Homemade Lift Idea

[Jake]

I have 2 rear add a leaf springs in my garage that were on my 95 f-150 that are just sitting there doing nothing. They were part of a 6" procomp lift for that truck. It used a block and those springs on the rear to raise it. Due to settling issues on the front, the rear leafs were removed and the front adjusted down to a 4" total lift.

My question is, can i use these on the rear of my truck to lift the back some, and add a bit of load capacity, then get a 2.5" or 3.5" shackle leveling kit on the front to level it back out?

Here are pics and measurements of the springs.







How much do you think this will raise the back end up? 2 inches maybe?

[Ryan Rønning]

You can use them. I am sure they will lift it some but I have no idea how much. It will help your load carrying a bit to. Its worth a shot.

[Jake]

I just wasn't sure if the width and length would be ok. I woulda measured the springs on my truck while i was out there but i was too cold to think about it. Matter of fact im just gonna go do that now.

[Ryan Rønning]

Width will be fine. Length should not be an issue.

[Jake]

Just measured, width is the same, right about 3". Length will work too, Looks like it will fit nice between the first (longest) and second leafs. Looks like I'll need a longer centering pin though. Where do i get that? Is it just a regular bolt i can get at TSC? What about reusing U-bolts? I've heard some people say big no and i've heard of others doin it with no problem?

[jethro]

you might get an inch or so and i belive you can re use them but you might need longer ones any way

[Ryan Rønning]

U bolts depend on the shape they are. If they fight you the whole way getting them apart then toss them. If they are not bad keep them. The pin is specific for leaf springs but an allen head bolt in grade 8 will work just fine.

[Jake]

Originally Posted by jethro

you might get an inch or so and i belive you can re use them but you might need longer ones any way

The way i figure it, i will gain about 1.5" in the rear. I got that from this, the total kit was supposed to be a 6", 6" up front and 4 in the rear. It had a 2" taller block, then the springs. So the springs added 2, then i figure the azz of a SD is heavier than an OBS, so maybe sit .5 lower.

The U-bolts are plenty long enough, just not the centering pin.

Originally Posted by RRonning1984

U bolts depend on the shape they are. If they fight you the whole way getting them apart then toss them. If they are not bad keep them. The pin is specific for leaf springs but an allen head bolt in grade 8 will work just fine.

Allen head, meaning round with the hex in the center? Dumb question i know, i just wanna make sure i don't hit any snags when i do this.

So obviously hit the U's with PB real good and let it soak over night, then if they thread off easy they are safe to reuse? I don't want the damn axle coming out from under the truck pullin 12000# at 70 mph. If they aren't ok to reuse, where can i get them and how much $ am i lookin at?

[Ryan Rønning]

Originally Posted by Jake

Allen head, meaning round with the hex in the center? Dumb question i know, i just wanna make sure i don't hit any snags when i do this.

So obviously hit the U's with PB real good and let it soak over night, then if they thread off easy they are safe to reuse? I don't want the damn axle coming out from under the truck pullin 12000# at 70 mph. If they aren't ok to reuse, where can i get them and how much $ am i lookin at?

Ya thats an Allen head. Make sure the head will fit in the hole in the block or axle.

A good way to get new u bolts is to go to a fastener company and have them custom built. Should not be to much.

[Jake]

Don't know of any fastener companies around here. How much is "not too much?"