I think leafs are more clean looking that shackles too. The long leafs are definitely the way to go. I added a short one and it didn't do much for me.

I hope that you have a tough air ratchet, and that the bolts aren't too terrible for you. Mine were road bashed to hell, and the air ratchet was weak. We ended up having to use a ton of Kroil to loosen up the rust a bit, then heat the bolts with a torch, then quickly wrench them by hand as fast as possible. Then rinse and repeat.

It took us about 3 1/2 hours, and that was with the short leafs that didn't have to be put in the middle of the others. All in all if everything goes smoothly it shouldn't be terrible. It's a bit of work but better than forking out a ton for a shop to do them.

Good luck!!

 

besides, that's one more thing you can say "i did myself!".

 

Did you put new leaf spring bushings in when you added yours? I'm looking at the energy suspension polyurethane kit for all of the bushings on the truck. They're old and cracked and are begging to be replaced.

 

Thats what Ill be grabbing for mine too, the NAPA guy said he can get it in for me. Comes with ALL the bushings for the vehicle, even control arms too!

 

If I recall correctly we didn't take the leaf springs off either side. We just dropped the shocks down, then because it was a short leaf, we just threw it on the bottom of the stack and bolted it up again. So no bushings.

The 2 door has the bushings right up tight against the gas tank, where you cant get a ratchet in, so using a wrench would have been a PITA.

 

Hahahahaaha, $450 to re-arch and add a long leaf to the pack! HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA

Just searched for instructions on adding long leafs, methinks I can handle it.

So besides tires, the shopping list is:

Long leaf AAL
Rear leaf spring polyurethane bushings
U-bolts
5 gallons of PB Blaster
First Aid Kit

 

Ya I think it cost me $300-$350 to re-arch my springs and add a leaf for the blazer. Plus then add on new u-bolts so it's about right. That was with me R&R them myself. That's why on the other trucks they got an extra stock leaf that I put in. Much cheaper

 

really?

i guess my spring guy must like me then (he must, i've known him for almost 20 years now!)

he quoted me $460 for BN leaf packs, adding another upper one, and re-arching them to match a t-bar crank.

i thought it was kinda high, but it's been awhile since i had any leaf work done.

maybe i won't do it myself then.


hey Thomas, how much was that ES kit? i need to do the front/rear SB bushings as well.


sorry Gary, not trying to jack your thread. i'll PM him.

 

Re-arching necessary? Yay or nay? I'm assuming if my springs look flat then it's a good idea?

 

i would say yes then.

personally, i'm getting the new HD packs arched so i don't have the unsightly shackles.