add a leaf or schakles??

[01EB5.0]

OK, here's my situation:
i am looking to raise the back an inch and a half. i still want to be able to tow the weight my truck should haul for when I do tow or have the truck loaded down. I also want to preserve (or improve) the stock ride. i've heard that schakles may cause the stock aprings to flatten faster, but I hear add a leaf has negative side effects too? Please advise

 

[Lifted95X]

I went to the local spring shop...had them add one leaf..and put shackles on. It raised the rear of my ride by around 2". I have not had any problems with it either.

 

[Alec]

An addaleaf will usually make the ride harsher than shackles. Shackles don't alter the stock ride much. However, the addaleaf will put up with towing better than shackles. It's pretty much a tradeoff. Oh, the shackles will give you more lift, as the addaleaf usually doesn't give that much.

You could also look into getting shackles and the Roadmaster suspension kit ( www.activesuspension.com ). This will give you the lift, while making towing a lot easier on your suspension and helping the ride.

 

[Blaine122300]

I got an inch from my add-a-leafs. thats it. I think this will make towing a lot better.

 

[birdman]

blaine, how much did your add-a-leaf firm it up? is it worth the trade of the smooth ride for the 1 inch? thanks

 

[S.Matsushige]

I installed a set of Rancho add a leaf on my '91 along with inch lift progressive coils on the fronts from Performance Products to level it out. Ride and handling I feel was improved. The ride wasn't as harsh as I expected from the leafs. I would recommend it to anyone looking to beef up their old leafs or to add a small lift. Hope this helps.

 

[01EB5.0]

how much did you all pay for these add a leafs? Is $162 a good price?

 

[S.Matsushige]

Hi 95XLT - I bought mine for $125 from 4 Wheel Parts Performance Center. They have ads in 4x4 magazine. They had a local dealer here in Hawaii and total with shipping came out to $143. I'm sure the price on the mainland US should be a lot cheaper than it is here. Just as additional info, I paid $280 for my front progressive coils. Installed all on a Saturday.Everything works great! Have fun!

 

[Sethro]

I paid like $40 for my add-a-leaf's from either Summit or JCWhitney.

 

[Campo]

Do a search on summit's website for part # EXP-13120 that is ExplorerProComp's Add-A-Leaf kit, it's $26.99. That is the one I installed on mine.. It did stiffen the ride in the back, It claim's to give 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 " of lift but I think I barely got 1" out if them with the shackles..

 

[01EB5.0]

Thanks guys...$162 seemed kind of steep to me

 

[S.Matsushige]

The Rancho add a leafs added a 11/2 - 2 inches as it claimed. I was surprised at how well it worked. No harsh ride after installation. The add a leaf replaced one of the original leafs and added one more. I would recommend it to someone looking to add a small lift or beef up the old leafs. Hope this helps!

 

[Blake D]

How does the add a leaf raise teh suspension? If you have the leaf over the axle I can see but if you have the leaf under like my 94 wouldn't it lower it?

 

[S.Matsushige]

Hi Blake - It uses steeper arched leafs to replace one of the originals and adds another leaf for support. The arch of the old leaf is then modified to a steeper arch once its in place thus giving added height. This is how the Rancho one works anyway. Hope this helps.

 

[01EB5.0]

Originally posted by S.Matsushige
Hi Blake - It uses steeper arched leafs to replace one of the originals and adds another leaf for support. The arch of the old leaf is then modified to a steeper arch once its in place thus giving added height. This is how the Rancho one works anyway. Hope this helps.

Did you install yourself? How involved was it?

 

[Blake D]

Thanks!

Ah Ha! I understand now. But my question is the same as 95XLT and if I add this do I need to raise the front also?, or will it be ok because the lift is real small?

Thanks Blake

PS In my performance catalog they have the add a leaf but only up to the 93. Are there any for my 94XLT?

PSS Just got off the phone with Rancho, they say they only have add a leaf for the 91-93? models is there something different with a 94 that would cause these not to fit? I know 95 and up are different but I always thought 94 were the same as 91-93???? They also don't have a suspension lift for the 94 but do for 91-93. Hmmmm I think someone was mistaken and thought the style changed in 94 when it actually changed in 95 but I dunno? Can anyone tell me if there is a difference?

 

[01EB5.0]

frankly...there is no difference in the suspension from 91-01...unless I'm mistaken...the springs are same size and it'll work on any year.

 

[Rubyn]

I have a 1997 Sport X, and I added Rancho Leafs, and tightend the suspension, and got a 2" lift. Getting bigger tires is a good idea for more height too, as well as a beefer look. Expensive but worth it!

 

[jordan23]

What's the price on the Rancho add-a-leafs? Where can I get them online?

Thanks!

Jordan23

 

[Blake D]

sorry posted twice