tuna, did you use the stock u-bolts? i re-used mine but im nervous because there isnt even enough thread to stick out the bottom of the bolt, bought those junk autozone ones and they arent even wide enough to fit around the springs...

 

I recommend buying new ones anytime you swap out something with the suspension. They are so cheap their is no point in risking it failing due to no longer being the right size.

 

you shouldn't need them... so long as you can torque the bolts to 100 ft lbs and get a couple threads showing through.
The new u-bolts are only $50 and a good piece of mind.

 

i would recommend that you get new leaf springs. yours look to be pretty old and on the verge of wearing out. if you put a new, stronger, leaf spring in; your old ones could very easily start to bend around the AAL since its so much stronger. kind of forming an S shape. iv'e never personally installed an AAL or seen this happen, but its been one of the biggest factors that has kept me from getting one..

 

Thats true if you go with a short aal... I got my aal from greneralspringkc.com and their leafs are full length.
Another option might be to try the "Roadmaster Active Suspension" in the vendor section, I add it to my setup and really enjoy the added benefit.

 

I went with a zone offroad AAL long style. Lifted it 2" exact had em on about a year now and no problems at all and havnt sagged any. Rides alot better than before and greatest thing they only took about 3hrs by myself and cost $50 to my door. Reused old ubolts.

 

I have had AAL on my super dutys but am thinking about doing it on my 12 F150. If I do that and a 2.5 level do you think that it will sit about level? I am a big fan of AAL and would much rather do that than adding a block in the rear

 

If you add an AAL it definitely won't sit level since they will raise the height.

If you get a helper spring that doesn't affect your sag until you have so much load in the bed then you should sit level.

 

What if I removed the stock rear block (appears to be about 1.5 in tall?) and put the helper springs on? Is that allowed? Might be a stupid question but I'll take a stupid answer. I would really like the helper springs but don't want the back end much higher than the front after a 2-2.5 in level kit

 

If you just got a helper spring you wouldn't need to remove the block to sit level.

All the helper spring does is keep your truck from sagging to much under a heavy load. But with the way it is designed your truck doesn't start to place any load on the helper spring until it has sagged so much.