add-a-leaf & shocks

[ncford32]

i'm looking to get a little more height on an '87 S-10 pickup 2WD without spending lots of money on a lift kit. i've gotten some suggestions for add-a-leaf. i know you can do add-a-leaf in the front but what about the rear? also, when looking at places to buy the add-a-leaf kit, they recommend you get longer shocks. i want to replace the old shocks i have anyway. anybody know a good shock to put on with the add-a-leaf?

[vtmecheng]

add-a-leafs are actually for the rear, not front of the truck. The reason for an add-a-leaf is to keep the truck more level and stable under loads. Most add-a-leafs will tell you an approximate lift to be expected and you just need to find out how much travel the shocks have. Rancho shocks will have enough travel but don't really give the best ride. I have the back end of my 95 S-10 lifted and use the stock shocks. Hope this helps.

[ncford32]

sorry, i got it backwards... thanks for the quick reply. well, the shocks are OLD and i'd like to replace them. it's a daily driver and with no suspension modifications, drives like it's 17 years old. is there another brand you recommend to give it a smoother ride than i have now?

[vtmecheng]

I tried Rancho but thought they were poop. Now I have Monroe and they seem to really ride nice. I just waited for Sears to have a sale.

[OverBoardProject]

One option to look into is air shocks, then you can compensate for any loads that you carry as well. Although they can be pricy for a 17 year old pickup