front end add a leaf problem

[cumminsbo87]

I have 2 inch add a leafs to install front and back on my truck. However I have a problem with the front. There is 1 u-bolt and and another threaded rod that goes into the axle to secure the leaves on the passenger side (pumpkin side). there is not enough room for another leaf without either getting a longer threaded rod, or do i use a bolt to replace it or what? im lost its a 4500lb axle

[BILTIT]

Use longer bolts. Why are you adding a leaf? Looking to get more height for bigger tires or the old leaves wore out?

I would recommend these instead of add-a-leaves:

http://diy4x.com/cart/index.php?route=p ... uct_id=128

[BobS]

Longer grade 8 bolts are available from www.mcmaster.com or your local truck spring shop. I believe they are 9/16" fine thread but confirm before ordering.

[ahale2772]

i believe they are 9/16 fine as well, If you can, try to get a stud. Stripping the threads in the axle housing due to insufficient bolt length would blow big-time

[BobS]

I tried to find a 9/16" fine thread stud when I did the same basic thing. All the commercially produced grade 5 and higher studs were not available in 9/16". They skip from 1/2" right into 5/8". The other option might be finding a fully threaded grade 5 rod.

[BILTIT]

Just use a bolt, its been done a thousand times over the years by many a thousand people. I have done it twice on two different trucks without issues, just be sure to get the right length bolt.

[142autox]

Use longer bolts. Why are you adding a leaf? Looking to get more height for bigger tires or the old leaves wore out?

I would recommend these instead of add-a-leaves:

http://diy4x.com/cart/index.php?route=p ... uct_id=128

Any reason for not doing add a leafs? I know that they too will sag over time.

I have some F350 overload leafs that I removed when I installed lifts that are sitting there waiting to go under my front end. I'm about 1/2" off the bump stops now and I figure anything would help.

[BILTIT]

Main reason i wouldn't use them is that they usually stiffen up the suspension, not needed on these old bricks.

[cumminsbo87]

Yea i just wanted a few more inches, and put a little wider black wheels for a better stance is all. The truck already rides like a tank, but its not my daily driver, so paying all that $$ for soft ride lift springs aint in my budget.

[142autox]

Long leafs seem to not adversely affect ride quality as much as short leafs. I know, seems counter intuitive but that's my experience.

[m880cummins]

DO NOT USE ADD A LEAFS!!! I would never do it! My donor truck had them and the add a leafs wear through the top leaf over time causing fatigue. This happens mainly on the front of the spring by the front spring eye. Mine had 190,000 on it (not sure about add a leafs) but the spring was rubbing on the add a leaf edge and the spring had a 15* bend and the contact point and was half as thick. The sharp spring edge on the add a leaf is almost like a file to the top leaf. Every bump takes a little bit off.

[142autox]

Now that's a sound reason for me to NOT put the add a leafs in. Thanks for the heads up.

[cumminsbo87]

well what about using 2 inch lift shackles on the back and, having the front springs re-arched? Do you think they can get 2 inches out of the old ones on the front?

[BILTIT]

This is the best way.

http://ramchargercentral.com/jungleshdd ... -shackles/

[cumminsbo87]

sweet! I never would have found that otherwise, thanks!