ldornak

For those who have installed the Carli Starter System on an 01 2500 4x4, I need help on the order of installation for the rear leafs. The instructions only mention that I should remove the lower OEM thick leaf. Should I also remove the overload and 1" spacer above the OEM leafs?

Here's the order of assembly (stock):
Ubolt plate on top of overload
Overload spring
1" spacer/block
3 leafs
Thick leaf
4-3/4" spacer block
Axle perch
Axle

Can someone please post the correct order of installation for the Carli pack? It would even be better if someone could snap a pic.

mstep3

I left my overload leaf in when I installed my add-a-leaf from KORE. My leafs were made by Deaver but I purchased them from KORE. They say that they recommend taking the top overload leaf out because it rides better.

I'm pretty sure that you will have to take the overload leaf out if you want to use the new ubolts that they supply with the rear leafs.

If you decide to leave the overload leafs in then you will probably have to use your original ubolts that are a lot longer in length.

Truthfully I don't really think that it matters if you leave them in or take them out. I really don't see how it can change the ride that much.

nickg

I threw the overloads away. and the lower super thick spring.

then you use the 3 other leafs with the carli spring pack. on my truck it was almost sitting on the overloads orginally. I believe the reasons for ditching the overload is because it changes the spring rate and it will limit the amount of wheel travel.

you are gonna be pleased with the ride!!

ldornak

Thanks for the replies. I actually figured it out. The new u-bolts would not be long enough with the overloads. You are right, I was very pleased with the ride.

For those doing this in the future, here's the order of assembly from top to bottom for the rear leafs on the Carli Starter System:
Ubolt plate
3 OEM leafs
Carli 5 leaf add-a-pack
4-3/4" OEM spacer/block
Axle

I'll post before and after pictures later.

high bid

Has this leaf pack really made that much of a on/off road driveability diff and worth the $$$? Pics?
Thanks.

nickg

its not so much the rear as the front, the front coils are amazing!, the rears if you can imagine it, basically are your stock 3 leafs (minus lower thick and 2 overloads) its pretty supple when unloaded, the Minipacks are under your stock leafs and my opinion is that they provide the extra lift, 2.75 inches, and these leafs do the same job that the thick lower leaf did, but I believe it will allow the upper stock springs more articulation than the orginal big one did, when the stock springs are forced downwards because of cargo load or hitting bumps.
also the shocks make a huge difference as well, I have belistens in the front and procomps in the rear, and the rear reacts to bumps differently than the front, someday soon I'll be swapping the Procomps out.

My truck road like a freaking buck board, every pothole would rattle your teeth. I believe my orginal suspension was completely sagged out, I sat about 2inches lower than any other 3/4 ton I saw. My truck is so much more pleasent to drive,
The best I can tell you is to post in your local chapter, and see if anyone near you has this suspension, then go for a ride

if I had to do it again it would be the first thing done...I'd instal Carli BEFORE I'd instal a fuel gauge or LP

high bid

Nick...thank you for the update. Yes from what I've heard the carli front springs are the way to go.

ldornak

Before the Carli Starter System, my truck drove like a tractor. The new suspension has dramatically improved the ride.

Here's a picture of the stock rear leafs:


Here's a picture of the Carli rear pack installed:

high bid

Cool, thank you! If one tows w/somewhat significant tounge weight I wonder if you can install the spring pack like you did but also keep the factory overload spring on the top for "overload conditions" but have the ride improved when not. As I know the carli spring pack improves articulation/ride but I don't want it dragging the ground when towing. Looks like you now have 6 springs 5 of them new (carli)?

nickg

IdornaK,
Do you still have stock length rear sway bar links? If you do you can make Longer ones quite cheaply by getting one from a 1996 caravan and cutting it in 1/2, and cutting the top off the truck one and welding the two together.
you end up with a greasable swaybar link that cost 25$ for two

Here are the rears:



and the front, used a small piece of pipe between the two parts to lengthen them:

ldornak

I don't think the new u-bolts will be long enough if you leave the overload in. I usually don't pull heavy, but according to Carli, significant load should only squat the truck an 1" more than factory.

There's actually 8 springs (3 OEM, 5 Carli).

The Carli kit only raised the rear 1". So, my stock height Maxxlinks in the rear are fine. Since the kit raises the front 2-3/4", Carli includes longer stainless end links for the front. These things are beefy with heim joints.

high bid

Thanks a ton for the info. I'm going this route once the money tree blooms out back.

nickg

rear leaf pacs raise the rear 2.50-2.75 inches higher than stock, just look at the difference in height difference between the 1 stock leaf you remove and the 7 new ones added

ldornak

No, it's raised an inch. Well, to be exact it's raised 1-1/8".

The Carli pack is 2"


The OEM leaf and position spacer that was removed is 7/8"

slowflyer2112

How well do you think these will work with a slide in camper of say 3-4 thousand pounds?