Add a Leaf

fennsz · May 21, 2003

I am looking to get suggestions of an add a leaf. What brands have you used and where did you get them. I am looking to get an 1" or more lift in the back from it and also improve my ride, handling and towing ability.

Let me know what you have.

Worktruck · May 21, 2003

I used a hellwig helper add a leaf. I got about 1 1/2 inches but they all completely adjustable. I'll try to find the model # I used and post it for you here.

nhkid28 · May 21, 2003

Work Truck,

How did that effect your ride?

BDBWTE · May 21, 2003

As far as leaf springs I'm well versed. I have a 1500 Z71 Silverado as well as my HD. I've added springs to both trucks opposed to other methods. IE airbags, hellwigs. Here's how your options go a spring service center and have a leaf added to you main packs thus promoting your payload capacity by about 900lbs., per two 2 1/2" springs added, and this will add a little height approx 1" or so depending on the shop and grade of spring steel. I added one leaf in each pack of my Z and it helped it from sqauting a lot but this did intrude on the ride quality, ergo it rides much rougher. Now I've added six springs to my HD and the first spring helped but didn't make a noticable difference in ride maybe because the HD is a stiffer sprung truck to begin with. But for lift purposes go with a add-a-leaf setup Add a Leaf for payload caps I would go with springs from a shop I like the idea of having no maintaince with the springs and their always there you don't need to air them up or adjust them. My friend had the hellwigs LP350 on his Superduty and they helped but not as much as one spring per side helped my HD. With all that out, do what makes you happy. Add a leaf kit $50.00~$100.00. Adding a spring and having the shop do everything and you should have enough u bolt to get one spring in without needing new U bolts about $150.00~$200.00 depeding on the shop once again. Air bags $250.00~$300.00 and if you go this route go with Airlift springs and not firestones I've heard of problems out of the light duty springs from firestone. Then for lift only. blocks about $10.00.

fennsz · May 22, 2003

Wow, thanks a lot...that is great.

I am pretty sure I want to add a leaf. I was looking at Tuff Country for $50 for the pair. Is there any brand out there that I should stay away from, or any that you suggest?

MarkD · May 22, 2003

I was pleasantly supprised by Roadmasters Active suspension system for about $230.

Roadmaster

Worktruck · May 22, 2003

The Hellwigs I used cost me around $80 with shipping. Took about 1 hr to install. As for the ride I didn't like the ride to begin with way to cushy. With the F**D keys and the helpers the ride is much stiffer and more like a truck. I use the truck in my business a s a building contractor, that said I dint haul much material, I let them deliver it. I really noticed the difference towing my boat and camper trailers. I checked locally into having a spring shop add a leaf and they wanted $200 a side. . I am sure you'll like the add a leaf kit no matter which one you get. Good Luck

BDBWTE · May 23, 2003

Wow, thanks a lot...that is great.
I am pretty sure I want to add a leaf. I was looking at Tuff Country for $50 for the pair. Is there any brand out there that I should stay away from, or any that you suggest?

Although having no personal experience with add a leaf kits I would stay with a brand name. My friends and I have had good luck out of Rancho, Pro Comp, Hi Jacker, Black Diamond(Jeeps only and they don't exist anymore), superlift,ehhh they are okay.

cowboy02 · May 23, 2003

My parents have a 93 Chevy that has a extra leaf in it. It was done before they got the truck but it defanitly makes the truck ride stiffer, however if you towing or hauling heavy things, the truck doesn't sink, it pulls better and the ride seems to soften up some........

Just my .02