I'd like to level the front with the rear on my '79 W150. I don't tow or haul heavy loads, and I think the level stance looks better. With the leaf spring front suspension, is it as simple as block spacers up front? I think it's 1.5 inches, but haven't measured yet. I have to measure U bolts too. Hope I won't need longer ones. Anyone done this? Thanks.

The general consensus is lift blocks are NOT recommended on the front of a leaf spring 4x4. The correct way would be to either put a longer shackle on it or a taller spring. Alternatively you could lower the rear to match the front, either by shackles or getting the springs de-arched.

I went through this on my '86 and if they are the same, it's quite a pain in the 4ss. There's a few "gotchas" that Dodge engineered into it: the factory springs have a reverse arch in them with shackles engineered for this, and if I remember right the driver side has studs going into the housing, not u-bolts. Good luck getting them out. Maybe your truck is different?

I bought re-arched springs (I think it was Superlift.....loooooong time ago) with 1.5" lift and absolutely hated it: the truck rode higher in the front (even with their matching re-arched springs in the back) and not one corner of that truck measured level. It rode rougher than a wagon no matter what shock I put on it.

Still have a photo of it, if you want I can post it.

What Blus says is true. Lift blocks not allowed on the front leaf suspension vehicles. Reason I was given is if you slam on the brakes the axle can flop back under the block. Makes sense.

Larry, best bang for the buck on the 79 is a 2" add a leaf up front. it will level it out with the stock rear. what he said about negative arch on front springs. the add a leaf will make them 0* arch (flat) adding the 1.5" - 2" lift on the front. usually they are around 2" when new but settle in around 1.5" after some use. still keeps caster/camber/steering in stock specs. anything over 3" you start running into alinement problems needing lowered steering arm/raised pitman arm/longer draglink and even some angled pinion shims to get the front axle back to specs after lifting.

over on RCC there are some great lifts made that lower the spring mounting points to lift it and even switch to 56 chebby rear spring up front for high lift and articulation. but that's a different direction in 4 wheeling.

good reading over on RCC/Jungle links.

Thanks for info. I googled for leveling kits, but only found LIFT kits from Rough Country and the other big company who's name escapes me now.

I see U-bolts on both sides.

I'll take a look at RCC, but it's sounding like I might just to let it be.

It should have 2 studs screwed into diff case on pass side, which should easily accomodate an extra leaf thickness.

There are these zero rates that I've used before. They bolt to your spring pack to be part of your leaf springs. They are only 1" thick though... I used them to move my axle forward, but you can use them for stock position also. https://www.offroaddesign.com/1-zero-rate-add-a-leaf-kit-2-1-2-wide.html

if the rear sit a little high (which I think is the case?) you could also remove the thick overload leaf from the rear spring pack that will take about a 1/2" thickness out and relax the rear spring pack so it will settle a little more.
the add a leaf kits suggest removing the stock thick flat overload leaf and replace with the add a leaf. which is same thickness but positive arch. also states you can keep it under the add a leaf for the extra 1/2" lift to get the full 2 " lift advertised. but this make for the harshest ride with them. I leave them out and the ride stays about same as stock with the arched add a leaf only.

another thing is when using the single add a leaf in the rear it keeps the load specs stock. add a leaf with the stock overload leaf bumps up to 3/4 ton load specs.

DIY in the drive way in a couple hrs, my 86 4x4 chassis has a set front/rear and I will send you a couple pics to show you how the front leaf pack flatten out when installed under load.

Yes Mike, has the factory lift and sits a bit higher in rear (1" to 1.5"?). That add a leaf posted by buildanother is interesting. Claims to keep spring rate same, and I like that. I'd rather not lower rear, rather bring up front if possible.

I have a pair of add a leafs off my D150 , you can have them just pay for the shipping pm me if interested

PM sent, thank you!

What exactly is "cross over steering"?

From their website on the "add a leaf": On front applications with crossover steering be aware that you will be losing clearance between the draglink and your RH spring. The full 1" from the offset Zero Rates™ could cause you problems there - make sure to check it out.

It's where you have your drag link go from your pitman arm to your passenger side knuckle. You generally need special steering arms that bolt onto the knuckles. It's done more with Dana 60 applications, where you bolt the steering arms where the kingpin tops would go. Your tie rod can be on these arms as well, to keep the tie rod up higher. You can do it with a Dana 44, but you need to machine and tap into the tops of your knuckles. Another way is to get aftermarket knuckles, like Reid Racing, which have provisions for the arms. They're pretty pricey though.

Okay thanks for info on crossover steering. No mods to my front end so won't be problem with that. I ordered the add-a-leaf

I'm even afraid to click the 'reply' button to the post above. How safe do you think his link would be????

....

Okay, you lost me. I didn't post a link in that message, and I'm not sure what being called a "troll" means exactly when it comes to forums. But hey, thanks for the useful information!

You missed it, the offending post has been removed. It was spam for some sex site, nothing to do with you or the topic.

Yeah, it said something about 'escorts' and had a link to click on. I was born at night, just not last night. Me no clickie. No way Jose.....

The post was the first post by someone new. I never trust a link put up by someone on their first post.

Oh okay, I couldn't figure out what I did!