Yet Another Add-a Leaf Question

[Nathan]

Im looking for a small lift, not expensive that will aid in off-road flex as well as housing 31 inch tires while doing so. It seems like tighter springs from an add-a-leaf lift would inhibit axel articulation and not get the tires to the ground as easily when it is needed most. Is an add-a-leaf lift a good idea for this kind of purpose? Thanks again.
Nathan

[Bob Barry]

You should be able to fit 31" tires with no lift, or if anything, with just a little bending-back of the wheelwell lip.

The problem with the AAL's, as you noted, is that they provide the lift by increasing the spring-rate, which inhibits flex. They'll loosen up a bit over time, but your truck will still flex less with them than without them.

So if all you want is a budget lift to fit bigger tires, the AAL's will do that. If you want to improve off-road performance, you may do better to stick with the stock springs and nip the wheelwells here and there for clearance. You can also get some more clearance with a small (~2") rear block lift, without any other mods or sacrificing flex.