08f150xlt

Since I got my new tires I decided to measure my ride height to see how level it is. I checked it a year ago and it was the same front to back, now the rear is an inch lower, 40" rear and 41" front. I have loaded the bed for work with some pretty heavy loads and I'm thinking I flattened my leaf pack a little. I'm not sure if I overloaded it or if it's just time for new leaf packs? Do they weaken and drop with time?

Also would an add a leaf be a good idea? Or just get a new blocks that's an inch bigger than what I have now? It still looks level to the naked eye but the tape measure tells a different story... Just looking for your opinions, thanks

kanga2311

It sounds like you overloaded it. I did the same. I got a Pro Comp AAL to help ride height and payload. IMO, if you haul alot, go AAL or air bags to help with both.

08f150xlt

Right on. I figured I overloaded if too. Does the ride feel more rough too? I feel like its rough now and would an aal help soften the ride? Also since I'm an inch lower, would an aal give me a total of 2" raise in the rear? Then I would be an inch higher in the rear... Not a huge concern I guess...

kanga2311

When I get time, I'll measure my ride height. When I added the 2.5" level, I was 1/4" low in the rear. Now I think I'm 3/4" high in the rear with the AAL. The ride will be noticeably stiffer, it rides more like a truck now, especially after adding 10 ply LT tires.

08f150xlt

Cool yea I have lt tires and its bumpy but like you said its a truck...

Did u install the aal? Easy job??

kanga2311

Yeah, I installed the AAL. It's not difficult. Just make sure you have good jacks and blocks. You need to lift the frame a good distance to reinstall the leaf pack. And I used a 4" cutoff wheel to take out the center bolt (the kit comes with a new one). And make where your U-bolts are on the axle before starting, to keep the axle centered.

08f150xlt

Thanks for all the info. Looks like ill put aal kit in my list.....

Tradesman

How much weight did you put in the back? One of my stupid-*** employees overloaded my bed with over 3,000lbs of construction supplies. Granted it was driven less than 20km but that was a lot of weight. My suspension in the back hasn't really sagged that much since. I'm simply replacing my rear leafs with HD springs. I'd recommend airbags if you're going to haul a lot of weight regularly.

BolletuH

I'm sure if you "overloaded" it there would be more structural damage than just a little sagging. I'm sure your shocks are just worn out from repeated hauling and towing if applicable. The front's have metal pieces giving you the lift, so in theory the front will never change until the strut's coil and assembly start giving out. Maybe consider getting all new shocks all around especially if you are getting close to that 50k mark. The Monroe Sensa-Tracs offer a rear coil suspension shock absorber to assist in the whole sagging issue and load issue while hauling.

08f150xlt

I didn't think shocks would cause a drop in ride height? Please explain. I've hauled about 1500lbs in the bed a few times, so that's my concern about overloading it...