Add-a-leaf Install Problems

[fraiolib]

went to install my add a leafs today and it just didnt go well at all. these are what i got http://www.generalspringkc.com/index.php?p...65&parent=0

first of all they didnt come with any instructions.... im a decent mechanic but.... and my step dad is a mechanic and he was helping me and no luck. they seem to long.. i sent my second email to the company today asking for assistance, maybe ill get something back. untill then.......... im at a loss

[cbsaf]

What went wrong? All you should have to do is:

 

1. lower the axle

2. add C-clamps to hold leafs together

3. remove center pin

4. slowly open C-clamps

5. add new leaf

6. insert longer center pin

7. compress leaf using C-clamps

8. tighten center pin

9. bolt up axle

 

Did you try to compress the stack back together using the new center pin? That's really the only way to mess it up if everything is within spec. The C-clamps pull the stack together much more efficiently.

[dlewis1111]

went to install my add a leafs today and it just didnt go well at all. these are what i got http://www.generalspringkc.com/index.php?p...65&parent=0

first of all they didnt come with any instructions.... im a decent mechanic but.... and my step dad is a mechanic and he was helping me and no luck. they seem to long.. i sent my second email to the company today asking for assistance, maybe ill get something back. untill then.......... im at a loss

 

 

I had to disconnect my shocks and the brake hose bracket on the rear diff as well as the ebrake cable clamps on the left side to get enough slack to lower the axle enough to decompress the springs.

What specifically is the problem? Do what the previous response said and you will be fine. You may have to open up the end clamps on the existing springs to allow enough room to slide the new ones in also.

[fraiolib]

well.... i got instructions from general spring yesterday. so as you guys know theres 2 springs and a 3rd straight one. not sure it you call that a spring or not. so.... i was trying to put the add-a-leaf between the bottom flat one and the 2nd spring because i didnt think i would have to take the factory leaf clip off. so it has to go under the first leaf and above the 2nd leaf which becomes the 3rd leaf now.

[fraiolib]

this is what i got from general spring

 

1. Remove U bolts and lower shock bolt

2. Raise vehicle so leaf springs separate from the axle by a couple of inches

3. Bend out clips and then remove centerbolt so the main leaf will still be attached to the truck.

4. Remove 2nd leaf and bottom leaf

5. For this particular vehicle the factory clips will no longer fit so you must remove these clips by either drilling out the rivet or cutting off the rivet head with grinder / sawzall / torch

6. Stack up your new leaf springs with the given centerbolt so you'll have add a leaf on top, factory 2nd leaf (now the 3rd leaf) , fat bottom leaf and reinsert them into the vehicle.

7. Tighten the centerbolt and make sure the leaf springs are straight

8. The bottom rounded part of the centerbolt will go into the hole in the axle or if you are equipped with a factory block then into the block and the block nipple will go into the axle. You will probably have to move the axle forward or backwards to center the leaf springs.

9. Put the U bolts back on and tighten as well as the lower shock bolt

10. Install the replacement clip by putting on the U shaped part and then the cap on top. Put a clamp or vise grip c clamps on tight and then bend the tabs outwards and hit with a hammer to secure.

Note. This is a long add leaf so the process is a bit more difficult due to removing the factory clips but a much better product than the short add a leafs because of the longer support and axle wrap prevention.

[fraiolib]

also

 

Just a couple of notes to add to my previous email

 

 

1. It's best to use c clamp when removing and reinstalling the centerbolt

2. On the Silverado / Sierra 1500 it may be easier to remove the 2 bolts holding the brake hose because it can grab a bit and pull the axle with it.

3. You could probably get the factory clips to fit but with the gauge you ordered I think it will be easier to just remove them rather than fight with it trying to get the factory clips to go back on because there's not a lot of space in there.

4. You may be jacking up by frame and letting the axle down so where I said raise the vehicle you may already have the vehicle raised by the frame and are lowering axle so just make sure however you do it you have a gap so you can get the stack back in there.

5. Feel free to call at 888-829-0619

[dlewis1111]

well.... i got instructions from general spring yesterday. so as you guys know theres 2 springs and a 3rd straight one. not sure it you call that a spring or not. so.... i was trying to put the add-a-leaf between the bottom flat one and the 2nd spring because i didnt think i would have to take the factory leaf clip off. so it has to go under the first leaf and above the 2nd leaf which becomes the 3rd leaf now.

 

i saw that it was a long spring on their website. did you get it done?

[fraiolib]

not yet either this weekend or early next week ill get to it

[fraiolib]

installed the other night went well

[ballon78]

How much did it raise the truck in back, do u have a leveling kit in front? After I did a 1.5 lift in front when I add weight in back it squats bad. Do u have pics of truck with it installed. Thanks

[scz71864]

any other pics, info?