Help! Im really confused about my add a leaf

[BoatsRcool]

Ok I just got that bolt off finally, now im so confused that im scared. I put the add a leaf between the last and the leaf above that. Now im trying to put the axle back on, and 1 my u bolts arent long enough, do I need to tighten the leaf pack together more? and please explain how this is raising the back instead of lowering it, since i have a spring under axle. Im so confused!

 

[RFR2212]

It lifts the rear by adding a stiffer spring. Make sure you didn't tighten any U-bolts down, and get everything loosely aligned. Everything should fit on. Make sure the axle is sitting correctly on the alignment pins. Once the axle is correctly on the pins, then you go ahead and tighten everything down equally, so everything is the same.
Pete

 

[BoatsRcool]

Ok I get what you mean, but 1st- how hard do I tighten the the main bolt down for the leaf pack. I tightened it enough so it was like 1 1/5 inches more. And then, I still dont understand how the add a leaf will raise it if its under the axle. And since it is under the axle, how will my u bolts fit??? since im raising it 1 1/5 inches. Im just so confused.

 

[Stephen S]

Don't worry man, we'll fix you up. First, make sure that the add-a-leaf is between the correct two leaves. They should go together in order of length, longest, down to shortest. Now, the directions for the add-a-leafs I have installed on Rangers and F-150s have both said to use C-clamps to clamp the spring pack back together. Try that if you haven't. The center pin (bolt) should be tight enough to squeeze all the leaves tight together (no gaps). Now, remove the C-clamps and put the axle back on. Make sure that the round head of the center bolt has gone back into it's hole in the spring perch. Now put the U-bolts and retaining plate back on. Fit everything loosely and put all four nuts back on the U-bolts. Tighten them like you tighten the lugs on a tire (cross pattern) and tighten evenly.

The add-a-leaf will force your springs to curve upward more, closer to the shape of a U, if you will. This increase in curvature pushes the truck up higher than the thickness of the spring you are adding. Thus, giving you lift. Hope this helps.

 

[BoatsRcool]

K i think I got it, the thing is the springs werent already clamped. There is no way to clamp them now. I can keep trying to tighten the bolt, is that what I should do or what. thanks.

 

[HIX]

NOT IN THE......

Don't use the little bolt to clamp them down. It could break(mine did) and when it does it will shoot out and hit you in one of two heads....both are gonna hurt. Go get a c-clamp and do it right!

 

[BoatsRcool]

I have a c clamp, but there is no way i could tighten it all the way to make the add a leaf with no room between it. Do I need to go pick up a more heavy duty one?

 

[Stephen S]

You'll need to get a C-clamp big enough to clamp the whole pack, so you can put the bolt back in. Do not try to compress the pack with the center pin. Use a C-clamp.

 

[BoatsRcool]

ok, i quit tightening it so i can go buy a clamp, and clamp it down, then tighten the bolt all the way. When Ido that, do I just tighten it as much as I can when they are all (the leafs) flat together?

and then just let the clamps off slow as possible.

 

[Stephen S]

Just tighten the clamp, then hand tighten the nut, tighten the clamp, then hand tighten the nut, and so on until the clamp squeezes the pack together. Then snug up the bolt, Don't kill it, cause you might break it; just get it tight. Then slap it all back together.

 

[BoatsRcool]

hey, i went out and got the best clamp i could find. Wasnt strong enough to pull the stuff together. Went out to my suburban got the jack out of that, put that between the explorer frame and the leaf pack, and a hydralic jack on the floor and the bottom of the leak pack. That got it together great. then It was enough to put it back together (the u bolts and all) now the alignment pin is a little loose, but there is no way its coming off. Tomorrow, I just gotta tighten up everything and put my new RS5000's on the back, and take a vacation to flordia, when I come back the front springs go on. Thanks guys.

 

[Stephen S]

Glad to hear it worked out for you!!! We are all happy to help!! Great Job!

 

[BoatsRcool]

Thanks steven, you have helped me in acouple posts. PS. I like your truck!

 

[Stephen S]

No problem at all, I'm happy to be able to help.

And thanks very much for the compliment.