Add A Leafs?
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Northeast Penna.
Add A Leafs?
I have an 2003 4x4 V8 5.4 F250 SD with the x-springs. I just purchased the Skyjacker 2.5 Add A Leafs for the front and rear. Can I use my factory U-Bolts or do I need new ones? Also if anyone has done this lift did you get 2.5"? More or less? I was also wondering about the Trax bar. Will I need a new one with this added height? I may even have to get the Skyjacker #' rear blocks to keep from being nose high. Any imput on this will be appreciated.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
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Viper,
Check out my gallery. I have the same truck. I have posted many questions on this topic if you want to search for it. I added a 2" Tuff Country add-a-leaf to the rear only. It sits almost exactly level now. Maybe a 1/2 inch or so higher in the backend. Without the add-a-leaf in the back end our trucks will squat like crazy with any load at all. Downright embarrasing till I fixed it.
I also have a 1 1/2" Tuff Country add-a-leaf for the front end sitting in the shed but I don't want to do it for fear of sending the truck nose high again. I may do it if I decide to change the rear blocks.
I would not put the add-a-leafs up front unless you also decide to replace the blocks in the backend. Well unless you like nose high. I do not think you will need to replace the Trax bar. I also did not "need" to replace my factory u-bolts. My truck was pretty new and not abused so I didn't feel the need to replace them. You will however hear from many people on the board telling you to do so, nothing wrong with that theory either.
I also replaced my shocks at the same time. Rancho 9000's, Rancho 5000 stabilizer.
Any questions let me know.
Check out my gallery. I have the same truck. I have posted many questions on this topic if you want to search for it. I added a 2" Tuff Country add-a-leaf to the rear only. It sits almost exactly level now. Maybe a 1/2 inch or so higher in the backend. Without the add-a-leaf in the back end our trucks will squat like crazy with any load at all. Downright embarrasing till I fixed it.
I also have a 1 1/2" Tuff Country add-a-leaf for the front end sitting in the shed but I don't want to do it for fear of sending the truck nose high again. I may do it if I decide to change the rear blocks.
I would not put the add-a-leafs up front unless you also decide to replace the blocks in the backend. Well unless you like nose high. I do not think you will need to replace the Trax bar. I also did not "need" to replace my factory u-bolts. My truck was pretty new and not abused so I didn't feel the need to replace them. You will however hear from many people on the board telling you to do so, nothing wrong with that theory either.
I also replaced my shocks at the same time. Rancho 9000's, Rancho 5000 stabilizer.
Any questions let me know.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,248
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From: Elverson, PA
My Dad just got a new truck with the x-springs and his truck rides exactly like my truck - I don't have x-springs but have added a 2" add-a-leaf. Not a bad ride - but it is a tad stiff - personally I like it - it seems to drive and handle turns a little better. I would think you'd get a pretty rough ride putting add-a-leafs under an X-spring but I could be wrong.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
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I agree with you CAT. I think putting the add-a-leafs up front on an x-spring could be a little too much. Especially with the 5.4L. Its pretty light as it is.
I keep looking at my front add-a-leafs in the shed wondering if I'll regret the install. I think I will let them sit there for awhile.
I keep looking at my front add-a-leafs in the shed wondering if I'll regret the install. I think I will let them sit there for awhile.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 658
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From: Wayne, PA
i have the tuff country add a leaf with the x springs and it is pretty stiff. I do clear 295's without a problem however.
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Northeast Penna.
Thanks for the imput. I am guessing that my ride will get stiff with the add a leafs and the x-springs but I guess I will find out. As far as being nose high my truck sits perfectly level right now so I was hoping that the add a leafs in the front and the back would still leave the truck level. I guess I could put on the Skyjacker 3" block if needed.
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Northeast Penna.
I will probably get new U-bolts just to be safe. I have been running 295's with the x-springs. They fit great but when I put on the add a leafs I will probably go to the 315's....
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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This link has hanger kits around 2"-2.5" from several different companies. http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/fd4_99f2_350.htm
I also have the x-springs and have been considering a 2" hanger kit, so if you put one on let us know how it works out!
I also have the x-springs and have been considering a 2" hanger kit, so if you put one on let us know how it works out!
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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My '01 F250 5.4L had "x" springs installed before I bought it to carry the plow weight. That's what I figure, because the truck is leveled out perfectly.
I just added Skyjacker AAL to the front and rear. It was exactly 2.5" f & r, check out my gallery. Note: when you get the AAL springs measure each one...my first (front) set was 5/8" different heights! Called Skyjacker they said shouldn't be. So I ordered another set...same thing. So I used the two (taller) springs, and sent the others back.
I used the stock U-Bolts. When torqued, the DS one is just the right length (couldn't be any shorter). The rest of them had plenty thread left.
I've found that when you torque the U-Bolts, they do stretch. However, if you keep the stress under the he yield strength, they can be used over and over. If you torque them past the yield strength, then you stretch them permanently, that's when I would replace them. Sometimes you can tell when the nuts won't thread on, because the stretching has changed the pitch of the threads on the U-bolts.
I just added Skyjacker AAL to the front and rear. It was exactly 2.5" f & r, check out my gallery. Note: when you get the AAL springs measure each one...my first (front) set was 5/8" different heights! Called Skyjacker they said shouldn't be. So I ordered another set...same thing. So I used the two (taller) springs, and sent the others back.
I used the stock U-Bolts. When torqued, the DS one is just the right length (couldn't be any shorter). The rest of them had plenty thread left.
I've found that when you torque the U-Bolts, they do stretch. However, if you keep the stress under the he yield strength, they can be used over and over. If you torque them past the yield strength, then you stretch them permanently, that's when I would replace them. Sometimes you can tell when the nuts won't thread on, because the stretching has changed the pitch of the threads on the U-bolts.
Last edited by L-N-OR; Jul 14, 2004 at 08:55 AM.
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