I am finding a lot of contradictions when it comes to add a leafs in lift kits. I see here on the forum that you need to replace the factory end clips but most of instructions with the kits say that you do not have to remove the factory end clips, just the centering pin. Which is it? I am looking at 3" and 5" kits. If I get the 3" kit with the extra set of 2" blocks, I think I will just get a 5.5" block instead of stacking blocks which I hear is not a good idea. I would prefer to go the add a leaf because it seems to be the better choice and would make the truck haul more without sag, but I don't want to have to take the whole spring pack part clips and all. I have never did it and I don't feel comfortable doing it plus I don't see new clips included with any of the kits. Any information would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to waste money on something that isn't going to work. I am open to all suggestions.

 

you need to remove the clips (and replace them) I just helped my friend do them on his Bronco II, it took us two hours all said and done, he just used a u-bolt with a piece of metal bolted across the u-bolt instead of clips. This works out alright, but I would keep an eye on it. The center bolt just holds the leaves together in the center, but does not prevent them from spreading out in different directions. Use a C-clamp to slowly separate the leaves and then to put them back together again.

 

I found one kit that had the clips with the add a leaf. Almost every set of kit instructions makes no mention about removing the clips, just the centering bolt. The only instruction that said anything about the clips, included new ones.

 

i just installed a skyjacker 2" hd aal in my truck. all i did was place 2 c-clamps on either end of the leaf removed the center bolt and slowly unscrewed the c-clamps. i didnt have to remove the clips. the new leaf went on the bottom just above the overload leaf. it took me and my buddy about 30-45 minutes total to do both sides. its not a very hard task at all.

 

That is what I am seeing with most kits but then I see posts about removing the end clips. Could this be what is called short and long leafs? Short leafs don't require removing the end clips but long leafs do.

 

this is the aal i bought. it made a world of a difference in load capacity and towing. my truck doesnt sag nearly as much as it used to when i hook my boat or camper up.

 

here is a 3" hd aal from skyjacker. its also an short style spring. so you should be all set for not having to remove the clips.

 

I want to purchase a lift kit and was debating between aal or replacing the stock rear block and the 2" one that comes with most 3" kits with just a 5.5" block. I could use the extra load capacity because I want to pick up a pop up camper over the winter. My goal is either a 3" suspension and 3" body lift or a 5" suspension lift. With the 5" lift, the add a leaf is the only option. I don't want a 7.5" or 8" block in the rear.

 

extra load capacity isnt going to really help you in your case. the rear axle can only handle so much guy. i put an hd aal in mine because i plow and i put between 500-600 pounds in the bed for a ballast so i dont always have to put it in 4x4 to plow. before i put the aal in it used to squat really bad. now when i hop in the bed it doesnt do anything. i can jump around and it just comes right back. mind you i weigh 265. my boat has about a 300 pound tounge weight and it doesnt squat at all wheni hook up. my camper has a 600 pound toung weight and i used to drop 2" when i hooked up before. now i dont squat an inch. if that. just be careful with what you load in your truck.

 

I am not looking for the extra capacity so I can tow more, just make it easier to tow because it won't squat as easy. Thanks door all your help. I appreciate it. I'm new to all this truck stuff. Now if I could just figure out why both my doors leak like a b****.