Read lots O contradictions - matching front and rear lifts

OK, so I've read a few dozen threads on lifts and all, and some advice really contradicts others. I got a set of Fabtech 1.5 inch AALs, and will probably install them in either february or april. What I can't figure out is what to do with the front. Currently, my truck sits level or maybe a very small bit front high. I've got brand new OEM rears with a heavy fiberglass cap, and will soon have a HiLift mounted back there as well. The fronts are stock springs with 3-4 year old Billy HD's. I've read some cases where a 1.5 inch rear lift was all the OP did, but then others have said they had to get adjustable 5100's cranked up and new UAC's and diff drops and the works. Is it going to be a case where I just have to put what I have on and go from there?

Also, if I did go the front lifting route, how good/bad are top plate spacers, and how much of a lift would I need? Wheeler's has a 3/8 inch steel spacer that goes on top of the strut assembly and gives a 1/2 inch lift. They also have a 1 inch poly spacer that gives a 1.5 inch lift. I don't really have $200 to spend on front 5100's.

 

I would install the Fabtech AAL in the rear and wait... give it time to settle.
With the extra weight ( cap) - you won't get 1.5" of lift after it settles.

How much lift will you get? It all depends....you'll just have to wait and see what happens. Every situation is different.

You might not need to do anything to the front - just depends on how you want the truck to look. If you haul a lot of stuff or tow - you're better off having a slight rake in the rear.

Do some research on spacers - the differences between top plate spacers & coil spacers. Personally, I wouldn't go with anything higher than 1/2" lift (1/4" thick) spacer on the top. But that's me....

 

So if I'm understanding this right - spacers will stiffen the ride, but will a top plate spacer be better or worse than a spacer that fits between the spring and top plate? I know the best way to go would be 5100's, but I can't spend the money for them. How bad a ride would the Toytec spacers that raise it 3/4 inch be? This is what I'm thinking of getting: Janster - I was leaning toward doing like you suggested, so I think I'll install my AAL's first and see what it looks like.

 

Another AAL question - mine don't have friction pads on them. Needed or no? Will they squeak badly without them, and are there aftermarket types you can add? Or do I just add a layer of grease to the leaf before bolting the pack together?

 

Anytime you 'preload' the suspension (spacer mounted internally that compresses the coil) will stiffen the ride.

A top plate spacer will not stiffen the ride, however, is a bad idea when you get beyond a certain lift amount. I wouldn't put anything larger than 1/2" lift (1/4thick) spacer on top of the assembly. The reason they are bad - is because of the overall geometry of the A-arms. It can run balljoints, etc.

 

AAL's don't come with friction pads.

Friction pads are usually only installed inbetween leafs that are connected together with clipsfasteners. They're usually installed towards the ends.

An AAL is never 'connected' to any other leaf spring. Friction pads are not needed.

I wouldn't recommend adding grease. Grease attracts dirt and dirt will cause squeeks.