coil-over springs versus leaf springs on E350 camper

[zip]

With my upcoming planned retirement in the next 3-6 months, I still have the hope of a last build being a UJOR 10' box truck. I love what Justin in CO is doing with these vehicles. I am looking forward to seeing what the future is with UJOR CO regarding a possible partnership with other upfitters to sell a turnkey rig with custom sub frame and composite box.
My current retirement goal is to move into my rig and rock climb and mountain bike as long as I have the physical ability and desire. I hope to do this shortly after retiring. I intend to purchase an interim E350 that already has a 4 x 4 conversion and start traveling while waiting to see what happens at UJOR CO. My previous E350 was a Sportsmobile with a Quigley 4 x 4 conversion with coil-over springs. My off roading will just be fire roads to get to dispersed camping. I feel that my Quigley conversion was inadequate for even the most minimal off-road activity. I know that UJOR uses leaf springs in their conversion.
I would appreciate any input on comparing these two different spring setups. Vehicle will probably be a RB weighing 9-10K pounds.
Thanks.
Blair/Zip

When comparing coil-over springs and leaf springs for 4x4 conversions, my Internet research says the following:

• Performance: Coil-over springs offer better ride quality and articulation, making them ideal for off-road travel and providing a more comfortable ride on rough terrain.
• Load Capacity: Leaf springs are generally better at handling heavier loads, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications like construction and farming.
• Customization: Coil-over systems allow for greater customization, including adjustments to spring rate and dampening, which can enhance performance on various terrains.
• Maintenance: Leaf springs are typically cheaper to purchase and maintain, but they require more frequent maintenance due to moving parts.
• Ride Quality: Coil-over systems provide a smoother ride, while leaf springs can be bouncier, which may affect comfort on long drives.
  
  
  
  

 

[DirtWhiskey]

I'll add that coils typically have a better turning radius. So key. Godspeed on the project sounds like a good and noble one!

 

[ujoint]

I'll start by clearing up your terminology so we're comparing things correctly. A "coil over" is a shock/coil combo like a lot of modern trucks (or my flatbed) have. The shock and coil are combined as one unit. I think what you're referring to is a coil/shock setup like your Quigley had. They're separate. A coil over system can be made to out articulate a leaf setup but this isn't common in a van. Requires a 100% custom setup like my flatbed, lots of fabrication and the juice isn't worth the squeeze. Nor is it as reliable as the leaf setup. More wearing parts, harder to diagnose issues, noisy, etc.

Our leaf setup out flexes every radius arm or link/coil setup easily. Ride quality is always subjective but there's a reason so many coil 4x4 vans have been converted to the UJOR leaf kit over the years. Literally every other 4x4 van converter has had their setup replaced with ours. Our custom spec'd springs don't need fine tuning unless the weight of the rig changes enough to need a new spring rate. Off the shelf shocks, no custom valving needed. The leaf springs aren't cheap or cheaper than the coil/shock setup but the performance gains are substantial.

So, be careful what you read and what platforms that info is aimed towards. What works for the common truck or jeep isn't always best for our Ford vans. Hope this helps and come for a ride at either shop any time to feel then difference.

 

[ExpoMike]

Also you forgot the torsion bar front suspension. Our Advanced 4x4 GMC van has this (basically from a 1 ton truck parts but it's a custom torsion bar crossmember by them). Even as a 1 ton van, empty, this thing actually rides great.

Each setup has pros and cons.

 

[ujoint]

Also you forgot the torsion bar front suspension. Our Advanced 4x4 GMC van has this (basically from a 1 ton truck parts but it's a custom torsion bar crossmember by them). Even as a 1 ton van, empty, this thing actually rides great.

Each setup has pros and cons.

I think he's referring to the Ford chassis only.

 

[zip]

I'll start by clearing up your terminology so we're comparing things correctly. A "coil over" is a shock/coil combo like a lot of modern trucks (or my flatbed) have. The shock and coil are combined as one unit. I think what you're referring to is a coil/shock setup like your Quigley had. They're separate. A coil over system can be made to out articulate a leaf setup but this isn't common in a van. Requires a 100% custom setup like my flatbed, lots of fabrication and the juice isn't worth the squeeze. Nor is it as reliable as the leaf setup. More wearing parts, harder to diagnose issues, noisy, etc.

Our leaf setup out flexes every radius arm or link/coil setup easily. Ride quality is always subjective but there's a reason so many coil 4x4 vans have been converted to the UJOR leaf kit over the years. Literally every other 4x4 van converter has had their setup replaced with ours. Our custom spec'd springs don't need fine tuning unless the weight of the rig changes enough to need a new spring rate. Off the shelf shocks, no custom valving needed. The leaf springs aren't cheap or cheaper than the coil/shock setup but the performance gains are substantial.

So, be careful what you read and what platforms that info is aimed towards. What works for the common truck or jeep isn't always best for our Ford vans. Hope this helps and come for a ride at either shop any time to feel then difference.

Chris,
Thank you for clearing that up and the education.
Blair