Leaf Springs & Accessories - Quality Parts & Upgrades

What This Collection Covers

Leaf springs remain the primary rear suspension design on most half ton, three quarter ton, and one ton trucks because they handle high load capacity and towing duty better than coil or multi link designs at a comparable cost. This collection covers everything needed to add load capacity, correct sag, or replace a worn leaf pack on a truck used for towing, hauling, or off road travel.

Add a Leaf and Helper Springs

Add a leaf kits insert one or two additional leaves into the existing pack to increase load capacity and reduce squat under heavy loads. Helper springs from Hellwig mount above or alongside the factory pack and only engage under load, preserving unloaded ride quality while adding capacity when towing or hauling.

Replacement Packs and Lowering Flip Kits

Complete replacement leaf packs restore or upgrade ride height and load rating on high mileage trucks with sagging factory springs. Lowering flip kits from MaxTrac relocate the axle above the leaf pack for a dropped stance on trucks running a lowered look.

Leaf Spring Hardware

Shackles, U-Bolts, and Bushings

Shackles connect the leaf pack to the frame and allow the pack to flex under load. U-bolts clamp the axle to the leaf pack and are a required replacement item any time a pack is swapped. Bushings isolate the leaf pack from the frame mounting points and wear over time, causing clunking noises when worn.

Center Pins and Tie Bolts

The center pin holds the individual leaves of the pack aligned at the center bolt. Tie bolts on older leaf pack designs serve a similar alignment function. Replace these components any time a pack shows leaf shifting or misalignment.

Load Ratings and Towing Applications

Choosing the correct leaf spring setup depends heavily on intended load. Light use trucks that occasionally carry cargo benefit from a mild helper spring rated for 1,000 to 1,500 pounds. Heavy tow rigs pulling travel trailers or fifth wheels need a higher capacity add a leaf or replacement pack rated for 2,500 pounds or more to prevent excessive squat and maintain headlight aim and braking performance while loaded.

Off Road and Lift Applications

Off road focused leaf spring upgrades from ICON, Skyjacker, and ARB (Old Man Emu) pair increased ride height with a spring rate tuned for the added weight of off road bumpers, winches, and armor. These packs are designed to work alongside a compatible lift kit or add in leaf for the desired ride height and load capacity combination.

Top Leaf Spring Brands

• Hellwig. Load Pro helper springs and add a leaf kits for towing and hauling
• Tuff Country. Add a leaf kits, EZ-Ride replacement packs, and leaf spring hardware
• ICON. Off road tuned leaf springs and add in leaf kits for lifted trucks
• Skyjacker. Replacement leaf springs and leaf spring hardware for classic and modern trucks
• MaxTrac. Rear lowering flip kits for dropped truck applications
• ARB / Old Man Emu. Load rated leaf springs for touring and overland builds
• Rough Country. Add a leaf kits and leaf spring lift components
• Deaver Spring. Custom load rated leaf packs for heavy duty applications

How to Choose the Correct Leaf Spring Product

• Confirm the exact year, make, model, cab configuration, and drivetrain
• Determine your typical load, whether occasional cargo or regular towing
• Choose a helper spring for occasional loads or a full add a leaf for regular heavy towing
• Match spring rate and arch to any existing lift kit or planned ride height change
• Replace U-bolts, shackles, and bushings any time the leaf pack is serviced
• Verify load rating exceeds your typical loaded trailer tongue weight or bed payload
• Confirm center pin and tie bolt size matches your specific leaf pack
• Consider off road tuned packs if running armor, a winch, or heavy overland gear
• Check for any required brake line or shock length adjustments with ride height changes
• Read fitment notes for any factory overload spring or auto leveling system compatibility

Common Questions

What is the difference between a helper spring and an add a leaf?

A helper spring mounts above or alongside the factory leaf pack and only engages once the truck is loaded, preserving normal unloaded ride quality. An add a leaf inserts directly into the pack and is engaged at all times, providing more constant support but a slightly firmer unloaded ride.

How do I know if my leaf springs need to be replaced?

Signs of worn leaf springs include visible sag at the rear of the truck, a rear end that squats excessively under load, clunking noises over bumps, or visible cracking on individual leaves. Any of these signs indicate it is time for replacement.

Can I add helper springs without replacing my whole leaf pack?

Yes. Helper springs are designed to add to the existing factory leaf pack without requiring a full pack replacement, making them a cost effective way to add load capacity for occasional towing or hauling needs.

Will an add a leaf kit raise my truck ride height?

Yes, typically a small amount, usually 1 to 3 inches depending on the kit, since the added leaf increases the pack overall arch. Confirm the specific lift amount on the product listing if ride height is a concern.

Do I need new U-bolts when replacing leaf springs?

Yes. U-bolts should always be replaced any time a leaf pack is removed and reinstalled, since reusing stretched or corroded U-bolts can lead to axle wrap or pack shifting.

What load rating do I need for towing a travel trailer?

Match the leaf spring load rating to your typical loaded tongue weight plus any additional cargo. Most travel trailer setups benefit from a 2,000 to 3,000 pound rated add a leaf or helper spring, though heavier fifth wheel setups may need more.

Are lowering flip kits safe for daily driving?

Yes, when installed correctly with quality components matched to the vehicle. Lowering flip kits relocate the axle above the leaf pack and should be paired with matched shocks to maintain proper suspension travel and control.

Can I install leaf spring hardware myself?

Shackle, U-bolt, and bushing replacement is a moderate DIY job with basic hand tools and a jack. Full leaf pack swaps are more involved and benefit from a lift and impact tools, though many enthusiasts complete this work in a home garage.

Will off road leaf springs work for towing too?

Yes, off road tuned leaf springs from ICON, Skyjacker, and ARB are engineered with load capacity in mind and work well for both off road articulation and towing duty, provided the load rating matches your towing needs.

Do add a leaf kits affect ride quality?

Add a leaf kits do add some stiffness to the unloaded ride since the extra leaf is engaged at all times, though most truck owners find the tradeoff worthwhile for the added load capacity. Helper springs are the better choice if unloaded ride comfort is the priority.

Why Buy Leaf Springs and Accessories from Black Ops Auto Works

Black Ops Auto Works stocks 657 leaf spring SKUs across add a leaf, helper spring, replacement pack, and hardware categories with real fitment data, competitive pricing, and support from staff who build and tow with these trucks themselves. Products are filterable by year, make, model, trim, and drivetrain to confirm the correct application before ordering.

For a complete rear suspension upgrade, browse our Suspension, Shocks and Struts, Skyjacker, ICON, and Lift Kits collections.