Single aal vs 3 leaf pack....

[SnickerDoodle]

Someone please explain these to me?

Keith (boyfriend) was going to purchase the single aal for me.

but now hes wondering about the 3 pack.

What needs to be done to install? Do i use the shackles i already have?

Do i remove any of the stock leafs?

I'm confused and need to be taught the ways of the big boys.

 

[jmnielsen]

The AAL (add a leaf) is just added on to your existing pack. Some people prefer a 3 leaf to a single leaf because using three small leafs to lift you x amount is better than using one big, thick leaf. I think the argument or that is better flex or articulation or something? You can use your existing shackles, but if you don't lift the front as well you will have quite a bit of rake, unless you have adjustable shackles and can lower them some.

 

[SnickerDoodle]

Thanks J. I have new UCAS going on this weekend so no issue there. I just don't know which way to go. I know that the truck will be sitting in "porn star" mode for a while with her butt in the air until the 3 pks settles.. I just dont know which way to go. Hmm.

 

[Timrich]

I think most go back to the stock shackles if they add the 3 leaf pack. I believe the single leaf dosen't raise it up as high.

 

[SnickerDoodle]

I just double checked my parts bag... my old shackles are in there. So it looks like im going with a 3 pack. :lolz:

 

[granitex]

Good call, the single leaf is really stiff and short. It causes a bunch of wheel hop, and can be really bouncy. The longer springs do give much better articulation, and a more gradual transition.

 

[SnickerDoodle]

The hopping skipping and jumping shes doing now over bumps is just redonk! It actually freaks out the passengers lol. I can't wait to get rid of the rough ride.

 

[Dimo]

Just to 100% clarify, The single AAL is one 1.5 in lift. Thus why people use AC or Calmini shackles for the other 1.5 to get the full 3 in lift. Like said above, the 3 pack is much smoother and progressive plus it will give you better, not the best, but better flex/articulation than a single AAL. if you go with the 3 pack you WILL need to use stock shackle or deal with pretty intense rack. The front at max would be close to 3 in and the back, if your leafs aren't worn out, will be close to 4.5 in. Another thing, with either pack you can remove the overload leaf. It is usually the bottom leaf and is fatter and flatter than the others. That is unless you tow quite often. With that overload leaf gone, it will be a bit smoother and flex better. One last thing, don't forget to order new U-bolts or buy the kit that comes with a set! I wouldn't recommend reusing your old ones.

 

[NMTerras]

Just to 100% clarify, The single AAL is one 1.5 in lift. Thus why people use AC or Calmini shackles for the other 1.5 to get the full 3 in lift. Like said above, the 3 pack is much smoother and progressive plus it will give you better, not the best, but better flex/articulation than a single AAL. if you go with the 3 pack you WILL need to use stock shackle or deal with pretty intense rack. The front at max would be close to 3 in and the back, if your leafs aren't worn out, will be close to 4.5 in. Another thing, with either pack you can remove the overload leaf. It is usually the bottom leaf and is fatter and flatter than the others. That is unless you tow quite often. With that overload leaf gone, it will be a bit smoother and flex better. One last thing, don't forget to order new U-bolts or buy the kit that comes with a set! I wouldn't recommend reusing your old ones.

I reused my stock u-bolts with the three-pack, intending to switch it out. Still haven't done it and it seems fine, but I don't recommend it. Very close to end of threads n the ubolts. I used thread lock for some peace of mind, but still, I need to just get off my butt and replace em

 

[granitex]

It is not the nuts not staying put, it is that the u-bolts streatch when you tighten them down. Using a punch on the exposed threads keeps the nuts rite where they are supposed to be. And if you mangle the threads enough, you have to cut them off

 

[Ricel]

It's weird to think that the 3 pack is "smoother". Maybe I just had a bad experience with the pack but I found it too harsh and am moving back to stock with AC shackles. Possibly leaving the smallest leaf in for that 1.5 bit of fun.

 

[granitex]

Instead of using the shortest leaf, use the longest one that you can. It will give the best weight distribution, and most progressive support.

 

[Ricel]

With the longest one, I will have to use some form of leaf retainers, correct? Issues with it potentially able to slip out of line

 

[jmnielsen]

With the longest one, I will have to use some form of leaf retainers, correct? Issues with it potentially able to slip out of line

true statement

 

[SnickerDoodle]

Thanks everyone for the input! I decided to go with the 3 pk AAL's and of course new U-bolts. They should hopefully ship today and will be installed on the 15th. just a days before ECXC.