Add-a-leaf Kit VS Rear Lift Block: Rear Lift Kits

Рет қаралды 109,482

Күн бұрын

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

Пікірлер: 120

@rearwheelperformance 9 ай бұрын

Visit nationaldrivetrain.com & enter YT30OFF at checkout for a limited time 30% off a wide assortment of drivetrain & suspension components!

@genoory5090 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Awesome! Best detail of explanation of added suspension upgrade options🤙🏻

@rearwheelperformance 2 жыл бұрын

We'll be working on more versions of similar projects soon and we hope that it helps. Thanks for the encouragement!

@nate8930 10 ай бұрын

Block Lift w/ taper direction - THANK YOU, beautifully explained. thumbs up!

@rearwheelperformance 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment!

@koalafan1576 2 ай бұрын

Yes definitely thanks. All the videos I’ve seen and you’re the first to say there’s a taper to the blocks.

@josecobos813 Ай бұрын

Very thorough thank you

@robderrera8099 Жыл бұрын

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. 😊

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

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!

@kennethhuff7158 8 ай бұрын

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.

@rearwheelperformance 8 ай бұрын

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!

@rodolfogarza8947 2 жыл бұрын

Solid advice, especially on the lines being damaged during install.

@rearwheelperformance 2 жыл бұрын

We won't even say how we know O.o

@pattylohrey8273 Жыл бұрын

very informative, thanks

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@mizaelahumada 4 ай бұрын

Great tips!

@rearwheelperformance 4 ай бұрын

Glad you like them!

@ronaldbonilla2805 2 жыл бұрын

wow great video I would love to see u do a 2001 Toyota tundra I just purchased add a leaf super exited to install

@rearwheelperformance 2 жыл бұрын

Very similar in installation technique. We have a lot of projects including comparing short vs long add-a-leaf installation in Tacomas.

@nickolaipowell4020 Жыл бұрын

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.

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

We love the pre-runner look. We've never regretted going for more spring in any of our trucks. Good deal!

@yveslarose6249 2 жыл бұрын

Thank for The pinion angle explain Now y know what to do with the kit I'm Installing .

@rearwheelperformance 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, we should put out a complete driveline angle setup video soon.

@HealthSupercharger 5 ай бұрын

I added 2 leafs to each side if my nissan frontier and it is anazing hiw well it lifted and supirted the truck

@rearwheelperformance 5 ай бұрын

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.

@max9343 4 ай бұрын

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?

@rearwheelperformance 4 ай бұрын

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.

@brandonswogger8446 2 жыл бұрын

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?

@rearwheelperformance 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@TaterChip91 2 жыл бұрын

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?

@rearwheelperformance 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@jerrymorals7178 5 ай бұрын

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?

@rearwheelperformance 5 ай бұрын

You probably can, but it would not be at our recommendation.

@markoickle9066 2 жыл бұрын

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?

@rearwheelperformance 2 жыл бұрын

"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.

@wallacemanzo3924 Жыл бұрын

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

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

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.

@wallacemanzo3924 Жыл бұрын

@@rearwheelperformance thanks

@randalrbacon4315 2 жыл бұрын

If your Axel sits above your leaf springs, can you still use the blocks to lift your truck?

@rearwheelperformance 2 жыл бұрын

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..

@chrisstromberg6527 Жыл бұрын

What did you use for shocks here with the block? Bilstein 5100's?

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

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.

@gabrielgomez3085 Жыл бұрын

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?

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

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.

@jackhamilton3418 Жыл бұрын

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?

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

Yes, perfect, a 3 inch block kit replacing the factory 2 inch blocks would net 1 inch more lift in the rear.

@mp5kfisher241 Жыл бұрын

Wish you guys had a shop in Oklahoma!

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

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.

@kluyverthleon4517 Жыл бұрын

I have 22 gmc canyon , what’s rear blocks do you recommend me doing. ? I’d like to do 2”

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

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.

@pauldevore2900 Жыл бұрын

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.

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

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 .

@Ap-bn6yf 2 жыл бұрын

I have a 1996 Ford F-150 and I’m looking to do a 4 inch lift what one should I go with?

@rearwheelperformance 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@timshockley4645 Жыл бұрын

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

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

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?

@axxelcrew09 Жыл бұрын

Hi, what is the torque specs you used on the U-bolt nuts?

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

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)

@studeystudebaker 7 ай бұрын

where can i buy the lift block for a 1947 Lincoln Continental front -need a couple inches of lift thanks

@rearwheelperformance 7 ай бұрын

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.

@lasaventurasdelchinoychini3516 10 ай бұрын

What brand of blocks do you guys use for rear?

@rearwheelperformance 10 ай бұрын

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.

@EL_Tarasco1911 Жыл бұрын

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”

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

That is perfect.

@AldapesExpress Жыл бұрын

Will I be able to tow factory weight with a 2in block lift on a 3rd gen Tacoma?

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

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.

@koalafan1576 2 ай бұрын

We have to get an alignment done after this, right?

@rearwheelperformance 2 ай бұрын

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.

@Candlestick_Wick Жыл бұрын

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.

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

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.

@Candlestick_Wick Жыл бұрын

@@rearwheelperformance are there adjustable shocks to go with the BDS lift? Mine came with fox 2.0. Thanks for the response.

@joshuaalob4246 2 жыл бұрын

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

@rearwheelperformance 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@ColdWarVet607 Ай бұрын

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.

@williamschmidt8944 Жыл бұрын

I know both will increase the lift of the vehicle but does adding a leaf actually give you more load capacity?

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

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.

@williamschmidt8944 Жыл бұрын

@@rearwheelperformance Thank you for the quick response

@guagua8268 8 ай бұрын

I got a 4inch block and 6 leaves on my rear. 10 leaves on the front. 04 f250😂

@rearwheelperformance 8 ай бұрын

Rough life!

@zacpelletier6813 2 жыл бұрын

How did you lift the front?

@rearwheelperformance 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@Graham_A 3 ай бұрын

Do you recommend rear shackles?

@rearwheelperformance 3 ай бұрын

Good for retaining ride quality and usually the easiest option to install, but generally not the best option for handling in our opinion.

@Graham_A 3 ай бұрын

@@rearwheelperformance ok. Are spindles easy to install if I have a lift and tools and some car experience

@rearwheelperformance 3 ай бұрын

@@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.

@edsel6818 Жыл бұрын

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👋👍

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

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.

@edsel6818 Жыл бұрын

@@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.

@wanlidingding5304 2 жыл бұрын

which is better to use blocks or add spring leaves??

@rearwheelperformance 2 жыл бұрын

In most cases, add- a-leafs are the better choice.

@wanlidingding5304 2 жыл бұрын

@@rearwheelperformanceThank you

@rayss3323 Жыл бұрын

@@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?

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

@@rayss3323 Because (explained), yes (subjective), no (objective), no (not necessary)☣

@DD-gi6kx Ай бұрын

you don't need longer U bolts when there is 3" of them past the nut

@wasachevyguy 11 ай бұрын

Can you install an add a leaf AND a block at the same time?

@rearwheelperformance 11 ай бұрын

They can be installed together, as long as there is enough travel in the shocks and all lines between the axle and frame.

@wasachevyguy 11 ай бұрын

@@rearwheelperformance thanks!

@rearwheelperformance 11 ай бұрын

@@wasachevyguy It's our pleasure!

@JVRottweil 8 ай бұрын

How about rear shackles?

@rearwheelperformance 8 ай бұрын

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.

@MrRednexus 2 жыл бұрын

Would a block twist the Axel?

@rearwheelperformance 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@Turtlemilk Жыл бұрын

@@rearwheelperformancewould a 1 inch block cause axel wrap?

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

@@Turtlemilk It can add to axle wrap symptoms, but 1 inch is usually minimal. Taller blocks can increase the effect exponentially.

@BigBo-bd6vq Жыл бұрын

Does add a leaf really make the ride bad thanks

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

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.

@Creations-hj2kq Жыл бұрын

So no more bump stop ?

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

Not sure what the question is referencing. Feel free to clarify your concern with a specific instance.

@HealthSupercharger 5 ай бұрын

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

@rearwheelperformance 5 ай бұрын

Very well said!

@patrickjohnson7801 Жыл бұрын

Do you know that rear shocks are upside down.

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

'Actually', did you know that we read that in the voice of the know-it-all train kid from The Polar Express?

@devinsibley768 11 ай бұрын

He’s right. The sticker should be right side up & be able to read it.

@jkb010 11 ай бұрын

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

@rearwheelperformance 11 ай бұрын

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.

@foolsgold1118 Жыл бұрын

Why couldn’t you use a 2 inch block with a helper leaf both of them at the same time without hurt anything?

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

As long as there is enough slack modified into in all of the lines and shocks you can install any combo that you want.

@coyoteserranoband Ай бұрын

The only thing that went wrong here is that ford.

@tanman47756 Жыл бұрын

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.

@rearwheelperformance Жыл бұрын

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.