When did they stop using leaf springs?
Not entirely. Leaf springs are still used today in many heavy‑duty trucks and some specialty vehicles, but in passenger cars they were largely phased out of front suspensions by the mid‑ to late‑20th century. The shift happened gradually and varies by region and vehicle class.
To understand the question more fully, it helps to trace how leaf springs were used historically, why manufacturers moved away from them for most passenger cars, and where leaf springs remain common today. This article lays out the timeline, the driving forces behind the transition, and current usage across vehicle categories.
Historical timeline: how the transition unfolded
The following timeline highlights key shifts in suspension design, focusing on when front leaf springs fell out of favor in most passenger cars and how leaf springs persisted elsewhere.
- 1930s–1950s: Leaf springs dominate early suspension designs; some manufacturers experiment with early forms of independent front suspension, while many cars retain leaf springs into the mid‑century era.
- 1950s–1960s: The move toward coil springs and independent front suspension accelerates in mainstream passenger cars; by the late 1960s, front leaf springs are uncommon in new models, though rear leaf springs remain in use on many vehicles.
- 1960s–1980s: Independent front suspension becomes the norm for most new passenger cars; leaf springs persist primarily on rear axles of many sedans, trucks, and some SUVs, especially where durability and payload matter.
- 1990s–present: Leaf springs largely stay in the rear of heavy‑duty pickups and commercial vehicles; in passenger cars, coil/multi‑link suspensions dominate, though certain off‑road and specialty models continue to use leafs for load handling.
Concluding: The front‑suspension reshaping occurred over several decades, shifting away from leaf springs in most passenger cars by the latter half of the 20th century, while rear leaf springs kept a foothold in trucks and commercial applications.
Leaf springs today: where they still show up
The following overview explains where leaf springs are still common and where they have largely disappeared from modern mainstream vehicles.
- Passenger cars: Front suspensions are overwhelmingly coil‑sprung or otherwise independent; rear suspensions in modern sedans and wagons are typically multi‑link or coil, with leaf springs now uncommon except on certain older designs or very specific niches.
- Heavy‑duty trucks and commercial vehicles: Rear leaf springs remain standard or very common due to high payload capacity, durability, and straightforward maintenance; multi‑leaf configurations are often used to tailor load handling.
- Off‑road and specialty applications: Leaf springs appear on some models for rugged durability and simple field repairs, while others use coil or independent setups to balance ride comfort with capability.
Why leaf springs persist in trucks: their simple design, robust load‑bearing capability, and lower manufacturing cost make them attractive for work vehicles that prioritize payload and durability over refined on‑road ride quality.
Summary
Leaf springs have not vanished from the automotive landscape. The broad shift away from leaf springs in passenger cars began in the mid‑20th century as coil springs and independent suspension became the norm. Today, leaf springs remain a staple in heavy‑duty trucks and some specialized vehicles, where strength and payload support are paramount. For a specific model or market, the suspension arrangement can vary, so checking current specifications is always advisable.
Are leaf springs still used?
Yes, leaf springs are still used today, particularly in heavy-duty trucks, commercial vehicles, and some SUVs and classic cars, because they are durable, reliable, and cost-effective for carrying heavy loads. Their use is declining in newer passenger cars as coil springs and other, more complex suspensions have become popular for their smoother ride, but leaf springs remain a practical choice for many applications, especially for their simplicity and strength.
Where leaf springs are still used
- Heavy-duty and commercial trucks: Leaf springs are common in the rear suspension of many pickup trucks because they are robust and can handle heavy payloads and towing without sagging.
- Commercial and utility vehicles: They are found on many commercial vehicles, such as cargo vans, where they provide the necessary strength and durability.
- Classic and off-road vehicles: They are a staple in the suspension of many classic vehicles and are still used in some modern off-road vehicles for their ruggedness and simplicity.
- Certain SUVs: Some modern SUVs, such as the Volvo XC90, have featured leaf springs, although manufacturers are increasingly moving toward other suspension types for these models.
Why leaf springs are still used
- Durability: Their simple design and strong construction make them very durable.
- Cost-effectiveness: Leaf springs are often a cheaper and simpler solution for suspension compared to more complex systems.
- Load capacity: They are excellent at supporting heavy weights and maintaining axle alignment when loaded.
- Integrated function: In a leaf spring setup, the springs themselves provide both the spring function and the necessary linkages to hold the axle in place, eliminating the need for additional components.
Why don't cars use leaf springs anymore?
It's mostly for packaging and cost reasons. Coils are cheap and compact, but transfer load to a single point. Leaf springs take up more room, cost more, but transfer load to a wider area. That's why you still see leaf springs in larger vehicles designed to carry big payloads.
When did the Jeep go to coil springs?
Jeep® Wrangler TJ
The Wrangler TJ was introduced in 1996 as a 1997 model. One of the most notable changes brought on by the arrival of the TJ was the switch to a coil-spring suspension as opposed to a leaf-spring setup.
When did cars stop using leaf springs?
Leaf springs were very common on automobiles until the 1970s when automobile manufacturers shifted primarily to front-wheel drive, and more sophisticated suspension designs were developed using coil springs instead.
