Add a leaf

2017Z · June 12, 2018

Anyone do an add a leaf in Silverado 1500 and have feed back in ride and height change. Changed out my block to 2” already and thinking of doing add a leaf to get another inch or so and give more carry capacity.

Changing out our shocks to Fox 2.0 because 3” bed height will be too much for the ranchos.

Dr Awesome · June 12, 2018

There are kits, but you should try to look around the accessories and modifications sub-forum. There is a sticky for suspension setups that probably has some good info for you.

stassin22 · June 12, 2018

I added a zone leaf which gave me about 2” initially but after a little over a month it has settled and I’m up about 1.6”. The ride is way better imo I had chose to add a leaf opposed to a block because I didn’t like how much it sagged when hauling a trailer. The install was fairly simple and it was worth it. If you consider going with zone I recommend buying from realtruck.com If I remember correctly the price is $10 more but the shipping is free as opposed to zones $30-$40 shipping

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2017Z · June 12, 2018

Was your Zone a 1” kit and it added 1.5-2”?

zone is what I’m looking at.

Can you share a pic?

Donstar · June 12, 2018

You should also inquire at a shop that specializes in and possibly fabricates leaf springs. They can set you up at the height and ride you want. Improved springs will not increase your trucks carrying capacity but may improve the ride within its current limits. When I was looking for my last truck, my local spring and axle shop stocked a heavy duty set of springs for my GM 1500. They gave a noticeable lift, firm ride and my box trailer barely lowered the back.

stassin22 · June 12, 2018

Was your Zone a 1” kit and it added 1.5-2”?

zone is what I’m looking at.

Can you share a pic?

1.5”
I’ll try to get some pictures

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Sour_Squirrel · June 13, 2018

If your main reason for adding a leaf is to add cargo capacity you might want to consider adding air bags like the ones from Air Lift. You. An air them down when unloaded and pump them up as needed depending on payload.

Adding a leaf will set your rear higher. Don’t know if you having your truck with a raked stance? I prefer my truck riding level....

Barman84 · June 13, 2018

I like mine so far been on right st a year. The truck rides better to me with a lot less squat when I tow as well. I got almost 2” of lift and they’ve settled to 1.8.

Ron505 · June 14, 2018

I installed add-a-leafs on my '00 and '07 Z71's, and am getting ready to install the Zone's on my '14 too. Gives a little rake, when you have a front level added, less body roll in turns, and a lot less squat when hauling. It does firm up the ride some, but not as much as you would think.

rudyb · June 15, 2018

Don't add a leaf. I had the same idea as you and did it to my 2000. I pulled a boat in the summer, and a car trailer maybe once a year. The ride quality was awful without a load on it. I finally took out the leaf, put in blocks, and lived happily ever after.

Donstar · June 15, 2018

10 hours ago, rudyb said:

Don't add a leaf. I had the same idea as you and did it to my 2000. I pulled a boat in the summer, and a car trailer maybe once a year. The ride quality was awful without a load on it. I finally took out the leaf, put in blocks, and lived happily ever after.

In your opinion, you are 100% correct! OP may find the "quality" improves! Ride quality is measurable but some of your variables may be subjective. I know when I added heavier springs in my last truck, I loved the firm ride but my wife disliked the change. The quality with respect to drive-ability, safety etc. wasn't hampered.

rudyb · June 20, 2018

On 6/15/2018 at 9:05 AM, Donstar said:

In your opinion, you are 100% correct! OP may find the "quality" improves! Ride quality is measurable but some of your variables may be subjective. I know when I added heavier springs in my last truck, I loved the firm ride but my wife disliked the change. The quality with respect to drive-ability, safety etc. wasn't hampered.

Sounds like a coin toss since we all have a different perspective and opinion. I didn’t have the best experience. Maybe the spring I purchased was stiffer. I did buy one of the cheapest kits on summitracing. If it doesn’t work out you can always change it up. Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

rjpoog1989 · June 20, 2018

I’m thinking about doing an add a leaf to my Sierra. I know when I added a leaf to my last truck I needed longer shocks. Is this the case with these trucks as well?

The front of my truck was leveled when I bought it, but nothing was done to the back. Right now it sits perfectly level when empty, but I usually have a lot of weight in the bed. Tired of driving around not being able to see over the hood when I tow and haul. I liked what the extra leaf did for my last truck.

rudyb · June 20, 2018

If you’re happy with your current hieght and stance I’d give helper bags some consideration.

https://www.amazon.com/LIFT-57215-LoadLifter-Air-Spring/dp/B00017YYIG

This won’t add height, but will add more towing capacity and allow you to stay level when loaded and keep your headlights on the street instead of in other motorist’ eyes.

rjpoog1989 · June 23, 2018

On 6/20/2018 at 4:18 PM, rudyb said:

If you’re happy with your current hieght and stance I’d give helper bags some consideration.

https://www.amazon.com/LIFT-57215-LoadLifter-Air-Spring/dp/B00017YYIG

This won’t add height, but will add more towing capacity and allow you to stay level when loaded and keep your headlights on the street instead of in other motorist’ eyes.

I’m not overly thrilled with the height of the rear right now. I’d like some rake when empty. Plus I’d be having to add and subtract air from the bags all the time. When hauling or towing firewood I’m going to a site empty and coming back loaded. I’d have to keep an air compressor on hand and it just sounds like hassle. A leaf is always there and ready to go.