Installing front add a leaf ideas?

[Allen78J20]

Im thinking of installing add a leafs to the front of my J20. I just need to raise it up 2 inches to match the rear. My stock leaf packs are have no arch on them(FLAT!). Ive read somewhere that with old worn out springs I might need more than just a 2" leaf. Rusty's gave me a really good price(59.00 for the set with hardware), but Id hate to install them and only net an inch of height. All I want to do is level out the front with the rear(rear is 2" higher). Any ideas?

Thanks!

[James 007]

Have you checked JC Whitneys website?... seem to recall they had a bunch of suspension helpers. smile.gif

[Hump]

The stock springs are supposed to be mostly flat. You are going to have a fun time trying to get a heavy J-20 leaf pack to conform to this too short, too arched, unbendable add-a-leaf. I tried this and ended up stripping the center pin trying to suck it together. You're better off not using aal's.

[PhilSine]

In addition, add-a leafs are not a long term substitute for a whole new spring. New front leaf springs are the way to go for long term considerations. You may pay a bit more now, but you will not have to replace them for a long time.

[La Wagoneer]

Hi, I did a set of AAL's on my '71 Wagoneer. The best advice I can give you is to follow the directions included in the AAL boxs. They tell you not to try and compress the springs with the center bolt. What I did was to use two large heavy duty c-clamps and progressively tightening the clamps and the center bolt, remember do not try to compress the springs with the center bolt. Take your time and do one side completely at a time. Support your truck on jackstands and clean everything well, and finally use a tourque wrench and then retighten everything after diriving 20-30 miles.

[Allen78J20]

If I went with new springs, what would I need to go 2 inches higher? Is it as easy as ordering new spring packs with an added two inches above stock? I wasnt planning to do the install myself(hehe) but how long do they normally last?(aal's)

[Stolen76]

I did Rusty's AAL. Ride is a bit stiffer, which I like. I also compressed mine with c-clamps and had no problems at all. I got a over 2" in the front and about 1.5" in the rear. Quick and easy to do on the fronts. I got the u-bolts from him too, didn't need them, just did it anyways and ilke everyone else, I got one wrong u-bolt.

[PhilSine]

If you have brand new springs all the way around AAL's will last as long as the new springs will. If you add them to a sagging spring in order to regain original ride height then the AAL will last about 1/3 to 1/2 as long than if installed with all new parts.

For about $500 you can get a 3.5" lift from Rusty's. I will be doing that this fall.

[Allen78J20]

No, I have the original springs on it. The rear has 2 inch lift blocks on the back from the previous owner, and I like the height. All I want to do it raise the front 2 inches to match. What is the best way to do this?

[trickc]

You could use the aal+ a slightly longer shackle in front, RB used chevy 3/4 ton shackles on his to gain an inch or so of lift, I used 85 ford 1/2 ton rear shackle hangers on my 78 wag in front to gain about an inch. They had to be modified slightly with a hammer but fit fine. Chevy ford and dodge all used shackle hangers that were relatively the same length I just picked the newest and least rusted truck I could find at the Pull-a-part. $11 for both hangers.

[Max Power]

Hi allen

Don't laugh, but I put the leaf spring helper kit on my chero. the Hellwig ez-550 or ez-1000, you can get them from 4 wheel wholesalers. they are just half size springs that you can bolt on without breaking the spring pack, (literally takes 10 mins per side. On my rig I got 1" of lift w/ the springs on the loosest "setting". (they have about 1.25" of adjustment. This is the cheapest easiest solution) cost is about $50.00. Your springs are probably wider than mine tho.

good luck
Robert