Is AAL same as rear TSB?

I am still pretty much a newbie to this however I do know that AAL means to add a leafspring to the rear for more height. I have read where some members add 5100s to their trucks and also an AAL to the rear.

My question is when people say they have the rear TSB done is this basically the same as an aftermarket AAL kit? Isnt the TSB the same thing as an AAL kit?

I am asking this because I am planning on installing my 5100s shortly and after my TSB my rear is 2.5 inches exactly higher than the front. I am confused because I see where most people go with the 5100s at 2.5 and also an AAL kit (or block) for their rear. If I already have the added leaf of the TSB do I still need to add another AAL kit or block.

For the ones who do add the AAL kit is it because they only have the weak 3 leaf set up and do not already have the TSB?

 

I did an AAL because my truck was out of warranty. I would have for sure got the TSB done if the dealer was willing to do it.

 

AAL means - Add an extra leaf to LIFT the rear suspension.

5100's are an adjustable strut/shock (coilover assembly) for the front suspension.

No, the TSB is not the same as an Aftermarket AAL. The TSB that you're referring to ... is a completely new set of springs that are stronger than the original ones and lift the rear end of the truck about 1" or so (after settling).

Let me explain.... After having the TSB installed, it will be higher but only temporarily. The leaf springs will settle and it won't be as high as when you first put them on. After settling, the TSB springs will give about 1" of lift.

A lot of folks will put an AAL within the TSB (1") leaf pak to give even more lift in the rear. The 5100's are adjustable so they can match the front suspension with the rear height (after installing AAL) to level the truck out.

Just to clarify....If you have the TSB done, you don't have to buy 5100's. I have the TSB and I had about 200lbs of sand in the bed over the winter. This helped the TSB Springs settle nicely and my truck has a very minor rake in the rear and my front suspension is still stock.

 

Janster thank you for the input and it is a little easier to understand now. I was confused as before my TSB I counted 3 leafsprings and after TSB I noticed I now have 4. So if I do get the aftermarket AAL I will have an additional leaf added to the 4 leaf TSB for 5 total?....or do they simply remove one of my leafs and add a stronger 4th leaf?

My truck has settled now after about 7 months and I still show exactly 2.5 inches higher in the rear. It does look like I was lucky to receive the TSB and should be able to get away with simply adding the 5100s up front for a nice aggresive stance.

 

When you get an AAL, you'll have a total of 5 leafs in your leaf pak.

 

That was the answer I was looking for in a simple way and I appreciate the time. I could not figure out if all the people saying they had the AAL did so because they did not have the TSB springs....looks like some have both and like it.

I hardly ever haul any weight and even after months of settling my rear is still 2.5 inches high. I do not believe I will need anything extra in the rear to level my truck even if I set the 5100s to the highest setting of 2.5.

 

An AAL is exactly what it says.... Adds a leaf and that could be to any leaf pak. Original leafs, TSB leafs, or anything. The ending result (lift amount) can vary for each situation - and obviously, settling is different also.

Good Luck and enjoy the new suspension!

 

I installed my 5100's at 2.5 a day before my TSB was completed. After my TSB, the front was still a little high. When I added the 1.5 AAL (w/tsb), I had a little rake in the rear. I love it. I put about 350 lbs in the back this weekend, and was level! No rear sag at all!

 

Now, if you already have an AAL, can you still go in and get the TSB done without issue from the dealer?

 

First....I would contact your dealer and find out if they'll do the TSB.

If they give you the green light on the TSB....

REMOVE the AAL before you go to the dealer. Or chances are, you'll never see that AAL again because they'll toss the entire old leaf pak away without caring whether there's an AAL in there or not.

You could probably call them and tell them about the AAL and if you're lucky (by the grace of god) they might install it for you in the TSB springs. But....I think you'd need close to a miracle for them to do that for you.

I'd remove the AAL before going in......

 

Cool, as always Janster, Thank you! Havent been able to get a straight answer. +1

 

I came in here and was gonna answer some questions but it looks like Janster beat me to it

 

Ok I am too confused a little. I saw on the website set of 4 5100 for $300. I thought I would buy it to us all four for front and rear. I am thinking about set to 1.75 for front and back. Will it be even or not? My dealership told me that I don't need rear TSB. I thought it was BS and I am going to different dealership. Will I be okay to have all 5100 without TSB or AAL?

 

Only the front 5100's are adjustable, the rear 5100's don't give you any lift, so if you're looking to lift the rear you need to go another route, like an AAL.

 

Now I get it. Thank you.

 

...and the 5100s rear shocks are longer than stock shocks, so if you have the tsb or aal, the 5100 non adjustable rear shocks help the ride a bit so you dont get that jolt when hitting bumps.