The Chevrolet Silverado is a popular vehicle among all types of car builders and general enthusiasts. Some people like to lift their trucks to gain added ground clearance for off-roading. One method of doing that for the rear suspension is to add an add-a-leaf. This adds onto the original leaf-spring pack, lifting up the rear of the truck in the process. This project can take a few hours to do, but it is not technically difficult to accomplish if you have the correct tools.
Lift the rear end of the Silverado using the jack. Place jack stands underneath the rear axle as well as the rear section of the frame. Take off the rear tires and move them out of the immediate area.
Unbolt the U-bolts that connect the leaf springs to the axle using the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket. Secure the C-clamps on either side of the bolt on the center of the leaf-spring pack. Unbolt the center bolt on the leaf-spring pack using the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket and an open-end wrench. Slowly loosen the C-clamps to release tension on the leaf spring pack.
Hold the add-a-leaf up against the leaf-spring pack and locate the space where it will sit, which is determined by the length of the add-a-leaf in comparison to the stock leafs. The Add-A-Leaf should be smaller than the leaf spring above it and longer than the one below it. Slide the add-a-leaf in between the individual leafs on the leaf-spring pack.
Slide a flathead screwdriver into the center bolt hole on the leaf-spring pack until it goes all the way through all the center holes on the pack. Tighten down the leaf spring pack using the two C-clamps, making sure the center bolt hole is aligned by adjusting the flathead screwdriver as necessary. Then bolt in the center bolt using the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket and an open-end wrench.
Reinstall the U-bolts on the axle using the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket. Reinstall the rear wheels using the tire iron and lift the truck off of the jack stands with the jack.
