Overload Leaf Spring

[Gen X]

Thanks for this how to, very helpful in preparing for installing my AAL. I need a few more parts first.

https://www.xterranation.org/index.php?threads/2-lift-spacers-and-aal.29/

I bought the 4x4 parts three leaf AAL. In the description it recommends removing the overload leaf, or get longer U bolts.

In the how to, I noticed the overload leaf was not used. I believe this was because the stock U bolts were re-installed.

I am getting the U bolt flip kit from Nisstec, so assume they are long enough to keep the overload leaf.

My questions, keep the overload leaf or not? It seems we can do without, but is there a benefit to keeping it in the leaf pack?

 

[JeffPro4x]

Unless you're towing a heavy load, ditch it. It really serves no practical purpose once you add an AAL into the mix

 

[Gen X]

Unless you're towing a heavy load, ditch it. It really serves no practical purpose once you add an AAL into the mix

Good to know, I'll toss it.

 

[Gen X]

Another question. All the tutorials I see show people putting the whole rear on jack stands and disassembling both sides at once.

**Puffs up chest**

Now, I'm not chicken shiat, but can I do this work one side at at time? I would be much more comfortable with three wheels on the ground while under the truck. Perhaps it's more difficult to get things lined up and re-assembled if I do one side at a time? I'll be putting on a three leaf AAL, U bolt flip kit, and axle shims.

 

[JeffPro4x]

Yeah, it's doable one side at a time. But. A billion times easier with the whole rear up in the air. Axle moves freely to line every thing up.

Support frame, support axle, disconnect shocks

 

[westslope]

It is probably safer on two truck-rated jack stands.

 

[General_Tarfun]

I've done it twice, both times one side at a time. If I do it again I'm going to just drop the axle because it's a PIA to line stuff up when the axle won't move for you. But, to answer your question it's doable.

 

[Gen X]

Thanks all, looks like I'll be putting the whole rear up at once. It's a big enough project already, I'd rather have lining things up for re-assembly as easy as possible.

 

[hybrid90]

Unless you're towing a heavy load, ditch it. It really serves no practical purpose once you add an AAL into the mix

So let's just say if OP decides to tow with the X later on, is it bad to tow with because he went ahead and tossed the overload spring? Or it only matters if he's towing heavy heavy loads?

Planning to install the 3 AAL as well and will be towing here and there once in awhile so was just curious.

 

[General_Tarfun]

So let's just say if OP decides to tow with the X later on, is it bad to tow with because he went ahead and tossed the overload spring? Or it only matters if he's towing heavy heavy loads?

Planning to install the 3 AAL as well and will be towing here and there once in awhile so was just curious.

You would end up with a really thick leaf spring if you kept the overload leaf on with that setup, I have the 3 AAL + a Hellwig LP15 + 1.5" shackle lift and haven't had an issue with towing. I have the timbren SES bump stops installed but they haven't touched the axle in years, worst case you could add something like that if you had any towing issues.

 

[hybrid90]

You would end up with a really thick leaf spring if you kept the overload leaf on with that setup, I have the 3 AAL + a Hellwig LP15 + 1.5" shackle lift and haven't had an issue with towing. I have the timbren SES bump stops installed but they haven't touched the axle in years, worst case you could add something like that if you had any towing issues.

Thanks for the reply but one more question. What exactly is a helper spring and can you use it without an AAL or vice versa? I've heard a lot of ppl referring to installing a Hellwig helper spring but don't really know the exact main purpose for doing that. Is it meant for folks that tow only?

 

[General_Tarfun]

Thanks for the reply but one more question. What exactly is a helper spring and can you use it without an AAL or vice versa? I've heard a lot of ppl referring to installing a Hellwig helper spring but don't really know the exact main purpose for doing that. Is it meant for folks that tow only?

I think they're actually designed for assisting the leaf pack while towing, they can be set to only come into use once the pack starts to squat under load. If you tighten then down they can be used to provide lift since they pull up on there spring.

They can be used with or without an AAL, they just bolt down on top of the leaf pack.

 

[X-wing]

Another question. All the tutorials I see show people putting the whole rear on jack stands and disassembling both sides at once.

**Puffs up chest**

Now, I'm not chicken shiat, but can I do this work one side at at time? I would be much more comfortable with three wheels on the ground while under the truck. Perhaps it's more difficult to get things lined up and re-assembled if I do one side at a time? I'll be putting on a three leaf AAL, U bolt flip kit, and axle shims.

lining everything up is much easier doing both at the same time