Add-a leaf Nightmare
 

Actually it was a daymare. I got the right side add-a leaf assembled in maybe 30 minutes. I started on the left side, and it took probably 7 hours. The leaf spring alignment pins kept breaking. I broke 6 pins, before getting just a plain cheap bolt and getting the new pack tightened down. I then used a grade 8 bolt and put it thru the springs and tightened it down. The KYB shocks I was already running were plenty long enough.
My question is has anyone ever run into this kind of problem with the pins breaking under pressure? I got the Rough or Tough country add-a -leaf, that was supposed to be 2 to 3 inches. I believe it has added about 4.5 inches. So now My bed is too high again. Can I cut the ends of the springs some, to lower the spring arch a little? Which end would I cut, if possible? Thanks

Hmmm. I got the Tuff Country 2.5 add a leefes and I had no problem (except for following the directions and doing both packs at the same time...my axl rotated down cuz of the pinion, flange, and housing and that's a heavy axle to get rotated back again) and I torque'd the **** out of the bolts that came with the kit. German torque...you know...Guetentighte!

I don't see why grade 8 wouldn't do you fine...heck its the u-bolts that hold everyting together ya?

edit I drunk posting sory for the mispelations[coffee]

What are these Leaf Alignment Pins you are speaking of? Are you talking about the Centre Bolt? A Bolt should work just fine, as long as the head is sitting in the hole on the axle properly. And yes the U-Bolts are what mostly hold a leaf pack together, but the centre bolt is there to help hold it together as well, and for alignment. You could be 1/4 of an inch out on the rear, which will turn into a good 1" - 1 1/2" up front.

Anytime I take a springpack apart, I replace the center pin with a grade 8 bolt, just make sure the bolthead and nut sit in the holes for them. it's what keeps the rear centered. as far as too much lift...Are you sure you got the right kit... I've seen that mistake more than once. I dunno about cutting the arch off the leaves, the spring rate will go out the window. Does your truck have spacer blocks in the rear?? I can't remember if our trucks have them...If they do, you can remove the spacer block to lower it 2"s .. The only other options are... remove complete leafs from the springpack but your load carrying ability goes out the window with that one or call the company and say your kit jacked my truck twice as much as what it was suppose to and won't work... maybe they will replace it with a different kit...

I am not concerned about spring rate. I rarely pull anything other than my boat. One other thing I noticed was tas the springs tightened up, they hit the spring clamp holding the springs pack together near therear of the springs. I took my grinder and cut about 1/4 inch off so they would not make contact. Since I did that, I am sue sending the springs back would be out of the question now. I still think cutting a couple inches off the back of the add -a leafs would cut down the arch a little, but I just don't know. I am not worried about losing too much lift, because I am too high for what want in the rear now. Any ideas?? Thanks

if you take em apart again, use c clamps to press it into place, then just tighten the center pin

You have to use c-clamps just to get the nut started sometimes.

That is just it. I had the big jawed vise grips on them. It was just when there was about an inch of tightening to go, the threads gave way every time. Everyone says fine threads are stonger. I can't tell. The coarse threads worked the first time, go figure.

It seems springs have settled a little and I am not quite as high as I was, but Still higher in the back than I expected. I emailed Tuff Country a few days ago, but as f yet, No Response. I don't even expect a response from these after market companies anymore. Once they have your money, it seems they forget your name product purchased and everything else. Tired of poor customer service.

Emails do not work. You have to call on the phone

i just had the same problem and i had to use 2 big c clamps to have enough pressure to get the pin in place and not strip them. i beat on my springs doin burnouts with 37's and so far no problems. just takes a little love to put them in : )