I'm putting a designated tow vehicle together from a 73-79 series 4wd and was wondering if there was a preference in front suspensions for towing from anybody that has towed with both setups. I have both leaf and coil spring chassis to work from and am kinda torn on which way to go. I will be pulling a 20' gooseneck. Going with a 460, NV4500, D-44/70 combo. Stock lift or maybe 2" max either way I go.
Would the leaf springs be more stable? Seems like the coil setup would wonder and I would constantly be replacing sway bar bushings and "c" bushings. But then again the coils would probably ride better?
I'm simply torn...
Anybody?

 

> Would the leaf springs be more stable?

The coils will give a softer ride, the leaf springs will be more durable and stable and require less upkeep. Also, it is easier to adjust ride height with the leaf springs and you will not have to worry about wierd things during hard braking.

During hard braking the radius arms always want to pop up and that is why the bushings always wear first because it is preventing the axle from rotating forward. Though once you put poly in the whole front end it will probably be as stiff as a spring set up anyway.

The leaf spring front ends are rated MUCH higher then the coil front ends too.

I have only towed light trailers (7k) with both setups. I think it makes little difference (set up well is set up well) as I could not feel any difference and unless you are going TBB (thankfully not) then the TBB feels much better on road.

I look at it from the bullet proof view. The leaf sprung is much more bullet proof, can stand a lot more abuse, and is easier to set up. Having to install certain degree bushings to align your truck and worry if the radius arm travel is correct is a hassle.

Plus, if you take this off road, you will find the leaf much better at supporting the axle then the coils. If your leaf springs get weak, replacing them or sticking another leaf in is easy, not so with coils.

One good thing about coils is being able to get a variable rate spring which can really soften up a ride. Which over the course of a 100,000 miles might mean something. I have to assume by your choice, you are not going to be putting 100,000 miles on this truck towing.

 

Thanks rebocardo. Alot of good wisdom there!

 

Sure enough. Try pushing a coil suspension from side to side then go at a leaf spring setup. You can see all kinds of things happening with the coil setup. Track bar, steering tie rod, radius arms, it all moves. I see radius arm bushings being the weakest link in the whole setup.
Leaf springs only allows sidewall of tire to move and looks like the weak point. I mean NOTHING moves in a leaf spring setup.
Enough said there! Leaves rule for towing...