I purchased a Superlift 3" lift kit from 4x4parts.com, front a-arms and rear shackles, pictures of all on the site. I was doubtful about the 3 inches, since the shackles didn't look to be 6" longer than stock, but I figured that would be OK, since I was only putting 31" tires on a 95 KC truck. After placing my order I checked Superlift's site and found no 3" lifts, only a 1.5" lift with pictures that matched what 4x4parts.com was advertizing as a 3" lift.

When the parts arrived 2 weeks later, I was suprized when I pulled Rancho add-a-leafs out of the box instead of shackles. I called 4x4parts.com, who said they substituted the add-a-leafs for the shackles because they were getting too many complaints about the shackles being too short. Duh, they are advertizing the kit as being 3" when it's only 1.5", I'd say they were getting complaints. I explained this to them, but he said it's adjustable to 3" by the torsion bars. He didn't seem to understand that it's not a 3" kit unless it lifts the truck 3". Anyway, I didn't want to put add-a-leafs in and change the ride. If I'd wanted that, I would have ordered the kit that came with add-a-leafs. They finally agreed to pay for shipping the leafs back to them and they would send me the shackles.

My question, before I send back the leafs, is if anyone has experiences with Rancho add-a leafs (apparently 2.5" lift) or other add-a-leafs, and am I being silly by trying to keep the ride 'soft' (I've only driven the truck about 10 miles, but it's not real 'soft' as it is). I hate the idea of making the back ride like a tank, while I keep the stock t-bars in front, not to mention that add-a-leafs seem like a harsh way to lift something. Feedback, if you please.

-Spike

Shackles are the wise choice.. Andy (Desert Rat) has broken many leaf springs because of his old add-a-leaf.

Shackles are a pretty easy install too.. Also, if you need longer ones made, they are pretty easy to make as well. If I can get the steel, I have the equipment to make them to any length you want in my garage.

IMO, the rear shackles on that kit are more of just a leveling kit than a true 3" for the rear, since the rears are already pretty tall on those trucks.

I busted my springs this year by adding the crappy add-a-leaf you have.

go with the shackles

yea i got the rancho AAL...no probs so far, if you dont wheel too hard to too much get em, or just get hte shackles from the get go - only downside to shackles is they can flatten the arch in your springs

Hey there...

FrontCC hit on it pretty good I believe. If a truck is wheeled hard, then the Rancho AAL has earned a reputation for causing the springs to warp prematurely or even to snap.

The SLR AAL's are longer, cost more than Rancho and folks seem to get better performance from them. Also, local spring shops are often a good resource for custom AALs fabricated to specific requirements (softer vs greater load carrying) and also can often re-arch the rear leafs.

More ways to do AAL than Rancho only.

Hootowl

The longer I'm on this board the more it becomes clear to me that patronizing AC is not an option; too many people complaining about poor quality products and now misleading customers through erroneous advertisements.

Spike, send all that stuff back to AC and get all your money back, including all your shipping costs. And if they give you any crap explain to them what the penalties are for conspiracy to commit fraud (bait and switch, which is what they did to you), and that you will have a nice conversation with the Florida Better Business Bureau and the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce about the wonderful practices you have encountered.

Once you money is returned call Calmini and order their lift. Haven't heard anyone complain about their products.

Ricochet

wow i am glad i foudn this topic!! thanks for the info guys