaf springs. 
• Newer models: The base SR and SR5 XtraCab trims in the 2024 model year still use leaf springs. 
• Trims with coil springs: Higher-end trims like the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, Trailhunter, and TRD Pro have coil springs in the rear. 

What are the benefits of leaf springs?

• Durability and towing: Leaf springs are known for their ability to handle heavy loads and are often more durable for work-related tasks.
• Lower cost: They are generally less expensive to manufacture and maintain. 

What are the benefits of coil springs?

• Ride quality: Coil springs can provide a more comfortable and smoother ride, especially when the truck is not loaded.
• Articulation: They can offer better rear suspension articulation, which is beneficial for off-roading. 

Does Chevy Silverado have leaf springs?

Shop for original Leaf Spring for your 2023 Silverado 1500 and other essential suspension upgrades for your ride only here at Chevy Parts Pros. We have a wide selection of 1 types of Leaf Springs for select Chevrolet vehicles. Our Leaf Springs range from $517.50 to $517.50, depending on your vehicle.

Do pickup trucks still use leaf springs?

Yes, many trucks, especially heavy-duty commercial and pickup trucks, still use leaf springs, particularly in the rear suspension, because they are durable, inexpensive, and excellent for carrying heavy loads. While coil springs are becoming more common in the front and some lighter-duty models for a smoother ride, leaf springs remain a reliable and powerful suspension choice for tough jobs like towing and hauling.
 
Why trucks still use leaf springs

• Durability and strength: Leaf springs are built to be rugged and can handle heavy loads without excessive wear. They are the workhorse of suspension systems. 
• Cost-effectiveness: They are a simpler and less expensive suspension system to manufacture and install compared to alternatives like coil springs with multiple linking components. 
• Simple design: The design is straightforward, often with multiple leaves stacked together, which is easy to work on and maintain. 
• Towing and hauling: Their strength makes them ideal for heavy-duty trucks that are frequently used for towing and hauling large payloads. 
• Load distribution: They help spread the vehicle's load more widely across the chassis, which is beneficial for heavy vehicles. 

Where leaf springs are still found

• Heavy-duty trucks: Many heavy-duty trucks, such as the Ford Super Duty (F-250/F-350), still use leaf springs to handle immense weight. 
• Pickup trucks: A large number of half-ton and smaller pickup trucks still have rear leaf springs, even though some manufacturers are moving towards coil springs for the rear suspension in certain models. 
• Commercial vehicles: Leaf springs are a standard feature on many commercial vans and trucks due to their strength and longevity.