Add a Leafs?
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
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Add a Leafs?
I have a 2000 F250 crew cab diesel that I put a 4.5" lift kit on. It is a Superlift with all 4 springs. I would like to go a little higher on a tight budget and had seen rough country add a leafs on ebay a few times. They were supposed to give around 1.5" of lift all the way around on a diesel pickup. Then I remembered that I have the stock leafs from my truck in the shed. I thought about taking leafs out of those (really cheap) but I wouldnt know which ones to remove or any idea on high high it would raise the truck. Has anyone ever done this, or should I stop being so cheap and buy the add a leafs? Thanks!
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
Most likely would not give you what you want.
1) Assuming the Superlift lift gave you the lift from the springs, the curve of an add-a-leaf would be wrong. Stock springs are pretty flat, add-a-leafs are moderately curved, lift springs are definitely curved. Adding flat leafs to a curved pack will do nothing or even flatten it out depending on where you add them.
2) PAIN. Adding more leafs makes the spring stiffer. My truck came with add-a-leafs in the front. The front suspension is pretty much rigid. I finally dredged up the cash to get proper springs.
1) Assuming the Superlift lift gave you the lift from the springs, the curve of an add-a-leaf would be wrong. Stock springs are pretty flat, add-a-leafs are moderately curved, lift springs are definitely curved. Adding flat leafs to a curved pack will do nothing or even flatten it out depending on where you add them.
2) PAIN. Adding more leafs makes the spring stiffer. My truck came with add-a-leafs in the front. The front suspension is pretty much rigid. I finally dredged up the cash to get proper springs.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
These are much better ideas. Several companies (I know Icon and Rough Country, and I'm sure there are more) make shackle lifts for the front. Keep in mind you do need to replace the front mounts and the rear shackles - they both need to lift the same amount to keep caster angle right. Impossible to say if you will encounter any alignment/steering issues with the combo. I assume you already have a pretty significant dropped pitman arm and track bar relocation setup?
Additional rear blocks would work, keeping in mind that most folks find anything more than 4" of block on these trucks leads to noticeable axle wrap on stock springs. With the aftermarket spring, it may be more or less prone.
Additional rear blocks would work, keeping in mind that most folks find anything more than 4" of block on these trucks leads to noticeable axle wrap on stock springs. With the aftermarket spring, it may be more or less prone.
