F**d Keys, Hellwig leaf, velvet ride, long shocks

[federline]

I'm considering installing F**d keys and cranking the t-bars on my '99 Silverado 1500 Z71 ext. cab. In conjunction, I'll probably install Hellwig Add-A-Leafs in back at the same time.

 

So now, I have two questions:

 

1) REAR: This could be a brain-fart of an idea, but has anyone combined the Lord Velvet-Ride shackles with the Hellwig Add-a-Leaf? Seem this would be the best of both worlds, since these shackles smooth out a harsh ride without lowering load/towing capacity. I wonder if the shackles would nix the gains in rear ride height. Stuck with using blocks?

 

http://www.lord.com/Default.aspx?tabid=920

http://www.macsspring.com/website/hellwig.htm

 

2) FRONT: What make/model of longer-than-stock shocks have you folks used to augment t-bar cranking?

 

I commute to work, hunt, ice fish, tow boats and campers and loaded trailers, and haul max+ capacity loads with this truck. I want to get a little more more clearance for taller tires for mild-to-moderate off-roading and lake ice without compromising towing and load capcities and without chucking my coffee out of the cup holder on the morning commute much more than it already does.

 

I know, I know, picky, picky.

[Worktruck]

I have somewhat the same setup. I have the F**d keys and Hellwig helpers in the rear. I haven't changed shackles nor thought I needec to. The helpers didn't effect the ride at all, only the keys did. Haven't changed shocks yet either, but will soon try the Rancho that are designed for a 3" lift up front. Keep us posted on what you end up with. Good luck.

[Chris97K1500]

I've got the Hellwig Adjustable Add a leafs on my truck. Got about 2" of total lift and I can lower it down if needed to. The rear feels much more firm, not sloppy like it did. It's not a harsh ride, but I like how it doesn't want to hop around going over railroads like it did before. Chris