Add A Leaf upgrade
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Joined: Nov 2005
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Add A Leaf upgrade
I am cosidering putting add a leafs on each corner to lift 2" and firm the ride when I tow. Anyone do it? Spring company in town said they would do a rearch for me? What do you think is best?
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
I put in an add-a-leaf in my 05 2WD. Best thing I ever did...well...it's still new and I haven't done much to it yet...but still! It was a great upgrade to the rear suspension.
From my 2" lift I got a firmer, more supportive ride along with better compliance unladen AND (especially) when towing. My horse trailer doesn't drop the back bumper down 2.5" anymore. Now it only drops it 3/4". My spring pack is firmer reducing spring/axle wrap. All in all a good upgrade.
What I did was go to my local 4x4 shop and asked them what they had. What they turned me on to was a Rancho leaf spring that is usually used by Super Dutys in their 6" lift. See most guys just add a block and forgoe the extra spring. That means they had a number of them just hanging around doing nothing. $160 later it was installed and I was a happy camper.
My gallery has before and after pics.
I would recommend going with a spring that goes up as high in the pack as it can. The short ones you put on the bottom don't really do much. My spring was about 3' long and is now the third spring down from the top.
From my 2" lift I got a firmer, more supportive ride along with better compliance unladen AND (especially) when towing. My horse trailer doesn't drop the back bumper down 2.5" anymore. Now it only drops it 3/4". My spring pack is firmer reducing spring/axle wrap. All in all a good upgrade.
What I did was go to my local 4x4 shop and asked them what they had. What they turned me on to was a Rancho leaf spring that is usually used by Super Dutys in their 6" lift. See most guys just add a block and forgoe the extra spring. That means they had a number of them just hanging around doing nothing. $160 later it was installed and I was a happy camper.
My gallery has before and after pics.
I would recommend going with a spring that goes up as high in the pack as it can. The short ones you put on the bottom don't really do much. My spring was about 3' long and is now the third spring down from the top.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 249
Likes: 2
From: California
I was also considering either adding a leaf spring or adding helper springs. Anybody know what will be better? I have never done either on any other car.
I was looking at the Hellwig Progressive Helprer Springs.
What's your guys opinion.
Ruben G
I was looking at the Hellwig Progressive Helprer Springs.
What's your guys opinion.
Ruben G
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
Those types of helper springs are great if you don't want any additional ride height. (You may get a tad depending on how you adjust it). They are also typically easier to install as they do not require you to take the spring pack apart.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 249
Likes: 2
From: California
cficare,
Do they replace the A/C Lines because of damage or anything?
Is there anything that can be done besides changing the lines?
Do the line run close where the helper springs would be?
Thanks
Ruben G
Do they replace the A/C Lines because of damage or anything?
Is there anything that can be done besides changing the lines?
Do the line run close where the helper springs would be?
Thanks
Ruben G
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