Converting a T4WD to RWD

[4wdEconoBox]

I'm not a huge fan of leaf spring setups either, but thats still pretty sick jim! I really want to convert my new wagon to rwd when the engine goes out! I'm just not sure if I'm up to all of the fabrication haha!

[lannvouivre]

IAs far as I am concerned, leaf springs are the worst way to attach an axle to the chassis, very old and obsolete way to mount an axle. It is simple and cheap is the only redeeming value.

They were the first suspension design to make a ride smoother. Supposedly, they are great for towing heavy loads and that sort of thing.

They also make good posts for the r/justrolledintotheshop subreddit when people post pictures of the entire set snapped in half.

[Petros]

they are obsolete, the leaf spring suspension dates back to medieval times where is was used on horse and buggies. not suitable for modern powered automobiles. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either nostalgic and/or ignorant of the difference and the geometry and control problems that leaf springs create.

It can be made to work okay, with a lot of extra tie rods, lateral links, traction bars, and so fourth, but than you end up with something heavier, with more parts, more complex, with still still far less than ideal geometry. The best you can say is that is can be made to work okay.

[lannvouivre]

That's about how I feel about them. They make truck butts wiggle down the road. I don't understand the obsession with them, so I try to just ignore them. I mean, to be honest, you're totally right--they're obsolete. They're just cheap to make, I guess. I believe air ride is better performance-wise, since REAL trucks like 18-wheelers use those and not leaf springs. The only downside to air ride is keeping them maintained, which seems to be very difficult for some people (looking at you, LAND ROVER!)

[Petros]

too many ignorant hicks and gear heads think the massif Ford rear axle leaf spring set up is a "proper" truck suspension. And they defend them very vigorously (out of ignorance, somehow thinking that a company as large as Ford is really looking out for their best interests). I just point out that using a spring to attach the tires to the chassis in not a good way to maintain control of a vehicle. it was always a bad idea, on a 3 mph horse drawn carriage, it is of little consequence, not on a 2-ton truck at 80 mph, or going down a rough rutted road.