Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper installation of your Skyjacker R225 Heavy Duty Rear Add-A-Leaf Helper Spring. These components are designed to enhance your vehicle's suspension by providing additional lift and strength. Please read all instructions carefully before beginning the installation process.
Image: A pair of Skyjacker R225 Heavy Duty Rear Add-A-Leaf Helper Springs, designed to integrate with existing leaf spring assemblies.
Safety Information
CALIFORNIA WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Always prioritize safety when working on your vehicle. Ensure the vehicle is raised and secured to the frame using properly rated jack stands or an automotive hoist, following the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations and procedures. The installer and all vehicle drivers must review the complete set of installation instructions and heed all included cautions and warnings. Failure to do so may result in serious injury or damage.
It is recommended to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and gloves, during the installation process.
Product Features
- With Tie Bolts
- Made Only Of American Steel
- Insert Directly Into Rear Factory Leaf Spring
- Provides Lift And Added Strength
- Lift Height 1.5 inch - 2 in
What's in the Box
- Leaf Springs & Accessories (Pair of Add-A-Leaf Helper Springs, Tie Bolts, Nuts, Washers)
Specifications
| Brand | Skyjacker |
| Auto Part Position | Rear |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Maximum Lifting Height | 2 Inches |
| Item Weight | 14.9 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 42 x 3.5 x 4 inches |
| Model Number | R225 |
Setup & Pre-Installation
- Prepare Vehicle: Before working on your vehicle, always raise and secure it to the frame with properly rated jack stands or an automotive hoist according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations and procedures.
- Remove Rear Wheels: Raise the rear of the vehicle so the rear wheels are off the ground. Remove the rear wheels.
- Disconnect Parking Brake Cable: Disconnect the parking brake from the rear frame bracket by pulling out the parking brake cable by hand. Clamp it at the front to keep it slack. Unbolt and remove the rear parking brake frame bracket and separate the driver and passenger cables at their junction bracket.
- Disconnect Brake Lines: Disconnect the hard brake line brackets from the top side of the axle housing. Unbolt the upper brake line bracket from the frame. Pull down lightly until the bracket tab can sit just under the frame rail.
- Support Axle: Lightly contact the center axle housing with a jack to support it.
- Remove Lower Shock Bolts: Remove both the driver and passenger side lower shock bolts.
- Loosen Passenger Side U-Bolts: Loosen the passenger side axle U-bolts just until they can be wiggled slightly by hand.
- Remove Driver Side U-Bolts: Verify that the axle center is supported securely on the jack. Only then, remove the driver side axle U-bolts and lower U-bolt plate.
- Clamp Leaf Springs: Using 6-inch or larger jaw metal C-clamps, firmly clamp the spring leaves on the driver side spring pack at both ends. Flat overload leaves should not be included in this step of the clamping assembly.
Video: General installation guide for Add-A-Leaf Rear Lift Kits, demonstrating initial setup and disassembly steps. Provided by Accu Auto Parts.
Installation Instructions
- Drop Axle: Lower the jack slowly, allowing the driver side axle spring pad to drop away from the leaf spring pack. During this step, it is critical to prevent overextension of any lines, wires, or cables that may still be attached. About 6 or more inches of clearance from the spring pack bottom to the axle spring pad will be necessary.
- Remove Center Pin: Use a locking adjustable wrench to hold the spring center pin bolts from the bottom. Remove the nuts, center pins, and overload springs from the clamped spring pack. CAUTION: DO NOT remove C-clamps from the spring assembly while removing the center pins. The clamped spring assembly is under considerable compression. A helping hand or a ratchet strap wound firmly around the entire spring pack several times will hold everything in place.
- Inspect Add-A-Leaf: Inspect the add-a-leaf springs to ensure they have their Teflon pads in place on both ends. Check the hardware quantity and compatibility with the existing spring assembly.
- Install New Add-A-Leaf: Realign the upper spring plate with the suspended spring assembly. Using the supplied long center pins, attach the overload spring under the new add-a-leaf spring up into the spring pack. For extra clearance, shift the axle assembly forward a few inches out of the way to allow the new long center pins to slide up into the spring pack. Shift and realign each leaf as necessary by tapping on the sides and ends lightly.
- Attach Center Pin Nuts: Attach the new center pin nuts to the top of the center pins. Only install the spring nuts to a few pounds of torque, just to hold everything in place. Do not fully torque these at this time.
- Reposition C-Clamps & Torque: Reposition the C-clamps towards the center of the spring pack, including the new add-a-leaf. Screw the C-clamps with enough pressure to clamp down the spring pack assembly about half an inch. Then, tighten the center pin nuts to clamp an additional half inch. Repeat and continue alternating the sequence until the spring packs are fully clamped. Final torque the center pin nuts to 90 ft/lbs.
- Raise Axle: Raise the axle until the spring center pins are seated into the driver side spring pad.
- Install Driver Side Lower Spring Plate & U-Bolts: Install the driver side lower spring plate and U-bolts. Tighten nuts until the U-bolts can only be wiggled slightly by hand.
- Install Driver Side Lower Shock Bolt: Install the driver side lower shock bolt. Torque to the factory recommended specification.
- Repeat for Passenger Side: Repeat the add-a-leaf process on the passenger side.
- Torque All U-Bolts: Torque all U-bolts to the factory recommended specifications or aftermarket brand specifications, if equipped.
- Trim Center Pins: Trim all the new center pins down to a few exposed threads using a metal blade saw or cutting wheel.
Post-Installation & Testing
- Reinstall Components: Reinstall all lines, cables, wires, and brackets that were removed during the disassembly. This includes the line and bracket on top of the axle housing, the top frame bracket back on the frame rail, and reattaching and bolting the parking brake cable back into place. Remove the clamp holding that brake cable, which should allow it to slide and be pulled back into place.
- Install Rear Wheels: Install the rear wheels. Torque to the factory recommended specifications or aftermarket brand specifications, if equipped.
- Lower Vehicle: Remove all jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground.
- Test Brake Function: Before test driving, check for the proper function of the emergency brake and brake pedal. If there is any difference from their safe function, you must inspect, diagnose, and fix any issues before proceeding.
- Test Drive: Once the vehicle has been inspected and tested for safe brake function, it can be test driven cautiously. Slow initial starts and stops should be attempted before progressing to the test drive. If there are any unusual noises or sensations while starting, stopping, or turning, you must terminate the test immediately to inspect, diagnose, and fix any issues.
Operating & Maintenance
After installation, regularly inspect your add-a-leaf helper springs and associated components for any signs of wear, damage, or loosening. Ensure all bolts are torqued to specification, especially after the first 500 miles of driving, as components may settle. Maintain proper tire pressure and alignment for optimal vehicle performance and safety.
Troubleshooting
- Unusual Noises/Vibrations: If you experience any unusual noises or vibrations after installation, immediately stop driving and inspect all installed components for proper fitment and torque. Check for any contact between components that should not be touching.
- Uneven Ride Height: Verify that both add-a-leaf springs are installed correctly and that all components are seated properly. Re-check measurements and torque specifications.
- Brake Issues: If brake function is compromised, re-inspect all brake lines and parking brake cables to ensure they are properly reconnected, routed, and adjusted without any kinks or tension.
Warranty & Support
For warranty information or technical assistance, please contact Skyjacker customer support. Refer to your product packaging or the official Skyjacker website for the most current warranty details and contact information.
For general installation questions, you may also contact National Drivetrain Tech Line:
- Phone: (800) 507-4327 (Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM CST)
- Email: tech@nationaldrivetrain.com
