Advice on leaf install. Front End
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
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Advice on leaf install. Front End
Need some help here.
I am installing a 1 1/2" tuff country add-a-leaf to the front end. I took the wheels off to give it a peek and I had a couple of questions.
The directions call for the removal of the spring to install the leaf. It looks like a pain in the a$$ to get at the eye buckle up behind the bumper.
Do I have to remove the bumper to do this?
The instructions also call for removing the c-clamp on the springs to get them apart. Can someone give me some advise of how to do this? I seem to remember a center pin in the clamp that would keep me from simply knocking it off.
Any other advise would be great.
Thanks
I am installing a 1 1/2" tuff country add-a-leaf to the front end. I took the wheels off to give it a peek and I had a couple of questions.
The directions call for the removal of the spring to install the leaf. It looks like a pain in the a$$ to get at the eye buckle up behind the bumper.
Do I have to remove the bumper to do this?
The instructions also call for removing the c-clamp on the springs to get them apart. Can someone give me some advise of how to do this? I seem to remember a center pin in the clamp that would keep me from simply knocking it off.
Any other advise would be great.
Thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,221
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From: Dallas
You can actually install your add-a-leaf without removing the spring from the truck...
.. you will need to remove the u-bolts, drop the axle, then you can take the spring pack apart from there...
good luck
.. you will need to remove the u-bolts, drop the axle, then you can take the spring pack apart from there...
good luck
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,342
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From: Georgia
Yes. Installed the same add a leaf to my 2000 SD. Did not remove the spring assy. You may want to have another vehicle or something large and stationary in front of your truck when you are lining everything back up to hook a come-a-long to. The axle has a tendancy to get misaligned from the spring pack. Make sure your old shocks are long enough if you will be off-roading. It is possible to over extend them. Good luck with your install.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 122
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From: Chicago
I recently installed an Edge 2" level on my 02 F250. I think it is a little different than an add-a-leaf, but I didn't remove the springs. I would recommend that you get a buddy to help you and have an extra vehicle in case you get in a bind and need to run to the hardware store. Like HiHoSilver said, definitely keep a cable puller (or two) handy because the pin in the leaf spring probably will not line up with the axle. I had to tie it between the front and rear axle to line things up. Looking back, I would not do it myself again, I would pay a shop to do it and let them worry about it.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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The c-clamps are to hold the springs together when you remove the center pin...otherwise they will "spring" apart at you. You also use the C-clamps when putting the extra leaf in, kinda like a vice, drawing the pack together. Make sure you align the center pin holes when doing so.
I agree you do not need to remove the spring pack for AAL, at least I didn't with my Skyjacker system. I also agree you may need a come-a-long to realign the axle to spring perches...everything just seems to spread out when you disassemble.
Good luck
I agree you do not need to remove the spring pack for AAL, at least I didn't with my Skyjacker system. I also agree you may need a come-a-long to realign the axle to spring perches...everything just seems to spread out when you disassemble.
Good luck
