front add a leaf
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From: Northern Illinois
front add a leaf
I've got a pair of upper over-load springs from my now gone 99 F250 Super Duty. They are arched about 4.5 inches over the 42 inch length when un-sprung. On the 99, they were mounted above the spring pack with a 1 inch spacer and curved up at the ends (mounted u-shaped). The design was such that when loaded down, the ends would contact overload brakets mounted outboard on the frame. They are square cut on the ends but the thickness is tapered.
Can I use these as add-a-leafs on the front of my 1982 F250 4X4 or would they I need a longer leaf to add, or maybe something not as arched. My stock front leaf springs are actually a bit on the reverse arched side and about 2 inches long.
If I can use them, I know I'll need longer U-bolts and centering pins but would I need to add any type of slider near the ends or a spring clamp of some sort?
Can I use these as add-a-leafs on the front of my 1982 F250 4X4 or would they I need a longer leaf to add, or maybe something not as arched. My stock front leaf springs are actually a bit on the reverse arched side and about 2 inches long.
If I can use them, I know I'll need longer U-bolts and centering pins but would I need to add any type of slider near the ends or a spring clamp of some sort?
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
The springs will slide metal to metal, and be ok. I think the big thing you have to worry about is your alignment. These springs may give you a big lift, which would be cool, but getting it re-aligned may be impossible if it lifts it more than 2 inches.
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Freshman User
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From: Northern Illinois
Thanks guys.
So about 2 inches is the limit before I get into allignment problems. I might take one side apart and set it in there to see how much it lifts. Worst case, I guess I'll be out a pair of u-bolts to test fit it.
BTW, I noticed a typo in my original post. My stock front springs are about 52 inches long, not "2".
So about 2 inches is the limit before I get into allignment problems. I might take one side apart and set it in there to see how much it lifts. Worst case, I guess I'll be out a pair of u-bolts to test fit it.
BTW, I noticed a typo in my original post. My stock front springs are about 52 inches long, not "2".
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,491
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From: Kuna ID
Your front springs are supposed to have a negative arch, thats just they way they are. That doesn't mean they wont get worse , but lots of people instantly think their springs are shot due to the negative arch.
I put 2" add-a-leaf springs on the front of my truck and it raised my truck 2.75". The shop was able to get within 3* of a perfect alignment. I can tell the springs have settled a bit now and could probably get it aligned.
That rear add-a-leaf you have is meant to help support a load, I am sure it will stiffen your ride a lot more than the proper spring would. The right springs aren't that expensive, mine were less than $100.
I put 2" add-a-leaf springs on the front of my truck and it raised my truck 2.75". The shop was able to get within 3* of a perfect alignment. I can tell the springs have settled a bit now and could probably get it aligned.
That rear add-a-leaf you have is meant to help support a load, I am sure it will stiffen your ride a lot more than the proper spring would. The right springs aren't that expensive, mine were less than $100.
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Northern Illinois
Originally Posted by Sycostang67
Your front springs are supposed to have a negative arch, thats just they way they are. That doesn't mean they wont get worse , but lots of people instantly think their springs are shot due to the negative arch.
I put 2" add-a-leaf springs on the front of my truck and it raised my truck 2.75". The shop was able to get within 3* of a perfect alignment. I can tell the springs have settled a bit now and could probably get it aligned.
That rear add-a-leaf you have is meant to help support a load, I am sure it will stiffen your ride a lot more than the proper spring would. The right springs aren't that expensive, mine were less than $100.
I put 2" add-a-leaf springs on the front of my truck and it raised my truck 2.75". The shop was able to get within 3* of a perfect alignment. I can tell the springs have settled a bit now and could probably get it aligned.
That rear add-a-leaf you have is meant to help support a load, I am sure it will stiffen your ride a lot more than the proper spring would. The right springs aren't that expensive, mine were less than $100.
Or maybe I'll add these to the rear and just buy something for the front...
