OK shopping around for lift kit's, I've come to a decision point. Heard good things about RCD but they use add-a-leafs for 2" of lift in the rear. The Rancho kit uses blocks for the same lift. I have never used either one so need opinions, particularly on the leafs because I like the way myruck rides now. I don't want to stiffen it up ANY, and have always heard the leafs will do this. I also do very very minimal towing or hauling, so have no need for the added load capacity at the cost of ride. Let me know what you guys think.

 

Personally I would get new Leaf Springs made. If you add a block make sure it is not made of Aluminum. They crack and can cause serious hurting. They also contribute to axle hop. I also do not like add a leaf systems as they can stiffen the ride and hinder flex off road.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

If you add a leaf, then you'll probably be changing the lift blocks later. I know from experience. I added a leaf to support a camper; incredible improvement with the camper on. Unfortunately, when the camper's off, the rear end is about 2" too high for my liking. I'm now thinking about changing the factory lift blocks.

The ride is much stiffer now, but I thooght the original ride was a little too soft.

 

I am also considering add-a-leaf for my truck. Since the truck will gain an additional 2" or so, why not add a 2" lift in the front or some spring spacers to offset the rear?

Should shocks be upgraded with the add-a-leaf? Currently running Ranchos that came with truck (SuperCrew).

 

pb23r,
Yes, you could raise the front to offset the back. I raised my front 1/2 inch using the torsion bars, but don't want any more for safety reasons. I'm looking for suggestions on where to buy the shorter lift blocks to get everything leveled out.

 

Happy,

If you look closely at the blocks you will notice that they form part of the bump stop. If you remove them you could over compress the suspension and drive the slip yoke into the T-case and damage it.

JMC

 

JMC,
Thanks for the explanation, I wasn't exactly sure what the bump stops were protecting.

I found two suppliers who have 1 inch lift blocks with bump stops, but don't have their names handy. I'm not sure if a 1 inch height reduction is worth the effort though (factory lift blocks are 2 inch).

My rear springs are very stiff now though. Even with 1500lbs in the bed and 300lbs on the trailer hitch, the rear end is level, not sagging. With the factory springs it was sagging just with the 1500lb load.

 

I installed a set of the Firestone air bags. They can be adjusted to whatever load that you may want to load on your truck. Something else to consider!!

 

LTDC,
I wish I had tried air bags first, instead of adding a leaf. Then I wouldn't need to play with the lift blocks. My suspsension shop recommended adding the leafs; maybe they didn't sell airbags.

How much did yours cost? How are they inflated? How much weight do you put in your bed that requires the bags?

My truck weighed 6790 lbs with the camper, all camping supplies and four passengers; 3320lbs front axle & 3470lbs rear. As I said in a previous post, the rear is still sticking up slightly.

 

You might consider these

 

Happy,

It just dawned on me that you have the a simular truck to mine. Should have checked your sig earlier. The GVWR is 6000 lbs. The truck empty weighs about 5100 lbs. That leaves a load capacity of <900 lbs. You are putting well over 2 times that weight in the truck.

JMC

 

JMC,
You're correct about the loading and the GVWR, but the additional leafs add about 1000lb capacity to the rear-end.

Empty weight is about 4950lbs, probably 4900lbs without the tailgate. It weighs about 6790lbs with camper & passengers.

Braking is fine. Acceleration is fair, and I make several trips per year to the top of the continental divide (over 11,000ft).

I'll probably drive it for another year, then get a 3/4 ton. I hate to give it up because after six years, it still looks like new, has no squeaks or rattles, gets decent gas mileage, and it's cheap to insure.

 

Happy,

I am sure the frame and springs, with add a leaf, will carry the extra weight. I am more concerned about your 8.8 inch Differential.

JMC

 

Happy,
I paid about $200 and it took about an hour to install. I also installed a pressure gauge in the cab. I just pressurize my system with a regular shop compressor but you can buy compressors that are connected to your air-ride system permanently.