Some new trucks have torsion bar IFS, some have coil springs IFS. I noticed that Ford is ditching the torsion bars for the '04 F-150. That says to me that torsion bars might not be the best. What are the advantages/disadvantages of each setup?

 

From working at a Ford dealer until 2000, I can say I saw a lot of Ford trucks, of different models, come in with broken torsion bars when they really should have not broken. They usualy break off near the rear bracket. I do not think I ever saw one come in with a broken leaf spring or coil, front or rear.

Good thing about torsion bars, once broken they make great pry bars.

 

Plymouth Dusters used torsion bars. 'Nuff said

 

Do a search for broken spring here and you'll find plenty of people complaining about the rear leaf springs breaking on their trucks.

 

WXboy. I see your little pic under your name says 4x4 offroad. You going to use this truck off highway? Coils are great, ride good and can be assisted with air bags quite easily is the shock is not run though them. Cheaper to lift coils too. Torsions bars just seem to fatiuge.

Tyler
94 F-250 PSD 5 speed
95 F-150 302 5 speed

 

Well, my truck has torsion bars. To be honest, the reason I'm asking is because I'm thinking about buying a new truck. The Ranger still uses torsion bars. In fact, ALL compact trucks I've seen use torsion bars except Toyota. The Tacoma uses coil springs with shocks running through them. I have heard this is why Toyota trucks are so tough off-road, but I just wanted to ask you guys if it's true or not.

 

The F-150's use torsion bars too.

 

To answer the question I think your asking, coil springs are tougher than torsion bars. Torsion bars are fine for stock rigs staying mostly on road, but if you want to fling them a beating and hammer it off road I'd take a pass on them. But thats just me...