Some vehicles with four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive have a leaf spring suspension. As the name suggests, leaf spring suspension systems rely on leaf springs, which are pieces of metal stacked together and fastened onto the vehicle’s axle.
The primary purpose of a leaf spring is to support the vehicle and absorb the impact of irregularities in the road. The leaf spring dampens the impact whenever the vehicle encounters bumps or potholes. It’s also used to locate the axle, keep the tires aligned while driving, and control the ride height of the vehicle.
Just like many of the parts and components within your vehicle, leaf springs require regular inspection and occasional care. Typically, leaf springs are replaced when they’re cracked, damaged, or unable to bear the weight of the vehicle and its additional load any longer.
In some cases, vehicle owners may also choose to replace their leaf springs to improve performance, handling, and driving comfort.
If you’re in the market for replacement leaf springs, either to restore functionality or to improve performance, there are a few factors you’ll have to keep in mind before purchasing a replacement.
What are these factors and how do you select the best option for your vehicle? Read on to find out.
7 Best Leaf Springs
To help you find the best aftermarket leaf springs for your vehicle, we’ve listed our top recommendations:
- Crown 52003449
- Skyjacker TCR515S
- Dorman RB929502
- Belltech B265982
- Dorman RB929129
- Belltech B265954
- Skyjacker S97F746S
Crown 52003449
Crown Automotive was established in 1942. This company has the largest line of replacement parts for Jeep, as well as other brands such as Chrysler and Dodge. Being an established brand in the automotive space, Crown Automotive not only produces springs for leaf spring suspensions but also other replacement parts such as mirrors, engine components, brake parts, etc.
The Crown 52003449 is a standard-duty leaf spring that greatly improves your Jeep’s suspension. The product comes in a sleek, black finish and can withstand heavy-duty applications.
Features & Specifications:
- Location: Rear, Driver, or Passenger Side
- Layers: 6
- Spring Length: 46 in.
- Spring Width: 7.5 in.
- Spring Height: 3.5 in.
- Recommended Use: OE Replacement
Compatible with: 1987-1995 Jeep Wrangler (YJ).
Skyjacker S97TCR515S
Established in 1974, Skyjacker has become one of the leading aftermarket brands that specialize in suspension. Its quality line of suspension parts and components makes it one of the top manufacturers of Chevy, GMC, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, and Toyota replacement parts.
Skyjacker’s Softride leaf springs were developed to maximize your vehicle’s ride quality and wheel travel. The Skyjacker TCR515S is made of premium-grade steel that goes through a process called shot-peening. This process increases the tensile strength of the spring and improves both its performance and lifespan.
Features & Specifications:
- Location: Rear, Driver, or Passenger Side
- Spring Type: Progressive
- Spring Width: 2 ⅜ in.
- Lift Height: 1.5-2 in.
- Layers: 3+ overload
- Includes rubber bushing(s)
- Recommended Use: Performance
Compatible with: 2005-2012 Toyota Tacoma Base; 2005-2012 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner; 2005-2013 Toyota Tacoma Base; 2005-2012 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner; 2014-2015 Toyota Tacoma Base; and more.
Dorman RB929502
Dorman is one of the leading manufacturers of aftermarket vehicle suspension components, as well as other vehicle hardware and replacement parts. The brand has been engineering creative solutions and producing quality products for various vehicle makes and models since 1918.
Made of several layers of high-quality steel, the 929502 Dorman leaf spring has gone through a battery of tests and quality checks to ensure durability and performance. This particular model comes with a corrosion-resistant coating that protects it from wear and damage.
Features & Specifications:
- Location: Rear, Driver, or Passenger side
- Series: Dorman OE Solutions
- Layers: 3/1
- Color/Finish: Black
- Spring Length: 28.28 in. (flat); 24.8 in. (free)
- Spring Width: 2.36 in.
- Spring Arc Length: 7.28 in.
- Pack Thickness: 1.57 in.
- Includes bushing(s)
- Recommended Use: OE Replacement
Compatible with: 2005-2015 Nissan Xterra S; 2005-2010 Nissan Xterra SE; 2005-2010 Nissan Xterra Off-road; 2006-2015 Nissan Xterra X; 2011-2015 Nissa Xterra PRO-4x; 2011-2012 Nissan Xterra SV.
Belltech B265982
Belltech has been making some of the best lowering suspension systems for Chevy trucks since 1983. Over the decades, they’ve continued to expand their product line with cutting-edge suspension technology and now cater to other makes such as GM, Dodge, and Ford.
The Belltech B265982 is a performance leaf spring that allows your vehicle to achieve a stout look without sacrificing performance, riding comfort, and turning power.
Features & Specifications:
- Location: Rear, driver, or passenger side
- Drop Amount: 3 in. drop
- Spring Type: Linear
- Spring Length: 60.25 in.
- Spring Width: 3 in.
- Spring Height: 6.5 in.
- Includes rubber bushing(s)
- Recommended Use: Performance
Compatible with: 2004-2008 Ford F-150 XLT; 2004-2008 Ford F-150 XL; 2004-2008 Ford F-150 STX; 2004-2008 Ford F-150 Lariat; 2005-2008 Ford F-150 XLT; 2005-2008 Ford F-150 STX; and more.
Dorman RB929129
Dorman’s creative suspension system solutions are popular with many vehicle owners. Their products are both reliable and durable, so we decided to include another Dorman product on our list.
The Dorman RB929129 consists of six layers of high-grade spring steel metal with a corrosion-resistant finish. It has also undergone rigorous testing to ensure performance and quality.
Features & Specifications:
- Location: Rear, driver, or passenger side
- Layers: 6
- Color/Finish: Black
- Spring Length: 32 in.
- Spring Width: 2.5 in.
- Leaf Spring Arc Length: 7.25 in.
- Pack Thickness: 2.89 in.
- Includes rubber bushing(s)
- Recommended Use: OE Replacement
Compatible with: 2001-2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Base; 2001-2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 LS; 2001-2005 GMC Sierra 3500 SLE; 2011-2002 GMC Sierra 3500 SL; 2002-2005 GMC Sierra 3500 Base; 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 WT; 2001-2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 LT; 2004-2005 GMC Sierra 3500 WT; 2001-2005 GMC Sierra 3500 SLT.
Belltech B265954
The Belltech B265954 lowering rear leaf springs are designed to lower the vehicle’s center of gravity for improved performance. It also helps get rid of acceleration squat, nose-dives, and body rolls.
This leaf spring also allows your truck to achieve a really rugged look.
Features & Specifications:
- Location: Rear, driver, or passenger slide
- Color/Finish: Black
- Drop Amount: 3 in. drop
- Spring Type: Linear
- Includes rubber bushing(s)
- Recommended Use: Performance
Compatible with: 1982-1984 Chevrolet S10 Base; 1982-1984 Chevrolet S10 Sport; 1982-1984 Chevrolet S10 Durango; 1982-1984 Chevrolet S10 Tahoe; 1982-1993 Chevrolet S10 Base; 1982 GMC S15 Sierra Grande (all engines); and more.
Skyjacker S97F746S
Skyjacker’s dedication to engineering quality aftermarket suspension systems and components is evident in their line of products.
Similar to the other Skyjacker product we recommended on this list, the S97F746S offers optimum tensile strength and is made from premium-grade steel.
The Skyjacker S97F746S is a great choice if you’re looking for a tough and long-lasting leaf spring.
Features & Specifications:
- Location: Front, driver, passenger side
- Spring Width: 3 in.
- Spring Type: Progressive
- Layers: 6
- Lift Amount: 4- 6 in.
- Recommended Use: Performance
Compatible with: 1967-1974 Ford F-250 Base; 1975 Ford F-250 Custom; 1975 Ford F-250 Custom; 1965-1978 Ford F-250 Base; 1968-1976 Ford F-250 Base; 1968-1976 Ford F-250 Base; 1973-1978 Ford F-250 Base; 1977 Ford F-250 XLT; 1975-1979 Ford F-250 Custom; 1977-1979 Ford F-250 Ranger XLT; and more.
What is a Leaf Spring?
Leaf springs are a form of vehicle suspension typically used on some rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles. These springs consist of slender, rectangular pieces of steel that are stacked on top of each other and bound by metal clips at both ends. A large bolt holds the leaf springs together at the center.
Leaf springs are mounted onto the rear axle and chassis of the vehicle with large U-bolts. This placement allows these springs to provide additional support to the vehicle in case the vehicle hauls or carries any additional weight.
The flexibility of the leaf springs and its overall design allows for a comfortable ride and easy handling. Leaf springs also prevent the vehicle’s axle from bending and snapping from the pressure of the additional weight.
What to Consider When Buying Replacement Leaf Springs
Listed below are some of the things you should consider before purchasing replacement leaf springs:
Compatibility
Compatibility with your vehicle’s year, make, and model ensures that the replacement leaf spring is a direct fit. This prevents unnecessary problems during installation.
Type
It’s also important to get a replacement leaf spring that’s similar to your old leaf spring to avoid problems down the line.
There are different types of leaf springs on the market, and they’re typically categorized by the number of metal layers. Mono leaf springs consist of a single piece of metal. These springs are typically found in lightweight vehicles.
Meanwhile, multi-leaf springs consist of several pieces of metal for additional support.
Leaf springs are also categorized according to shape:
- Elliptical
- Transverse
- Platform
Elliptical leaf springs have several shapes—quarter, semi, three-quarters, and full. These springs are shaped like a parabola and may be installed on both the rear and front axles of trucks, and rear axles on cars.
Transverse leaf springs have the same parabolic shape as elliptical leaf springs, but they’re oriented differently. In transverse leaf springs, the base of the curve is facing the chassis instead of the ground.
Platform leaf springs consist of a pair of semi-elliptical leaf springs—one facing down and the other pointing up.
Durability of the Material
Most leaf springs are made of hardened steel. However, some leaf springs can also be made of composite materials. Different materials have different properties, which affect the spring’s performance.
Ideally, the leaf spring you choose should be able to support the weight of the vehicle as well as any additional loads it may carry.
Vehicle Requirements & Specifications
It’s best to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for information on the required specifications for leaf springs. You can use this information when choosing a new set.
When looking for replacement leaf springs, there are three important measurements and numbers you’ll have to take note of: the main leaf length, the spring width, and the number of leaves. Measurements are typically placed on the product listing, so use the specifications from your own measurements as a reference.
The main leaf length is the sum of the lengths of each spring leaf end to the center. To get this, measure the length of the spring from the “eye” of each end to the center pin. Repeat this procedure on the other side. Get the total length of these measurements and you’ll get the main leaf length.
Meanwhile, to get the spring width, you’ll need to measure along the center of the top leaf. Spring width ranges from 2 ½ in. to 3 in., while older truck models typically have 2 ¼ in. leaves.
Lastly, measure the number of leaves by counting from the top to the bottom. Make sure to include the rebound leaf, which is the shorter, thicker, and flat leaf at the bottom of the stack. This leaf provides a point for the rest of the upper leaves to rebound off of.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
