Add-a-leaf's? Worth it??

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

How about it ? Do they work very good? I want to put them on my 91 w250 on the f/r and I dont know how good they work.

Does the f/r level up or is one end higher than the other?

I will probably replace the bushings too, probably with the polyurethane, but somewhere I read that the kit only covered one end of the spring I cant remeber if it is the shackle or the frame? would you just buy 4 kits, 2 to the front and 2 for the rear? Also where can I get engine mounts, and how hard are they to put in?



Thanks Steve

 

[JFitzgerald]

Well, I'll tell you what I learned. I wanted a cheap lift for a '78 Chevy K20 I used to have, and got a set of add-a-leaves for it. It gave the couple inches of lift I wanted, and it seemed to ride better at first, just because it wasn't bouncing on the bump stops any more, and the new shocks. But they actually rode very hard and later some rear leaves started breaking, maybe from the add-a-leaf forcing the tired springs to curve? Later, when I could afford it, I did it right by buying a complete Skyjacker system with new leaf packs all the way around. Mucho better ride! My brother has the truck now and the SJ springs have been great for about five years so far.



One thing about poly bushings - they will firm up the suspension. Rubber will be more forgiving and ride better.

 

[justduneit]

JFitzgerald is correct, the best way to go is the Skyjacker springs - the only downside is the $$$$. When I went looking for front springs for my W350, 2 springs, 2 shocks, bushings, bolts and freight were going to be just under $600. 00. I didn't have the bucks, so I went to American Spring in Yuma, AZ. T. J. re-arched my springs, put an add-a-leaf in the stack and installed new bushings for a little over $200. 00. With a pair of new Rancho shocks, I'm still well under $300. 00 and the ride is much better. They've only been in there about 3 months, so long term survival is not known yet. Hopefully I won't get into the spring breakage problem like Fitz' K20 did. If you can do the $$$$, buy the Skyjackers . . .

Just my $0. 02



Keith

 

[JFitzgerald]

Keith, you're probably going to have better results than I did since you had the springs professionally re-arched when adding the leaves. I just bolted the new leaves to my tired, sagging old springs.

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

Thanks

I dont really want to spend that much money right now but I don't really know If I want to lift it at all. Also has anyone tried those Hellwig Load helper springs yet ? they go on top of the stock springs I think?



















Thanks, Steve

 

[BCaldwell]

C. C. Ibelieve the type of springs you are talking about may be an over load type system? how about trying an air bag just a thought bill

 

[Old Smoky]

My springs have been re-arched, front and rear. An add-a-leaf has also been added to the front end. It sits almost perfectally level; the front end is slightly lower. I can clear 285/75/16s with minimal rubbing, when flexed all of the way.



Mike