Add A Leaf

[rockg]

I have a 2nd hand set of Leafs that have an Add A leafs that I acquired, how stiff are they going to ride with bronco without a hard top? I have a second option of a set of leafs with a 2 inch block. which is preferred? I would buy a new set and be done with this, but budget build...

 

[Casey4wd]

Too many variables to know. How many leafs are in the pack? Could you just remove the add-a-leaf and use the remaining? Hard tops are only a couple 100 lbs at most. my wife and I can lift mine and move it around easily, so I doubt they change the ride a whole lot.

I try to avoid blocks whenever possible, but a 2" block is not that bad. anything above that is not ideal in my opinion.

I am sure some resident suspension experts will chime in soon.

 

[DirtDonk]

What Casey said. Another variable is just how good or bad the main spring pack is/was when the add-a-leaf was installed.
My original and beat hard '71 springs (heavy duty with the 6 leaves) actually rode BETTER with the thin light-duty add-a-leaf kit installed.

But by "better" I don't mean the were softer. They were definitely stiffer. But they were also less harsh than before the leaves were added. My take on it was that the springs had settled into their own grooves worn into each leaf above it, and resisted the initial movement. So I felt every little tiny bump, whereas after the addition of the leaf changing the arch of the pack, allowed things to move more easily.
So while stiffer and able to carry a heavier load of camping gear, my street ride was improved by reducing the initial load needed to make the springs move. Even with the top off.

Now, a decent set of stock springs in near-new condition should ride better than one with an add-a-leaf. And especially if that add-a-leaf is a thick short one. The longer the leaf, and the thinner, the better.

Got pics?

Paul

 

[rockg]

Too many variables to know. How many leafs are in the pack? Could you just remove the add-a-leaf and use the remaining? Hard tops are only a couple 100 lbs at most. my wife and I can lift mine and move it around easily, so I doubt they change the ride a whole lot.

I try to avoid blocks whenever possible, but a 2" block is not that bad. anything above that is not ideal in my opinion.

I am sure some resident suspension experts will chime in soon.

6 leafs with a loader spring (?) i may have term wrong.

 

[rockg]

What Casey said. Another variable is just how good or bad the main spring pack is/was when the add-a-leaf was installed.
My original and beat hard '71 springs (heavy duty with the 6 leaves) actually rode BETTER with the thin light-duty add-a-leaf kit installed.

But by "better" I don't mean the were softer. They were definitely stiffer. But they were also less harsh than before the leaves were added. My take on it was that the springs had settled into their own grooves worn into each leaf above it, and resisted the initial movement. So I felt every little tiny bump, whereas after the addition of the leaf changing the arch of the pack, allowed things to move more easily.
So while stiffer and able to carry a heavier load of camping gear, my street ride was improved by reducing the initial load needed to make the springs move. Even with the top off.

Now, a decent set of stock springs in near-new condition should ride better than one with an add-a-leaf. And especially if that add-a-leaf is a thick short one. The longer the leaf, and the thinner, the better.

Got pics?

Paul

I had a local spring shop take a look and install new rubber bushings and they said they would work, 6 leafs and 1 load spring (Maybe wrong term). Dont laugh, but i have a 5 & 1/2 block that i didnt install, so anything better than that, right. Thanks

 

[blubuckaroo]

All depends on your use.
I had a stock 4900 lb set and an add-a-leaf. It rode like a buckboard, but pulled my trailer great.
Now I have an eleven leaf set from WH. It rides great but sags with my trailer. I added a set of air shocks that level the trailer withhout riding too harsh.
So... it's another trade-off.?:?
Hope this helps you with your decision.

 

[DirtDonk]

I had a local spring shop take a look and install new rubber bushings and they said they would work...

Naturally they will work of course as long as they came out of an EB, but the spring company likely won't know how good or bad the ride will be. Or, unless they're really good, know just how high your truck will sit with this particular set.
But at least they're checked and re-bushed. So you're off to a decent start. Only your own butt is going to know how it rides though. Good luck and we'll be waiting for a follow-up to see how it's working out.
Did you see how thick the add-a-leaf is? IF it's the same thickness as the other leaves, you're still off to a good start. Crossing fingers over here though.

6 leafs and 1 load spring (Maybe wrong term).

Not common wording, but still works. The two most commonly used terms are "helper" spring and "overload" spring. With the second being the most common that I hear and use I would say. And likely the most apt description anyway, since that's what it does. Helps stop sag when you overload the main pack.

Dont laugh, but i have a 5 & 1/2 block that i didnt install, so anything better than that, right.

That's a big block! And while no, not "just anything" is always better, it's a good start! You may or may not see an improved ride (I think you will in spite of the springs likely being stiffer) but at the very least you're reducing the monkey motions added to the rear end with the blocks that tall. Axle-wrap (pinion climb) being probably the worst.

Paul

 

[byson1]

I have an add a leaf on mine and it rides like crap (very rough!). I don't like blocks but they would certainly ride better. The blocks however, will also contribute to wheel hop if you have a manual tranny.