done the add a leaf!

[guitarfreak235]

finished the add a leaf suspension today, and i like the mild lift it gave. 2 things to note. the centering bolts included SUCK. they stripped before i even tightened them to the recommended 32 ft lbs. so i had to use some different bolts, went with grade 8 bolts and also with the 2 inch add a leaf the front springs can extend the shocks to full length when just barely more than level height. so contrary to what ive been told 2 inch add a leaf lifts need new front shocks, although they should be fine for now. here are the before and after pics.

before

after

for 160 bucks i'd say not bad!!

 

[crazy4offroad]

Not bad buddy! What's the rake look like? You gonna have to add a zero rate add-a-leaf in the back to level it out? Cant really tell from the pics.

 

[89Suburban]

Looks pretty good.

 

[bucket]

...and also with the 2 inch add a leaf the front springs can extend the shocks to full length when just barely more than level height. so contrary to what ive been told 2 inch add a leaf lifts need new front shocks...

I'm pretty sure someone told you the stock shocks aren't long enough, and I'm pretty sure it was me

You need to post pics more often, I forgot how nice your truck was!

 

[guitarfreak235]

sometimes i think it looks even and sometimes it looks a little off but i think im going to leave it because it is so close to level. my mind could be playing tricks on me though because i had the rear on without the front for a few days so maybe i was getting used to it with the back higher.

and @bucket, you did? i dont remember reading that, i remember some other guy said 2 inch lift would be fine and sometimes a 4 inch would work with stock shocks too.... but oh well. and the worst that can happen is it breaks the shocks right?? because im going to replace them anyway so i dont care if they get damaged. just dont want any other problems. and i will wash it and polish it soon and get some good pics for yall!! next im getting new tires then headers/new exhaust system. plenty of projects to do!

 

[bucket]

I know I said it recently, but I don't remember who or what it was about. Anyway, besides it being bad for the shocks, it will have bad ride quality over speed bumps, potholes and whatnot. It could also cause stress cracks in the frame up at the shock bolt hole, not really likely, but it could.

 

[guitarfreak235]

I know I said it recently, but I don't remember who or what it was about. Anyway, besides it being bad for the shocks, it will have bad ride quality over speed bumps, potholes and whatnot. It could also cause stress cracks in the frame up at the shock bolt hole, not really likely, but it could.

then it looks like its time to shell over some money for new shocks....

 

[Stroked]

Looks great! I always wondered how the add a leafs would look. Seems like everyone does the 4" lift.

 

[guitarfreak235]

Looks great! I always wondered how the add a leafs would look. Seems like everyone does the 4" lift.

i think its great. 160 bucks. and driving it feels more controlled without making any noticeable difference in ride quality

 

[Swims350]

yea pretty sure I said change shocks too, but I dang sure know 4 inch lift is too much for stockers.

looks good though, any lift looks good, bad thing is you want more LOL.

 

[thaddybob]

add a leaf

What brand add a leaf did you use? I see that there is a couple differnent ones on ebay and NAPA can get three.

 

[HotRodPC]

I guess I missed this thread. So did 2in add a leafs on the front only? I assume this pretty much just leveled the truck front to rear???
How about some pics of the front spring pack now. Curious to see what it looks like. Thanks

 

[guitarfreak235]

I guess I missed this thread. So did 2in add a leafs on the front only? I assume this pretty much just leveled the truck front to rear???
How about some pics of the front spring pack now. Curious to see what it looks like. Thanks

No no its a 2 inch add a leaf front and back and I'll get pics soon

 

[HotRodPC]

No no its a 2 inch add a leaf front and back and I'll get pics soon

Cool. Thanks

 

[thaddybob]

add a leaf

Yeah thatd be great, I have been contimplating do this over a 3" lift.