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how to know? suspension

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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 07:55 PM
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how to know? suspension

how do you know if your truck is equipped with an add-a-leaf? i have a 2000 f250 and the suspension is real hard and wondering if i have an add a leaf. would this just create a stiffer setting and raise the height? both front and rear have clips on the leafs on both ends of the leafs, does this mean i have an add-a-leaf? i'll probably just take the tires off and the ubolts to see myself. is there anything i need to be concerened when taking u bolts off and trying to look at the leafs?

Also what are the front bolts for the front leafs torqued at and what size is the bolt?
 
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 07:58 PM
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The stock springs for the front are two leaves that run the entire length of the springs. The U-bolts are 5/8 (16mm) i believe, and they are spec'd at 99 lb-fts. The rear spring pack is five main leaves, there would be an obvious oddball sticking out if it had an add-a-leaf.
 
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 07:59 PM
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thanks so much. that helps alot knowing how many leafs there should be.
 
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 08:09 PM
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on the rear i have airbags for towing but the u bolts go over the leafs then on top of the ubolts there is another leaf then sits the airbag. the extra leaf on top seems to be for the bump stop but is that an add on? also for the front the top leaf curls at the end for a the bushings and bolt to pass then there is two other leafs under neath that? is that stock or no?
 
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 08:13 PM
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That extra leaf on the top, on the rear is a Overload leaf, most trucks have it, camper package or towing package nets it. For the springs, i dont know, other than aside from the overload leaf, there are 5 leaves in the pack. For the front springs, the two stock leaves are rather thick, and seperate from each other as they go towards the spring hanger/shackle. If you had an add-a-leaf, it would be below the bottom leaf, making it a third one.
 
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 08:14 PM
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ok. if i took that overload spring would that help the suspension to make it softer if i'm not towing?
 
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 08:20 PM
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No, its only to add spring capacity near the end of the spring travel. Look closer, and you can see that neither end of the leaf touches either slipper until you add enough weight to lower the truck 2-3", and it really doesnt start springing back until 4-5" where it gets very stiff.
 
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 08:22 PM
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now th bottom of the rear leaf in the middle is very thick correct?
 
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 08:40 PM
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Yes, that one really doesn't bend. Or, it takes ALOT to bend it. It is perfectly flat, i am assuming that is there from over-exerting the springs and preventing them from bending backwards.
 
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 10:00 PM
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Smile Airbag PSIs

If you've got airbags in the back, check to see that they have 10PSI or less in them, when your bed is empty. Extra PSI's in the backend will be felt in your backside!
 

Last edited by papadelogan; Mar 1, 2007 at 10:01 PM. Reason: better info
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Old Mar 1, 2007 | 10:05 PM
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Originally Posted by papadelogan
If you've got airbags in the back, check to see that they have 10PSI or less in them, when your bed is empty. Extra PSI's in the backend will be felt in your backside!
10psi or less but keep a minimum of 5psi so as not to unseat the bags from the bellows
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 12:07 AM
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i didn't know the 5PSI minimum!! very good to know!!!
 
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Old Mar 2, 2007 | 08:53 AM
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I had a Chevy 3/4 ton that I removed the air bags from.
The ride was so harsh that it pulled my lower back out of joint on big bumps.
It was an old beater that I was using to carry trash, etc so I didn't care if they were there or not.
 
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