Educate me on add-a-leaf
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Senior User
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 164
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Educate me on add-a-leaf
Hello Everyone, I recently have looked into add-a-leaf for my 1987 F250 4x4, what all goes into adding them? I mainly wanted to add them to the rear, and possible up front. Anyone out there have some wisdom for me? I don't really care about ride quality, i'm wanting a slight lift in the rear.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Are you talking about a DIY add-a leaf using one salvaged from another spring pack or an aftermarket add-a leaf overload spring?
Usually all that is required to add a single leaf to your existing packs is new U-bolts and center pin, the springs don't have to come off the truck you just jack it up and support the frame and then cut the U-bolts and lower the axle until it separates from the leafs.. the wheels may have to come off to make room. Then remove the center pin and slide the new leaf in where it best fits, reinstall center pin and bolt it all back together.
Aftermarket kits sometimes don't require anything on the factory setup be disturbed they just bolt on, but some of them require a u-bolts R&R.
Usually all that is required to add a single leaf to your existing packs is new U-bolts and center pin, the springs don't have to come off the truck you just jack it up and support the frame and then cut the U-bolts and lower the axle until it separates from the leafs.. the wheels may have to come off to make room. Then remove the center pin and slide the new leaf in where it best fits, reinstall center pin and bolt it all back together.
Aftermarket kits sometimes don't require anything on the factory setup be disturbed they just bolt on, but some of them require a u-bolts R&R.
Temporarily Deactivated
Joined: Aug 2003
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Where there are a lot of big trucks there is a spring shop. They can re-bend (re-arch) and temper old springs and fab up new spring packs. If they won't do it then you shouldn't either. Take your truck and talk to them. Stupid modifications can kill people and send perfectly good trucks to the junkyard. Many lifted trucks are useless and dangerous, stupid modifications.
Are there video games, movies, TV shows that are popularizing this stuff? What's up with the stupid trucks?
Are there video games, movies, TV shows that are popularizing this stuff? What's up with the stupid trucks?
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 92
Likes: 1
From: Northern Az.
I have add a leaf on my F-250 that aren't even tied down. It has 8700GVW and rides like a riding lawnmower even without them. When I carry my 1600# camper it rides pretty good. I don't know what the previous owner hauled but it must have been heavy.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 0
From: Lower 48
What is the reason for "add-a-leafs"? Is it to lift the truck or are you after load carrying capability? If you're going for a lift, I agree with re-arching or replacing the springs. If you're after load carrying capability I would suggest overloads. With overloads, when running empty you're sitting on your stock springs, when load heavy the frame sits down on a secondary set of springs (in conjunction with your stock springs.
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