Add a leaf
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 143
Likes: 22
From: London, Ontario, Canada
I installed my 998# leafs today. It took about two hours. That includes beveling the ends with a grinder and giving them a coat of paint.
The install was straight forward. The hardest part was man handling the leafs. Also getting the axle out of the way enough to get the center pins in. The drivers side has some limitations with the parking brake cables, the ABS wires and the brake lines.
After a short ride, I can barely feel a difference but it did regain some height.
I took out the 1.25" block and mounted the axle right to the springs. Even losing the 1.25" I gained 1" on passenger side and 1.75" on the drivers side (1/4 tank of gas). Now the rear sits level. It always was low on the drivers side.
My goal was to carry the daily weight better (empty truck with a 300# topper). And carry the weight better when loaded or towing. The stock suspension did a pretty good ride but I prefer less sag when loaded. I'm loaded and/or towing probably 75% of the time.
The install was straight forward. The hardest part was man handling the leafs. Also getting the axle out of the way enough to get the center pins in. The drivers side has some limitations with the parking brake cables, the ABS wires and the brake lines.
After a short ride, I can barely feel a difference but it did regain some height.
I took out the 1.25" block and mounted the axle right to the springs. Even losing the 1.25" I gained 1" on passenger side and 1.75" on the drivers side (1/4 tank of gas). Now the rear sits level. It always was low on the drivers side.
My goal was to carry the daily weight better (empty truck with a 300# topper). And carry the weight better when loaded or towing. The stock suspension did a pretty good ride but I prefer less sag when loaded. I'm loaded and/or towing probably 75% of the time.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 504
Likes: 54
From: Denver, Colorado
That's crazy how everyone's results seems to be just slightly different. I will say that mine settled a bit so you may be a bit nose high soon. Basically you kept the level stance but stiffened your leaf pack so it won't sag as much when loaded. Neat concept. Maybe if they sag go to F150lifts and get a 05" or 0.75" block. Make it perfect.
I'm sure that they will settle some. Hopefully just an inch. That will give me the level that I like. That would put the rear up 1.5" from the front.
FlyFisher
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 333
Likes: 73
From: Big Sky Country
Glad the install etc. went well. I agree that the various configurations we have- topper, long bed vs short bed etc.- are contributing to the differences in ride height, not to mention which spring load capacity installed. Still enjoying mine, but the true test will come this hunting season when I load it up and head for the hills.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 504
Likes: 54
From: Denver, Colorado
Last week I towed a couple of heavy generator trailers, ~7000#. They were very tongue heavy. I also had a few hundred pounds on cable in the bed (close to the tailgate). The rear did squat but not bad.
I'm still liking the ride even when empty. This is how the rear springs should be from the factory.
As a side benefit, the suspension quiver that I had is pretty much gone due to the AALs.
I'm still liking the ride even when empty. This is how the rear springs should be from the factory.
As a side benefit, the suspension quiver that I had is pretty much gone due to the AALs.
<b>F150 Forum</b>
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,708
Likes: 644
From: Colorado
Boss suspension set up, 2" rear block...the back doing a lil' squat with a heavy ATV in the back. This will be corrected with Firestone Air Bags as soon as we get back from our elk trip.
Sorry for bad pic, sun was going down.
FullSizeRender by Alexl5280, on Flickr
Sorry for bad pic, sun was going down.
FullSizeRender by Alexl5280, on Flickr
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 504
Likes: 54
From: Denver, Colorado
The main reasons that I went with the AALs from General Spring is that they have 3 weight ratings and that they are pretty much the full length of the main leafs. This full length probably is the reason that they cured the quiver that I had.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 694
Likes: 93
From: Minneapolis, MN
You'll always get personal experiences and each of us have different tolerances and expectations. Because of my experience with 4x4's (I'm 50), I always steer clear of "add-a-leafs". They're just generic and not specific to your spring pack and "could" off-set your ride by uneven break-in and leaving your ride lopsided. I know from previous attempts. I highly recommend a proper lift designed for your vehicle so you can rest assured you'll be ok while 4x4ing. Don't go cheap friend. Many will respond saying their ride and experience is just fine, but there are many that didn't work and left the owner in deep debt from repairs while 4x4ing. Just a thought friend.
For example, from the website:
Home > Leaf Springs > Ford > Ford Truck > F100 / F150 > 2009 - 2014
Not only sorted by Ford and model, but year as well.
Mine arrived matching the arch of the stock springs, and matching the length of the main spring. You can't get much more specific than that.