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Old 01-28-2013, 03:06 PM   #1
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Anybody tried an "add-a-leaf" system???

Couple of builders like Skyjacker, Hellwig helper springs & superspring helper springs, etc. http://www.truckspring.com/suspension-p ... rings.aspx

Basically adds a leaf spring to your existing setup. Can create up to 2 inches of lift. Anybody ever tried this on a van? Any thoughts? I've got a 2002 Chevy 3/4 ton van with Quigley first generation IFS 4x4. Its just a conversion van so no extra weight. My front end is a little higher than the rear and hoping this will level it out a little and get that rear end off the ground a little before I add some 265's.

I used them on my old z71 pickup and they worked really great.

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Old 01-28-2013, 05:05 PM   #2
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Re: Anybody tried an "add-a-leaf" system???

It's cheaper to just add a leaf to your existing spring packs. Then this way there are not brackets to break, and will still leave space for airbags if you end up needing them later.

I pulled my extra leaves from an F350 spring set at a salvage yard. Cheaper then ordering new ones individually, and were long enough I could put them in the correct order (Most single add a leafs are short, which means they don't fit right with the lower overload on the Fords).
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Old 01-28-2013, 05:10 PM   #3
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Re: Anybody tried an "add-a-leaf" system???

I had Les Schwab add a leaf to my 1992 Advance 4wheel drive systems converted van right after I got it. It did the trick for leveling it out. The only complaint I have and I'm not 100% sure the add a leaf created the problem is a driveline vibration. I think by raising the rear end the driveline angle was changed just enough to give me a vibration at higher speeds when I let off the gas. I didn't really notice the issue till I changed gear ratios from 3.55's to 4.10's. That pushed my rpm up into a higher range than I was used to driving the van and made the vibration more noticeable. I've had the driveline gone through and rebalanced twice and can't nail the cause if the vibration.
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Old 01-28-2013, 09:19 PM   #4
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Re: Anybody tried an "add-a-leaf" system???

Add-a-leaf is a cheap way to do what you want - I have done it many times and will again.

It is not too difficult to do under the vehicle, one side at a time, and don't remove the main leaf from the shackles but disconnect the shock from the axle. Basic hand tools and a floor jack is all you need - large C-clamps really help.
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Old 01-28-2013, 10:04 PM   #5
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Re: Anybody tried an "add-a-leaf" system???

An Add a leaf is not always a full length leaf. Shorter than the stock full length springs (not sure if thats true on the vans).
Stocks springs can sag/bend/collapse around the short add a leaf, deforming your stock springs and losing your height you initially gained.
On a heavy E250/350 I would certainly put in a full length leaf which any/many spring shops can accomplish or supply.
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Old 01-28-2013, 11:54 PM   #6
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Re: Anybody tried an "add-a-leaf" system???

I had Salem Kroger add a leaf when they did my 4X4 in 2006. It is saging just a speck now. I will add air bags this year.

On my previous 1990 e250 camper van, I had Deaver Springs re ark the springs in 2002. That solved the sagging problem for me and I saved money.

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Old 02-12-2013, 06:33 PM   #7
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Re: Anybody tried an "add-a-leaf" system???

I took my van to a quality spring guy in Indianapolis and had them add a leaf to the rear. Worked great and raised the rear enough to match the front. About an inch. I think it cost $500. They had make new U-bolts. I took it back after a week or so and had them retorque the bolts at no charge.
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Old 02-12-2013, 06:39 PM   #8
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Re: Anybody tried an "add-a-leaf" system???

Quote:
Originally Posted by BajaSportsmobile
It is not too difficult to do under the vehicle, one side at a time, and don't remove the main leaf from the shackles but disconnect the shock from the axle. Basic hand tools and a floor jack is all you need - large C-clamps really help.
This is how I did mine. I got my Add a Leaf from Chris @ Ujoint. I actually got quite proficient at installing (installed wrong the first time and had to redo). Also retained the stock u bolts.
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Old 02-12-2013, 06:58 PM   #9
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Re: Anybody tried an "add-a-leaf" system???

If you find a shop that does work on heavy vehicles/equipment, adding a leaf is an easy job for them...cost me 120.00 bucks. Took it in at 9AM and got it back by noon.
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