Add-a-leaf, already have a block?

huntwyo · May 29, 2019

Hoping for some advice here. I have a 2014 Silverado 1500 High Country crew cab standard bed 6.2L 4x4. It has a small spacer lift kit installed by the dealer I bought it from. I'm planning on replacing everything with the BDS 4.5" kit next summer when it's time to get new tires, but in the meantime I need some help in the rear. It has factory leaf springs with a 2.5" block, and years of hauling stuff in the bed has made the leafs sag a bit and the rear sits level with the front. I have a small 20' travel trailer that I pull, and I don't like the back dropping so much when I tow stuff or put sand bags in.

My question is, can I put an add-a-leaf in the rear leaf pack and keep the block in there to give it an inch or two of additional lift? Or is that going to cause issues? It would be a temporary fix until I replace the leaf springs next year.

Thanks!

avgas · May 30, 2019

Adding an extra leaf can be done with no issues. Keep in mind your ride is going to definitely get stiffer. I would go with some air bags but I am not so sure that is an option for you if you plan on lifting the truck in the future. I have had air bags and they are awesome, The ride is nice and you can adjust the height to where you want it.

Donstar · May 30, 2019

Go to a shop that specializes in leaf springs. They can repair, add to, rebuild or replace your current springs. In the long term, I bet you'll find this to be the best and most cost effective solution. Band-aid remedies can be disappointing! (They will also setup the springs to your desired strength and stance.)

Darksky · June 5, 2019

??This. Add a full size, full length leaf at a minimum, instead of an Add-A-Leaf. An add a leaf is not a good addition for your springs in the long run. It will create two new flex points on your springs where the shorter, thicker Add-A-Leaf ends. These new flex points will potentially cause the existing leaves to fail by concentrating too much weight on a section of the spring that was not designed to support it. That’s also why, in worst case situations, the existing leaf cracks at the end of the Add-A-Leaf, causing a catastrophic failure.

Go to a real truck spring shop, you may be pleasantly surprised at how affordable their options for upgrades can be.