Add a leaf?

[Super Blue 72]

Hi guys, just a curious sort of thought... Thanks in advance for any replies! 

Has anyone tried using full length add a leaf suspension helpers to their car to either restore sagging springs or to jack up the back a little?  I used them on an old 5th Ave many moons ago but not on the Challenger but was tinkering with the thought since they're like $30.  Thought it would be an option to air shocks/coilovers to give a little rake without adjusting the front torsion bars as some have suggested.

Any thoughts on this?    Thanks!!! 

http://www.amazon.com/Superior-11-1040-Helper-Spring-Capacity/dp/B00029K1X0/ref=sr_1_11/104-4158712-8968741?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1207675664&sr=1-11

[matt63]

I started a thread on this last week end because I had a similar question.  A local spring shop said they could add a leaf to raise my back end about an inch which would enable me to run at the right ride height w/o air shocks.  They wanted $200 to do this if I showed up with just the springs.  The other option is re-arcing but with the price of new springs from Espo at about $225 or $275 (can't remember) I think replacing them is the next option.  The other option is to get shock extension from Canadian Tire (a joke for Canadians).   The other bolt on type leafs are kinda hoaky IMHO but...

[FJ5_440]

I tried them on a beater car way back when.  I had to tighten the snot out of them to get any lift, and then they made alot of squeaking.  I probably installed them wrong, but I wouldn't even consider them on a car I cared about.  I know it seems like alot of money and hassle to do it right, but then it is done for good.

P.S.  when I used them, they cut down inside tire clearance quite a bit because the pad where the ubolt connects ended up much closer to the sidewall of the tire.

[Chryco Psycho]

I can buy a full lenght extra leaf for around $60 X2 & it will raise the back 1" or more depend if you want them arced more , it takes about 2 hours to add the leaf & a new set of U bolts ,

[Super Blue 72]

Thanks for the replies guys! 

Ya, I know this is the El Cheapo way and not the right way... I'll have to see what it looks like once I put my bigger tires on.

Thanks a bunch guys! 

[Chryco Psycho]

I would not call it the wrong way , of all the ways to raise the rear this is one of the best / safest

[Super Blue 72]

Thanks Chryco, I'll keep it on the back burner! 

[HP2]

I agree with CP. It isn't wrong. It is effective and economical. Nothing wrong with that.

There are a lot of trucks that add these to support snow plows. The same principal applies here. Unless you are seriously concerned with springs rate and ride and balance, it will not be a big deal. It will stiffen up the ride some  and give a slight 1-2 lift.

There also are version that are two half leafs that bolt on to the springs with out the need to disassemble the u-bolts. This aren't as effective at providing lift, but do firm up the ride and reduce the tendancy to bottom out the suspension on dips and rough roads.

[Super Blue 72]

Thanks for the info, HP2!    Yep, effective and economical is what i tend to go with.

Yeah, I saw the half spring set ups but I was concerned (If they are the same ones you are thinking of.) if those would stop the natural spring motion due to the way they are clamped onto the spring fore and aft of the rear axle.  That's why I was thinking the full leaf set up. 

[Chryco Psycho]

I would install an extra full leaf over the add a leaf system

[Super Blue 72]

I would install an extra full leaf over the add a leaf system

  I'll look into that!  Thanks!

[Chryco Psycho]