Suspension question leaf or block

**lordfrosty** · 02-25-2009, 07:25 PM

I've been researching putting a lift on my 07 GMC 1500 5.3l 4x4 w/20" stock tires. I'm thinking about putting a ReadyLift Max Lift 2.25' strut spacer on the front and was wondering what my best bet for the rear. I want something that will look good but will help with towing ( have a 32' travel trailer I pull sometimes) and give me some extra support on the back. The options I have so far are Add-A-Leaf or a 3" Rear Lift Block Kit. What are your feelings on this. You guys seem to have a good knowledge on the subject and I appreciate anything you can tell me.

**NORMSCOLORADO** · 02-25-2009, 08:09 PM

If you are looking for a better payload i would go with the Add A Leaf the truck will be stiff in the rear but you can haul more.... just did it on my Colorado and you can tell the difference.... something that will also help is the air lift support bags i dont think that the bags will help with lift but towing for sure.... ill look up were i got my AAL's

**NORMSCOLORADO** · 02-25-2009, 08:15 PM

here they are ....

The AAl's

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/...con/81350.html

The support bags

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/...r-springs.html

And here is my truck after the AAL

http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/sho...138#post108138

**lordfrosty** · 02-25-2009, 11:46 PM

Thanks. Your truck looks good. I was leaning towards the AAL for the rearend. Am I correct in thinking that putting a block in the rearend wouldn't do anything for my towing and would only lift the rear.

**dwill3015** · 02-25-2009, 11:57 PM

Bag it. Adding air-ride bags will give you the ability to level out the rear of the truck when you have that big trailer attached, abd the ability to deflate them when you don't need it. With the AAL, you are sitting higher in the rear and it will stiffen the ride.Here is a LINK that you can read more.

**TRPLXL2** · 02-26-2009, 12:00 AM

I have a 4" lift block in the rear of my truck, and I think it is mostly for the lift kit. I can't say for sure, because I haven't towed anything with it yet! My boyfriend has a Colorado with the AAL and it seems to have better set up for towing, he pulls an 18 foot boat with it and has no problem. BTW he also has a 5" lift on the truck, with the AAL so that might make a difference too.http://www.gmtruckclub.com/forum/att...1&d=1235624396

**Pete95Sierra** · 02-26-2009, 12:26 AM

I would say go ahead with the add a leaf but also put on a set of firestone airbags. my buddy just towed a car with a stock 2001 F-150 with them and had no problem. the rear barely squatted and they performed great

**lordfrosty** · 02-26-2009, 12:50 PM

So, in your opinions with putting a 2.25" READYLIFT on the front my best bet would be for an AAL on the back with an Airbag system. Is this correct? Is this all compatible? Or do I need the airbags if I'm putting the AAL's on the back. I appreciate all your input. I've never lifted before and its reassuring hearing all your input.

**NORMSCOLORADO** · 02-26-2009, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by lordfrosty

So, in your opinions with putting a 2.25" READYLIFT on the front my best bet would be for an AAL on the back with an Airbag system. Is this correct? Is this all compatible? Or do I need the airbags if I'm putting the AAL's on the back. I appreciate all your input. I've never lifted before and its reassuring hearing all your input.

Yeah the ready lift would work fine in the front and it is all compatible...... no you dont need the bag system but its just a little helping hand for stability....

**silveradotrailblazer** · 02-26-2009, 04:43 PM

Airbags, leaf and block all have there advantages and disadvantages. Blocks wont increase load capacity and on Chevys they seem to induce wheel-hop when accellerating off-road, add-a-leafs can stiffen ride and arent adjustable, Airbags can level your load from front to back and side to side, but can leak and they are not intended to lift trucks, just level trucks with loads. Hope this helps.