Add-a-leaf Kit VS Rear Lift Block: Rear Lift Kits
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ก.ค. 2024
- What's the Difference compares similar vehicle components and installation process with experienced competition chassis and drivetrain installer, Erick Tucker. In this episode, we take a look at basic rear lifts including the economical block and u-bolt kit (rear lift blocks) and the slightly more involved add-a-leaf (extra leaf kit). Erick covers the pros and cons of each install process touching on important tips every home installer and general enthusiast should know.
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:20 Basic Rear Lift Options
1:02 Block Lift Installation & Tips
2:38 Add a Leaf Installation & Tips
4:10 Block Lift with Taper Directions
5:13 Two Pin vs One Pin Add-a-leaf
6:25 Lifted Rear Suspension Cautions
7:53 RWP links - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Visit nationaldrivetrain.com & enter YT30OFF at checkout for a limited time 30% off a wide assortment of drivetrain & suspension components!
Great video! Awesome! Best detail of explanation of added suspension upgrade options🤙🏻
We'll be working on more versions of similar projects soon and we hope that it helps. Thanks for the encouragement!
Block Lift w/ taper direction - THANK YOU, beautifully explained. thumbs up!
Thanks for the comment!
Yes definitely thanks. All the videos I’ve seen and you’re the first to say there’s a taper to the blocks.
Thanks for the excellent advice. So I will now lift my 2003 E250 HD van with the 3" blocks. I can then carry my pwr wheel chair and not drag the wheelchair carrier while entering or leaving my driveway. I do appreciate your help. 😊
It may require also changing to a set of longer set of shocks to maintain suspension dropout travel. Hope it all works out well, thanks!
Great video I would bet most mechanics doing a job like this does not know or understand how bad they could screw up a customer's truck love how you guys explain how everything is related.
Thanks. Even so, we go back and watch these and think about things we want to add. Hope we can get back to making these soon!
Very thorough thank you
Solid advice, especially on the lines being damaged during install.
We won't even say how we know O.o
very informative, thanks
Glad you enjoyed it!
wow great video I would love to see u do a 2001 Toyota tundra I just purchased add a leaf super exited to install
Very similar in installation technique. We have a lot of projects including comparing short vs long add-a-leaf installation in Tacomas.
Great video. Looking at adding a leaf for my 2013 Nissan Titan. If you add them in the back do you have to add anything in the front or change shocks out?
There is usually enough dropout travel to use the existing rear shocks, but adding a slightly longer shock rated for 1-2" of rear lift can be added if necessary.
I am looking at doing the rough country 6 inch with vertex on my 3rd gen tacoma. I'd rather have a new leaf pack buy they only offer blocks for the 6 inch. Any idea why that's the case? Do you know of a leaf pack that would work in place of their 4.5 block?
You can have custom springs made for 4" of rear lift, but the ride may not be a bit high. A compromise solution may be to use 1.5" add-a-leaf kit along with a 3" block/u-bolt kit.
Great tips!
Glad you like them!
I've got a 2012 F150 STX 4X4 with a Mammoth 2.5 front leveling kit installed(which is only 2 spacers), stock in the rear. Will that make the process of anything at all different if I were to install a new 2 or 3 inch block in the back?
The rear height doesn't have much relationship to the front lift. Just remember to install longer shocks with the lift for the rear to allow for full dropout travel.
I would like to know what is a better method for the ride of the truck, on and off road. Is there a difference in ride quality between the two methods?
"Better ride" is a very subjective term. In general, we feel that later model (90s+) vehicles do better with anything that adds more spring rate (like add-a-leafs or custom lift springs), but to try to keep the ride smoother, it will come down to matching it to a good shock package. When unsure what your final ride "feel" needs for on and off-road, using adjustable shocks is worth their cost.
Great Video! I have a 2023 toyota tacoma.Can I use a 3inch Block and a add a leaf so I can get bigger tires and better Towing for My Trailer?
You probably can, but it would not be at our recommendation.
If your Axel sits above your leaf springs, can you still use the blocks to lift your truck?
If a vehicle has the axle located over the leaf springs, adding a block and u-bolt kit would lower the rear. In that case, an add-a-leaf kit would be an option for an additional inch or tow of overall lift..
if i install a 2in block in the rear do i need to purchase new extended shocks or can i use the same shocks or same size shocks?
Unbolt them from the axle and see how much drop-out travel there is. Since the minimum you would like available is 2-3", if you have at least 4"+ currently it may ride adequately after a 2" block is installed. We would still recommend getting proper length extended shocks whenever it's possible or necessary.
Hi, new to this world. I have a 2012 F-250 Superduty 4WD. I had a 2.5 inch Readylift leveling kit installed, but now the front sits too high by an inch. Driving me crazy. Is a rear-block the best idea for lifting the back up? It comes stock with a 2 inch factor rear block, so I was looking at 3 inch blocks. Is this the right idea?
Yes, perfect, a 3 inch block kit replacing the factory 2 inch blocks would net 1 inch more lift in the rear.
Thank for
The pinion angle explain
Now y know what to do with the kit I'm Installing .
Thanks, we should put out a complete driveline angle setup video soon.
Good video. I have a 2006 ram 1500. I need a rear suspension upgrade to carry a little more weight in the bed, like a half ton of cement for example. My question is what's the proper and cheapest way? Some people say helper spring...?? It's a work truck so ride quality when empty isn't more important than how much I spend to achieve this. And also, I just did a 2.5" coil spring spacers up front & new rough country shocks & my rear is currently an inch lower than the front half. Thanks
Helper springs and add-a-leaf kits do the same job, but have different installation.
Most helper springs are bolt-on without the need to disconnect the spring from the axle assembly, and also do not require taking apart and reassembling the spring pack. They will cost a bit more, have more components to assemble and maintain over time, and can take away from a clean look, if that is a consideration. The ability to adjust spring preload on some kits may be beneficial to some.
The main drawback the the add-a-leaf kits is that it takes more time and effort to install, but once done they look good and work well.
@@rearwheelperformance thanks
What did you use for shocks here with the block? Bilstein 5100's?
Yes Bilstein's for that rear. In addition to sourcing them a little longer than stock to accommodate a couple of inches of lift, they helped greatly reduce the anoying 'shudder' that the stock shocks had after hitting speed bumps and potholes.
I have a 1996 Ford F-150 and I’m looking to do a 4 inch lift what one should I go with?
If you are referring to 4 inches total at the rear end, the most common and cost effective methods would be either a 4" block and u-bolt kit, or a 2 inch block kit combined with an add a leaf kit). We almost always like having an add-a-leaf in the mix as it increases the rear spring rate and capacity a bit and helps with controlling body roll and sway a bit more that without it.
My son's 2005 ford used a 6 inch rough country lift and sat to high in the front, so we added a add a leaf kit to it. It gave the truck a rake that looked awesome and gave it a prerunner look, the truck is a stepside,. It looks tough as he'll and rides excellent.
We love the pre-runner look. We've never regretted going for more spring in any of our trucks. Good deal!
I have 22 gmc canyon , what’s rear blocks do you recommend me doing. ? I’d like to do 2”
If you already have 1" factory blocks in the rear you can replace them with a 3" aftermarket block and u-bolt kit to achieve +2" higher total than it sits currently. If it does not have the factory 1" block, then there are also 2" block/u-bolt kits available in many brands. Longer rear shocks should be also considered to allow for enough dropout suspension travel. It is just our preference, but we almost always will recommend add-a-leaf kits which help reduce body roll and axle wrap under acceleration and braking, at the slight sacrifice of a firmer ride.
I added 2 leafs to each side if my nissan frontier and it is anazing hiw well it lifted and supirted the truck
Trucks and suvs from about the late 80s+ have had their rear spring rates and shock dampening increasingly reduced for the sake of passenger ride comfort. Raising the rear spring rate along with well matched shocks are a game changer in handling/performance.
I have A 2000 Chevy Silverado half with 3 original Springs and I was adding 4 extra leaf Springs out of a older Chevy pickup With about Is the same curve As the original Spring. Would I have to adjust the opinion angle on the rear end And the thickness of all 4 leaf Springs together is about a inch a quarter thick Would this work OK so I could hall heavier loads
That would be in the realm of a pretty over the top modification, and we wouldn't endorse it. It will likely over double the spring rate, and there isn't a whole lot more that a 1500 would be able to utilize with all that spring rate. The suspension will ride very very stiff. The pinion angle would need to be adjusted if there is any new notable harmonic or vibrations created. May be worth the time to add one at a time and testing before going for all 4?
Hi, what is the torque specs you used on the U-bolt nuts?
It is good practice to follow the specific kit manufacturer's specifications. In this case I believe they were about 9/16" u-bolts/nuts which should be about 120-130 ft/lbs (progressively step torqued)
Will I be able to tow factory weight with a 2in block lift on a 3rd gen Tacoma?
As we recall, the tow/weight ratings are designed into the frame, brake system, spring rate/capacity and axle housing assembly rating. You probably can, but you would likely be better off looking at an add-a-leaf or helper spring kit for added load control and brake feedback, especially at maximum load capacity.
where can i buy the lift block for a 1947 Lincoln Continental front -need a couple inches of lift thanks
JC Whitney, back in the day :) But, if you are serious, you'll likely need to fabricate it or piece something together from other application kits.
What brand of blocks do you guys use for rear?
Don't recall, eBay unbranded steel welded at the time. We'd likely go cast iron in the future when we find a decent supplier.
Where is your website to buy the parts from you guys? At least an affiliate link for parts you recommend. This video helped me and I would like to support you guys.
Thank you for the kind and encouraging message. We are trying to emphasis providing information over just pushing products (when we can find the time to do so). If you need anything you can find products and contact us through the website nationaldrivetrain.com .
Aye bro I have 6 inch pro comp on my Tacoma. Nd I wanted to go a little higher atleast to 8inch. Is there any recommendation for like off-road
Though it is often recommended against by most lift kit manufacturers, it may be possible add strut spacers or lift struts to a drop bracket lift kit like ProComp. The drawback is that dropout travel and ride quality are affected, and it may also need high travel control arms to prevent premature ball joint wear and failure over time, along with high angle c.v shafts if it is a 4wd.
Is the spring a smoother ride than the blocks? I have 6” blocks on a GMC 2500 and the ride is rough when there’s no load.
When adding a leaf spring to the existing spring pack it will make the ride firmer. Often rough and firm ride feel are mistaken for each other. We would suggest adjustable shocks to dial in your comfort. It often amazes people that smoothing out their ride requires a much stiffer valved shock.
@@rearwheelperformance are there adjustable shocks to go with the BDS lift? Mine came with fox 2.0. Thanks for the response.
Wish you guys had a shop in Oklahoma!
Having a shop area, and having time to use it are two different things :) We have day jobs that rarely lets us hobby as much as we'd like to.
We have to get an alignment done after this, right?
If you are working on rear lift components it is usually not necessary, but it can't do any harm to have it checked. For front components any modifications or changes, it is recommended to have an alignment.
I know both will increase the lift of the vehicle but does adding a leaf actually give you more load capacity?
Adding a leaf to the spring packs increases the overall spring rate, which adds a bit to the load capacity, as long as the load does not exceed the axle and frame max ratings.
@@rearwheelperformance Thank you for the quick response
How did you lift the front?
We have a video coming out in the day for front end spacer and spindle lifts. These are just front lift basics using spacers and spindles, but the content will cover most popular trucks and suvs.
Great stuff on install but you didn't address why a add a leaf over a block. Looking at doing a 6 inch lift on my 2007 Silverado 1500. I still dont get if a block should be used with add a leaf or not. I thought and the video made it sound like if you add the one leaf addition you dont use the block. The video made it sound like one or the other, but at 6:56 you can see the "add a leaf" sitting on a block. Right after that at 7:04 we see just the "add a leaf" sitting on the axle with no block. So why the discrepancy of block/no block with add a leaf and how does a single leaf makeup for several inches of lift a block would provide. Totally lost on all these points.
The thing I figure out is, that my factory block was 1.25” I added a 2” block so I got a lift of .75”
That is perfect.
which is better to use blocks or add spring leaves??
In most cases, add- a-leafs are the better choice.
@@rearwheelperformanceThank you
@@rearwheelperformance why is it the better choice? Better ride? Was it a stiffer ride? Did you add shims to angle the pinion when using add-a-leaf?
@@rayss3323 Because (explained), yes (subjective), no (objective), no (not necessary)☣
Do you recommend rear shackles?
Good for retaining ride quality and usually the easiest option to install, but generally not the best option for handling in our opinion.
@@rearwheelperformance ok. Are spindles easy to install if I have a lift and tools and some car experience
@@Graham_A That's the perfect background for spindle work. Every suspension tech has their favorite mini-sledgehammer to break free the ball joint and tie rod tapers. Other than the hammer and technique doing that, the rest is just bolt on.
Can a 4" or 5" inch block be installed on a classic full sized 4 door 55 Ford passenger car, if so where can a person find these. Great job👋👍
Any axle mounted under the leaf springs can be spaced with a block. Measure the existing u-bolts, and use an industrial machinery supplier to locate longer u-bolts . Alternatively, once you have the new u-bolt dimensions, many off-road truck lift companies sell blocks and have u-bolts in varying lengths and widths that can looked up in their online and print catalogs.
If the axle is currently located on top of the leaf spring, then a block would lower the vehicle, but the mounting can be modified to relocate it under the leaf springs.
@@rearwheelperformance Unfortunately this car came out with the rear axel mounted ABOVE THE LEAF SPRINGS WHICH I DON'T KNOW WHY THEY DID THAT, I JUS HATE IT, INCLUDING BOTH OF MY 58 MERCURYS, AND ALL 3 OF MY FULL SIZED 58 EDSEL CITATIONS.
How about rear shackles?
We don't use them in most cases, since it creates more leverage at the frame, and can allow for more side-to-side movement. It also takes about twice the added shackle length to get the amount of overall lift wanted. That is just our opinion, and most installations are fine with shackles also.
Can you install an add a leaf AND a block at the same time?
They can be installed together, as long as there is enough travel in the shocks and all lines between the axle and frame.
@@rearwheelperformance thanks!
@@wasachevyguy It's our pleasure!
Does add a leaf really make the ride bad thanks
Anytime you add a spring to your spring rack it will increase the spring capacity and spring rate. This will result in it riding firmer than stock. Though the longer an add-a-leaf is the less it will impact ride firmness.
Would a block twist the Axel?
Blocks can increase 'axle wrap' during acceleration and braking. The thicker the block for more height, the more axle wrap there will be. With enough leverage in the spring pack, there is often rotational movement in the housing that can be seen and felt.
@@rearwheelperformancewould a 1 inch block cause axel wrap?
@@Turtlemilk It can add to axle wrap symptoms, but 1 inch is usually minimal. Taller blocks can increase the effect exponentially.
So no more bump stop ?
Not sure what the question is referencing. Feel free to clarify your concern with a specific instance.
I got a 4inch block and 6 leaves on my rear. 10 leaves on the front. 04 f250😂
Rough life!
you don't need longer U bolts when there is 3" of them past the nut
Do you know that rear shocks are upside down.
'Actually', did you know that we read that in the voice of the know-it-all train kid from The Polar Express?
He’s right. The sticker should be right side up & be able to read it.
So if you're doing it solo for add a lead cheat and tie the springs together and loosely tie up the helper to allow you to have the support needed that come from
The lack of a helper nearby
Initially it can help keep everything in place while getting everything setting up to install, but it can also help if there is a failure in the center pin and clamps as they begin to tighten and store more energy.
Why couldn’t you use a 2 inch block with a helper leaf both of them at the same time without hurt anything?
As long as there is enough slack modified into in all of the lines and shocks you can install any combo that you want.
Ading a leaf is way better option makes your truck more capable of supporting payload. Ideally is to add a big leaf not a shirt one. A leaf that is just bit shirter than the top leaf. You can also add arc to these leafs which might be good if you want more than 1 or 2 inch lift. 3 to 4 inch lift requires longer shocks and also ading more arc to all leafs
Very well said!
The only thing that went wrong here is that ford.
Should have mentioned the ride quality/load improvment a leaf gives you over block.
Block is easy but hinders ride quality, especially off roading and doesn't give any benefit to how much load you can carry.
We need an in-depth series on suspension spring rates and shock valving that need to be made. Like most things in life there are a lot of situational issues. What is good for one need is often not good for another.