Notices
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L) Diesel Topics Only

add-a-leaf questions

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 5, 2009 | 10:58 AM
  #1  
1994diesel's Avatar
1994diesel
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
add-a-leaf questions

so my front suspension is needing replacement. the front shocks are shot and the leaf springs are sagging. so my questions are what brand is most recommended for an add-a-leaf and does anyone know of any sites with good prices for an add-a-leaf?

thanks guys
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2009 | 11:04 AM
  #2  
ghunt's Avatar
ghunt
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,724
Likes: 0
From: Clarksburg WV
Are you sure the springs are sagging and it's not the shackles?

Shackles helped a good bit on mine and my truck only has 98K on it.

Also, with add-a-leafs the thing would bruise your kidneys (I bought add a leafs over a year ago, just sold them because I realized I didn't really want to run them)
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2009 | 11:55 AM
  #3  
1994diesel's Avatar
1994diesel
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
um idk, how can i tell if its my shackles? i just replaced them recently to.
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2009 | 12:04 PM
  #4  
Lazy K's Avatar
Lazy K
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,402
Likes: 10
For add-a-leaf kits try stengelbros.com you get new U-bolts and everything you need.
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2009 | 12:16 PM
  #5  
1994diesel's Avatar
1994diesel
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
ok thanks, i will check it out.
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2009 | 01:13 PM
  #6  
starmilt's Avatar
starmilt
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,501
Likes: 5
From: Faibanks Ak.
Also check the spring bushings and bolts these wear out and let the truck ride low.
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2009 | 02:22 PM
  #7  
joe f350's Avatar
joe f350
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,513
Likes: 2
From: concord ca
or have u put on some weight lol
 
Reply

Trending Topics

Old Jan 5, 2009 | 02:56 PM
  #8  
catfish101's Avatar
catfish101
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,701
Likes: 0
From: KY
You have to watch those add a leaf kits. I sen the added leafs that didn't match the others. The arch will be different and that will not let the leafs carry the weight evenly. What I mean is if you add a leaf and you can see an uneven gap from the axle out then that is bad.

I had a leaf added to one of my trucks at a spring shop for not much more then one of those kits and the leafs were matched as a set.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Jan 5, 2009 | 03:01 PM
  #9  
starmilt's Avatar
starmilt
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,501
Likes: 5
From: Faibanks Ak.
Catfish wear have you been we was afraid them reindeer stranded you somewhere.
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2009 | 03:21 PM
  #10  
1994diesel's Avatar
1994diesel
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
all of the bushings are good, like i said i just recently replaced the front shackles. i dont know to much about suspension, but i am going to attempt to replace the shock absorbers and add a leaf by my self at home. i only have 2 leafs on each side in the front on my 94. i don't think it will stiffen it up any more than it is now because it is pretty much riding on the frame rails.

anyone got any more good websites?

thanks again for the help!
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2009 | 03:30 PM
  #11  
ghunt's Avatar
ghunt
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,724
Likes: 0
From: Clarksburg WV
If it's that bad, I'd recommend replacing the springs. Putting on an add-a-leaf would just be like putting a band-aid on there.
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2009 | 03:37 PM
  #12  
1994diesel's Avatar
1994diesel
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
alright. so add a leaf is more for a lift? jeez that means spending more money.

would putting new shock absorbers help out my dead springs a little bit?
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2009 | 03:44 PM
  #13  
catfish101's Avatar
catfish101
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,701
Likes: 0
From: KY
Adding a leaf isn't just for lift. If the arch doesn't change then then lift would just the thickness of the spring. The truck may raise raise some because of the added support of the other spring.

Shocks won't help your springs. Shocks are for keeping your tires on the road. I guess a heavy enough shock could help with support for a weak spring but it would have to be a shock for something bigger then your truck.

Star, I have been around just pretty busy. This is my busy time of year.
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2009 | 03:51 PM
  #14  
joe f350's Avatar
joe f350
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,513
Likes: 2
From: concord ca
i think he put on some weight over the holadays lol u should lift ur truck if ur repalceing to the front springs
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2009 | 03:57 PM
  #15  
1994diesel's Avatar
1994diesel
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Originally Posted by joe f350
i think he put on some weight over the holadays lol u should lifter ur truck if ur repalceing to the front springs
hahaha! i must have cause my suspension aint getting any better!

yea, an add a leaf is cheaper than replacing it all, i was hoping to get away with it.

joe f350, how much should i lift it? i was thinking about 2 inches, but ur probably thinkn 12 inches!!! lol
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:55 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE