Add a leaf

mxdirtrider56 · April 21, 2012

I've done several searches on existing threads discussing add a leafs. I haven't been able to find much on how they affect ride / handling. I've been wanting to either replace the existing blocks with taller ones or an add a leaf. Can anyone give me any info on how the ride changed if any with an add a leaf? I would expect possibly a little stiffer / bouncier.

scooby5121 · April 21, 2012

Done that on three of our trucks.

Your correct. It will be stiffer and the bumps will hurt a little more when riding empty.

Scooby

BlackZ71Silverado · April 21, 2012

Adding a leaf will simply stiffen your leaf pack causing a harsher unloaded ride. It definately won't be bouncier because you are increasing the rate of the leaf pack.

If you are looking for a car like ride, adding a leaf is not the way to go, better off with air bags IMO. They are very adjustable and are more bump friendly than adding a leaf.

yukon25008.1 · April 21, 2012

Just get a helper kit from Hellwig, there adjustable

scz71864 · April 23, 2012

i have to agree with the OP there isnt much info on this on this site, nor anywhere else. cant find very many pictures either

nitemare17 · April 23, 2012

i put a zone kit in my 11' it rides like a 3/4 ton now but i got a good 2 inches of lift and takes around 500 or 600lbs to bring it back down to stock height

scz71864 · April 23, 2012

^pictures? did you do the install your self?

mxdirtrider56 · April 23, 2012

i have to agree with the OP there isnt much info on this on this site, nor anywhere else. cant find very many pictures either

Yea, there just isn't very much info. Most of what I have seen on here relates to install. I just need to decide whether I want to go with the leaf or taller blocks. Adding the 3" block would bring the rear of my truck up to 1.5 inches higher than the front which would be good.

BlackZ71Silverado · April 23, 2012

i have to agree with the OP there isnt much info on this on this site, nor anywhere else. cant find very many pictures either

Yea, there just isn't very much info. Most of what I have seen on here relates to install. I just need to decide whether I want to go with the leaf or taller blocks. Adding the 3" block would bring the rear of my truck up to 1.5 inches higher than the front which would be good.

Adding a long leaf will do the same, plus give you a little more weight capacity.

scz71864 · April 23, 2012

^ thats why i wanted to add the leaf. you get 2 perks with the leaf, lift and payload. you cant get both with a block

Erichcb · April 24, 2012

Firestone Air bags are a much better way to go. Just put some on my truck a few months ago and they are really nice

BlackZ71Silverado · April 24, 2012

Firestone Air bags are a much better way to go. Just put some on my truck a few months ago and they are really nice

True, IF you are always towing and hauling heavy loads....No need to spend that much money for a "look", or a little extra. Most people don't do that much to NEED airbags. But if you haul and tow heavy all the time, no doubt airbags are the only option.

tyhuck · April 24, 2012

Just remember, none of the additions to the rear leafs will add to the weight rating of the truck. They only help the truck sit more level when loaded. Just make sure you dont overload your truck.

I added them to my truck and they did increase the height of the truck, but it also increased the stiffness of the ride. But, I am used to 3/4 trucks so the ride was not bad to me. I would recomend AALs over taller blocks every time. If you increase the height of the block, you also increase the risk of axel wrap. To me, the slightly harsher ride is worth putting up with more than wearing out my spring early do to excessive axel wrap.

Its just a trade-off and depends on what is more important to you.

BlackZ71Silverado · April 24, 2012

Adding a slightly larger block is not going to cause your driveline to bind and cause axle wrap. That's not going to be an issue, mostly an issue with vehicles with very soft leafs in the rear, and vehicles lifted to the sky.

It would be a little different if you were going to add a 8" block, then you would have to be worried. That's why a lot of highly lifted trucks have ladder bars installed, to prevent the issue of the pinion angle changing to the point of driveline bind.

tyhuck · April 24, 2012

Im not saying it will be so severe as to completely destroy your truck. But, even the stock block causes some degree of axel wrap. Granted, like you said, its not a big problem until you really jack it up, but it will be worse with a 3" block than a 2" block. I believe (my opinion) that the block, coupled with fewer leaves per pack, is the reason that so many 1500 trucks experience the slip yolk clunk, which is a direct result of axel wrap allowing the drive shaft to slide excessively during acceleration, braking, or directional changes in the trans.

Will the results of adding a taller block be catastrophic? No.

Are the odds greater that the springs would wear prematurely do to a taller block and slightly increased axel wrap? Possibly, but not to the point that it would cause a total failure.

I know lots of people add a taller block with lots of success and no problems. Im just in favor of AALs because of the increase in height without an increase on rotatinal motion on the springs.