Add-A-Leaf Questions

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Feb 9, 2006 | 01:52 AM

greybullit

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From: Palo Alto, CA

Add-A-Leaf Questions

Okay, so im in the process of lifting my 90 Bronco, I've got the front done and I'm on to the rear. The rear lift consists of a block and an add-a-leaf. The block's a no-brainer, however my lift didn't come with any instructions on how to install the add-a-leaf, I need help! Do i unbolt the cent bolt of the leaf spring itself or do i put it under the leaf spring and above the block??? Please help, I'm lost at this point. Thanks

Feb 9, 2006 | 02:56 AM

KubotaOrange76

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From: GA

you take out the old centerpin, and install the aal in the pack, there shoudl be a new centerpin included for each side

did the kit come with a long aal, or a short aal?

Feb 9, 2006 | 10:48 AM

fishmanndotcom

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From: Senoia, GA

it's actually quite simple... you'll have to seperate the spring pack from the axle and raise it enough to get the center pin out. then get a c-clamp and clamp the pack together. unbolt the centerpin and pull it out. lossen the clamp to let the spring pack fan out. add the leaf to the pack and start working the centerpin back up through the holes in the leafs. use the clamp to tighten the pack back down. onmce you get several threads of the centr[in showing above the top leaf you can put your nut back and tighten it down. and thats pretty much it. i would do one side at a time just keeps things aligned but you could do both sides at once if ya want.

-cutts-

Feb 9, 2006 | 11:20 AM

1975Ford

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Will need U-bolts for the leaf springs with the added block and add-a-leaf. I had the u-bolts made here at the spring shop. I used 12"x12"x24" wooden blocks, side by side, stacked on top of each other as jack stands. I placed them at the rear bumper, to hold up the truck, after raising the truck with a floor jack. Spray down the u-bolts (nut and thread) or torch them off by the old block on axle. I used a cheater pipe to remove the old u-bolts. Be carefull not to knock the truck off the jack stands or blocks. The truck will sit up high. If you have access to a car lift, it will make the job much easier.
Will need to loosen the both rear shocks, remove u-bolts and rear drive shaft, loosen bracket for rear brake line or remove the main brake line on frame, then you can start removing the u-bolts holding the leaf pack and axle. Then as fishmanndotcom and KabotaOrange76 mentioned, follow their steps.

If your have the time, you can clean the rear axle and drums with a wire brush, scraper, and sand paper, and prep to paint. Also would be a good time to replace u-joints and brakes. Don't forget to check the rear axle fluid level.

Feb 9, 2006 | 11:21 AM

greybullit

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From: Palo Alto, CA

the aal is about 26" long, when i tried to loosen that spring nut I couldn't get it off becuase the bottom of the bolt would just spin and I cant get anything on it to keep it from spinning...any ideas?

Feb 9, 2006 | 11:25 AM

1975Ford

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Will need to raise the rear up (leafs), so you can put a set of good vice grips to hold the leaf bolt from spinning. Make sure you secure the truck with blocks and stands. Use clamps on the leaf spring before your take off the leaf bolt.

Feb 12, 2006 | 05:31 PM

rusty350250

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deffinetly use a clamp before attempting the center bolt removal. i useda add a leaf and had to drill and split the nut on both sides to get the pin out.