Coil and leaf spring suspension systems both have their own pros and cons , but if you’re considering using a suspension replacement for the purpose of car enhancement, it’s a good idea to have a full understanding of both before making a choice.
Spring suspension systems are essentially a set of leaf springs suspended by the car’s axle to keep the wheels of the car on the road. Coil suspension, on the other hand, is more in line with what we think of when he hear the word “springs”. It’s basically a strong spring wrapped around a short piston. This type of car suspension was first really seen in racing but has become fairly popular lately amongst everyday drivers.
Both of these suspension systems, as mentioned, have a few things that they excel in. Leaf springs are quite a bit more rigid, for example. This means that they’re capable of handling a very heavy load, quite a bit more than coil suspension systems in most cases. Being a somewhat more simple system also means that they tend to be quite a bit less expensive than coil suspension systems. It’s also usually easier to find them than it is to find good coil systems. After all, they’ve been around a good bit longer, so it only makes sense that more people are making them. Coil systems, on the other hand, tend to handle quite a bit better when properly adjusted. The fact that they have so many options for adjustment is another benefit in and of itself. Although new suspension can be fitted onto most cars, Low-offset has produced a guide specifically for the Nissan 350z. However, we still recommend that you take a look at Low Offset’s guide to 350z coilovers because many of the suspension system’s featured can be fitted onto other vehicles too!
Lastly, there is the vanity factor. Even though coil suspension systems have been rising in popularity and availability lately, not many people have managed to actually install them compared to the people that still have leaf spring suspensions. Having a proper coil suspension on your car is, all on its own, worth at least a few bonus points amongst any car buffs you may have in your circle of friends.
Sadly, however, every system has its downside. Spring systems, for example, can’t be adjusted the way that coil systems can. The fact that they’re fixed in place also leads to a noticeably bumpier ride due to the fact that they just don’t have as much room to move as coil systems have. Coil systems, though they have the longer list of benefits, also have a longer list of downsides. Foremost among these is the fact that you can get a pretty rough ride, if not outright failure, if the system isn’t properly adjusted. They’re also the more expensive of the two options by a noticeable degree and you don’t want to skimp on them by paying for the cheaper ones.
If you happen to be in the San Diego area and you’re thinking about switching out or adjusting your car’s suspension, by the way, it’s a good idea to check out the body shop at Joe’s stereo. They’re extremely good with recommending an aftermarket suspension system for practically any car.
